Helium Balloon Motion Calibration for Surveillance Cameras
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion detection calibration for surveillance cameras is labor-intensive, poses safety hazards, and is challenging due to irregular work hours, especially for outdoor cameras, as it requires nighttime calibration and often involves two people, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, portable motion calibration system using a helium-filled balloon structure moved by a compact, energy-efficient motor system powered by a battery, with a controller for automated activation and deactivation, allowing for single-person calibration during nighttime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If motion calibration is performed during daytime, then workers can work during normal hours, but the calibration results are invalid for nighttime detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture and replay motion footage, creating a copy of the intruder's movement pattern. This allows the calibration system to simulate nighttime intrusion motion without requiring workers to physically move around at night, thus maintaining calibration validity while enabling daytime setup and nighttime automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable infrared LEDs that are inexpensive and can be used temporarily for calibration purposes. These LEDs provide the necessary infrared illumination for nighttime calibration without requiring permanent installation, making the calibration process both valid for nighttime detection and economically feasible.
2Ease of operation
If two people are used for night calibration, then motion simulation and sensitivity adjustment can be performed, but labor costs and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to be self-sufficient by using automated components. The camera captures motion footage, the playback system automatically replays it, and the infrared LEDs automatically illuminate during nighttime calibration. This eliminates the need for human operators to physically move around during calibration, allowing one person to set up the system during daytime and automate the nighttime calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human movement with an automated optical and electronic system. Instead of having a person physically move to simulate intrusion, the system uses camera capture, footage playback, and infrared illumination to create the same calibration effect, thereby reducing personnel requirements from two to one.
3Productivity
If traditional motion generators are used, then motion simulation is achieved, but cost and energy consumption are prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical motion generators with a pneumatic-like approach using infrared illumination. Instead of using motors or mechanical systems to create motion, the system uses infrared LEDs to illuminate the scene, enabling the camera to detect motion through video analysis. This dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining motion simulation capability for calibration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical motion generation systems with an optical-based video motion detection system. By using camera capture and infrared illumination, the system achieves motion simulation without the high energy consumption and cost associated with mechanical motion generators, making it both economically and energetically feasible.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces labor and safety risks by enabling efficient, solo nighttime calibration of surveillance cameras with minimal environmental impact and cost, using disposable helium balloons that can be easily transported and recycled.
Implementation Method 1
a lighter than air motion object structure including at least one balloon filled with helium or other lighter than air gas
Data Source
AI summary
A system for calibrating the video camera of motion detection equipment based on movement of a lighter than air motion object within the camera view of the video camera, the lighter than air object including at least one balloon filled with helium or other lighter than air gas.