Illuminated Yard Sign with Wide-Angle Camera for Night Surveillance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, such as doorbells and security cameras, have limited visibility at night, reducing their crime deterrent effect, and there is a need for enhanced surveillance capabilities beyond the typical field of view.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated yard sign with a wide-angle security camera that includes a translucent sign panel, motion-activated illumination, and audio capabilities, positioned to capture images from unique perspectives, such as omnidirectional or panoramic views, and equipped with solar panels for power, enhancing visibility and deterrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If A/V recording and communication devices are placed at the entrance to provide monitoring and communication functionality, then crime detection and prevention capabilities are improved, but visibility of the devices is reduced at night when ambient light is lower or absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the A/V recording and communication device with an illuminated sign into a single integrated unit. The sign component provides visible illumination and displays surveillance warning text, making the device visible at night while maintaining all original security functions. This merging resolves the contradiction by adding visibility without compromising crime detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated sign acts as an intermediary element that enhances visibility without interfering with the core A/V recording functions. The sign's light and text display serve as a mediator between the device and potential intruders, providing warning and visibility while the camera and audio components continue to perform surveillance independently.
2Reliability
If a sign is added to inform viewers of surveillance coverage, then crime deterrent value is enhanced through increased visibility, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: the sign provides illumination, displays surveillance warning text, and the A/V components perform recording and communication. By combining these functions into one device, the patent enhances crime deterrent value through the sign's visibility while avoiding the complexity of separate standalone components.
3Reliability
If motion-activated illumination is implemented to provide sudden illumination as a deterrent, then crime deterrent effect is enhanced by surprising would-be perpetrators, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when motion is detected. This motion-activated periodic operation provides the surprising illumination effect that deters criminals while consuming energy only when needed, rather than wasting energy on continuous illumination.
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 solution significantly enhances the visibility and crime deterrent effect of A/V recording and communication devices, especially at night, by providing broader surveillance coverage and awareness of the monitored area, thereby discouraging potential perpetrators.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with solar panels for power
Implementation Method 2
motion-activated illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present illuminated sign may comprise a front panel having text that indicates that an area adjacent the illuminated sign is protected by video surveillance, an illumination source located behind the front panel, a camera, a communication module configured to receive and transmit wireless communication signals, and a power source providing power to the illumination source, the camera, and the communication module. The camera may comprise a front-facing camera and a rear-facing camera, or an omnidirectional camera.