Outdoor Security Device with Cone Mirror for 360 Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor security systems are easily noticeable, making them avoidable by perpetrators, and there is a need for undiscernible security systems that can monitor premises effectively.
Innovation Solution
A weatherproof outdoor security device with a housing, a light, a camera, and a visual adjustment device, such as a cone-shaped mirror, that allows the camera to capture images 360-degrees around the perimeter, combined with a remote computing device for communication and alerting, and a low voltage electrical connection for power, designed to blend in with the surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional outdoor security systems are used, then monitoring function is provided, but the systems are easily noticeable and avoidable by perpetrators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual adjustment device (mirror or lens) as an intermediary component that enables the camera to capture images around the perimeter without the camera itself needing to be positioned to see those areas. This allows the security device to maintain a simple, unobtrusive housing while achieving comprehensive monitoring through the optical intermediary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing the visual adjustment device at specific locations within the housing (aligned with the camera's optical axis) to achieve specific functional outcomes. The mirror or lens is positioned to reflect or refract light from particular directions, enabling the camera to capture images from angles it would not otherwise see, thus achieving 360-degree monitoring capability through localized optical manipulation
2Reliability
If a camera is positioned to capture images around the perimeter, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the housing structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a single integrated housing structure. The camera, visual adjustment device, light source, and power supply are all combined within one weatherproof housing, eliminating the need for separate structures for each component and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
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 provides comprehensive and undetectable monitoring, enabling remote alerting and communication while maintaining a discreet appearance, effectively deterring and detecting intrusions.
Implementation Method 1
The visual adjustment device may comprise a cone-shaped mirror that radially extends at least 90-degrees around a perimeter of the camera so that the camera captures images at least 90-degrees around a perimeter of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes a security system including an outdoor security device. In some embodiments, the outdoor security device comprises a housing, a light coupled to the housing and located within a hollow inner portion of the housing, and a camera and a lens coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, the security device comprises at least one directional microphone communicatively coupled to the camera and configured to determine a location of a detected sound whereby the camera performs a frame lock to capture an image associated with the detected sound.