Portable Motion Detection Camera Using Cellular Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security camera systems are complex to set up, costly, and consume large amounts of power, often recording continuously rather than only when activity occurs, leading to inefficiencies and short battery life in battery-powered devices.

Innovation Solution

A portable motion detection camera system using a low-power CMOS image sensor and cellular telephone transmitter to automatically detect and transmit digital images wirelessly to a base unit or central monitoring station, optimizing power consumption and simplifying setup through cellular communication links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous recording is used, then complete monitoring coverage is achieved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses motion detection to trigger recording only when activity is detected, rather than continuous recording. The camera remains in a low-power state until motion is sensed, at which point it activates to capture the event, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic activation based on motion triggers reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliable monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If wired security camera systems are used, then stable power supply and continuous operation are achieved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. The security camera system transmits data and receives commands wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical cables connecting the camera to power sources and recording devices. This substitution maintains operational reliability while significantly reducing installation complexity and device configuration requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If professional security agencies set up the systems, then proper configuration and reliable operation are achieved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed with automatic configuration capabilities that allow users to set up the security camera independently without requiring professional security agencies. The device automatically configures itself upon activation, and users can easily adjust settings through simplified interfaces, enabling self-service installation while maintaining proper configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If PIR motion detectors are used, then motion detection capability is achieved, but cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cost-effective motion detection methods that consume less power compared to traditional PIR detectors. The system uses affordable sensors and processing techniques that provide sufficient motion detection capability for security applications while significantly reducing both the cost of the device and its power consumption, making it suitable for battery-operated portable cameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 a cost-effective, easy-to-set-up, and energy-efficient means of monitoring with extended battery life, allowing for remote and wireless monitoring of desired locations with reduced power consumption and increased battery life.

Implementation Method 1

a portable motion detection device having an image sensor for detecting motion within a field of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage sensor detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The motion detection device is configured to automatically transmit the digital image via the transmitter to the base unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7643056B2Motion detecting camera system

Publication Date: 2010.01.05 APTINA IMAGING CITCO TRUSTEES CAYMAN

AI summary

A motion detecting camera system includes a portable motion detection device having an image sensor for detecting motion within a field of view of the motion detection device and automatically generating a digital image of a scene within the field of view upon detection of motion. The motion detection device includes a cellular telephone transmitter for transmitting cellular telephone communications. The camera system includes a base unit having a display screen. The motion detection device is configured to automatically transmit the digital image via the transmitter to the base unit for display on the display screen.