Security Camera Drone Docking Pad for Reliable Power and Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drones in video surveillance systems often run out of battery power before completing their missions and lack reliable methods to recharge or transfer data to fixed security cameras when wireless communication is unavailable.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a drone landing pad with power and data ports into fixed security cameras, allowing drones to recharge and transfer data directly when landing, using Power Over Ethernet (POE) for power and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If drones are used for video surveillance, then coverage flexibility and mobility are improved, but battery life and operational duration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage flexibilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drone performs self-service by automatically docking with the security camera to recharge its battery and transfer data, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The docking mechanism enables the drone to autonomously replenish its power and communication resources, extending operational duration without sacrificing coverage flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The security camera is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a fixed surveillance device and as a docking station for drones. The camera includes integrated power ports and data ports that can simultaneously power the camera and charge the drone, while also providing wireless and wired communication capabilities to multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If drones operate in remote areas, then surveillance coverage is improved, but wireless communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveillance coverageVSAvoidwireless communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The security camera acts as an intermediary device between the drone and the network infrastructure. When wireless communication fails or is unavailable, the drone can physically dock with the camera to transfer data through wired connections, using the camera as a mediator to bypass communication limitations and ensure reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing wired power and data connections between the drone and security camera before wireless communication is needed. The drone docks with the camera to pre-charges its battery and pre-transfers data, ensuring it has sufficient resources to operate in remote areas where wireless communication may be unreliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If fixed security cameras are used, then power and data communication reliability are improved, but deployment flexibility and mobility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower and data communicationVSAvoiddeployment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the advantages of fixed cameras and mobile drones by integrating a docking mechanism into the fixed camera. This combination allows the system to maintain the reliability of wired power and data connections while gaining the mobility and deployment flexibility of drones, as the drone can physically move to different locations and dock with fixed cameras to access reliable power and communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Duration of action of moving object

If drones recharge at fixed locations, then operational duration is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security camera serves multiple functions: fixed surveillance, wireless network communication, and mobile drone docking station. By making the camera universal, the system eliminates the need for separate charging infrastructure, as existing security cameras can double as recharge points, thereby extending drone operational duration without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures continuous operation of drones by recharging batteries and transferring data efficiently, even in areas with limited wireless communication, enhancing the reliability and coverage of video surveillance systems.

Implementation Method 1

using Power Over Ethernet (POE) for power and data transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower Over Ethernet (POE): Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

using Power Over Ethernet (POE) for power and data transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower Over Ethernet (POE): Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4580175A1Security camera with a drone landing pad
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4580175A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4580175A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4580175A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A security camera includes a video camera, one or more power ports and one or more data ports. At least one of the power ports receives power to power the video camera. At least one of the data ports transmits the video streams captured by the video camera onto a network. The security camera includes an in-built drone landing pad that has a drone power port and a drone data port. The drone power port can provide power to the drone and the drone data port can receive video data from the drone when the drone lands on the landing pad of the security camera.