Timed Vehicle Camera Activation via Relay Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems require continuous activation, which is unnecessary and inefficient, as they often record surroundings only when an incident occurs, such as alarm triggering or ignition switch activation, lacking a method for timed activation in response to specific events or remote activation for vehicle security.
Innovation Solution
A timed activation system for vehicle cameras and GPS trackers, utilizing a system control module with a timer and relays that activates cameras and recorders for a preset time in response to external signals from alarm systems, ignition systems, or remote beeper controls, ensuring efficient recording only during incidents or when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous video recording is implemented to monitor vehicle surroundings, then security monitoring coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases and recording efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic activation of cameras and recording based on timer intervals rather than continuous operation. The control module activates recording components at predetermined time intervals, allowing the system to maintain security monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous recording.
2Reliability
If continuous video recording is implemented to monitor vehicle surroundings, then security monitoring coverage is improved, but recording efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation based on timers and external signals to trigger recording only when needed, rather than continuous recording. This improves recording efficiency by ensuring that recording resources are dedicated to capturing relevant incidents rather than continuously recording unrelated footage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects external signals (alarm triggers, ignition events, remote commands) and self-activates recording without manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures that recording occurs efficiently at the appropriate moments while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
3Loss of energy
If timed activation with external signal response is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it acts as a timer for periodic activation, a signal receiver for external triggers, and a coordination unit for activating multiple camera zones. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional module, the system achieves energy efficiency through timed activation while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
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
This solution allows for efficient, timed activation of vehicle cameras and GPS trackers, reducing unnecessary recording and power consumption, while enabling remote activation for enhanced security and incident documentation.
Implementation Method 1
The timer is switchable, in response to a triggering voltage being applied to the trigger input, from an initial position, in which the common input is connected to the normally closed output, to an activated position, in which the common input is connected to the normally open output, and in which electrical power from the electrical power source is provided to the at least one electronic device
Implementation Method 2
The relay contact is switchable, in response to a voltage being applied between the positive and negative voltage inputs of the triggering relay, from an initial position connecting the common input of the triggering relay to the normally closed output of the triggering relay, to an activated position
Data Source
AI summary
An activation method and system is provided that, in response to an external signal, initiates a timed activation of a vehicle camera system, including for instance a series of cameras and a digital video recorder. The disclosed activation system generally includes a system control module having a timer and a series of relays connected to external devices such as, for example, an alarm system, an ignition system, etc. The relays receive signals from an external source and trigger the system control module to send a timed signal to the vehicle camera system. The activation system may also include a beeper control module including a beeper and connected to the timer such that the timer is activated in response to an external signal transmitted to the beeper by an external device such as a smartphone or home alarm system.