Virtual Security Camera Planning on Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security camera installation planning lacks a systematic approach to determine precise locations and types of cameras needed for desired coverage, requiring extensive on-site surveys and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with a camera and controller is used to capture and display video streams of a site, allowing users to place virtual security cameras and view their fields of view, enabling accurate planning before physical installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional on-site surveys are conducted to plan security camera installation, then coverage requirements can be identified, but significant time and resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage accuracyVSAvoidplanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical site using aerial imagery and allows users to place virtual security cameras within this digital replica. This virtual model enables planning and coverage verification without requiring multiple on-site surveys, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining accurate coverage assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary planning actions in the virtual environment before physical installation occurs. Users can experiment with different camera placements, types, and configurations in the virtual model, allowing coverage optimization to be completed beforehand and eliminating the need for iterative on-site adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple on-site surveys are conducted to determine camera placement, then precise location can be identified, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera placement precisionVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a detailed virtual replica of the site using existing aerial imagery and geographic data, the system eliminates the need for repeated physical site visits. All camera placement planning and coverage verification occurs within this virtual copy, maintaining precise placement determination while eliminating the resource consumption associated with multiple on-site surveys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual model allows users to independently perform all planning functions without requiring physical presence at the site. The system provides self-contained tools for camera placement, coverage visualization, and plan modification within the virtual environment, eliminating the need for resource-intensive on-site consultations and adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If camera placement is determined during initial planning, then installation can proceed, but the plan may need alteration once installation begins

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidplan stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comprehensive camera placement planning and coverage verification in the virtual environment before physical installation begins. Users can experiment with different configurations and immediately see the impact on coverage areas, allowing the optimal plan to be finalized beforehand. This preliminary action ensures installation proceeds smoothly without requiring mid-installation alterations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual feedback by displaying the field of view and coverage areas of virtual cameras in real-time as users adjust placement and orientation. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify coverage requirements are met before finalizing the plan, ensuring plan stability and eliminating the need for post-installation modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If virtual security cameras are placed and fields of view are displayed in real-time, then accurate coverage planning is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it displays aerial imagery of the site, allows virtual camera placement, renders virtual fields of view, calculates coverage areas, and stores placement data. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional platform, the system achieves accurate coverage measurement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual model acts as an intermediary layer between the physical site and the planning process. Rather than requiring complex physical measurement equipment or multiple specialized tools, the virtual model mediates all planning activities, providing accurate coverage measurement through software-based calculations and visualizations that run on standard mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11172111B2Devices and methods for security camera installation planning
Publication Date: 2021.11.09 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US11172111B2 patent drawing
  • US11172111B2 patent drawing
  • US11172111B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile device comprising a housing, a user interface, a camera that provides a camera video stream for display, and a controller configured to display a virtual field of view of a virtual security camera placed at a virtual security camera placement location at a site.