The idea of home security drones is becoming increasingly popular and could become a reality in the near future.
A patent granted to Amazon for “Image Creation Using Geo-Fence Data” confirms the aforementioned idea. The patent defines a “geo-fence, which may be a virtual perimeter or boundary around an actual geographic area.” A drone (UAV) can provide surveillance images of objects within the geographic area. Any video recorded outside of that area would be considered a security threat .
Intrusion and fire detection
Amazon's patent describes how drones could perform surveillance on an authorized party's property. It would be programmed to look out for open garage doors, broken windows or even a fire. The drone would only see authorized locations and provide information to the homeowner.
Essentially, Amazon wants to develop a 'delivery drone' to monitor its customers' homes.
A key obstacle to such a plan are the regulations of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which restrict commercial drone flights as well as simple ones that a user may wish to make if the machine is not in their field of vision.
Another company, Sunflower Labs, which also makes security drones, has created a first sample that uses an autonomous motor to monitor activity in combination with a series of motion and vibration sensors located around the home.
Sensors, which can detect footsteps or car engines, are placed around the home to create a virtual map to locate objects and guide the machine.
Ground sensors would alert the homeowner to anything moving around the house. The owner could then schedule the drone to capture video
