Patent published on August 22, 2023

Amazon's New Patent Could Make Home Security Cameras Talk

We all want our homes to be as safe as possible, and in this tech-driven age, many of us resort to smart devices to achieve that security. But what if your security camera could not only record thefts and break-ins, but also warn the intruder to keep away? That's exactly the solution Amazon aims to provide with their new patent, US11736665B1, titled "Custom and Automated Audio Prompts for Devices."

The problem tackled is basic yet significant; traditional security cameras can record incidents and suspects, but they can't prevent the act or intimidate the potential intruder with an immediate response. Let's be honest; a silent video feed recording doesn't deter an intruder or warn the homeowner immediately.

With these old-style cameras, homeowners face a delay as they must first identify and analyze the threat before responding. Sometimes, they even fail to notice the surprise visitor or incident captured on their closed-circuit television system until much later. This is where Amazon's new patent comes into play.

Amazon's patented technology revolves around a simple, relatable concept: a security device equipped with a camera which recognizes and identifies diverse objects with a special message assigned to each object. When the camera identifies an object, it retrieves the corresponding message and broadcasts this through a speaker.

Imagine it's night, and an intruder is sneaking around your property, and suddenly your security camera calls out, "Hey! We see you. The police have been notified." This could very likely scare off potential intruders, preventing break-ins before they occur.

Similarly, if a package is delivered at your doorstep and the camera identifies the object as a package, it could notify you with a simple phrase like, "Package at the front door." This not only ensures security but also adds convenience.

Advances like these will undoubtedly transform the way we perceive home security. It’s not just about monitoring anymore, but prevention and immediate response. In addition to this, the convenience of knowing who’s at the door or recognizing when a package has been delivered, even when you’re not at home, is going to be a game-changer.

However, it's important to remember that this technology is still in the patent stage and there's no certainty yet whether it'll eventually make it to the market. If it does, though, it looks set to redefine our expectations from home security devices.

P.S. The information in this article is based on a patent application. The features of the patented technology may not find their way into the market, depending on a variety of factors, including the company's plans and market demand.

Explore more