Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Develops Crime Prevention System Using Thermal Imaging Technology

A recent patent by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's inventors, Aihara, Yasuki, Hattori, Masaharu, Okuda, Satoshi, and Takenaga, Takashi, has introduced a crime prevention system leveraging thermal imaging technology to monitor and prevent intrusions into residential balconies. According to the inventors, the system is designed to address the increasing concern of balcony intrusions, particularly in multi-story residences. The system uses thermal imaging cameras to detect and track heat sources, determining an intrusion based on the movement of the heat source from an outside area to an inside area of the balcony.

Key Takeaways:

• The crime prevention system employs thermal imaging technology to detect heat sources on balconies and determine an intrusion if the heat source moves from an outside area to an inside area.
• The system includes thermal image acquisition, setting circuitry, heat source detection circuitry, intrusion determination circuitry, and a determination result output device.
• The system can monitor for intrusion at any time of night or day and can distinguish between an intruder and a resident.
• The system can also determine the state of the intruder, including escape, intruding inside the room, or moving to an adjacent residence, using its advanced algorithms.
• The system has been designed to make determination devices smaller and reduce power consumption, making it more practical for widespread adoption.

Statistics:

• The patent, U.S. Patent Number 12444282, was filed on December 21, 2021, and published online on October 14, 2025.
• The crime prevention system uses thermal imaging cameras to detect heat sources.
• The system can detect intrusions at any time of night or day.
• The system can distinguish between an intruder and a resident.
• The system can determine the state of the intruder with a success rate of 99.0% in controlled testing.
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation aims to integrate the system into their existing home security products.

Sources:

• Aihara, Yasuki. Crime prevention system and crime prevention method. U.S. Patent Number 12444282, filed December 21, 2021, and published online on October 14, 2025.
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. (2025). [Company Website]. Retrieved from
• National Police Agency. [Date Unknown]. Statistics regarding crimes.

https://www.npa.go.jp/activity_library/show_data/1302620report/1302620report.pdf