Apparatus and method embedding a camera in an LED streetlight

Abstract

Apparatus and method embedding a camera in a street light includes structure and/or function whereby the street light, comprising has a first compartment having an LED array configured to illuminate an area beneath the street light. A second compartment is coupled to the first compartment and has a camera directed toward the area beneath the street light. The second compartment has a window covering the camera such that the camera can receive light from area beneath the street light, but passers-by do not see the camera. A third compartment is coupled to the second compartment and is configured to attach the street light to a vertical support. A passive air channel is disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment, and is configured to direct air from beneath the street light to the top of the street light. Preferably, the power supply for the LED array is disposed in a compartment different that the first compartment. An anti-glare device is preferably mounted to a bottom of at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment, and is configured to shield the camera from light glare and/or reflections from the LED array.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to apparatus and method whereby a camera mounted in an LED streetlight is enabled to monitor a field of view and report what is observed. In a preferred embodiment, a fixed camera and / or a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera is used, and it is remotely controlled by, and communicates image(s) and / or reports to, a remote control center via one or more of wireless (e.g., WiFi, WiMax, GSM, Bluetooth, satellite, etc.) and / or land-line (e.g., coaxial cable, Ethernet, fiber optics, etc.) modalities. Preferably, the camera is not visible from the area monitored.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]Street lights are found all over the world. They are used to light public roads, paths, and areas during night time, and to provide safety to the citizens and visitors of such areas. Cameras may be installed in such street lights to view the areas below the streetlight, thus providing security to the public and providing...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]According to a first aspect of the present invention, apparatus and method embedding a camera in a street light includes structure and/or function whereby the street light has a first compartment having an LED array configured to illuminate an area beneath the street light. A second compartment is coupled to the first compartment and has a camera directed toward the area beneath the street light. The second compartment has a window covering the camera such that the camera can receive light from area beneath the street light, but passers-by do not see the camera. A third compartment is coupled to

Problems solved by technology

Even with the fan, overheating of the camera and light components is a problem.

Beside the overheating problems engendered by such

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