Camera Activation via Collaborative Acoustic Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable cameras used by public safety officers face challenges with battery life and data storage, making continuous recording impractical, and manual activation is not always feasible in critical situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatically activating cameras using collaborative microphones that send and modify acoustic signatures to trigger camera activation, allowing for efficient and timely recording of events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous recording is used, then complete event coverage is achieved, but battery life is depleted and data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic audio sampling and acoustic signature detection to trigger camera activation only when relevant events are detected, rather than continuous recording. The camera activates based on periodic acoustic event detection (gunshots, screams, etc.) while remaining inactive otherwise, conserving battery life while ensuring complete coverage of critical events.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device autonomously detects acoustic signatures and automatically activates the camera without manual intervention. The system self-manages the recording process by continuously monitoring audio inputs, detecting event signatures, and triggering appropriate recording actions, eliminating the need for user operation while maintaining event coverage.
2Reliability
If continuous recording is used, then complete event coverage is achieved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates only the critical audio events that warrant video recording by detecting specific acoustic signatures (gunshots, screams, car alarms). By extracting only these relevant events from the continuous audio stream, the system triggers camera activation selectively, preventing storage of unnecessary video data while ensuring complete coverage of critical incidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the camera from continuous recording to event-triggered recording. By monitoring audio parameters for specific acoustic signatures and using these as activation triggers, the system dynamically adjusts when the camera records, reducing overall data storage requirements while maintaining complete event coverage.
3Duration of action of moving object
If manual activation is used, then battery life is conserved, but critical events may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously monitors audio inputs and automatically detects critical events through acoustic signature recognition. The wearable device self-activates the camera when event signatures are detected, eliminating the need for manual user activation while ensuring reliable detection of critical events. This autonomous operation conserves battery life compared to continuous recording while maintaining high event detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors audio inputs and uses feedback from acoustic signature detection to control camera activation. When the audio monitoring detects specific event signatures, it provides feedback that triggers camera activation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable event detection while activating the camera only when necessary, conserving battery life compared to continuous operation.
4Quantity of substance
If manual activation is used, then data storage is reduced, but response time in critical situations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring audio inputs and pre-detecting critical events through acoustic signature recognition before video recording begins. The audio monitoring is always active, detecting events instantly as they occur, and immediately triggering camera activation. This preliminary audio detection eliminates response time delays while the selective triggering based on acoustic signatures reduces unnecessary data storage.
Data Source
AI summary
During operation a first personal-area network will activate a first camera. The first camera may be manually activated, or triggered by an audio signal. The event that causes the first camera to activate will also cause the personal-area network to send an acoustic signature to other personal-area networks. Personal-area networks that receive the acoustic signature will modify audio triggers so that the acoustic signature can be better distinguished from other noises.