Security Camera Beam Steering Prisms for Discreet Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security cameras are visible and detectable, making it easy for observers to determine their field of view, and existing beam steering technologies introduce image distortion and resolution issues due to dispersion and field distortion effects.
Innovation Solution
A security camera system utilizing a set of rotatable prisms to steer incoming beams and adjust the field of view, combined with image processing techniques to correct distortion and maintain a small, inconspicuous form factor, allowing for wide-angle and zoom capabilities without moving external parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional security cameras are used with fixed lenses, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the field of view cannot be adjusted and the camera can be easily detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed lens with a dynamic lens assembly that can change its focal length and field of view. The lens elements are movable along the optical axis, allowing the camera to switch between wide-angle and telephoto modes, thereby achieving adaptability in field of view adjustment while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is segmented into multiple movable lens elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows for flexible control over the optical path and field of view, enabling the camera to adjust its viewing angle without requiring a completely different optical system for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam steering technology is used to adjust field of view, then the camera can change viewing angle, but image distortion and resolution issues occur due to dispersion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces beam steering technology with a mechanically adjustable lens assembly. Instead of using movable mirrors or prisms that cause dispersion and image distortion, the invention uses a series of lens elements that can be positioned along the optical axis to change the field of view. This mechanical lens adjustment method maintains image quality and avoids the dispersion-related distortion problems associated with beam steering.
3Reliability
If the camera is made visible and detectable, then the field of view can be determined by observers, but the camera can be easily located and avoided by suspects
Solution Approach 1:
The camera housing incorporates a selectively transparent material that appears opaque from most viewing angles, making the camera invisible or difficult to detect. However, when viewed from specific angles or under certain conditions, the housing becomes transparent, allowing the camera to be concealed while maintaining its monitoring function. This local quality variation in transparency enables the camera to remain undetected by suspects.
4Measurement precision
If a telephoto lens is used for high-resolution imaging, then the field of view is narrow, but the camera can capture detailed images of distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing it to switch between wide-angle and telephoto configurations. By moving the lens elements to different positions along the optical axis, the camera can dynamically change its field of view while maintaining high imaging resolution. This enables the camera to capture both broad areas and detailed close-up images without sacrificing quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides discreet monitoring with high-resolution imaging, maintaining image quality and allowing suspects to unknowingly be captured within the camera's view, while appearing as a small, inconspicuous disk, suitable for various security and wildlife observation applications.
Implementation Method 1
A security camera system includes a plurality of rotatable prisms that steer incoming beams to control and adjust the field of view
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A security camera system (10) according to present invention embodiments includes a telephoto type lens assembly (14) with one or more factors of optical zoom. A set of prisms (16) that steer incoming beams from the surrounding environment (to adjust the field of view) is disposed in front of the lens. The security camera system preferably includes a wide angle staring mode that encompasses a large field of view, where the prisms are oriented to provide no steering effect. The security camera system (10) further includes a high-resolution zoom mode, where the telephoto lens focuses on a region of interest and the prisms perform beam steering to adjust the field of view and enable the region of interest or an object to remain at the center of the security camera system view. Image processing techniques may be employed that consider the beam steering angle and the field of view to compensate for distortion effects.