Surveillance Camera Alignment Using Smartphone Orientation Contact

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for setting position and orientation information of surveillance cameras are labor-intensive and inconvenient, requiring separate terminals and manual adjustment of camera angles, which complicates the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A surveillance camera system that allows for easy setting of position and orientation information using a user terminal, such as a smartphone, with a user terminal contact that enables perpendicular or parallel alignment with the camera's optical axis, and includes a magnetic field shielding film to prevent interference with the terminal's sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate terminal is used to obtain position and orientation information, then the position and orientation information can be obtained, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separate terminal device into the camera body itself by integrating a contactless communication module that can obtain position and orientation information directly. This eliminates the need for separate terminals and manual data transfer, making the installation process more convenient while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera system performs self-configuration by automatically obtaining position and orientation information through integrated communication modules. The system serves itself during installation without requiring external terminal devices or manual input from installers, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of camera angle is performed to align with north direction, then the orientation information can be set, but the process becomes labor-intensive requiring physical rotation and checking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation information accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually rotating the camera and checking orientation with an automated electronic system. A contactless communication module automatically obtains orientation information, and a processor calculates the camera's orientation based on this data, eliminating the need for physical adjustment and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process where the processor receives raw orientation data from the communication module and computes the camera's actual orientation based on the angle between the camera's optical axis and the north direction. This intermediary step automates the orientation determination process, replacing manual mechanical alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the user terminal is placed at a predetermined angle with the camera, then accurate orientation information can be obtained, but the setup requires precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation information accuracyVSAvoidalignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process where the processor receives raw orientation data from the communication module and computes the camera's actual orientation based on the angle between the camera's optical axis and the north direction. This intermediary step automates the orientation determination process, replacing manual mechanical alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually rotating the camera and checking orientation with an automated electronic system. A contactless communication module automatically obtains orientation information, and a processor calculates the camera's orientation based on this data, eliminating the need for physical adjustment and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate and efficient setting of camera orientation and position information using a user terminal, reducing installation complexity and ensuring precise alignment without the need for additional equipment.

Implementation Method 1

the housing may further include a magnetic field shielding film configured to block a magnetic field formed by an internal configuration of the housing with respect to the user terminal contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field shielding: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20260082021A1Surveillance camera

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 HANWHA VISION CO LTD

AI summary

A surveillance camera includes: a communicator configured to receive, from a user terminal configured to measure position information and orientation information of the user terminal, the position information and the orientation information of the user terminal; a controller configured to set position information and orientation information of the surveillance camera based on the position information and orientation information of the user terminal; and a housing which accommodates the communicator and the controller therein, wherein the housing includes a user terminal contact configured to allow the user terminal to contact the user terminal contact at a predetermined angle with respect to the surveillance camera.