Concave Camera Front Face for Outdoor Thermal and Optical Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video camera systems face challenges in maintaining temperature stability, especially in outdoor environments with extreme temperature fluctuations, and require effective illumination management to prevent image distortion, while also needing to be secure, weatherproof, and offer flexible mounting options.
Innovation Solution
The camera assembly incorporates active heating and passive cooling mechanisms to maintain image sensor temperature, uses toroidal lenses for uniform IR illumination, and features a concave front face to prevent water accumulation and direct sunlight interference, along with a mount that encloses wires and provides rotational freedom, enabling secure and flexible placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is mounted in outdoor locations exposed to rain and direct sunlight, then the camera can be placed in more flexible locations, but the image sensor is exposed to temperature fluctuations and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a waterproof housing with sealed compartments that protect the image sensor from rain and environmental moisture while allowing the camera to be mounted in outdoor locations. The housing acts as a flexible barrier that maintains internal protection while enabling external exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a concave front face structure as an intermediary element between the external environment and the image sensor. This structure redirects direct sunlight away from the sensor and prevents water accumulation, mediating the harmful effects of outdoor exposure while maintaining mounting flexibility.
2Power
If the camera uses high-powered processing components, then the computational capabilities are improved, but heat generation increases which can damage heat-sensitive image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera housing into thermally isolated compartments that separate heat-generating processing components from the heat-sensitive image sensor. This segmentation allows high-powered processors to operate at full capability while preventing their heat from reaching the sensor through thermal isolation barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal barriers and heat dissipation structures as intermediary elements between the processing components and the image sensor. These intermediaries conduct heat away from the sensor while allowing the processors to maintain high operating temperatures for optimal performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the camera uses a flat front face, then the manufacturing is simpler, but water accumulation and direct sunlight interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a concave front face structure that curves inward to prevent water accumulation by directing water droplets away from the sensor area. The curved geometry also helps redirect direct sunlight away from the image sensor, reducing glare and interference while remaining manufacturable using standard molding techniques.
4Ease of manufacture
If the camera mount provides fixed positioning, then the installation is simpler, but the orientation adjustment freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting mechanism that allows the camera to be securely installed in a fixed position while enabling post-installation orientation adjustments. The mount transitions from a static fixed connection to a movable adjustable configuration, providing both installation simplicity and orientation flexibility through a hinge or pivot mechanism.
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
This solution ensures stable image quality across varying temperatures, reduces illumination interference, and enhances security and placement options for the camera system.
Implementation Method 1
a concave front face to prevent water accumulation
Implementation Method 2
a concave front face to prevent water accumulation and direct sunlight interference
Implementation Method 3
The present disclosure describes compact all-weather camera implementations with... active heating
Implementation Method 4
The present disclosure describes compact all-weather camera implementations with... passive cooling
Implementation Method 5
The present disclosure describes compact all-weather camera implementations with... passive cooling
Implementation Method 6
uses toroidal lenses for uniform IR illumination
Data Source
AI summary
The various implementations described herein include a camera device that includes: (1) a housing; (2) an image sensor positioned within the housing and having a field of view corresponding to a scene in the smart home environment; (3) at least one infrared (IR) illuminator positioned with the housing, the IR illuminator configured to selectively illuminate the scene; and (4) a front face that is at least partially concave-shaped and coupled to the housing, the front face positioned in front of the image sensor such that light from the scene passes through the front face prior to entering the image sensor, and the front face positioned in front of the IR illuminator such that IR light from the IR illuminator is directed through the front face.