Concealed Surveillance Camera Module for Lighting Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveillance camera systems installed on public lighting fixtures are often conspicuous and require extensive installation time and expense, as they need to be mounted on light poles and connected to power sources, making concealment and efficient installation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A combined surveillance camera and photosensor system designed as a module that replaces the existing light sensor unit on lighting fixtures, using the existing photosensor power supply and mounting mechanism, allowing for concealed installation and operation without modifying the lighting fixture or adding separate power connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surveillance cameras are mounted on existing light fixtures or poles, then surveillance coverage is achieved, but the cameras become conspicuous and concealment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the surveillance camera with the photosensor housing into a single integrated unit. The camera is mounted within the existing photosensor housing structure, merging two functions (surveillance and light sensing) into one concealed package that maintains the original aesthetic appearance while providing surveillance coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is nested within the photosensor housing. The camera, its mounting bracket, and associated components are housed inside the existing photosensor enclosure, allowing the surveillance function to be concealed within the structure that already exists on the light fixture.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used for surveillance cameras on light fixtures, then surveillance functionality is provided, but installation time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensor housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the photosensor for light-level detection, accommodates the surveillance camera, and provides the mounting interface for the entire assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing photosensor mounting interface and power supply infrastructure to install the camera. The camera unit is designed to be installed through the same twist-lock mechanism already present on the light fixture, and it draws power from the existing photosensor power supply, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and electrical connections.
3Reliability
If separate power connections are made for surveillance cameras, then camera operation is ensured, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing photosensor power supply is designed to serve dual purposes: powering the photosensor for light detection and powering the surveillance camera. This eliminates the need for a separate power supply system and reduces installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to draw power from the existing photosensor power supply infrastructure. The power connection is made through the same twist-lock interface that already exists for the photosensor, allowing the camera to self-service its power needs without requiring additional electrical work or separate power connections.
4Reliability
If existing photosensor units are replaced with integrated camera systems, then surveillance functionality is added, but installation time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than replacing the entire light fixture with an integrated camera system, the patent merges the camera function with the existing photosensor unit. The camera is installed within the photosensor housing, combining surveillance and light sensing functions in the existing infrastructure, which reduces installation time and expense compared to full fixture replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing photosensor unit is adapted to serve multiple functions by housing both the photosensor and the surveillance camera. This multi-functional approach allows the existing infrastructure to be upgraded with surveillance capability without requiring complete replacement of the lighting fixture.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined concealed surveillance camera and photosensor control system is contained in an outer housing of predetermined configuration and dimensions to replace the existing light sensor or photosensor control unit of a public, commercial, or residential lighting fixture, replacing the function of the existing control unit in turning the lighting fixture on and off based on detected ambient light level, and also providing a concealed surveillance camera system drawing power from the lighting fixture power supply so that the camera is on continuously while the lighting fixture is turned on and off based on the detected ambient light level.