Dockable Body Camera Architecture for Battery Life and AI
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body-worn cameras face challenges such as bulkiness obstructing movement, limited battery life, and lack of advanced features like AI capabilities due to their form factor.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece body-worn camera system comprising a docking unit with extended battery life, network capabilities, and a removable camera unit with a small form factor, allowing for versatile attachment and automatic data transfer between units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large form factor body-worn camera is used, then battery life and network capabilities are improved, but the camera becomes bulky and obstructs movement
Solution Approach 1:
The body-worn camera is divided into two separate units: a small camera unit for wearing and a larger base unit for docking. The camera unit contains only essential components (camera, small battery, storage), while the base unit houses the large battery, network transceiver, and AI chipset. This segmentation allows the wearable portion to remain compact while the stationary base provides extended functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking bay serves as an intermediary interface between the camera unit and base unit. When docked, it enables automatic data transfer, battery recharging, and wireless network connectivity. This intermediary connection allows the small camera unit to access the extended capabilities of the large base unit without permanently housing all components in the wearable device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large form factor body-worn camera is used, then network capabilities and AI features are improved, but attachment versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality between two units: the camera unit maintains simplicity for versatile attachment, while the base unit contains complex features (network transceiver, AI chipset, large battery). This allows the wearable portion to be attached to various body locations without being constrained by the size and weight of advanced components.
3Volume of moving object
If a small form factor body-worn camera is used, then attachment versatility is improved, but battery life and features are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The docking bay acts as an intermediary that provides the small camera unit access to extended battery life and advanced features through automatic data transfer and wireless communication with the base unit, without requiring the camera unit itself to house these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical expansion of the camera unit with wireless communication and automatic data transfer protocols. Instead of housing all components mechanically in the wearable device, the system uses wireless networks and automated docking procedures to provide extended functionality.
4Volume of moving object
If a small form factor body-worn camera is used, then camera portability is improved, but AI capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments AI processing functionality into the base unit, where the AI chipset can operate without size constraints. The small camera unit captures video, which is then transferred to the base unit for AI processing through automatic data transfer when docked, separating the capture function from the processing function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for a two-piece body-worn camera comprising a camera unit that may be docked into a docking unit. The camera unit may be a small form factor capture device that may be mounted to a user's body to capture video. Upon capturing video, the camera unit may be docked with the docking unit for recharging an internal battery and for the transfer of the captured video to the docking unit. Once transferred to the docking unit, the video can be wirelessly transferred to cloud-based storage for long-term storage.