Firearm-Mounted Camera with Sensor-Based Triggering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture systems, such as those in cameras and mobile devices, often require user attention and timing for optimal operation, which can be impractical or impossible in situations like using a firearm, where hands-free and automated image capture is desirable.
Innovation Solution
A camera system integrated with sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes that automatically operate based on the position, orientation, and motion of the firearm, allowing for hands-free image capture during ballistic events and power management to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera operates continuously to capture all events, then complete event recording is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring sensor data (accelerometer, gyroscope) to detect ballistic events before they occur. When a ballistic event is detected through sensor patterns, the camera is triggered to capture images, ensuring complete event recording only when needed rather than continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves itself by using onboard sensors to automatically detect when image capture is necessary. The sensor data processing and event detection occur autonomously without user intervention, triggering the camera based on detected ballistic patterns while conserving power during non-event periods
2Measurement precision
If the user manually operates the camera to ensure proper timing, then capture precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone) to automatically determine optimal capture timing. The sensors continuously monitor for ballistic event patterns, and when detected, the camera is triggered with precise timing based on the sensor data, eliminating the need for manual user timing while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of pressing a shutter button is replaced with an automated sensor-based detection and trigger system. The sensors electronically detect ballistic events and automatically initiate camera capture, substituting user manual control with an automated detection system that provides both precision and ease of use
3Speed
If the camera remains powered on for quick access, then response time is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of sensor data even when the camera is in a low-power state. The sensors continuously track for ballistic event patterns, and when detected, the camera is rapidly activated to capture the event, providing quick response without requiring continuous full power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The camera operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously - alternating between low-power monitoring states and active capture states. Sensors periodically check for events, and the camera activates only when needed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining readiness for quick response to ballistic events
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may be provided for operating a camera based the position, orientation, or motion of the camera. A system can include a firearm, a camera mounted to the firearm, a sensor that gathers sensor data associated with at least one of a position, an orientation, or a motion of the firearm, and a processor that receives the sensor data and operates the camera based on the sensor data. The system may be used to capture image data such as video image data in response to a detected ballistic event, to modify the power status of the camera in response to a detected position of the camera, or to operate a display of the camera in response to a non-ballistic motion of the camera.