Head-Mounted Camera System with Modular Band and Camouflage Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable cameras are often bulky, uncomfortable, and visible, which can restrict movement and make users uncomfortable or vulnerable to theft during athletic and non-athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
A head mountable camera system integrated into various types of headgear, such as helmets and caps, featuring a band with a camera, controller, and power source, designed to be waterproof, flexible, and discreet, with electro-magnetic shielding and wireless connectivity options, allowing for secure and unobtrusive recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wearable cameras are made visible and accessible, then recording function is achieved, but users become vulnerable to theft and other participants feel uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies camouflage patterns and color matching to blend the camera system with the user's clothing or environment. The housing can be made in various colors and patterns to match uniforms, athletic wear, or natural environments, making the camera less visually distinguishable and reducing its appeal as a theft target while maintaining full recording functionality.
2Reliability
If wearable cameras are made bulky to ensure durability and battery life, then reliability is improved, but comfort and freedom of motion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into separate modular components including the camera module, battery pack, housing, and mounting elements. This segmentation allows the battery and electronics to be positioned in comfortable locations away from the camera lens, distributes weight more evenly, and enables users to remove individual components as needed, maintaining reliability while improving comfort and mobility.
3Ease of operation
If wearable cameras are made compact, then comfort is improved, but protection against environmental factors and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the camera module is housed within a protective housing, which in turn can be integrated with or attached to larger protective structures like helmets or protective gear. This nested arrangement protects the compact camera from environmental factors and impacts while maintaining its small, comfortable form factor for extended wear.
4Reliability
If cameras are exposed through openings in head covering, then recording capability is achieved, but visibility makes the camera identifiable and vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and camera components are designed with camouflage patterns, colors, and textures that match the user's attire or environment. The housing material and finish are selected to blend with uniforms, athletic wear, or natural surroundings, making the camera system visually indistinguishable from the background while maintaining clear lens openings for recording.
Data Source
AI summary
A head mountable camera system includes a head covering and a camera system removably attached to the head covering in an inner space. The camera system includes a band, a camera within an interior cavity of the band including a lens exposed through a first surface of the band and exposed through at least one opening in the first surface of the head covering, a controller within the interior cavity for controlling the at least one camera, a power source within the interior cavity configured to power the controller and the at least one camera, and electrical connections connecting the controller, the power source, and the at least one camera together.