Head-Worn Rear Camera Layout for Covert Remote Surveillance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional covert video surveillance devices struggle to maintain discreet operation and precise control, especially in dynamic situations where the operator must hold the device and a smartphone for remote control, leading to awkward behavior and increased risk of detection.

Innovation Solution

A rear-facing head-worn covert video surveillance system with a wireless camera and transceiver mounted inside a head-worn article, such as a hat, allowing for hands-free operation and precise camera control via a smartphone application, enabling covert recording without visible signs of surveillance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator holds a hand-held covert video device and a smartphone for remote control, then the device can be remotely controlled, but the operator's behavior becomes awkward and suspicious, increasing the risk of detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidrisk of detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the surveillance function into two separate components: a head-worn camera module that captures video covertly, and a smartphone application that provides remote control. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned on the operator's head where it can record naturally during movement, while the smartphone serves as a discrete remote control that can be operated subtly without drawing attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (WiFi or Bluetooth connection) between the head-worn camera and the smartphone. This intermediary enables remote control functionality without requiring physical connection or visible wiring, allowing the operator to control the camera covertly while maintaining natural behavior during surveillance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the operator holds the covert video device still to avoid unstable recordings, then video quality improves, but the operator must freeze their body or move slowly, making operation difficult and awkward

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo recording stabilityVSAvoidoperator mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static hand-held camera requiring stable positioning to a dynamic head-worn camera that moves with the operator's head. The camera is secured to the head using adjustable straps and positioning mechanisms, allowing it to maintain stable recording positions while the operator moves naturally. The camera's orientation can be adjusted to capture footage from optimal angles during movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the operator uses a rear-facing camera mounted on the head, then covert recording is enabled without eye contact, but the device must be securely positioned to maintain proper orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspicion triggered by eye contactVSAvoidmounting and positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-worn article serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the camera, enables adjustable positioning through straps and mounting mechanisms, and can be configured for different surveillance scenarios. The universal mounting system allows the camera to be positioned optimally for various situations while maintaining secure attachment during operator movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11282354B2Rear-facing head-worn video surveillance system
Publication Date: 2022.03.22 KRIVIT STEVEN B
  • US11282354B2 patent drawing
  • US11282354B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus to facilitate surveillance is disclosed. The apparatus includes a head-worn article, including an opening in the rear the article, a video camera mounted inside of the article, having a lens positioned at the opening to capture video data from the rear of the article and a transceiver to wirelessly transmit the video data to a remote device and receive wireless signals from the remote device to control operation of the video camera.