Holster Sensor Camera Activation for Reliable Body-Worn Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Body cameras require manual activation and deactivation of recording features, which can be impractical in high-stress situations, leading to potential gaps in video footage capture.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system is integrated with a holster to detect the presence of a firearm, automatically activating or deactivating the body camera's recording function based on the firearm's location, using various detection methods and analysis techniques to determine the firearm's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual activation and deactivation of recording features is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential gaps in video footage capture during high-stress situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically activates recording based on sensor-detected events without requiring manual user input. The body-worn device monitors sensor data continuously and autonomously determines when to start or stop recording based on detected events such as firearm holstering or vehicle approach, eliminating the need for manual activation while ensuring reliable capture of critical moments
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of sensor data to identify potential events before they occur. By continuously monitoring environmental sensors and analyzing patterns in advance, the system prepares to activate recording automatically when predetermined conditions are met, ensuring no critical footage is missed
2Reliability
If automated sensor-based activation is implemented, then reliability of video capture is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated sensor systems
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting firearm holstering events, identifying vehicle approaches, and triggering recording activation. By designing the sensor system to handle various event types through a unified detection and analysis framework, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability across different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary event detection layer between raw sensor data and recording activation. Sensors collect environmental data, which is then processed by an event detection algorithm that translates physical stimuli into actionable triggers for the recording system, simplifying the connection between diverse sensors and the recording function
3Speed
If continuous monitoring of sensor data is performed, then responsiveness to events is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sampling of sensor data at optimized intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The event detection algorithm checks sensor readings at predetermined time intervals, maintaining adequate responsiveness to critical events while significantly reducing processor activity and energy consumption compared to continuous real-time analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for automated camera activation are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of receiving, from a sensor, sensor data. The actions further include, based on the sensor data, determining that a firearm has been removed from a holster. The actions further include, based on determining that the firearm has been removed from the holster, generating a software-recognized event that indicates the firearm has been removed from the holster. The actions further include, in response to the software-recognized event that indicates the firearm has been removed from the holster, generating an instruction for a camera to record. The actions further include providing, for output, the instruction for the camera to record.