Luminaire Cover Integrating Camera Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Surveillance cameras installed near lamps for lighting purposes are visible, causing privacy concerns and aesthetic issues, and when equipped with their own light source, they become costly and bulky without resolving visibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A translucent cover for lamps that integrates a camera module within the lamp housing, allowing the camera to detect surroundings without being visible, using the lamp's light source for illumination and protecting the camera from environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the camera is installed near a light source for sufficient illumination, then the illumination for detection is improved, but the camera becomes visible causing privacy concerns and aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination for detectionVSAvoidvisibility causing privacy concerns
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the camera module with the luminaire housing into a single integrated unit. The camera is positioned inside the luminaire housing, merging the surveillance function with the lighting function, so the camera remains hidden while still receiving sufficient light for detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is nested inside the luminaire housing, with the camera positioned within the internal space of the luminaire. This nesting allows the camera to be concealed within the existing luminaire structure while maintaining access to illuminated areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is installed as a self-contained unit on a wall, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the visual appearance is degraded and the camera remains visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is merged with the luminaire housing, creating a combined surveillance-lighting unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate wall-mounted camera installations while maintaining installation flexibility through the luminaire's positioning options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is equipped with its own light source, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcost and size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire's light source serves dual purposes: providing illumination for the surrounding area and providing sufficient light for the camera's detection function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate camera light source, reducing cost and size

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

Solution Approach 2:

The luminaire's lighting system serves the camera module by providing the illumination it needs for detection. The camera benefits from the luminaire's light source without requiring its own dedicated lighting system,实现ing self-service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the camera is made visible for security purposes, then the deterrent effect is improved, but the incentive for tampering or damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterrent effectVSAvoidincentive for tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire housing and cover provide visual camouflage for the camera module, making it blend with the surrounding lighting fixture rather than standing out as a separate surveillance device. This visual integration reduces the camera's visibility while maintaining its functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides sufficient lighting for camera detection, saves costs and space, enhances camera protection, and maintains a clean aesthetic by hiding the camera within the lamp housing, reducing privacy concerns and optical disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

light emitted from a light source located inside the housing is transmitted through the cover to the outside of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4063729A1Cover for a light
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP4063729A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4063729A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4063729A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cover (1) for a luminaire (6). The cover (1) is at least partially translucent and comprises a holder (4) arranged on a first surface (1a) of the cover (1). The cover (1) can be connected to a housing (6a) of the luminaire (6) such that light emitted from a light source (6b) arranged inside the housing (6a) of the luminaire (6) is emitted through the cover (1) to the outside of the housing (6), and the first surface (1a) faces the interior of the housing (6a) when the cover (1) is connected to the housing (6). The holder (4) is configured to hold a camera module (5) such that the camera module (5) detects an environment through a translucent camera area (2) of the cover (1), towards which a second surface (1b) of the cover (1) faces. The invention further relates to a luminaire comprising such a cover.