Modular Security Camera Mount for Blind-Spot-Free Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-sensor security cameras have limited fields of view due to mechanical design constraints, leading to blind spots and high design and manufacturing costs, with wiring assemblies restricting movement and requiring different mechanical designs for each field of view.
Innovation Solution
A universal security camera system with a base unit and variable sensor modules that can be attached to multiple mounting sockets, powered wirelessly, and communicate via low-power wireless technologies, allowing for customizable fields of view and eliminating mechanical limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical positioning systems are used in multi-sensor security cameras, then sensor modules can be positioned to cover panoramic fields of view, but the movement and available positions are limited by mechanical design factors such as gimbal size and predefined movement tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into modular sensor modules that can be independently positioned on the dome. Each sensor module operates as an independent unit with its own lens and imager system, allowing flexible arrangement to achieve various fields of view without being constrained by a single complex mechanical positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dome mounting structure provides multiple mounting sockets that can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of sensor modules. This universal mounting system enables the same physical structure to support various configurations (180-degree, 270-degree, 360-degree fields of view) by simply changing the number and position of sensor modules rather than requiring different mechanical designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor modules are positioned to maximize field of view, then blind spots are reduced, but wiring assemblies become bulky and restrict allowable range of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring and power transmission functions are extracted from the mechanical positioning system. Sensor modules communicate with the image processing unit wirelessly via electromagnetic signals, eliminating bulky physical wiring assemblies that would restrict movement. This allows sensor modules to be freely positioned on the dome without mechanical constraints from cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical wiring connections with wireless communication and power transmission systems. Sensor modules use wireless technology to communicate image data and receive power from the base unit, substituting the mechanical wiring assembly with an electromagnetic field-based system that imposes no physical constraints on sensor module positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different mechanical designs are used for each desired field of view, then field of view requirements are met, but design and manufacturing costs increase and development cycle times lengthen
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal dome base unit with multiple mounting sockets can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of sensor modules to achieve various fields of view (90-degree, 180-degree, 270-degree, 360-degree). This eliminates the need to design and manufacture separate mechanical systems for each field of view configuration, significantly reducing design complexity, manufacturing costs, and development cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of sensor module arrangements on the dome base unit. Rather than being fixed in specific mechanical designs, sensor modules can be easily added, removed, or repositioned to adapt to different field of view requirements, enabling a single platform to serve multiple surveillance needs.
4Device complexity
If fixed lens and imager systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different positioning requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into separate sensor modules that can be independently positioned on the dome. Each module contains its own fixed lens and imager system, but the modular arrangement allows the overall system to achieve various fields of view by changing the number and positions of active sensor modules rather than requiring complex adjustable mechanisms within each module.
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 system provides a practically unlimited field of view with no blind spots, reduces design complexity and cost, and shortens development cycles by enabling easy installation and repositioning of sensor modules.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient, such as rubber, ring attached to the top of each sensor modules provides a cushion between a transparent, protective bubble covering the security camera system and the sensor module, pressure on the rubber ring (resulting from installing the transparent bubble and securing it in place) transfers to the base of the sensor module, preventing movement and/or vibration of the sensor module.
Implementation Method 2
The base unit includes a plurality of mounting sockets arranged at different elevational and azimuthal directions around the base unit, and the sensor modules attach to the mounting sockets.
Data Source
AI summary
A security camera system includes a base unit and sensor modules for generating image data. The base unit includes several mounting sockets arranged at different elevational and azimuthal directions around the base unit, and the sensor modules attach, for example, magnetically, to the mounting sockets. Each mounting socket includes a socket ID, which is read by a reader module of the sensor modules and used to stitch together the image data from different sensor modules. The sensor modules are powered wirelessly via induction and communicate wirelessly with the base unit via wireless transceivers and antennas.