Omnidirectional Camera Modules for Redundant 360-Degree Surveillance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules provide limited omnidirectional views, are costly, and lack redundancy, making them unsuitable for applications requiring 360-degree coverage without obstruction, especially in hostile or dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing multiple low-profile, miniature camera modules with overlapping fields of view, each module having a hemispherical shape with multiple cameras positioned around its periphery, enabling up to 360-degree coverage and redundancy, and designed for attachment to various surfaces or vehicles, with self-contained electronics for processing and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing camera modules are used to provide omnidirectional views, then view coverage is achieved, but the system is costly and lacks redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the omnidirectional viewing function into multiple separate camera modules, each with a limited field of view. These modules are distributed around the object rather than using a single complex omnidirectional camera, achieving redundancy through multiple independent units while reducing individual module cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple inexpensive camera modules that can be easily replaced if damaged or disabled. Rather than investing in a single expensive omnidirectional camera system, the solution uses numerous low-cost modules providing redundancy, where loss of individual modules does not compromise overall system functionality
2Reliability
If a single omnidirectional camera is used, then 360-degree coverage is achieved, but the system lacks redundancy and is vulnerable to disablement
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively addresses potential disablement by pre-deploying multiple camera modules in redundant configurations. This ensures that if one module is disabled or damaged, others remain operational to maintain viewing coverage, cushioning against the harmful effect of disablement before it compromises the mission
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera module is designed with a specific localized field of view optimized for its position, rather than attempting a single omnidirectional view. This distribution of specialized local viewing functions across multiple modules creates a collectively robust system that resists disablement better than a single-point omnidirectional camera
3Reliability
If multiple camera modules are deployed to provide redundancy, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple camera modules into a unified omnidirectional viewing system through software integration. The individual camera feeds are combined and processed to create a composite 360-degree view, effectively merging distributed local views into a single coherent omnidirectional perspective while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundancy
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing an omnidirectional view about an object by providing at least two camera modules, each module having a plurality of cameras disposed about the periphery of each module with each camera having a predetermined field of view. The modules are directly attached to a respective predetermined position on a surface of the object to provide up to a 360 degree view about the object when the fields of view of each camera are combined from each module. Electrical communication is enabled between the plurality of cameras and at least one position external to the modules to enable viewing about the object from the external position.