Pivotable LED Flaps for IR Camera Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Security cameras often fail to function effectively in low-light conditions, relying on ambient lighting, which limits their ability to detect intruders in dark areas.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an adjustable light source with light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a light control actuator that adjusts the light distribution based on the camera's zoom level, ensuring consistent illumination across varying fields of view by tilting the light sources relative to the imaging axis, thereby maintaining effective illumination regardless of zoom settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If security cameras rely on ambient lighting, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination intensity is insufficient in dark areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security camera with an integrated light source assembly, merging two separate functions (imaging and illumination) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate lighting equipment while providing sufficient illumination in dark areas, directly resolving the contradiction between reduced device complexity and improved illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images and providing illumination simultaneously. The light source assembly serves dual purposes by both illuminating the scene and acting as part of the overall surveillance system, allowing the device to adapt to varying lighting conditions without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different zoom levels is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable light source assembly that can change its illumination pattern based on the camera's zoom level. The light source is positioned and oriented to adapt to different fields of view, providing optimal illumination whether the camera is zoomed in or out, thereby achieving adaptability without excessive complexity through coordinated control with the zoom mechanism.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source is positioned close to the lens, then illumination intensity is improved, but the field of view is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light source assembly in an annular space between the lens and the aperture periphery, utilizing the radial dimension rather than placing it directly in front of the lens. This annular arrangement allows the light source to be close enough to provide intense illumination while the light rays travel around the lens periphery, avoiding obstruction of the optical path and maintaining a clear field of view.
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
This solution ensures that security cameras maintain optimal illumination and functionality in low-light conditions, enhancing their ability to detect intruders and improving overall surveillance effectiveness at night or in poorly lit areas.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an adjustable light source with light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a camera housing having an aperture, a camera having an imaging axis disposed in the housing with a lens disposed adjacent the aperture providing a field of view extending outwards through the aperture, around the imaging axis of the camera, at least one light source that illuminates the field of view of the camera, the light source is in an annular space between the lens and periphery of the aperture, at least one flap that supports the at least one light source, the flap extends around the annular space, the flap is pivotally attached to the camera and periphery of the aperture and an actuator that moves the camera along the imaging axis.