Multi-Directional Security Camera Mount with Automatic Sensor Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-sensor security camera systems with variable sensor modules face challenges in determining the location and orientation of sensor modules for image stitching and analytics, requiring effective methods to identify and associate sensor module positions with captured image data.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical codes, physical buttons, electronic sensors, optical beams, membrane switches, and RFID technology to detect and identify the position of sensor modules on a mounting dome, allowing for accurate association with image data and configuration of the camera system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple sensor modules are attached to different mounting sockets on the mounting dome, then the field of view and coverage area are improved, but the complexity of determining location and orientation for image stitching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system consisting of readable indicia (such as barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags) on the mounting sockets and corresponding readers on the sensor modules. This intermediary mechanism automatically identifies and records the location and orientation of each sensor module without requiring complex manual configuration or post-installation adjustment, thereby resolving the contradiction between expanded coverage and determination complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor modules perform self-identification and self-configuration by automatically reading their respective mounting socket identifiers upon attachment. The system self-determines the spatial relationships between modules and configures image stitching parameters automatically, eliminating the need for external intervention in location determination and reducing operational complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a variable number of sensor modules are used with a single universal design, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the challenge of determining and associating sensor positions with image data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base unit with multiple standardized mounting sockets that can accommodate different numbers and types of sensor modules. The same identification system (readable indicia with readers) works for all sensor modules regardless of their specific type or number, allowing a single universal design to handle variable configurations without compromising position association accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The readable indicia are pre-configured on the mounting sockets during manufacturing, establishing predetermined location and orientation references before the sensor modules are installed. This preliminary action ensures that when sensor modules are attached, their positions are automatically and accurately identified without requiring complex real-time measurement or manual configuration
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 used to stitch together the image data from different sensor modules. The security camera system is capable of automatic detection of the location of the sensor modules, as the socket IDs for the mounting sockets to which the sensor modules are attached are identified by various means including readable indicia and reader modules including optical codes and readers, membrane switches, optical sensors, and radio-frequency identification tags and readers.