Spherical Imaging System for Context-Rich Evidence Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crime scene investigation tools require multiple image captures and rely heavily on technician expertise, making the evidence collection process time-consuming and prone to errors, and lacking in providing contextual data.
Innovation Solution
A spherical imaging system that captures images with linked event data and location information, including a spherical imager, level, compass, event data receiver, and localization device, allowing for single-view image capture and data association, thereby enhancing evidence collection and contextuality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional image capture tools are used to gather discrete images from various perspectives, then images can be obtained, but multiple shots are required to place items within context, making the process time-consuming and dependent on technician expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete image captures into a single spherical image that inherently contains contextual information. The spherical imager captures the entire scene in one shot, merging what would otherwise require multiple perspective shots into a single comprehensive view, thereby reducing time loss while preserving contextual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D planar imaging to 360-degree spherical imaging, adding a dimensional aspect that captures all directions simultaneously. This dimensional change allows the entire scene context to be captured in a single image, eliminating the need for multiple shots from different angles and perspectives.
2Reliability
If conventional image capture tools are used, then images can be obtained, but the process requires multiple shots and is heavily dependent on technician expertise and skills
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical imaging system performs automated functions that previously required technician expertise. The system automatically captures comprehensive scene data, links event data to specific locations, and integrates multiple data types without requiring manual intervention or specialized skills, making the process self-sufficient and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical imager serves multiple functions simultaneously: capturing comprehensive visual context, recording event data, determining precise location, and linking all this information together. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized tools and expert operations into a single unified system that is easier to operate reliably.
3Loss of information
If conventional image capture tools are used, then discrete images can be obtained, but they lack contextual data and location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spherical imager with a localization device, level, compass, and event data receiver into a single integrated system. This consolidation combines multiple data-capturing functions into one unified device, reducing the overall system complexity while comprehensively capturing contextual information, location data, and event details that would otherwise require separate tools.
4Loss of information
If multiple image captures are required to provide context, then contextual information can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to spherical imaging that captures 360 degrees of the scene simultaneously, the system obtains complete scene context in a single capture. This dimensional approach eliminates the need for multiple sequential shots, thereby maintaining full contextual information while dramatically improving evidence collection efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An event data and location-linked spherical imaging system including a spherical imager configured for capturing a spherical image with an action; a localization device collocated with the spherical imager, the localization device configured for providing a location of the spherical imager; a level collocated with the spherical imager, the level configured for indicating an imaging level of the spherical imager; an event data receiver configured for receiving event data from a user, the event data is associated with one or more points of interest on the spherical image; and a compass configured for providing an orientation of the spherical imager in capturing the spherical image, wherein the orientation and location-linked event data is accessible within the context of the spherical image. In one embodiment, the spherical imager includes no more than two imagers. In one embodiment, the action is a single capture.