Streetlight Camera Nesting for Vandalism Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing streetlight camera systems are vulnerable to vandalism and hacking due to their prominent location, and current solutions require expensive and difficult re-designs of streetlight housings to integrate camera and networking functions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A streetlight camera device that fits within a standard streetlight fixture, utilizing a mounting socket to connect to the photodetector switch port for power and mechanical support, incorporating optical image sensors, a microcontroller unit, and wireless communication capabilities to provide remote surveillance and lighting control without altering the existing streetlight infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surveillance cameras and wireless communication network relays are attached to poles and similar urban structures, then remote surveillance and networking functions are provided, but the devices become vulnerable to vandalism, hacking, and avoidance of detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against vandalism and hackingVSAvoidvulnerability to vandalism and hacking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera and wireless communication equipment are nested within the existing streetlight housing structure. The camera is mounted inside the housing and views through an optical path that utilizes the streetlight's existing structure, while wireless antennas are integrated within the housing. This nesting conceals the sensitive equipment from external access and vandalism while maintaining surveillance and networking functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The streetlight housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the light source, houses and conceals the camera system, contains wireless communication equipment, and maintains the optical path for surveillance. By making the streetlight a multi-functional platform, the invention eliminates the need for separate pole-mounted devices that would be vulnerable to vandalism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modified and larger streetlight housing is designed to contain all camera and networking components, then all functions can be integrated, but the solution becomes prohibitively expensive and difficult to implement rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of camera and networking functionsVSAvoidcost and difficulty of implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the integration approach by using a modular camera unit that can be installed within the existing streetlight housing without modifying the housing structure itself. The camera, wireless equipment, and power supply are contained in separate modular components that fit within the existing space, allowing for easier manufacturing and rapid deployment compared to completely redesigned housings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary mounting structure and optical path system that bridges the camera components and the existing streetlight housing. Rather than requiring direct integration into the housing structure, the camera is mounted on an intermediate platform inside the housing and views through an optical path that utilizes the existing housing geometry, allowing integration without expensive housing modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the camera is positioned to provide ground level surveillance coverage, then effective monitoring is achieved, but the camera becomes more exposed to potential damage and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurveillance coverage qualityVSAvoidprotection from damage and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is nested within the protected environment of the streetlight housing, which shields it from weather, physical damage, and interference. The housing provides structural protection while the camera maintains its surveillance orientation through the housing's optical opening, achieving both protection and effective monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11365879B2Streetlight camera

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 CONTROLE DE DONNEES METROPOLIS INC

AI summary

A camera can have a mounting socket configured to connect to a photodetector switch port of a streetlight for mechanically supporting a housing, a power supply receiving power from the port and an optical image sensor and lens arrangement mounted in the camera housing. A camera can have an optical image sensor and lens arrangement, a memory unit to store optical image data and a microcontroller unit to process optical image data. The camera can use a wireless network communications interface to communicate the optical image data by forming a network among similar wireless network communications interfaces from neighboring streetlight cameras.