Surveillance Camera Assembly with Infrared Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video surveillance and alarm signaling systems fail to capture clear images of vehicle details, license plates, and pedestrians in various lighting conditions, and lack inconspicuous, decorative, and versatile designs suitable for residential areas, while also being unable to provide accurate alarm notifications to first responders.
Innovation Solution
A versatile video surveillance and alarm signaling assembly featuring surveillance cameras with infrared illuminators and 3-axis articulation, integrated into decorative mailbox, address, or sign posts, capable of capturing images in daylight and challenging lighting conditions, and activating alarm signaling lights in response to electronic alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If consumer grade video surveillance devices are used, then installation is simple and cost is low, but image quality and capture accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surveillance cameras with different functions (color camera for daylight, infrared camera for night) into a single integrated housing mounted on a utility pole. This merging approach achieves professional-grade image capture accuracy while maintaining relatively simple installation through a unified mounting structure that consolidates multiple components.
2Measurement precision
If surveillance cameras are mounted to capture vehicle details and license plates, then image capture capability is improved, but the assembly becomes conspicuous and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance cameras are integrated into an existing utility pole structure that already serves multiple purposes (lighting, signage, etc.). By merging the surveillance function into this existing infrastructure, the system maintains aesthetic appeal while achieving accurate vehicle and license plate capture through properly positioned cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility pole serves multiple functions: it supports lighting, displays signage, and now houses surveillance cameras. This multi-functionality allows the surveillance system to be inconspicuous while still achieving accurate image capture of vehicles and license plates through strategic camera placement within the multi-functional structure.
3Reliability
If alarm signaling lights are mounted on building exteriors, then alarm notification capability is provided, but the location is difficult for first responders to locate quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm signaling lights are relocated from vertical mounting on building exteriors to horizontal mounting on the utility pole near the street level. This dimensional change makes the alarm signals highly visible to first responders approaching from the street, reducing response time while maintaining reliable alarm notification capability.
4Measurement precision
If surveillance cameras are positioned for optimal image capture, then image quality is improved, but the assembly becomes larger and more conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cameras are mounted within the existing utility pole structure, utilizing the available space efficiently. This merging approach allows optimal camera positioning for image quality while keeping the overall assembly compact and inconspicuous by consolidating all components within the pole's footprint.
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
Enables clear image capture of vehicle details and notifications to first responders, while maintaining an inconspicuous and aesthetically pleasing design suitable for residential environments, improving security and response efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
surveillance cameras, auxiliary infrared (IR) illuminators
Data Source
AI summary
A versatile video surveillance and alarm signaling assembly may include a vertical post, and a first surveillance camera may be coupled to the vertical post, the first surveillance camera having a first camera lens. A second surveillance camera may also be coupled to the vertical post, the second surveillance camera having a second camera lens, in which the first camera lens and second camera lens may be angled between 75 and 200 degrees relative to each other. Preferably, the assembly may include one or more of a mailbox, postal address number, and/or a signage that may be coupled directly or indirectly to the vertical post.