Vehicle Camera Mount With Auto-Recording on Open Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems, such as body cameras worn by police officers and smartphones used by civilians, are not reliably activated, may become dislodged, and are not oriented properly to record interactions between civilians and police officers during encounters like traffic stops.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle camera system that includes a camera with a housing, a non-volatile memory device, a processor, an image sensor, and a sensor, which is configured to automatically determine when the camera is in an open position and initiate video recording. The camera system can be securely attached to a vehicle and features a mechanism to move between a closed and open position, allowing for automatic recording of encounters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If body cameras are worn by police officers, then recording of encounters is enabled, but the cameras are not reliably activated and may become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is pre-configured and automatically activated when the vehicle ignition is turned on, eliminating the need for manual activation during encounters. The camera is positioned in advance on the vehicle dashboard or windshield, ensuring proper orientation before the encounter begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system automatically detects when it is being used to record an encounter and activates recording without requiring officer intervention. The system self-regulates based on vehicle ignition status and camera position, ensuring reliable operation without manual input.
2Reliability
If civilians use smartphones to record encounters, then recording capability is available, but it may be considered non-compliance and escalate the situation
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle-mounted camera system serves as a neutral intermediary that records encounters without requiring the civilian to hold or operate recording equipment. The camera is part of the vehicle's official equipment, creating a balanced recording situation that does not imply civilian non-compliance or aggression.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording capability is moved from the civilian's personal device (smartphone) to the vehicle's mounted system, changing the dimension of who controls the recording. This eliminates the power dynamic issue where a civilian holding up a phone is perceived as defiant, and instead creates an official, neutral recording presence.
3Reliability
If a civilian operates a smartphone to record, then recording of the encounter is possible, but the incident cannot be captured if the civilian is arrested
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle-mounted camera system acts as a neutral intermediary that remains in position and continues recording regardless of what happens to the civilian. Unlike a smartphone held by the civilian, the vehicle-mounted camera is not affected by the civilian's actions or arrest, ensuring continuous documentation of the entire encounter including any arrest.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording system is separated from the civilian and integrated into the vehicle's equipment. This segmentation ensures that the recording capability is independent of the civilian's physical state or actions, allowing continuous recording even when the civilian is restrained or arrested.
4Reliability
If body cameras are worn by officers, then recording of encounters is enabled, but the cameras may not be oriented properly to record the entire interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned in advance on the vehicle dashboard or windshield in an optimal location that provides a clear view of the entire interaction area. The camera angle and orientation are pre-adjusted to capture the full scene, eliminating the need for the officer to adjust the camera during the encounter.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is moved from the officer's body (worn equipment) to the vehicle's fixed structure (mounted equipment). This dimensional change from mobile to fixed positioning allows for stable, pre-configured orientation that captures the entire interaction without requiring the officer to wear or adjust the camera.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system for a vehicle includes a camera having a housing defining an interior space, a memory device in the interior space, a processor in the interior space coupled to the memory device, a lens exposed on an exterior of the housing, an image sensor in the interior space coupled to the memory device, and a sensor coupled to the processor. The camera system also includes an attachment mechanism configured to secure the camera system to the vehicle. The camera is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The memory device includes instructions configured to cause the processor to determine the camera is in the open position in response to an output signal by the sensor, and to cause the camera system to record the video captured by the image sensor in response to the camera being in the open position.