Mechanical Design of Retail Cameras

Abstract: This report describes the development of a new design for a small surveillance camera that would bring new opportunities for surveillance in carefully decorated environments. The target group was specified to high-end stores; luxury retailers. This specific target group has a great interest for new products and trends and stores in the lower price segment are often inspired by the high-end stores. Gaining the interest of high-end retailers in first hand would eventually lead to a broader market for the new camera design. To gather inspiration of the latest trends and trends to come, design fairs were attended and field studies were made. After a wide benchmarking, a function analysis was put together with prioritised design objectives. With a mood board as inspiration shapes were sketched and sculpted, both two- and three-dimensional. In parallel with the shape study, concepts were generated. These were later organised in groups and evaluated before the concept selection. The selection resulted in a narrowed number of concepts that were further developed. After tests and evaluations a modular camera system was chosen. The final design proposal is a modular system with two mounting options; one adjustable camera and one fixed camera developed for recessed installation. The system also includes two replaceable base units with different lenses. These can be combined with both the adjustable and the recessed camera, and provide multiple surveillance possibilities. Both designs can be mounted in either the ceiling or on walls, depending on desired surveillance. The modular system is created to suit the customer requests of customisability and at the same time be very discreet when placed in the intended environments.