Background
In public spaces, shopping centers, venues, and similar environments where footfall tracking was essential, there arose a critical need for tracking cameras that not only withstood challenging conditions but also respected the principles of discretion and privacy. Balancing the imperative to collect valuable footfall data with the obligation to protect individuals' privacy was central to the challenge. Therefore, the task was not only to create durable camera enclosures but also to design them in a way that preserved customer privacy while providing effective tracking capabilities in these dynamic settings.
Design
The design of the armoured camera enclosures was driven by the unique challenge of maintaining customer privacy while ensuring robust surveillance capabilities. There was a necessity of the analytics software (and privacy) to mount these cameras at a remarkably low height, typically within the range of 50-70cm from the floor, to capture the window of footfall data accurately. However, this positioning also made them exceptionally vulnerable to vandalism and potential damage. Our design had to strike a delicate balance, making them rugged and inconspicuous to minimize the risk of becoming targets for vandalism.
- Privacy-Centric Mounting & Masking: Even with the cameras mounted at a low height, through testing of the field of view of the cameras, we found that more data was being captured than necessary. The solution, was to ensure the enclosure physically masked the camera from it's full field of view - the principle being that if you can't see the camera, it can't see you.
- Rugged Exterior: To withstand the challenges posed by their low positioning, we engineered the enclosures with rugged exteriors. The multi-part enclosures were made from 3mm welded sheet steel, galvanised and finished in specialist coatings used in off-road automotive and defense industries.
- Inconspicuous Aesthetics: Our design prioritized aesthetics that would seamlessly blend into their surroundings, ensuring that the enclosures did not draw attention or invite acts of vandalism, and were coloured to match the environments they were installed in.
Design Flexibility for Installations
Our commitment to design flexibility was exemplified by our range of tailored solutions for diverse installations. From lamp post-mounted versions with adjustable brackets to stand-off wall brackets for avoiding facades, and freestanding post enclosures for open areas, our designs seamlessly integrated into various environments. This adaptability extended to customization options, accommodating specific client needs and adhering to strict privacy standards. Collaborative efforts with installation teams ensured that our enclosures were positioned precisely and effectively, offering robust outdoor footfall solutions that respected privacy while withstanding the rigors of different deployment scenarios.
Manufacturing
In the manufacturing phase, we seamlessly transitioned from design to production, utilizing our in-house metal-forming machinery for precise control over core component fabrication. Concurrently, we established robust collaborations with carefully selected supply chain partners to source specialized materials and coatings critical for durability. Our commitment to quality assurance, adaptability for customization, and a culture of continuous improvement ensured that each metal armoured outdoor camera enclosure we manufactured upheld stringent performance standards and met the diverse needs of our clients while preserving privacy and withstanding harsh outdoor conditions.
Deployment
Units were installed in retail environments in and around the UK, with notable installations in Spitalfields Market and Carnaby Street, London, and Bicester Shopping Village.
Real-World Results
In a bustling urban environment where one of the armoured camera enclosures was deployed, an incident of attempted vandalism provided a real-world testament to the effectiveness of our design and manufacturing. In this particular case, an unknown individual attempted to tamper with the camera enclosure, likely unaware of how robust they were. Despite their efforts, the camera and enclosure emerged unscathed, albeit a section of the wall was damaged instead. Our rugged exterior, tamper-resistant design, and discreet aesthetics effectively deterred any damage, demonstrating the enclosure's exceptional resilience against vandalism. This real-world incident underscored the successful fusion of durability and discretion, reaffirming our commitment to providing reliable outdoor surveillance solutions that safeguard privacy and withstand even the most challenging conditions.
