Helmet camera

A helmet camera, otherwise known as a micro video camera, bullet camera, or lipstick camera, is a camera attached to a helmet allowing someone to make a visual record from their point of view (POV), while keeping their hands and vision free.

History
The first documented helmet camera was a Canon CI-10 camera mounted to the side of Dick Garcia's helmet by Aerial Video Systems (AVS) of Burbank, CA at the Nissan USGP 500 World Championship at Carlsbad Raceway in Carlsbad, CA on June 28, 1986. Not only was this the first time the helmet camera was used, but AVS transmitted the images from this camera live via portable microwave to the ABC broadcast truck to integrate into their live broadcast. This revolutionary system offered the viewers an unprecedented perspective of the race as it unfolded.

Another early innovator of the helmet camera technology was Mark Schulze, who created a system for use while producing "The Great Mountain Biking Video" in 1987. "Schulze stripped-down a red motorcycle helmet and jury-rigged a mounting for the first consumer color video chip camera. A cable ran from the camera to a padded backpack that contained a Panasonic VHS portable video recorder and a DC-lead-acid battery for power, which made the rig heavy, unwieldy, and hot.

This pioneering technology brought a whole new perspective to live sports television and action sports videos and eventually gave way to button and lipstick cameras. The helmet cam soon became a standard piece of equipment, worn by umpires, catchers, goalies and referees for live television as well as BMX riders, surfers, skiers, skydivers and other sports aficionados, to record and share their experiences.

In 1991, the World League of American Football introduced the innovation of a miniature camera mounted on the right side of the VSR-3 Riddell helmet worn by quarterbacks. This rig was developed by USA Network and Aerial Video Systems (AVS). An antenna was placed in the crown of the helmet between an inflatable pad and the shell. Each of these Helmet-Cams cost $20,000 and transmitted live game action. These helmet cams were briefly used to provide live player's-eye-view footage in professional American football. However, their use was discontinued after players complained of the extra weight, and TV networks became concerned about the aggressive behavior the cameras captured.

The newest generation of helmet cameras offer features like on-screen menus, high-definition format, wireless transmitting to an offsite recording device, waterproof enclosures and 3D capabilities.

Camera types


Helmet cameras generally fall into two main categories; CMOS and CCD type. Although helmet cameras take on a variety of forms the majority are small cylindrical cameras resembling a tube of lipstick or a bullet, coining the name lipstick and bullet cameras. Helmet cameras may be connected to a video recording device with video input capability, such as a handheld camcorder, or purpose built digital video recorder.

CCD helmet cameras are based upon the charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. They typically operate on 12VDC power and output an analog type signal. These cameras draw more power than CMOS cameras but offer superior picture quality and better color replication.

CMOS helmet cameras are based upon the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. They typically operate on 5VDC and draw very little power. CMOS cameras are also generally smaller than the CCD type. CMOS cameras do not offer the same clarity as CCD type and generally do not work well in low light environments.

Applications
Many sports enthusiasts now use helmet cameras to capture the essence of the sports they love. For example, many paraglider pilots like to carry a bullet camera to record their flights. This can be mounted on the helmet, foot or elsewhere to capture unique camera angles. There are many samples of helmet camera videos available on the net.

Wearing helmet cameras is also proving popular with cyclists as a safety aid as it allows cyclists to record their journeys and to record any incidents from their point of view. This recording can be used in a court as evidence.

In Glasgow, Magnatom is the most famous advocate of helmet cameras and regularly appears on television and Youtube.

In 2006, a British cyclist was convicted of abusing traffic wardens, using evidence from a helmet camera.

Also in 2006, in the documentary Race To Dakar, Charley Boorman, Matt Hall and Simon Pavey used helmet cams to document their participation the 2006 Lisbon/Dakar rally. Out of the trio, Pavey was the only member of the "Race To Dakar" team wearing the camera to make it to the Senagalese Capital and (the rally's finish).

In 2011, Ben Maher won the Martin Collins Eraser Stakes at London Olympia horse show while wearing a helmet camera.

Firefighters have begun to utilize helmet cams as a tool to assess their responses to fires and allow non-firefighters to see the reality of what occurs inside a burning building. One technological improvement that fire departments would employ would be thermal imaging detection of differences in heat.

Helmet cameras are also being used in the military, where video footage can be streamed back to a command center or military outpost. A recent notable instance of this was the raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound, where live video footage of the raid is believed to have been streamed to the White House. In 2013 a British Royal Marine soldier was convicted of murder after shooting to death an unarmed and injured Afghan insurgent, contrary to the Geneva Convention. The incident had been recorded by a helmet camera whose images and sound were used in evidence at a court martial relating to the incident.

In 2012, on the occasion of the 50th birthday of RP FLIP ("Floating Instrument Platform"), several GoPro helmet cameras were placed on various positions aboard the research vessel to capture it as it flipped and descended into the ocean.