A deep-sea camera

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of deep-sea exploration technology, specifically providing a deep-sea camera comprising a sealed housing and an optical imaging system located within the sealed housing. The optical imaging system comprises a front lens, a roll assembly for driving the front lens to rotate, a fixed rear lens, and a fixed camera, arranged sequentially along an optical path. A pitch assembly for driving the front lens to pitch and a reflector assembly located above the pitch assembly is also provided between the front lens and the roll assembly. Light enters the front lens, is reflected multiple times by the reflector assembly, and then enters the rear lens via the roll assembly, where the camera completes image capture. The sealed housing comprises a pressure-resistant cylinder located outside the optical imaging system, a light-transmitting protective cover, a sealing pressure ring, a rear cover, and a watertight electrical connector. This solution allows for changing the observation angle without the need for a deep-sea gimbal, expanding the field of view, and significantly reducing the size and weight of the camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of deep sea exploration technology, and in particular to a deep sea camera. Background Art

[0002] With the overexploitation of land-based resources, humanity is increasingly moving into the deep sea. The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth's surface and contains a wealth of mineral and biological resources. Over the past decade, global marine scientific expeditions and research activities have become increasingly frequent, focusing on marine life, marine mineral resources, marine ecology, marine pollution investigation and remediation, marine geophysics, marine climate and atmosphere, marine chemistry, and marine geology. Deep-sea equipment is playing an increasingly important role in marine research. Collecting, analyzing, cultivating, and studying the genes of deep-sea organisms in the ocean's heat- and pressure-retaining conditions will have a significant impact on human science and life.

[0003] Deep-sea cameras are the most direct means of observing the deep-sea environment. They are widely used in seabed mineral exploration, fishery detection, underwater reconnaissance, underwater measurement and other fields. Overseas, Deepsea Power & Light and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the United States, as well as BOWTECH and Tritech in the United Kingdom have developed corresponding deep-sea imaging equipment. Domestically, the development started later, mainly in the Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ocean University of China and Tsinghua University. Currently, in order to achieve large-scale observation of the deep-sea environment, there are usually two methods:

[0004] 1. It is necessary to use multiple cameras with smaller fields of view, distributed in different observation angle ranges; this method greatly increases the cost. At the same time, once the observation angle is fixed, it is inconvenient to change, which also increases the cost and time of inspection and maintenance.

[0005] 2. Mount the camera on a two-axis deep-sea gimbal. As the deep-sea gimbal rotates around the azimuth and pitch axes, the camera's observation range is expanded. Typical deep-sea gimbal products include the PT25, P20, and P15 series developed by the American company ROS, with a maximum load of 45kg and a maximum depth of 6,000 meters; the SS109, SS110, and SS120 series developed by the American company Sidus have a maximum load of 23kg and a maximum depth of 6,000 meters. This method usually requires the purchase of a professional deep-sea gimbal, which is often very expensive and requires a separate power supply and control system. In addition, it is bulky and heavy, making it inconvenient to carry and transport.

[0006] To sum up, how to design a deep-sea camera that has the ability to expand the field of view similar to a deep-sea gimbal, and can achieve field of view expansion and image acquisition by itself, and is small in size and light in weight, is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a deep-sea camera, which separates the front-end lens from the camera and fixes the camera. At the same time, the front-end lens with a smaller field of view is synthesized through pitch and roll motion, so that the deep-sea camera can expand its field of view without the help of a deep-sea gimbal.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention proposes the following technical solutions: a deep-sea camera, comprising a sealed shell and an optical imaging system located within the sealed shell; the optical imaging system comprises a front-end lens, a roll assembly for driving the front-end lens to rotate, a fixed rear-end lens, and a fixed camera arranged in sequence along the optical path, and a pitch assembly for driving the front-end lens to pitch and a reflector assembly located above the pitch assembly is further included between the front-end lens and the roll assembly; light enters the front-end lens, is reflected multiple times by the reflector assembly, and then enters the rear-end lens through the roll assembly, and the camera completes image acquisition.

[0009] Preferably, the pitch assembly includes a pitch axis motor support column, the reflector assembly includes a prism support column located above the pitch axis motor support column, and the prism support column is provided with a first prism for receiving incident light from the front end lens.

[0010] Preferably, the pitch axis motor support column and the prism support column form a pitch axis F, and the pitch axis F coincides with the optical axis G01 of the reflected light of the first prism, and the front lens can swing around the pitch axis F by ±90°.

[0011] Preferably, the reflector assembly further includes a second prism and a third prism sequentially arranged along the optical path, and the light reflected by the first prism is sequentially reflected by the second prism and the third prism before entering the rolling assembly.

[0012] Preferably, the optical axis G02 of the reflected light of the third prism coincides with the roll center axis H of the roll assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the roll assembly includes a roll shaft connected to the pitch axis motor support column and the prism support column, the roll shaft includes a light-transmitting through hole and the light reflected by the third prism is incident on the rear end lens through the light-transmitting through hole; the front end lens, the prism support column and the pitch axis motor support column are driven to rotate through the roll shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the roll assembly also includes a roll axis base located outside the roll axis, and a roll axis bearing and a roll axis motor are included between the roll axis base and the roll axis, and the roll axis is driven to rotate by the roll axis motor; the roll axis base also includes a roll axis base plate close to the rear end lens, and a motor slip ring is included between the roll axis base plate and the roll axis motor.

[0015] Preferably, the pitch assembly further includes a pitch axis bearing located on the pitch axis motor support column and connected to the front end lens 1 , and the pitch axis bearing is driven by the pitch axis motor to drive the front end lens to perform pitch motion.

[0016] Preferably, the rear side of the roll axis base is further provided with an internal bracket located outside the rear lens and the camera.

[0017] Preferably, the sealed shell includes a pressure-resistant cylinder located outside the optical imaging system, a light-transmitting protective cover located outside the front-end lens is provided on the front side of the pressure-resistant cylinder, and a sealing pressure ring is provided between the pressure-resistant cylinder and the light-transmitting protective cover; a rear cover is provided on the rear side of the pressure-resistant cylinder away from the light-transmitting protective cover, and a watertight electrical connector connected to the camera is provided on the outside of the rear cover.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. The present invention only requires one camera to achieve large-scale observation of the surrounding deep-sea environment. There is no need to use a deep-sea gimbal to change the observation angle, and there is no need to arrange multiple cameras for multi-angle observation. Only a set of control systems of the camera itself is needed to switch the observation angle and perform optical imaging of the surrounding large-scale environment. This greatly reduces the size and weight, is convenient to carry and transport, saves costs, and reduces the workload of inspection and maintenance.

[0020] 2. The present invention adopts the method of separating the front-end lens and the camera to fix the camera. During operation, only the front-end lens and the prism rotate, which greatly reduces the rotation radius, reduces the inner diameter of the pressure-resistant sealing structure, and reduces the overall volume and weight of the deep-sea camera. At the same time, the front-end lens with a smaller field of view synthesizes the pitch and roll motions, and introduces the light within the ±90° field of view angle in front of the camera into the camera through the reflection of the reflector group, so that the deep-sea camera can traverse the scene within the ±90° field of view angle in front, greatly expanding the field of view. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a deep-sea camera provided according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is an optical path diagram of a deep-sea camera provided according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of a deep-sea camera provided according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of a deep-sea camera provided according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure numerals: front-end lens 1, prism support column 2, pitch axis motor support column 3, roll axis 4, roll axis bearing 5, roll axis motor 6, motor slip ring 7, roll axis base 8, roll axis base plate 9, rear-end lens 10, camera 11, internal bracket 12, light-transmitting protective cover 13, sealing pressure ring 14, pressure-resistant cylinder 15, back cover 16, watertight electrical connector 17, light-transmitting through hole 18, second prism 201, third prism 202, prism bearing 203, prism axis 204, first prism 205, pitch axis motor bearing 301, pitch axis motor 302, pitch axis bearing 303. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following, reference will be made to the Figure 1-4 Describe the embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the same modules are represented by the same reference numerals. In the case of the same reference numerals, their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the following Figure 1-4 It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0028] A deep-sea camera 11 includes a sealed housing and an optical imaging system located in the sealed housing; Figure 1-3 As shown, the optical imaging system includes a front lens 1, a roll assembly that drives the front lens 1 in rotation, a fixed rear lens 10, and a fixed camera 11, arranged sequentially along the optical path. Between the front lens 1 and the roll assembly is a pitch assembly that drives the front lens 1 in pitch motion, and a reflector assembly located above the pitch assembly. This embodiment separates the lens from the camera 11, fixing it in place, and combines the pitch motion of the front camera 1 with the roll rotational motion to expand the field of view.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the pitch assembly includes a pitch axis motor support column 3, the pitch axis motor support column 3 includes a pitch axis bearing 303 connected to the front end lens 1, the pitch axis bearing 303 is driven by the pitch axis motor 302 to drive the front end lens 1 to perform pitch movement, and the pitch axis bearing 303 includes a pitch axis motor bearing 301.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the reflector assembly includes a prism support column 2 located above the pitch axis motor support column 3, and a first prism 205 is provided on the prism support column 2 for receiving the incident light from the front end lens 1; the reflector assembly also includes a second prism 201 and a third prism 202 arranged in sequence along the light path direction. The light reflected by the first prism 205 is reflected by the second prism 201 and the third prism 202 in sequence and then enters the roll assembly, that is, the light at the front end lens 1 enters the roll assembly after being reflected three times.

[0031] The roll assembly includes a roll axis 4 connected to the pitch axis motor support column 3 and the prism support column 2, the roll axis 4 includes a light-transmitting through hole 18, and the light reflected by the third prism 202 is incident on the rear end lens 10 through the light-transmitting through hole 18; the roll assembly also includes a roll axis base 8 located on the outside of the roll axis 4, and a roll axis bearing 5 and a roll axis motor 6 are included between the roll axis base 8 and the roll axis 4. The roll axis 4 is driven to rotate by the roll axis motor 6, and then the front end lens 1, the prism support column 2 and the pitch axis motor support column 3 are driven to rotate through the roll axis 4; the roll axis base 8 also includes a roll axis bottom plate 9 close to the rear end lens 10, and a motor slip ring 7 is included between the roll axis bottom plate 9 and the roll axis motor 6.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the pitch axis motor support column 3 and the prism support column 2 form a pitch axis F, the pitch axis F coincides with the optical axis G01 of the reflected light of the first prism 205, and the front end lens 1 can swing ±90° around the pitch axis F; the optical axis G02 of the reflected light of the third prism 202 coincides with the roll center axis H of the roll assembly; the front end lens 1 can change different positions and orientations to achieve traversal and imaging of the scene within the ±90° field of view in front.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the rear side of the roll axis base 8 is further provided with an internal bracket 12 located outside the rear lens 10 and the camera 11; Figure 4 As shown, the sealed shell includes a pressure-resistant cylinder 15 located outside the optical imaging system, a light-transmitting protective cover 13 located outside the front-end lens 1 is provided on the front side of the pressure-resistant cylinder 15, and a sealing pressure ring 14 is provided between the pressure-resistant cylinder 15 and the light-transmitting protective cover 13; a rear cover 16 is provided on the rear side of the pressure-resistant cylinder 15 away from the light-transmitting protective cover 13, and a watertight electrical connector 17 connected to the camera 11 is provided on the outside of the rear cover 16.

[0034] During use, light enters the front lens 1, is reflected multiple times by the reflector assembly, and then enters the rear lens 10 through the roll assembly and the image is captured by the camera 11. Specifically, the external light is reflected by the first prism 101 inside the front lens 1, enters the prism support column 2, and then reflects three times by the second prism 201 and the third prism 202. The light passes through the light-transmitting hole 18 of the roll axis 4 and enters the rear lens 10. Finally, the image is captured by the camera 11, and the image data is transmitted to the outside through the watertight electrical connector 17.

[0035] It should be understood that the various forms of the processes shown above can be used to reorder, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in the present disclosure can be performed in parallel, sequentially, or in a different order, as long as the desired results of the technical solutions disclosed in the present disclosure can be achieved. This is not limited herein.

[0036] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may be made based on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deep-sea camera, characterized in that: The invention comprises a sealed shell and an optical imaging system located in the sealed shell; the optical imaging system comprises a front lens (1), a roll assembly for driving the front lens (1) to rotate, a fixed rear lens (10) and a fixed camera (11) arranged in sequence along the optical path direction; a pitch assembly for driving the front lens (1) to perform pitch motion and a reflector assembly located above the pitch assembly are also provided between the front lens (1) and the roll assembly; light enters from the front lens (1), is reflected multiple times by the reflector assembly, and then enters the rear lens (10) through the roll assembly, and the camera (11) completes image acquisition.

2. The deep-sea camera according to claim 1, characterized in that The pitch assembly comprises a pitch axis motor support column (3), and the reflector assembly comprises a prism support column (2) located above the pitch axis motor support column (3). The prism support column (2) is provided with a first prism (205) for receiving incident light from the front lens (1).

3. The deep-sea camera according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pitch axis motor support column (3) and the prism support column (2) form a pitch axis F, and the pitch axis F coincides with the optical axis G01 of the reflected light of the first prism (205), and the front lens (1) can swing around the pitch axis F by ±90°.

4. The deep-sea camera according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reflector assembly further comprises a second prism (201) and a third prism (202) arranged in sequence along the light path direction; the light reflected by the first prism (205) is reflected by the second prism (201) and the third prism (202) in sequence and then enters the rolling assembly.

5. The deep-sea camera according to claim 4, characterized in that: The optical axis G02 of the reflected light of the third prism (202) coincides with the roll center axis H of the roll assembly.

6. The deep-sea camera according to claim 5, characterized in that: The roll assembly comprises a roll shaft (4) connected to a pitch axis motor support column (3) and a prism support column (2); the roll shaft (4) comprises a light-transmitting through hole (18), and light reflected by the third prism (202) is incident on the rear end lens (10) through the light-transmitting through hole (18); and the front end lens (1), the prism support column (2) and the pitch axis motor support column (3) are driven to rotate by the roll shaft (4).

7. The deep-sea camera according to claim 6, characterized in that: The roll assembly further comprises a roll axis base (8) located outside the roll axis (4); a roll axis bearing (5) and a roll axis motor (6) are provided between the roll axis base (8) and the roll axis (4); the roll axis (4) is driven to rotate by the roll axis motor (6); the roll axis base (8) further comprises a roll axis bottom plate (9) close to the rear end lens (10); a motor slip ring (7) is provided between the roll axis bottom plate (9) and the roll axis motor (6).

8. The deep-sea camera according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pitch assembly further comprises a pitch axis bearing (303) located on the pitch axis motor support column (3) and connected to the front end lens (1); the pitch axis bearing (303) is driven by the pitch axis motor (302) to drive the front end lens (1) to perform pitch motion.

9. The deep-sea camera according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rear side of the roll axis base (8) is also provided with an internal bracket (12) located outside the rear lens (10) and the camera (11).

10. The deep-sea camera according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The sealed housing comprises a pressure-resistant cylinder (15) located outside the optical imaging system, a light-transmitting protective cover (13) located outside the front lens (1) is provided on the front side of the pressure-resistant cylinder (15), and a sealing pressure ring (14) is provided between the pressure-resistant cylinder (15) and the light-transmitting protective cover (13); a rear cover (16) is provided on the rear side of the pressure-resistant cylinder (15) away from the light-transmitting protective cover (13), and a watertight electrical connector (17) connected to the camera (11) is provided on the outside of the rear cover (16).

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