A mobile video monitoring device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of surveillance equipment, and more particularly to a mobile video surveillance device. The mobile video surveillance device includes a track, a vehicle body that can move along the track, and a camera. It further includes: a base, which is disc-shaped and rotatably mounted on the vehicle body; a rotation drive mechanism, disposed within the vehicle body, for driving the base to rotate around an axis; a swing drive mechanism, disposed on the base, including a rotating seat that passes through the base and can swing horizontally; and a telescopic adjustment mechanism, disposed at the lower end of the rotating seat, with the camera mounted on the telescopic adjustment mechanism. The mobile video surveillance device provided by this invention allows the camera to flexibly adjust its position in three-dimensional space, effectively avoiding complex obstacles from above, sides, and oblique directions, preventing damage to the equipment due to collisions, and providing better protection for the camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of surveillance equipment, and more particularly to a portable video surveillance device. Background Technology

[0002] Track-mounted video surveillance equipment is widely used in factory workshops, warehouses, tunnels, exhibition halls, and other locations. It uses a track-mounted vehicle carrying cameras that moves along a pre-set track to achieve automated inspection and real-time monitoring of a large area. This type of equipment typically includes a track fixed to a building or support structure, a vehicle that can move along the track, and cameras mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle is driven by a motor to move back and forth along the track, thereby moving the cameras to achieve comprehensive coverage and continuous monitoring of a specific scene.

[0003] With the increasing demand for industrial automation and intelligent inspection, track-mounted monitoring equipment is being used more and more widely in complex environments. This type of equipment needs to operate continuously for extended periods and is often located in areas difficult for personnel to access, such as the tops of aerial work platforms, deep within underground utility tunnels, and inside tunnels. Therefore, the equipment's autonomy and environmental adaptability have become important indicators for evaluating its performance.

[0004] However, the following defects and shortcomings still exist in the application implementation process: The environment along the railway track is complex and varied, often containing various obstacles. For example, goods stacked in warehouses may protrude into the space beneath the track; pipelines and supports in tunnels may encroach on the equipment operating area; temporary facilities and maintenance tools in factory workshops may not be cleaned up in a timely manner; and dust and debris may accumulate near the track after long-term operation. When the train moves along the track, the cameras installed under the train are prone to colliding with these obstacles, leading to equipment damage or interruption of inspections.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new portable video surveillance device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a portable video surveillance device.

[0007] The mobile video surveillance device provided by this invention includes a track, a vehicle body that can move along the track, and a camera, and further includes: The base is disc-shaped and rotatably mounted on the vehicle body; A rotary drive mechanism, which is disposed inside the vehicle body, is used to drive the base to rotate around an axis; A swing drive mechanism, wherein the swing drive mechanism is disposed on a base and includes a rotating seat that passes through the base and can swing horizontally; A telescopic adjustment mechanism is provided, which is located at the lower end of the rotating base, and the camera is mounted on the telescopic adjustment mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the bottom of the vehicle body has a circular opening, and a support ring frame coaxially arranged with the opening is fixed inside the bottom of the opening. The base is connected to the support ring frame by a bearing.

[0009] Preferably, the base has a through opening, and a positioning seat is fixed at the upper end of the base near the through opening; The rotating seat passes through the through-hole and is rotatably connected to the positioning seat.

[0010] Preferably, the rotary drive mechanism includes a first mounting bracket, which is bolted to the bottom of the vehicle body, and a first motor is fixed thereon. A first spur gear is fixed to the output end of the first motor. The upper end of the base is also fixed with a positioning ring frame, and an external toothed ring is fixed on the outer circumferential surface of the positioning ring frame. The external toothed ring meshes with the first spur gear.

[0011] Preferably, the swing drive mechanism further includes a second mounting bracket, which is bolted to the upper end of the base, and a second motor is fixed thereon. A second spur gear is fixed to the output end of the second motor. A half gear is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating seat, and the half gear meshes with the second spur gear.

[0012] Preferably, the upper end of the rotating seat has a slot, a positioning plate is inserted and fixed in the slot, and the half gear is integrally connected to the upper end of the positioning plate.

[0013] Preferably, the telescopic adjustment mechanism includes a positioning cylinder fixed to the lower end of the rotating seat, and an extension cylinder that can be axially slidably disposed inside the positioning cylinder, wherein a mounting seat is fixed to the lower end of the extension cylinder; The camera is fixed on the mounting base.

[0014] Preferably, a single helical screw is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rotating seat. The single helical screw is coaxially disposed inside the positioning cylinder and threadedly connected to the extension cylinder. A first bevel gear is fixed on the single helical screw, and a third motor is fixed on the outer circumference of the positioning cylinder. A second bevel gear is fixed at the output end of the third motor, and the second bevel gear meshes with the first bevel gear.

[0015] Preferably, an axial sliding limiting structure is provided between the positioning cylinder and the extension cylinder. The axial sliding limiting structure includes a guide keyway formed axially on the inner wall of the positioning cylinder and a guide key fixed to the outer wall of the extension cylinder and slidingly engaged with the guide keyway.

[0016] Preferably, an obstacle detection sensor is fixed to the front of the vehicle body for real-time monitoring of obstacles on the travel path.

[0017] Compared with related technologies, the portable video surveillance device provided by this invention has the following advantages: When an obstacle is present in the vehicle's path, the obstacle detection sensor sends information to the controller. Based on the obstacle's position and size, the controller sequentially activates the telescopic adjustment mechanism, the swing drive mechanism, and the rotation drive mechanism. The telescopic adjustment mechanism, driven by a third motor, rotates a single helical screw, causing the extension cylinder to smoothly rise and fall along the guide keyway, adjusting the camera's height. If height adjustment is insufficient, the swing drive mechanism is activated, using a second motor to drive a half-gear that meshes with a second spur gear, causing the rotating base to swing horizontally and shifting the camera laterally. If the combination of height adjustment and swinging still fails to avoid the obstacle, the rotation drive mechanism is activated, using a first motor to drive a first spur gear that meshes with an external gear ring, causing the base to rotate as a whole, changing the camera's horizontal orientation. This layered, progressive adjustment strategy—from telescopic to swinging to rotation—allows the camera to flexibly adjust its position in three-dimensional space, effectively avoiding complex obstacles from above, sides, and angles, preventing damage to the equipment due to collisions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the portable video surveillance device provided by the present invention; Figure 2 As shown in this invention Figure 1 A structural diagram of the other side; Figure 3 As shown in this invention Figure 1 A partial structural diagram; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base shown in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary drive mechanism shown in the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the swing drive mechanism shown in the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the swing drive mechanism shown in the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic adjustment mechanism shown in the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic adjustment mechanism shown in the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0019] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Track; 2. Vehicle body; 3. Camera; 4. Obstacle detection sensor; 5. Support ring frame; 6. Base; 61. Through-hole; 62. Positioning seat; 7. Rotary drive mechanism; 71. First mounting bracket; 72. First motor; 73. First spur gear; 74. Positioning ring bracket; 75. External gear ring; 8. Swing drive mechanism; 81. Second mounting bracket; 82. Second motor; 83. Second spur gear; 84. Rotary seat; 85. Slot; 86. Positioning plate; 87. Half gear; 9. Telescopic adjustment mechanism; 91. Positioning cylinder; 92. Extension cylinder; 93. Mounting base; 94. Single helical screw; 95. First bevel gear; 96. Third motor; 97. Second bevel gear. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] The specific implementation of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 9 This invention provides a mobile video surveillance device, which includes a track 1, a vehicle body 2 that can move along the track 1, and a camera 3 mounted on the vehicle body 2. The track 1 is fixed to a building or support, and the vehicle body 2 is driven by a drive motor to move back and forth along the track 1, thereby moving the camera 3 to achieve comprehensive monitoring of a specific scene.

[0023] An obstacle detection sensor 4 is fixed to the front of the vehicle body 2 to monitor obstacles on the travel path in real time. When an obstacle is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the controller. The controller adjusts the attitude of the camera 3 according to the obstacle's position information, so that it actively avoids the obstacle and avoids damage due to collision. For permanent obstacles, the attitude parameters of the camera 3 when avoiding the obstacle can be recorded by an encoder. When the vehicle body 2 passes the same position again, the controller directly calls the recorded parameters for rapid adjustment, which improves both response speed and adjustment accuracy.

[0024] A circular opening is provided at the bottom of the vehicle body 2. A support ring frame 5, coaxially arranged with the opening, is fixed inside the bottom of the opening. A circular plate-shaped base 6 is connected to the support ring frame 5 via bearings. The base 6 is located inside the opening, with its lower end extending to the outside of the vehicle body 2. This suspended design not only allows the camera 3 to obtain a lower viewing angle but also facilitates the subsequent installation and layout of multi-degree-of-freedom mechanisms. A through-hole 61 is provided on the base 6. The through-hole 61 is trapezoidal, and a positioning seat 62 is fixed at the upper end near the through-hole 61.

[0025] The vehicle body 2 is equipped with a rotary drive mechanism 7, which drives the base 6 to rotate around a vertical axis. This mechanism includes a first mounting bracket 71 bolted to the bottom of the vehicle body 2, on which a first motor 72 is fixed. The output end of the first motor 72 is keyed to a first spur gear 73. A positioning ring frame 74 is bolted to the upper end of the base 6 and is coaxially arranged. An external gear ring 75 is welded to the outer circumferential surface of the positioning ring frame 74, and the external gear ring 75 meshes with the first spur gear 73. When the first motor 72 starts, it drives the base 6 to rotate circumferentially on the support ring frame 5 through gear transmission. This rotation function is not only used for obstacle avoidance, but also allows for expanding the monitoring range during routine inspections through slow rotation, or for quickly adjusting the angle for tracking and observation when a suspicious target is detected, achieving multiple uses in one device.

[0026] A swing drive mechanism 8 is also installed on the base 6 to drive the camera 3 to swing horizontally. This mechanism includes a second mounting bracket 81, which is bolted to the upper end of the base 6. A second motor 82 is fixed to the second mounting bracket 81, and the output end of the second motor 82 is key-connected to a second spur gear 83. A rotating seat 84 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 62. The rotating seat 84 passes through a through-hole 61 on the base 6, with its lower end positioned below the base 6. A slot 85 is provided at the upper end of the rotating seat 84, into which a positioning plate 86 is inserted and fixed, and reinforced with bolts. A half-gear 87 is integrally connected to the upper end of the positioning plate 86, and the half-gear 87 meshes with the second spur gear 83. When the second motor 82 starts, it drives the rotating seat 84 to swing horizontally back and forth through gear transmission. Under normal conditions, the swing direction of the rotating seat 84 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the vehicle body 2. This configuration allows the swing mechanism to observe the areas on both sides of the track 1 like a "probe" during inspection, effectively expanding the field of view of the camera 3. Meanwhile, since the base 6 can rotate, it drives the entire swing drive mechanism 8 to rotate, allowing the rotating seat 84 to swing in any horizontal direction, greatly expanding the adjustment range and enabling flexible handling of both obstacle avoidance and key area inspection.

[0027] A telescopic adjustment mechanism 9 is installed at the lower end of the rotating base 84 to adjust the height of the camera 3. This mechanism includes a positioning cylinder 91, coaxially fixed to the lower end of the rotating base 84. Inside the positioning cylinder 91 is an axially sliding extension cylinder 92. The lower end of the extension cylinder 92 extends out of the positioning cylinder 91 and is fixed to a mounting base 93, on which the camera 3 is fixed. An axial sliding limiting structure is provided between the positioning cylinder 91 and the extension cylinder 92, including a guide keyway axially formed on the inner wall of the positioning cylinder 91, a guide key fixed to the outer wall of the extension cylinder 92 and slidingly engaging with the guide keyway, a limiting ring fixed to the lower end of the positioning cylinder 91 to limit the downward sliding stroke of the extension cylinder 92, and a dustproof ring located at the upper end of the positioning cylinder 91 to prevent dust from entering. This limiting structure not only ensures the stability and guiding accuracy of the extension cylinder 92 during axial sliding but also...

[0028] A single helical screw 94 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rotating base 84. The single helical screw 94 is coaxially disposed inside the positioning cylinder 91 and threadedly connected to the extension cylinder 92. A coaxial first bevel gear 95 is fixed on the single helical screw 94. A third motor 96 is fixed on the outer circumference of the positioning cylinder 91. The output end of the third motor 96 extends into the positioning cylinder 91 and is fixed with a second bevel gear 97, which meshes with the first bevel gear 95. When the third motor 96 starts, it drives the single helical screw 94 to rotate through the bevel gear transmission, thereby driving the extension cylinder 92 to move axially, realizing precise adjustment of the height of the camera 3. This telescopic function is not only used for obstacle avoidance, but also allows the observation height to be adjusted according to monitoring needs during inspection. For example, the camera 3 can be raised when inspecting high-level shelves and lowered when inspecting ground details, enabling a single device to have multi-height inspection capabilities.

[0029] This device employs a layered obstacle avoidance strategy, enabling camera 3 to flexibly handle various obstacles. Specifically, when an obstacle exists in the path of vehicle 2, obstacle detection sensor 4 sends obstacle information to the controller. The controller first determines whether the obstacle can be avoided by adjusting the height of camera 3 independently using telescopic adjustment mechanism 9. If feasible, the third motor 96 is activated to adjust the height, allowing camera 3 to pass over the obstacle. If height adjustment is insufficient, the swing drive mechanism 8 is activated, driving the rotating base 84 to swing horizontally via the second motor 82, causing camera 3 to shift laterally to bypass the obstacle. If a combination of height adjustment and swinging still fails to avoid the obstacle, the rotation drive mechanism 7 is activated, driving the base 6 to rotate via the first motor 72, changing the overall orientation of camera 3 and allowing it to bypass the obstacle from a more advantageous angle. This layered adjustment method avoids unnecessary mechanical movements, saving energy and reducing mechanical wear. Moreover, the coordinated operation of the three degrees of freedom is not only used for obstacle avoidance but also plays a crucial role in routine inspections. Specifically, the rotating mechanism handles a wide-area scan, the swinging mechanism provides detailed observation of both sides, and the telescopic mechanism adjusts the observation height. This combination allows a single camera 3 to cover a monitoring range that traditionally requires multiple fixed cameras 3, significantly reducing system cost and installation complexity. For persistent fixed obstacles, the obstacle avoidance posture parameters recorded by the encoder can be quickly retrieved later, further improving the equipment's operational efficiency on fixed routes.

[0030] The specific operating principle of this device is as follows: Step 1: Securely install track 1 onto the building or support structure. Assemble vehicle body 2 onto track 1 and connect the power supply. Start the equipment; the control system performs a self-check. All drive mechanisms (rotary drive mechanism 7, swing drive mechanism 8, telescopic adjustment mechanism 9) are reset to their initial positions: base 6 is at zero position, the swing direction of rotating seat 84 is perpendicular to the movement direction of vehicle body 2, and extension cylinder 92 is at the intermediate height position. Obstacle detection sensor 4 is activated for real-time monitoring.

[0031] Step 2: Vehicle 2 moves at a constant speed along track 1, while camera 3 captures video of the area below. Obstacle detection sensor 4 continuously monitors the direction of travel. When no obstacle is detected, each drive mechanism maintains its current position, and the equipment operates normally.

[0032] Step 3: When obstacle detection sensor 4 detects an obstacle ahead, it sends the obstacle's position and size information to the controller. The controller, based on a preset layered obstacle avoidance strategy, sequentially judges and executes the following adjustments: First-level judgment: Calculate whether the height of camera 3 can be adjusted independently via telescopic adjustment mechanism 9 to avoid obstacles. If feasible, start the third motor 96, which drives the single helical screw 94 to rotate through the second bevel gear 97 and the first bevel gear 95, causing the extension cylinder 92 to move axially along the guide keyway, raising camera 3 to a safe height and passing over the obstacle.

[0033] The second judgment: If height adjustment alone cannot avoid the obstacle, the controller activates the swing drive mechanism 8. The second motor 82 starts, driving the rotating seat 84 to swing horizontally through the second spur gear 83 and half gear 87, causing the camera 3 to shift laterally to bypass the obstacle. During the swing, the guide key and guide keyway cooperate to ensure the stability of the extension tube 92.

[0034] The third judgment: If the combination of height adjustment and swing adjustment still cannot avoid the obstacle, the controller activates the rotation drive mechanism 7. The first motor 72 starts, and drives the base 6 to rotate through the first spur gear 73 and the external gear ring 75, changing the overall orientation of the camera 3 so that it can bypass the obstacle from a more advantageous angle.

[0035] Step 4: For long-term fixed obstacles, the operator can activate the encoder recording function. When vehicle 2 passes the obstacle for the first time and completes the obstacle avoidance maneuver, the encoder records the adjustment parameters of each drive mechanism (rotation angle, swing angle, telescopic height). The next time vehicle 2 passes the same position, the controller directly calls the recorded parameters for quick adjustment, without needing to recalculate.

[0036] Fifth step: After passing the obstacle, the controller drives each mechanism to reverse its movement based on the recorded obstacle avoidance parameters or real-time calculations, restoring camera 3 to its normal working height and orientation, and continuing routine inspections.

[0037] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile video surveillance device, comprising a track (1), a vehicle body (2) movable along the track (1), and a camera (3), characterized in that, Also includes: The base (6) is disc-shaped and rotatably mounted on the vehicle body (2); A rotary drive mechanism (7) is provided inside the vehicle body (2) and is used to drive the base (6) to rotate around the axis. The swing drive mechanism (8) is disposed on the base (6) and includes a rotating seat (84) that passes through the base (6) and can swing in the horizontal direction. Telescopic adjustment mechanism (9) is located at the lower end of rotating seat (84), and camera (3) is mounted on telescopic adjustment mechanism (9).

2. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the vehicle body (2) has a circular opening, and a support ring frame (5) coaxially arranged with the opening is fixed inside the bottom of the opening. The base (6) is connected to the support ring frame (5) by a bearing.

3. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (6) has a through opening (61), and a positioning seat (62) is fixed at the upper end of the base (6) and near the through opening (61). The rotating seat (84) passes through the through-hole (61) and is rotatably connected to the positioning seat (62).

4. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotary drive mechanism (7) includes a first mounting bracket (71), which is bolted to the bottom of the vehicle body (2), and a first motor (72) is fixed thereon. A first spur gear (73) is fixed to the output end of the first motor (72). The upper end of the base (6) is also fixed with a positioning ring frame (74), and an external toothed ring (75) is fixed on the outer circumferential surface of the positioning ring frame (74). The external toothed ring (75) meshes with the first spur gear (73).

5. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The swing drive mechanism (8) also includes a second mounting bracket (81), which is bolted to the upper end of the base (6) and a second motor (82) is fixed thereon. The output end of the second motor (82) is fixed with a second spur gear (83). A half gear (87) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating seat (84), and the half gear (87) meshes with the second spur gear (83).

6. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper end of the rotating seat (84) is provided with a slot (85), and a positioning plate (86) is inserted and fixed in the slot (85). The half gear (87) is integrally connected to the upper end of the positioning plate (86).

7. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The telescopic adjustment mechanism (9) includes a positioning cylinder (91) fixed to the lower end of the rotating seat (84) and an extension cylinder (92) axially slidably disposed inside the positioning cylinder (91), with a mounting base (93) fixed to the lower end of the extension cylinder (92). The camera (3) is fixed on the mounting base (93).

8. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lower end of the rotating seat (84) is rotatably connected to a single helical screw (94), which is coaxially arranged inside the positioning cylinder (91) and threadedly connected to the extension cylinder (92). The single helical screw (94) is fixed with a first bevel gear (95), and the outer circumference of the positioning cylinder (91) is fixed with a third motor (96). The output end of the third motor (96) is fixed with a second bevel gear (97), and the second bevel gear (97) meshes with the first bevel gear (95).

9. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 8, characterized in that, An axial sliding limiting structure is provided between the positioning cylinder (91) and the extension cylinder (92). The axial sliding limiting structure includes a guide keyway opened along the axial direction on the inner wall of the positioning cylinder (91) and a guide key fixed to the outer wall of the extension cylinder (92) and slidingly engaged with the guide keyway.

10. The portable video surveillance device according to claim 9, characterized in that, An obstacle detection sensor (4) is fixed at the front end of the vehicle body (2) for real-time monitoring of obstacles on the travel path.

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