Pan-tilt camera and monitoring system

Abstract

The utility model provides a pan-tilt camera and a monitoring system, and belongs to the technical field of pan-tilt cameras. The pan-tilt camera comprises an image acquisition device, a pan-tilt mechanism and a radar device. The image acquisition device is located on the holder mechanism, and the holder mechanism is used for driving the image acquisition device to move so as to acquire images in different directions; the radar device is used for detecting whether a target object exists in a target area; the pan-tilt camera is configured in a way that in an initial state, the target area is located in a view blind area of the image acquisition device; when the radar device detects that a target object exists in the target area, the pan-tilt mechanism drives the image acquisition device to move, and the view field of the image acquisition device faces the target object. According to the pan-tilt camera of the utility model, the effective monitoring range of the pan-tilt camera can be effectively expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of pan-tilt cameras, in particular to a pan-tilt camera and a monitoring system. Background Art

[0002] The PTZ camera has a device that supports the camera to rotate in both horizontal and vertical directions, so that the camera can be rotated to different angles for shooting.

[0003] PTZ cameras in related technologies usually have functions such as automatic scanning and automatic tracking. However, PTZ cameras can usually only respond to targets within the lens' field of view, and the lens' field of view is limited. For targets outside the lens' field of view, it is impossible to detect and respond in time. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides a pan-tilt camera and a monitoring system, which can solve the problem that the pan-tilt camera cannot detect and respond to targets outside the field of view of the lens in a timely manner.

[0005] The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, a pan-tilt camera is provided, comprising: an image acquisition device, a pan-tilt mechanism, and a radar device;

[0007] The image acquisition device is located on the pan-tilt mechanism, and the pan-tilt mechanism is used to drive the image acquisition device to move so as to acquire images in different directions;

[0008] The radar device is used to detect whether there is a target object in the target area;

[0009] The pan-tilt camera is configured so that, in an initial state, the target area is located within the blind spot of the image acquisition device; when the radar device detects the presence of the target object within the target area, the pan-tilt mechanism drives the image acquisition device to move, turning the field of view of the image acquisition device toward the target object.

[0010] In some embodiments, the radar device is located on the pan-tilt mechanism, and the target area corresponding to the radar device covers at least part of the blind area of the field of view of the image acquisition device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device is arranged toward a first direction, and the radar device is arranged toward a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction do not overlap.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first direction and the second direction are parallel to each other and in opposite directions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the PTZ camera further comprises: a control module;

[0014] The control module is electrically connected to the radar device and the pan-tilt mechanism respectively;

[0015] The control module is used to receive the electrical signal input by the radar device indicating that the target object exists in the target area, and control the pan-tilt mechanism to drive the image acquisition device to move, so as to direct the field of view of the image acquisition device toward the target object.

[0016] In some embodiments, the radar device includes a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, wherein the transmitting antenna is used to transmit electromagnetic waves toward the target object, and the receiving antenna is used to receive reflected electromagnetic waves reflected by the target object.

[0017] In some embodiments, the number of the receiving antennas is at least two, and the at least two receiving antennas are arranged at a target distance L apart.

[0018] In some embodiments, the radar device is at least one of a millimeter wave radar, a laser radar, and an infrared radar.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pan-tilt camera further includes a communication module, and the communication module is electrically connected to the control module.

[0020] On the other hand, a monitoring system is provided, the monitoring system comprising at least one PTZ camera and a central control console, the at least one PTZ camera being as described in the present invention;

[0021] The at least one pan-tilt camera is communicatively connected to the central console, and the central console receives image information input by the at least one pan-tilt camera.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by the utility model include at least:

[0023] The pan-tilt camera of the present utility model includes an image acquisition device, a pan-tilt mechanism and a radar device, wherein the image acquisition device is located on the pan-tilt mechanism and can move under the drive of the pan-tilt mechanism to acquire images in different directions. The target area of the radar device is in the blind spot of the field of view of the image acquisition device. The radar device can be used to detect whether there is a target object in the blind spot of the field of view of the image acquisition device, so that the blind spot of the field of view of the image acquisition device can be monitored. Once the radar device detects the presence of a target object in the target area, the image acquisition device can be driven by the pan-tilt mechanism to turn to the target object, so that the pan-tilt camera can promptly detect the target object in the blind spot of the field of view and can respond to the target object, thereby effectively extending the effective monitoring range of the pan-tilt camera. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a pan-tilt camera provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a pan-tilt camera provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a front view of the PTZ camera provided by an embodiment of the present utility model in use;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a top view of the PTZ camera provided by an embodiment of the present utility model in use;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a pan-tilt camera provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a pan-tilt camera provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a pan-tilt camera provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 It is a structural diagram of a radar device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a radar device provided by another embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 10 It is a structural diagram of the monitoring system provided by an embodiment of the utility model.

[0035] The reference numerals in the figures represent respectively:

[0036] 100, PTZ camera; 200, center console;

[0037] 1. Image acquisition device;

[0038] 101. Field of view;

[0039] 11. Lens assembly; 12. Imaging assembly;

[0040] 2. PTZ mechanism;

[0041] 21. Mounting base; 22. Rotating table; 23. Rotating bracket;

[0042] 3. Radar device;

[0043] 301, target area;

[0044] 31. Transmitting antenna; 32. Receiving antenna; 33. Synthesizer; 34. Mixer;

[0045] 4. Control module;

[0046] 5. Communication module;

[0047] a. first direction; b. second direction;

[0048] 001, first axis; 002, second axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present invention, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the attached figures. Figure 1 The orientation or positional relationship shown is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0051] It should be understood that in the present utility model, "electrical connection" and "electrical connection" can be understood as physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as a form of connection between different components in a circuit structure through physical lines such as printed circuit board (PCB) copper foil or wires that can transmit electrical signals. "Communication connection" can refer to electrical signal transmission, including wireless communication connection and wired communication connection. Wireless communication connection does not require a physical medium and does not belong to a connection relationship that limits the product structure. "Connection" and "connected" can both refer to a mechanical connection relationship or a physical connection relationship, that is, A is connected to B or A and B are connected, which means that there is a fastening component (such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) between A and B, or A and B are in contact with each other and A and B are difficult to separate.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used in the embodiments of the present invention have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0053] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] On the one hand, combined with Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a pan-tilt camera 100, which includes: an image acquisition device 1, a pan-tilt mechanism 2 and a radar device 3.

[0055] The image acquisition device 1 is located on a pan-tilt mechanism 2 , and the pan-tilt mechanism 2 is used to drive the image acquisition device 1 to move so as to acquire images in different directions.

[0056] The radar device 3 is used to detect whether there is a target object in the target area 301 .

[0057] The pan-tilt camera 100 is configured so that, in the initial state, the target area 301 is located in the blind spot of the field of view of the image acquisition device 1; when the radar device 3 detects the presence of a target object in the target area 301, the pan-tilt mechanism 2 drives the image acquisition device 1 to move, and directs the field of view 101 of the image acquisition device 1 toward the target object.

[0058] The pan-tilt camera 100 of this embodiment includes an image acquisition device 1, a pan-tilt mechanism 2 and a radar device 3, wherein the image acquisition device 1 is located on the pan-tilt mechanism 2 and can move under the drive of the pan-tilt mechanism 2 to acquire images in different directions. The target area 301 of the radar device 3 is in the blind spot of the image acquisition device 1. The radar device 3 can be used to detect whether there is a target object in the blind spot of the image acquisition device 1, so that the blind spot of the image acquisition device 1 can be monitored. Once the radar device 3 detects the presence of a target object in the target area 301, the image acquisition device 1 can be driven by the pan-tilt mechanism 2 to turn towards the target object, so that the pan-tilt camera 100 can promptly detect the target object in the blind spot and can respond to the target object, thereby effectively expanding the effective monitoring range of the pan-tilt camera.

[0059] In this embodiment, the pan-tilt camera 100 is a product of the combination of a pan-tilt head and a camera. With the help of the all-round or partial rotation capability of the pan-tilt head, the lens of the camera can face different directions, thereby realizing image capture in different directions, thereby greatly improving the image capture capability of the camera.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the pan-tilt mechanism 2 may be a horizontal rotating pan-tilt that can rotate left and right, or an omnidirectional pan-tilt that can rotate left and right as well as up and down.

[0061] For example, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the pan-tilt mechanism 2 includes a mounting base 21, a rotating platform 22 and a rotating bracket 23. Figure 1 Taking the orientation shown as an example, the mounting base 21 is located at the bottom. The mounting base 21 can be used to fix the pan / tilt camera 100 at any location such as a desktop, a wall, or a roof. The rotating platform 22 is located on the top of the mounting base 21. The rotating platform 22 can rotate around the first axis 001. A rotating bracket 23 is provided on the top of the rotating platform 22. The top of the rotating bracket 23 is hingedly connected to the image acquisition device 1. The image acquisition device 1 can rotate around the second axis. Figure 2 An example is shown in which the image acquisition device 1 rotates counterclockwise around the second axis.

[0062] By utilizing the pan-tilt mechanism 2 provided in this embodiment, the image acquisition device 1 rotates around the second axis to achieve pitch adjustment of the field of view 101. The rotating platform 22 drives the rotating bracket 23, and the rotating bracket 23 drives the image acquisition device 1 to rotate around the first axis 001, thereby achieving left and right (i.e., horizontal) adjustment of the field of view 101 of the image acquisition device 1.

[0063] It should be noted that radar device 3 is conventional technology in the art and is widely used in various fields, such as automobiles and robotics. In this embodiment, radar device 3 is used to detect the presence of a target object within target area 301. Existing technology can be directly employed without modifying the computer application. The movement of pan / tilt mechanism 2 based on the detection results of radar device 3 is also conventional technology in the art. Therefore, this embodiment does not involve modifications to the computer application.

[0064] Combine Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the radar device 3 is located on the pan-tilt mechanism 2 , and the target area 301 corresponding to the radar device 3 covers at least part of the blind area of the field of view of the image acquisition device 1 .

[0065] Through the above arrangement, the radar device 3 and the image acquisition device 1 are set together on the pan-tilt mechanism 2, so that the radar device 3 can also use the rotation ability of the pan-tilt structure to adjust the direction of the target area 301, so that the radar device 3 can detect a larger range of blind spots.

[0066] In some possible implementations, reference Figure 1 As shown, the radar device 3 can be located on the image acquisition device 1, and the target area 301 of the radar device 3 is at a relatively fixed angle to the field of view 101 of the image acquisition device 1. Figure 2 As shown, the radar device 3 is located on the pan-tilt mechanism 2, but can move relative to the image acquisition device 1. For example, the radar device 3 is connected to the rotating platform 22 of the pan-tilt structure and can only be adjusted left and right with the help of the rotating platform 22.

[0067] In some other possible implementations, the radar device 3 may be located on the mounting base 21 of the pan-tilt mechanism 2 , and the target area 301 of the radar device 3 is fixed relative to the image acquisition device 1 .

[0068] Combine Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the image acquisition device 1 is arranged toward a first direction a, and the radar device 3 is arranged toward a second direction b, and the first direction a and the second direction b do not overlap.

[0069] By arranging the image acquisition device 1 and the radar device 3 along the first direction a and the second direction b respectively, the target area 301 corresponding to the radar device 3 can cover at least a portion of the blind spot, thereby expanding the field of view 101 of the image acquisition device 1.

[0070] Combine Figure 1 、 3 and Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the first direction a and the second direction b are parallel and opposite to each other. That is, the first direction a and the second direction b are collinear, but the angle between them is 180°. Thus, when the field of view 101 of the image acquisition device 1 is facing forward, the target range of the radar device 3 is facing backward, thus compensating for the rearward blind spot of the image acquisition device 1.

[0071] Need to explain, Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a front view of a ceiling-mounted installation scenario of the PTZ camera 100 of this embodiment. Figure 4 A top view of the ceiling-mounted installation scenario of the pan-tilt camera 100 of this embodiment is shown.

[0072] In other embodiments, combined Figure 5 As shown, the angle between the first direction a and the second direction b is an acute angle. For example, the image acquisition device 1 faces straight ahead, and the radar device 3 faces obliquely ahead. Figure 6 As shown, the angle between the first direction a and the second direction b is an obtuse angle. In another exemplary embodiment, the image acquisition device 1 faces straight ahead, and the radar device 3 faces obliquely backward.

[0073] In other embodiments, combined Figure 6 As shown, the number of radar devices 3 can be more than one, for example, two, and the two radar devices 3 can face different directions. For example, the image acquisition device 1 faces the front, and the two radar devices 3 face the left and right oblique rear directions respectively.

[0074] Through the above arrangement, the radar device 3 can better cover the blind spot of the image acquisition device 1 .

[0075] Combine Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the pan-tilt camera 100 further includes: a control module 4.

[0076] The control module 4 is electrically connected to the radar device 3 and the pan-tilt mechanism 2 respectively.

[0077] The control module 4 is used to receive the electrical signal from the radar device 3 indicating the presence of a target object in the target area 301 , and control the pan / tilt mechanism 2 to drive the image acquisition device 1 to move, so that the field of view 101 of the image acquisition device 1 faces the target object.

[0078] Through the above arrangement, the pan-tilt camera 100 coordinates and controls the radar device 3, the image acquisition device 1 and the pan-tilt mechanism 2 through the control module 4, so that the image acquisition device 1 can timely adjust the field of view 101 according to the detection results of the radar device 3, thereby realizing all-round picture monitoring.

[0079] In some possible implementations, the control module 4 includes a judgment unit, which is used to determine whether it is necessary to rotate the image acquisition device 1 to capture an image of the target object after receiving information such as the distance, angle, and motion status of the target object fed back by the radar device 3, thereby avoiding the image acquisition device 1 from responding indiscriminately to the target object and improving the intelligence level of the pan-tilt camera.

[0080] In some other possible implementations, the image acquisition device 1 includes a lens assembly 11 and an imaging assembly 12 , and the lens assembly 11 is located on the light incident side of the imaging assembly 12 .

[0081] Combine Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the radar device 3 includes a transmitting antenna 31 and a receiving antenna 32. The transmitting antenna 31 is used to transmit electromagnetic waves toward the target object, and the receiving antenna 32 is used to receive reflected electromagnetic waves reflected by the target object.

[0082] The basic principle of radar distance measurement is to calculate the time difference t between the transmitted electromagnetic wave and the received reflected electromagnetic wave, and to estimate the distance d of the target object by the electromagnetic wave propagation speed c, using the formula d = tc / 2.

[0083] In some possible implementations, reference Figure 8 Radar device 3 also includes a synthesizer and a mixer. The synthesizer is electrically connected to transmitting antenna 31 and the mixer, respectively, while receiving antenna 32 is electrically connected to the mixer. During operation, the synthesizer first generates linear frequency modulation pulses (LFMs). These LFMs are then converted into transmitted electromagnetic waves via transmitting antenna 31 as transmit signals and then transmitted. Upon encountering a target, the transmitted electromagnetic waves generate reflected electromagnetic waves, which are received by receiving antenna 32 and converted into received signals. The mixer combines the transmitted and received signals to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. This IF signal can be used to calculate the time difference t, and thus determine the distance d to the target.

[0084] Combine Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the number of the receiving antennas 32 is at least two, and the at least two receiving antennas 32 are arranged at a target distance L apart.

[0085] By using at least two receiving antennas 32 , the angle measurement of the target object's position can be achieved, thereby more accurately determining the target object's position and facilitating the pan-tilt structure to adjust the field of view 101 of the image acquisition device 1 .

[0086] In some embodiments, the radar device 3 is at least one of a millimeter wave radar, a laser radar, and an infrared radar. Utilizing any of the above-mentioned radar devices 3 , the blind spot of the field of view of the image acquisition device 1 can be detected.

[0087] Combine Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the PTZ camera 100 further includes a communication module 5, which is electrically connected to the control module 4. Using the communication module 5, the PTZ camera 100 can upload image acquisition results and receive control instructions.

[0088] On the other hand, combined Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment provides a monitoring system, which includes at least one pan-tilt camera 100 and a central control console 200. The at least one pan-tilt camera 100 is as described in the present invention.

[0089] At least one pan-tilt camera 100 is in communication connection with the central console 200 , and the central console 200 receives image information inputted by the at least one pan-tilt camera 100 .

[0090] The monitoring system of this embodiment adopts the pan-tilt camera 100 of the present invention and has all the beneficial technical effects of all the embodiments herein.

[0091] In some possible implementations, one central console 200 may correspond to multiple PTZ cameras 100, and each PTZ camera 100 may be connected to the central console 200 using different communication connection methods, such as wired communication connection and wireless communication connection. Figure 10 The central console 200 is connected to the first PTZ camera 100 by wired communication, the central console 200 is connected to the second PTZ camera 100 by wireless communication, and the central console 200 is connected to the third PTZ camera 100 by wired communication and also by wireless communication. This helps to improve the applicability of the monitoring system of this embodiment.

[0092] It should be noted that the terms "several" and "at least one" in this document refer to one or more, while "multiple" and "at least two" refer to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects.

[0093] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this utility model, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0094] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention.

[0095] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the principles of the present invention shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pan-tilt camera, characterized in that: The pan-tilt camera (100) comprises: an image acquisition device (1), a pan-tilt mechanism (2) and a radar device (3); The image acquisition device (1) is located on the pan-tilt mechanism (2), and the pan-tilt mechanism (2) is used to drive the image acquisition device (1) to move so as to acquire images in different directions; The radar device (3) is used to detect whether a target object exists in a target area (301); The pan-tilt camera (100) is configured such that, in an initial state, the target area (301) is located within a blind area of the field of view of the image acquisition device (1); when the radar device (3) detects the target object in the target area (301), the pan-tilt mechanism (2) drives the image acquisition device (1) to move, and directs the field of view (101) of the image acquisition device (1) toward the target object.

2. The PTZ camera according to claim 1, wherein: The radar device (3) is located on the pan-tilt mechanism (2), and the target area (301) corresponding to the radar device (3) covers at least part of the blind area of the field of view of the image acquisition device (1).

3. The PTZ camera according to claim 2, wherein: The image acquisition device (1) is arranged toward a first direction (a), and the radar device (3) is arranged toward a second direction (b), wherein the first direction (a) and the second direction (b) do not overlap.

4. The PTZ camera according to claim 3, wherein: The first direction (a) and the second direction (b) are parallel to each other and in opposite directions.

5. The PTZ camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The pan-tilt camera (100) further includes: a control module (4); The control module (4) is electrically connected to the radar device (3) and the pan-tilt mechanism (2) respectively; The control module (4) is used to receive an electrical signal indicating that the target object is within the target area (301) input by the radar device (3), and to control the pan-tilt mechanism (2) to drive the image acquisition device (1) to move, thereby directing the field of view (101) of the image acquisition device (1) toward the target object.

6. The PTZ camera according to claim 5, characterized in that: The radar device (3) comprises a transmitting antenna (31) and a receiving antenna (32), wherein the transmitting antenna (31) is used to transmit electromagnetic waves toward the target object, and the receiving antenna (32) is used to receive reflected electromagnetic waves reflected by the target object.

7. The PTZ camera according to claim 6, wherein: The number of the receiving antennas (32) is at least two, and the at least two receiving antennas (32) are arranged at a target distance L between them.

8. The PTZ camera according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The radar device (3) is at least one of a millimeter wave radar, a laser radar, and an infrared radar.

9. The PTZ camera according to claim 5, wherein: The pan-tilt camera (100) further includes a communication module (5), and the communication module (5) is electrically connected to the control module (4).

10. A monitoring system, characterized in that: The monitoring system comprises at least one pan-tilt camera (100) and a central control console (200), wherein the at least one pan-tilt camera (100) is as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The at least one pan-tilt camera (100) is communicatively connected to the central control console (200), and the central control console (200) receives image information input by the at least one pan-tilt camera (100).

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