Image acquisition device

Abstract

An image acquisition device includes a housing, a driving unit, an image acquisition assembly, a linkage assembly, a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor. The driving unit is disposed on the housing. The image acquisition assembly is pivotally connected to the housing along a first pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is offset from a rotation axis of the driving unit. The linkage assembly includes a driven wheel and a linkage element, wherein the driven wheel is connected to the image acquisition assembly, and the linkage element is connected between the driving unit and the driven wheel. The driving unit is adapted to drive the image acquisition assembly to pivot through the linkage assembly. The magnetic element is disposed on the image acquisition assembly or the driven wheel and is adapted to rotate around the first pivot axis. The magnetic sensor is disposed on the image acquisition assembly or the housing, wherein the magnetic sensor is adapted to sense a magnetic field of the magnetic element to determine a rotation state of the driven wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an image acquisition apparatus, and more particularly to an image acquisition apparatus comprising a pivotable image acquisition component. Background Technology

[0002] Video devices such as monitors or conference cameras typically use motors to drive the lens assembly to rotate relative to its base. If the motor and lens assembly within the base are coaxial, the electrical wiring between the lens assembly and the base becomes difficult to route and is prone to excessive stretching and tangling due to the motor's rotation. Therefore, how to configure the motor and lens assembly to maintain proper lens assembly rotation, and thus enable angle detection and control, is a crucial design issue for video devices. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an image acquisition device that can maintain good rotation angle detection and control of the image acquisition component while setting the driving unit and the image acquisition component to be non-coaxial.

[0004] The image acquisition device of this application includes a base, a drive unit, an image acquisition component, a linkage component, a magnetic element, and a magnetic sensor. The drive unit is disposed on the base. The image acquisition component is pivotally connected to the base along a first pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is offset from the rotation axis of the drive unit. The linkage component includes a driven wheel and a linkage member, wherein the driven wheel is connected to the image acquisition component, and the linkage member is connected between the drive unit and the driven wheel. The drive unit is adapted to drive the image acquisition component to pivot via the linkage component. The magnetic element is disposed on the image acquisition component or the driven wheel and is adapted to rotate about the first pivot axis. The magnetic sensor is disposed on the image acquisition component or the base, wherein the magnetic sensor is adapted to sense the magnetic field of the magnetic element to determine the rotational state of the driven wheel.

[0005] In one embodiment of this application, the image acquisition component includes a frame and an image acquisition unit. The frame is pivotally connected to a base along a first pivot axis, and the image acquisition unit is pivotally connected to the frame along a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, the central axis of the magnetic element is a first pivot axis.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the magnetic element described above has at least two magnetic poles with opposite polarities, and the at least two magnetic poles are arranged circumferentially along the magnetic element.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned magnetic component is disposed on the driven wheel, and the magnetic sensor is disposed on the base.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the magnetic sensor described above is located radially outside the magnetic component.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the magnetic sensor described above is a giant magnetoresistive sensor.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned seat has an opening, and the image acquisition component has a pivot portion that is pivotally connected to the opening and extends into the seat body through the opening to connect to the driven wheel.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the image acquisition component has a first through hole, the driven wheel has a second through hole, the first through hole and the second through hole are connected, and the electrical wiring between the image acquisition component and the base passes through the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the driven wheel is a belt gear and the connecting element is a belt.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned linkage component is a gear set, wherein the driven wheel and the linkage are both gears and mesh with each other.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the image acquisition device further includes an idler wheel assembly, wherein the idler wheel assembly is disposed on the base and abuts against the linkage.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned idler wheel assembly includes an idler wheel, a swing arm, and an elastic element. The swing arm is pivotally connected to the base, the elastic element is connected between one end of the swing arm and the base, and the idler wheel is connected to the other end of the swing arm and abuts against the linkage through the elastic force of the elastic element.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, the rotation axis of the idler wheel is parallel to the first pivot axis.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned swing arm is pivotally connected to the seat along a third pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

[0019] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned linkage constitutes a closed structure, with the inner surface of the closed structure contacting the drive unit and the driven wheel, and the idler wheel assembly abutting against the outer surface of the closed structure.

[0020] The image acquisition device of this application includes a base, a drive unit, an image acquisition component, a linkage component, and an idler wheel assembly. The drive unit is disposed on the base. The image acquisition component is pivotally connected to the base along a first pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is offset from the rotation axis of the drive unit. The linkage component includes a driven wheel and a linkage member, wherein the driven wheel is connected to the image acquisition component, and the linkage member is connected between the drive unit and the driven wheel. The drive unit is adapted to drive the image acquisition component to pivot via the linkage component. The idler wheel assembly is disposed on the base and abuts against the linkage member.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned idler wheel assembly includes an idler wheel, a swing arm, and an elastic element. The swing arm is pivotally connected to the base, the elastic element is connected between one end of the swing arm and the base, and the idler wheel is connected to the other end of the swing arm and abuts against the linkage through the elastic force of the elastic element.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the rotation axis of the idler wheel is parallel to the first pivot axis.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned swing arm is pivotally connected to the seat along a third pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the aforementioned linkage constitutes a closed structure, with the inner surface of the closed structure contacting the drive unit and the driven wheel, and the idler wheel assembly abutting against the outer surface of the closed structure.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, the driven wheel is a gear and the connecting element is a belt.

[0026] Based on the above, in the image acquisition apparatus of this application, the pivot axis of the image acquisition component is offset from the rotation axis of the drive unit, and the drive unit drives the image acquisition component to pivot via a linkage component. Accordingly, the electrical wiring between the image acquisition component and the base can be arranged to pass through the driven wheel of the linkage component without excessive pulling or tangling due to the rotation of the drive unit. Furthermore, a magnetic component is disposed on the image acquisition component or the driven wheel in a manner rotatable about the pivot axis of the image acquisition component, and can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the driven wheel. Accordingly, the sensing of changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic component by the magnetic sensor directly reflects the rotation state of the driven wheel, enabling the image acquisition apparatus to accurately detect and control the rotation angle of the image acquisition component. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an image acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of some components of the image acquisition device.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial stereoscopic view of the image acquisition device.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the image acquisition device.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Top view of the magnetic component.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of some components of the image acquisition device.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100: Image acquisition device 110: base body 110a: Opening 112: Upper shell 114: Lower shell 120: Drive Unit 122: Drive gear section 130: Image Acquisition Component 132: Frame 1321: Pivot section 134: Image Acquisition Unit 140: Linkage Components 142: Driven wheel 1421: Cover 144: Linkage components 144a: Inner surface 144b: Outer surface 150: Magnetic components 152: S pole 154: N pole 160: Magnetic sensor 162: Circuit Board 170: Idler Gear Assembly 172: Idle Gear 174: Arm Swing 1741: Screws 176: Elastic element A1: First pivot axis A2: Second pivot axis A3: Third pivot axis CB: Electrical circuit H1: First through hole H2: Second through hole MA, WA: Rotation axes OA: Optical Axis Detailed Implementation It should be noted that in the descriptions of the various embodiments, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used to describe different elements, and these elements are not limited by such predicates. Furthermore, for ease of explanation and clarity, the thickness or dimensions of each element in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or approximated for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art. The dimensions of each element are not exactly its actual dimensions and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this application; therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effects and purposes achieved by this application, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar elements in all drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an image acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of some components of the image acquisition device. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial stereoscopic view of the image acquisition device. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The image acquisition device 100 of this embodiment includes a base 110, a drive unit 120, and an image acquisition component 130. The base 110 includes an upper housing 112 and a lower housing 114, which are assembled together to form a receiving space within the base 110. The drive unit 120 is, for example, a stepper motor or other type of motor; this application is not limited to this. The drive unit 120 is disposed within the receiving space of the base 110. The image acquisition component 130 includes a frame 132 and an image acquisition unit 134. The frame 132 is, for example, an L-shaped structure. The frame 132 (e.g., one end of the L-shaped structure) is pivotally connected to the base 110 along a first pivot axis A1. The image acquisition unit 134 is pivotally connected to the frame 132 (e.g., the other end of the L-shaped structure) along a second pivot axis A2 perpendicular to the first pivot axis A1, and the optical axis OA of the image acquisition unit 134 is perpendicular to the second pivot axis A2. The drive unit 120 is used to drive the image acquisition assembly 130 to rotate along the first pivot axis A1. In addition, the image acquisition assembly 130 may include another drive unit (such as a motor), which is, for example, disposed between the frame 132 and the image acquisition unit 134 and is used to drive the image acquisition unit 134 to rotate along the second pivot axis A2.

[0035] In detail, in this embodiment, the first pivot axis A1 is offset from and parallel to the rotation axis MA of the drive unit 120. The image acquisition device 100 also includes a linkage assembly 140, which is disposed in the receiving space of the base 110 and includes a driven wheel 142 and a linkage member 144. The driven wheel 142 is, for example, a gear and is connected to the frame 132 of the image acquisition assembly 130. The linkage member 144 is, for example, a belt and is connected between the drive unit 120 and the driven wheel 142. The surface of the belt for contacting the gear has, for example, a toothed structure corresponding to the gear, to facilitate the linkage between the belt and the gear. The belt and gear combination effectively provides smooth transmission, helps to suppress noise, and reduces accumulated accuracy errors. The drive unit 120 is adapted to drive the image acquisition assembly 130 to pivot along the first pivot axis A1 via the linkage assembly 140. In this embodiment, the driven wheel 142 can be connected to the frame 132 of the image acquisition component 130 by means of tight fitting, locking, or snap-fit, and this application does not limit this. In other embodiments, the linkage component 140 is, for example, a gear set, in which the linkage 144 and the driven wheel 142 are both gears and mesh with each other to form the gear set.

[0036] As described above, in the image acquisition apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the first pivot axis A1 of the image acquisition component 130 is offset from the rotation axis MA of the drive unit 120, and the drive unit 120 drives the image acquisition component 130 to pivot via the linkage component 140. Accordingly, the electrical wiring between the image acquisition component 130 and the base 110 can be arranged in such a way that it passes through the driven wheel 142 of the linkage component 140 without being excessively pulled or tangled due to the rotation of the drive unit 120.

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the image acquisition device. Please refer to... Figure 4Specifically, in this embodiment, the base 110 has an opening 110a, and the frame 132 of the image acquisition component 130 has a pivot portion 1321. The pivot portion 1321 is pivotally connected to the opening 110a along a first pivot axis A1 and extends into the base 110 through the opening 110a to connect to the driven wheel 142. The pivot portion 1321 has a first through hole H1, and the driven wheel 142 has a second through hole H2. The first through hole H1 and the second through hole H2 are connected, and the electrical circuit CB between the image acquisition component 130 and the base 110 is arranged to pass through the first through hole H1 and the second through hole H2. Thus, the electrical circuit CB, by its flexibility, allows the image acquisition component 130 to have an appropriate maximum rotation angle relative to the base 110 along the first pivot axis A1. In this embodiment, the image acquisition component 130 and the base 110 may be provided with corresponding stop structures to limit their maximum relative rotation angle, so as to prevent the electrical circuit CB from being excessively twisted due to the excessive relative rotation angle between the image acquisition component 130 and the base 110.

[0038] Furthermore, the image acquisition device 100 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 The system also includes a magnetic element 150 and a magnetic sensor 160, which are disposed within the receiving space of the base 110. In this embodiment, the magnetic element 150 is a ring magnet, disposed on the driven wheel 142 and surrounding a first pivot axis A1, adapted to rotate with the driven wheel 142 about the first pivot axis A1. The central axis of the magnetic element 150 is, for example, the first pivot axis A1. A cover 1421 is assembled to the driven wheel 142 and covers the magnetic element 150. The magnetic sensor 160 is disposed on a circuit board 162 within the base 110 and located radially outward of the magnetic element 150. The magnetic sensor 160 is adapted to sense the magnetic field of the magnetic element 150 to determine the rotational state (e.g., rotation angle) of the driven wheel 142. In other embodiments, the magnetic sensor 160 may face the magnetic element 150 and is adapted to sense changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic element 150.

[0039] This application does not limit the placement of the magnetic element 150 and / or the magnetic sensor 160. In other embodiments, the magnetic sensor 160 may be positioned above, below, or otherwise suitably adjacent to the magnetic element 150. Furthermore, the magnetic element 150 may be positioned on the frame 132 of the image acquisition assembly 130, and the magnetic sensor 160 may be positioned accordingly on the base 110 adjacent to the magnetic element 150. The shape and number of the magnetic element 150 may also be adjusted as needed, for example, a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in a ring around a first pivot axis A1.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the magnetic component 150 is disposed on the driven wheel 142 or the frame 132 in a manner surrounding the first pivot axis A1 of the image acquisition component 130, and can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the driven wheel 142. Accordingly, the sensing of the magnetic field change of the magnetic component 150 by the magnetic sensor 160 directly reflects the rotation state of the driven wheel 142, enabling the image acquisition device 100 to accurately detect and control the rotation angle of the image acquisition component 130.

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The top view of the magnetic component. Please refer to... Figure 5 Specifically, the magnetic component 150 in this embodiment has at least two magnetic poles of opposite polarity (illustrated as two S poles 152 and two N poles 154), which are arranged alternately along the circumference of the magnetic component 150. The magnetic sensor 160 is, for example, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, which is a magnetic field sensor based on the giant magnetoresistance effect and can accurately sense the changes in the magnetic field generated when the magnetic component 150 rotates.

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of some components of the image acquisition device. Please refer to... Figure 6 In this embodiment, the image acquisition device 100 further includes an idler wheel assembly 170, which is disposed in the receiving space of the base 110 and abuts against the linkage member 144 (e.g., a belt) of the linkage assembly 140. Accordingly, the linkage member 144 can be kept in a tensioned state by the abutment force applied by the idler wheel assembly 170, so as to avoid the driven wheel 142 pulling the linkage member 144 when it stops suddenly, which would cause tooth skipping between the driven wheel 142 and the linkage member 144.

[0043] In detail, the idler wheel assembly 170 of this embodiment includes an idler wheel 172, a swing arm 174, and an elastic member 176. The swing arm 174 is pivotally connected to the seat 110 along a third pivot axis A3 parallel to the first pivot axis A1. The elastic member 176, for example, is a spring and is connected between one end of the swing arm 174 and the seat 110. The idler wheel 172 is rotatably connected to the other end of the swing arm 174, and the rotation axis WA of the idler wheel 172 is parallel to the first pivot axis A1. The linkage 144 (e.g., a belt) forms a closed structure. The inner surface 144a of the closed structure contacts the drive gear portion 122 and the driven wheel 142 of the drive unit 120. The drive unit 120 drives the linkage 144 to actuate via its drive gear portion 122, thereby driving the driven wheel 142 to rotate. The idler wheel 172 of the idler wheel assembly 170 abuts against the outer surface 144b of the closed structure formed by the linkage 144 (e.g., a belt). The elastic force of the elastic element 176 resists the tension force of the linkage 144, keeping the elastic element 176 in a stretched state. This allows the idler wheel 172 to continuously press against the outer surface 144b of the linkage 144 by the elastic force of the elastic element 176. Furthermore, the idler wheel 172 is, for example, limited to the rocker arm 174 by a screw 1741 and is rotatable by the screw 1741. Thus, by the rolling of the idler wheel 172 along the linkage 144, friction and pulling on the linkage 144 by the idler wheel 172 are prevented.

[0044] In summary, in the image acquisition apparatus of this application, the pivot axis of the image acquisition component is offset from the rotation axis of the drive unit, and the drive unit drives the image acquisition component to pivot via a linkage component. Accordingly, the electrical wiring between the image acquisition component and the base can be arranged to pass through the driven wheel of the linkage component without excessive pulling or tangling due to the rotation of the drive unit. Furthermore, the magnetic component is configured to rotate around the pivot axis of the image acquisition component or the driven wheel, and can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the driven wheel. Accordingly, the magnetic sensor's sensing of changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic component directly reflects the rotation state of the driven wheel, enabling the image acquisition apparatus to accurately detect and control the rotation angle of the image acquisition component.

[0045] Although the technical content of this application has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications and refinements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this application should be included within the scope of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An image acquisition device, characterized in that, include: seat body; The drive unit is configured on the base; An image acquisition component is pivotally connected to the base along a first pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is offset from the rotation axis of the drive unit; A linkage assembly includes a driven wheel and a linkage member, wherein the driven wheel is connected to the image acquisition assembly, the linkage member is connected between the drive unit and the driven wheel, and the drive unit is adapted to drive the image acquisition assembly to pivot via the linkage assembly; A magnetic element, disposed in the image acquisition component or the driven wheel and adapted to rotate about the first pivot axis; and A magnetic sensor is disposed in the image acquisition component or the base, wherein the magnetic sensor is adapted to sense the magnetic field of the magnetic component in order to determine the rotational state of the driven wheel.

2. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The image acquisition component includes a frame and an image acquisition unit. The frame is pivotally connected to the base along the first pivot axis, and the image acquisition unit is pivotally connected to the frame along a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

3. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The central axis of the magnetic component is the first pivot axis.

4. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The magnetic component has at least two magnetic poles with opposite polarities, which are arranged circumferentially along the magnetic component.

5. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The magnetic component is disposed on the driven wheel, and the magnetic sensor is disposed on the base.

6. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The magnetic sensor is located radially outside the magnetic component.

7. The image acquisition device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, This magnetic sensor is a giant magnetoresistive sensor.

8. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The base has an opening, and the image acquisition component has a pivot portion that is pivotally connected to the opening and extends into the base through the opening to connect to the driven wheel.

9. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The image acquisition component has a first through hole, the driven wheel has a second through hole, the first through hole and the second through hole are connected, and the electrical wiring between the image acquisition component and the base passes through the first through hole and the second through hole.

10. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driven wheel is a gear, and the connecting element is a belt.

11. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein The linkage assembly is a gear set, and both the driven wheel and the linkage are gears that mesh with each other.

12. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 1, wherein It also includes an idler wheel assembly, wherein the idler wheel assembly is disposed on the base and abuts against the linkage.

13. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 12, wherein The idler wheel assembly includes an idler wheel, a swing arm, and an elastic element. The swing arm is pivotally connected to the base, the elastic element is connected between one end of the swing arm and the base, and the idler wheel is connected to the other end of the swing arm and abuts against the linkage through the elastic force of the elastic element.

14. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 13, wherein The axis of rotation of the idler wheel is parallel to the first pivot axis.

15. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The swing arm is pivotally connected to the seat along a third pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

16. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 12, wherein The linkage forms a closed structure, the inner surface of which contacts the drive unit and the driven wheel, and the idler wheel assembly abuts against the outer surface of the closed structure.

17. An image acquisition device, characterized by include: seat body; The drive unit is configured on the base; An image acquisition component is pivotally connected to the base along a first pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is offset from the rotation axis of the drive unit; A linkage assembly includes a driven wheel and a linkage member, wherein the driven wheel is connected to the image acquisition assembly, the linkage member is connected between the drive unit and the driven wheel, and the drive unit is adapted to drive the image acquisition assembly to pivot via the linkage assembly; as well as An idler wheel assembly is disposed on the base and abuts against the linkage.

18. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The idler wheel assembly includes an idler wheel, a swing arm, and an elastic element. The swing arm is pivotally connected to the base, the elastic element is connected between one end of the swing arm and the base, and the idler wheel is connected to the other end of the swing arm and abuts against the linkage through the elastic force of the elastic element.

19. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The axis of rotation of the idler wheel is parallel to the first pivot axis.

20. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The swing arm is pivotally connected to the seat along a third pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

21. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The linkage forms a closed structure, the inner surface of which contacts the drive unit and the driven wheel, and the idler wheel assembly abuts against the outer surface of the closed structure.

22. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 17, wherein The driven wheel is a gear, and the connecting element is a belt.

Images