A portable gimbal camera controller

Abstract

This utility model relates to a portable gimbal camera controller, which includes a gimbal base and a main unit. The main unit contains a circuit board assembly, which includes a main control board, a function board, and an interface module. The main control board integrates a main control module, a motor drive module, and a power management module. The function board integrates an Ethernet data interface module and a USB charging interface module. The interface module includes a USB video input interface module and an SDI video output interface module. The input and output terminals of the main control module are respectively connected to the USB video input interface module, the SDI video output interface module, and the motor drive module. The Ethernet data interface module has a bidirectional communication connection with the main control module, and the output terminal of the motor drive module is connected to a motor. This portable gimbal camera controller achieves functions that previously required multiple devices in a small size, significantly improving the portability and integration of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of video processing and control equipment technology, and in particular to an integrated portable gimbal camera controller that integrates video encoding and streaming, multi-functional interface and electric rotating gimbal. Background Technology

[0002] In modern film and television production and live streaming, the demand for remotely controlled, unattended camera positions and flexible camera movements is increasing. Current methods generally require combining multiple devices such as cameras (camcorders), independent motorized pan-tilt heads, video encoders, and controllers. This not only results in large systems, complex wiring, and high costs, but also hinders rapid deployment and mobility. Especially for scenarios using lightweight cameras such as smartphones and mirrorless cameras, there is a lack of a portable solution that highly integrates camera stabilization, motion control, video processing, and remote transmission, thus limiting the professional application of lightweight shooting equipment. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a portable gimbal camera controller that is highly integrated in structure, has comprehensive functions, and is easy to use.

[0004] This portable gimbal camera controller includes a gimbal base and a main unit mounted on the gimbal base. A motor for driving the main unit's rotation is located in the center of the gimbal base. The main unit contains a circuit board assembly and a cooling fan. The circuit board assembly includes a main control board, a function board, and an interface module, all fixed inside the main unit's casing. The main control board integrates a main control module, a motor drive module, and a power management module. The function board integrates an Ethernet data interface module and a USB charging interface module. The interface modules include a USB video input interface module and an SDI video output interface module. The main control board and function board are connected via board-to-board connectors, and the main control board and interface modules are connected via ribbon cables for communication and power supply. The signal input terminal of the main control module is connected to the USB video input interface module, and the signal output terminal of the main control module is connected to both the SDI video output interface module and the motor drive module. The Ethernet data interface module has bidirectional communication with the main control module. The output terminal of the motor drive module is connected to the motor to drive its rotation. The USB charging interface module is connected to the power management module for power supply to the entire device.

[0005] Furthermore, the top of the main unit housing has a recessed groove for accommodating the bottom of the video acquisition device, and a pair of clamping mechanisms for fixing the video acquisition device are provided on both sides of the groove; the interface portion of the USB video input interface module is located at the bottom of the groove.

[0006] Furthermore, a set of status indicator lights is also provided on the main unit casing. The status indicator lights are electrically connected to the main control board and are used to indicate the working status of the device.

[0007] Furthermore, the cooling fan is located at the bottom inside the main unit casing and faces the circuit board assembly, for actively cooling the circuit board assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the board-to-board connector includes a socket on the main control board and pins on the function board that are compatible with the socket. Communication and power supply between the main control board and the function board are achieved by interlocking the socket and the pins.

[0009] Furthermore, the USB charging interface module is a USB Type-C interface that supports the PD protocol; the Ethernet data interface module is an RJ45 interface that supports the POE protocol; and the power management module is configured to manage and switch between PD power supply and POE power supply.

[0010] This utility model discloses a portable gimbal camera controller. By integrating the electric rotating base with the video processing controller into a single structure, and using a built-in motor drive module to directly control the base rotation, the main control module achieves the functions that previously required multiple devices in a small size, significantly improving the portability and integration of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The present invention provides a portable gimbal camera controller in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance and structure of this portable gimbal camera controller; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear view; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top-down view; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this portable gimbal camera controller (with the front and side shells of the main body removed). Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Side view; Figure 6 This is a wireframe diagram illustrating the functional logic connection principle of the circuit board assembly of the portable gimbal camera controller.

[0012] In the picture: 1-Gimbal base; 11-Motor; 2-Main unit; 21-Recessed groove, 22-Clamping mechanism, 23-Status indicator light; 3-Circuit board assembly; 31-Main control board, 32-Function board, 33-Interface module, 34-Board to board connector; 311-Main control module, 312-Motor drive module, 313-Power management module, 321-Ethernet data interface module, 322-USB charging interface module, 331-USB video input interface module, 332-SDI video output interface module, 341-Socket, 342-Pin; 4-Cooling fan. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0014] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0016] Implementation method 1: such as Figures 1 to 6As shown, this portable gimbal camera controller includes a gimbal base 1 and a main unit 2 mounted on the gimbal base 1. A motor 11 for driving the rotation of the main unit 2 is located in the center of the gimbal base 1. The main unit 2 contains a circuit board assembly 3 and a cooling fan 4. The circuit board assembly 3 includes a main control board 31, a function board 32, and an interface module 33, all fixed inside the casing of the main unit 2. The main control board 31 integrates a main control module 311, a motor drive module 312, and a power management module 313. The function board 32 integrates an Ethernet data interface module 321 and a USB charging interface module 322. The interface module 33 includes a USB video input interface module 331 and an SDI video output interface module 33. 2; The main control board 31 and the function board 32 are connected via a board-to-board connector 34, and the main control board 31 and the interface module 33 are connected via a ribbon cable for communication and power supply. The signal input terminal of the main control module 311 is connected to the USB video input interface module 331, and the signal output terminal of the main control module 311 is connected to the SDI video output interface module 331 and the motor drive module 312 respectively. The Ethernet data interface module 321 is bidirectionally connected to the main control module 311. The output terminal of the motor drive module 312 is connected to the motor 11 to drive the motor 11 to rotate. The USB charging interface module 322 is connected to the power management module 313 for power supply to the entire device. The modular circuit system, consisting of the main control board, function board, and interface module, is integrated into an electrically rotatable host, highly integrating the mechanical motion structure of the gimbal with the electronic structure of video processing. Communication and power supply are achieved through board-to-board connectors and ribbon cables, constructing a stable and reliable internal signal power supply path. This results in a portable shooting terminal that integrates motion control, video processing, and remote communication functions, featuring a novel structure and high integration.

[0017] Implementation method 2: such as Figure 1 , 3As shown, the top of the main unit 2 of this portable gimbal camera controller has a recessed groove 21 for accommodating the bottom of the video acquisition device, and a pair of clamping mechanisms 22 for fixing the video acquisition device are provided on both sides of the groove 21; the interface portion of the USB video input interface module 331 is located at the bottom of the groove 21. Integrating the clamping mechanism used for fixing the bottom of cameras such as GoPro and OsmoPocket with the USB video input port in the same groove area enables convenient plug-and-play operation, making the connection between the camera and the main unit very compact, avoiding dragging and interference from long cables, especially ensuring connection reliability when the device rotates, and improving the user experience. The main unit 2 also has a set of status indicator lights 23, which are electrically connected to the main control board 31 to indicate the working status of the device. This adds an intuitive human-machine interface to the device. By setting up power, signal input, and signal output status indicator lights that are linked to the main control module, operators can quickly determine the core status of the device—whether it is powered on normally, successfully receiving video signals, and streaming—by observing the lights without any additional equipment. This greatly simplifies the on-site deployment process and helps users quickly locate faults when problems occur, improving the product's ease of use and professionalism. The remaining structures and components are as described in Implementation Method 1 and will not be repeated.

[0018] Implementation Method 3: As shown in 4 and 5, the cooling fan 4 of this portable gimbal camera controller is located at the bottom of the main unit 2 housing and faces the circuit board assembly 3, for actively cooling the circuit board assembly 3. As a guarantee of product reliability, since the main control module generates a large amount of heat during high-load operations such as high-definition video encoding and motor control, the built-in cooling fan can form a forced convection airflow, timely and efficiently dissipating the heat from the core components, thereby ensuring that the device can continuously and stably operate at high performance in various environments. The remaining structures and components are as described in Implementation Method 1 and will not be repeated.

[0019] Implementation method 4: such as Figure 3 , 4As shown, the board-to-board connector 34 of this portable gimbal camera controller includes a socket 341 on the main control board 31 and pins 342 on the function board 32 that are compatible with the socket 341. Communication and power supply between the main control board 31 and the function board 32 are achieved through the mating of the socket 341 and the pins 342. The rigid board-to-board connector offers higher mechanical strength and stability compared to cable connections, better resisting vibration and impact, while also ensuring the transmission quality of high-frequency signals. The modular connection method also greatly simplifies assembly steps on the production line, improving production efficiency. The USB charging interface module 322 is a USB Type-C interface supporting the PD protocol; the Ethernet interface 321 is an RJ45 interface supporting the POE protocol; the power management module 313 is configured to manage and switch between PD power supply and POE power supply. Employing a dual-power flexible solution, it can draw power via both PoE (PoE) over a network cable and PD (Power Delivery) via a common USB-C charging cable, with intelligent selection through an internal power management module, greatly enhancing its adaptability to various scenarios. Whether in a professional site with a PoE network or in a mobile outdoor environment with only a power bank available, it can easily obtain power, significantly expanding the device's application range and convenience. The remaining structure and components are as described in Implementation Method 1 and will not be repeated.

[0020] During operation: The device is powered via the interface on function board 32, and the power is distributed to the power management module 313 of the main control board 31 through the board-to-board connector. The user can confirm the power supply status by observing the status indicator 5. The camera is fixed in the clamping mechanism 22 and connected to the USB video input interface module 331. The main control module 311 receives the video stream from the USB video input interface module 331, processes it, and outputs a broadcast-level signal from the SDI video output interface module 332 and an encoded network video stream from the Ethernet data interface module 321. At this time, the corresponding IN and OUT status indicator 5 will light up. The remote user sends control commands to the Ethernet data interface module 321 through the network. The commands are transmitted to the main control module 311 through function board 32 and board-to-board connector. After parsing the commands, the main control module 311 sends control signals to the motor drive module 312, driving the motor 11 to rotate the host 2, thereby realizing remote control shooting. During equipment operation, the cooling fan 4 located at the bottom works continuously to provide forced air cooling to the core heat-generating areas such as the main control board 31, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the system.

[0021] This portable gimbal camera controller integrates the motorized rotating base with the video processing controller into a single structure. The built-in motor drive module enables the main control module to directly control the base's rotation, thus achieving functionality previously requiring multiple devices within a compact size. This significantly improves the device's portability and integration. Specifically: (1) Highly integrated, portable and easy to use: The electric pan-tilt mechanism (base and motor), video processing core (main control board), multiple interfaces (USB video input, SDI output, Ethernet, USB-CPD power supply) and heat dissipation system are highly integrated into a single compact host, which greatly simplifies the traditional system architecture of multiple devices, significantly reduces the size and weight, and is easy to carry and deploy quickly.

[0022] (2) Compact structure and reliable connection: The top of the host is equipped with a recessed groove with a clamping mechanism, and the USB video input interface is integrated into the bottom of the groove, realizing the fast and stable installation of the video acquisition device and the integrated signal connection (plug and play), effectively avoiding the problems of cable tangling and loose connection, and is especially suitable for stable operation when the device is rotating.

[0023] (3) Flexible power supply and strong adaptability: It integrates a USB Type-C interface that supports the PD protocol and an RJ45 Ethernet interface that supports the POE protocol. With the help of the intelligent power management module, it can flexibly choose to use PD power or power through the network cable (POE), which effectively broadens the power supply adaptability and ease of use of the device in different scenarios (such as professional studio POE environment or outdoor mobile power environment).

[0024] (4) High efficiency in heat dissipation and stable operation: A cooling fan facing the circuit board assembly is set at the bottom of the host to form an effective forced air cooling channel, ensuring that the core components such as the main control module can still maintain stable operation when processing video and motor control tasks under high load, thus improving the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0025] (5) Intuitive interaction and convenient maintenance: Status indicator lights connected to the main control board can intuitively display key operating information such as equipment power supply, input signals, and output status, making it convenient for users to quickly grasp the equipment status and troubleshoot faults. At the same time, board-to-board connectors are used to connect the main control board and function boards. The modular design improves production efficiency and the convenience of later maintenance.

[0026] The above description illustrates the main features, basic principles, and advantages of this utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments or examples described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the above embodiments or examples should be considered exemplary and not restrictive. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and therefore all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A portable gimbal camera controller, characterized by: The system includes a gimbal base (1) and a main unit (2) mounted on the gimbal base (1). The gimbal base (1) has a centrally located motor (11) for driving the main unit (2) to rotate. The main unit (2) contains a circuit board assembly (3) and a cooling fan (4). The circuit board assembly (3) includes a main control board (31), a function board (32), and an interface module (33) fixed inside the casing of the main unit (2). The main control board (31) integrates a main control module (311), a motor drive module (312), and a power management module (313); the function board (32) integrates an Ethernet data interface module (321) and a USB charging interface module (322); the interface module (33) includes a USB video input interface module (331) and an SDI video output interface module (332); The main control board (31) and the function board (32) are connected via a board-to-board connector (34). The main control board (31) and the interface module (33) are connected via a ribbon cable to achieve communication and power supply connection. The signal input terminal of the main control module (311) is connected to the USB video input interface module (331). The signal output terminal of the main control module (311) is connected to the SDI video output interface module (332) and the motor drive module (312) respectively. The Ethernet data interface module (321) is bidirectionally connected to the main control module (311). The output terminal of the motor drive module (312) is connected to the motor (11) to drive the motor (11) to rotate. The USB charging interface module (322) is connected to the power management module (313) for power supply of the whole machine.

2. The portable gimbal camera controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the main unit (2) housing has a recessed groove (21) for accommodating the bottom of the video acquisition device, and a pair of clamping mechanisms (22) for fixing the video acquisition device are provided on both sides of the groove (21); the interface part of the USB video input interface module (331) is located at the bottom of the groove (21).

3. The portable gimbal camera controller of claim 2, wherein: The host (2) casing is also provided with a set of status indicator lights (23), which are electrically connected to the main control board (31) and are used to indicate the working status of the device.

4. The portable gimbal camera controller of claim 3, wherein: The cooling fan (4) is located at the bottom of the casing of the host (2) and faces the circuit board assembly (3) for actively cooling the circuit board assembly (3).

5. The portable gimbal camera controller of claim 4, wherein: The board-to-board connector (34) includes a socket (341) on the main control board (31) and pins (342) on the function board (32) that are compatible with the socket (341). Communication and power supply between the main control board (31) and the function board (32) are realized by plugging the socket (341) and the pins (342).

6. The portable gimbal camera controller of claim 5, wherein: The USB charging interface module (322) is a USB Type-C interface that supports the PD protocol; the Ethernet data interface module (321) is an RJ45 interface that supports the POE protocol; the power management module (313) is configured to manage and switch between PD power supply and POE power supply, and is used to manage PD power supply and POE power supply.

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