Autonomous Camera Tracking via Motorized Panning and Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for maintaining active subjects within the frame during video conferences or recordings are inefficient, as they require manual adjustment and disrupt the process, failing to effectively track moving subjects.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous tracking device with a base, body, and stand that uses a panning motor to rotate the camera's field of view, controlled by a controller that processes digitized images to maintain the subject within the frame, utilizing motors and computer vision for precise object tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed camera is used to capture video, then the device structure is simple, but active subjects move out of frame and cannot be tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position through motorized panning and tilting mechanisms. The body rotates about a vertical axis via the panning motor, and the stand rotates about a horizontal axis, enabling the camera to dynamically track moving subjects while maintaining reliable frame capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own camera and processing capabilities to detect subject position and generate control signals for tracking. The mobile device captures images, determines object location, and autonomously controls the camera holder's movement without requiring external tracking equipment.
2Reliability
If manual camera adjustment is used to track subjects, then the tracking can be achieved, but it consumes time and disrupts the video process
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the mobile device continuously captures images, determines object location, and uses this information to generate real-time control signals for the panning and tilting motors. This automatic feedback loop eliminates manual adjustment time and maintains continuous subject tracking without disrupting the video process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of the camera is replaced with an automated motorized system. The panning motor rotates the body about a vertical axis, and the stand rotates about a horizontal axis, both controlled by electronic signals generated from image processing, substituting human operation with automated mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera field of view is fixed, then the device complexity is low, but moving subjects cannot be kept in view
Solution Approach 1:
The camera field of view transitions from fixed to dynamically adjustable through motorized rotation mechanisms. The body rotates about a vertical axis via the panning motor, and the stand rotates about a horizontal axis, enabling the system to adapt the field of view to track moving subjects while managing mechanical complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera holder system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the camera, enables panning motion through the panning motor, enables tilting motion through the stand rotation, and integrates with the mobile device for autonomous tracking. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while consolidating components to manage overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous tracking device, including a base, a body, the body rotatably mounted to the base, and a stand rotatably mounted to the body. The stand including a retention device configured to hold a mobile device, wherein the stand is configured to support the mobile device using the retention device. The device further including a panning motor configured to rotate the body with respect to the base. The device further comprising a camera configured to capture a scene within a field of view and create a digitized image. The device further comprising a controller containing circuitry configured to receive an object location communication as a function of the digitized image, generate a panning motor control signal, and send a panning motor control signal, wherein the panning motor control signal causes the panning motor to rotate the body such that the object remains in view of the camera.