Camera Positioning Control via Motor Limit Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Security cameras have a narrow monitoring view field due to their structural limitations, and existing pan/tilt mechanisms do not ensure accurate center positioning, leading to inaccurate monitoring and potential loss of set monitoring requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that control a camera device's motor to determine and move to horizontal and vertical center positions based on limit positions, allowing for accurate positioning and automatic reset to recorded coordinates after detection of toggling, restarting, or a preset time period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a pan/tilt mechanism is provided with rotatable motors to expand monitoring region, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to inability to ensure accurate center positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual positions of the pan and tilt motors, comparing them with target positions, and adjusting the motor commands to compensate for positioning errors. The system records actual position data from sensors and uses this feedback to correct subsequent positioning operations, ensuring accurate return to center position after rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces pure mechanical positioning with an integrated electronic control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and algorithms to determine and adjust camera positions. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision, the system uses electronic feedback and computational methods to achieve accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If limit switches are used to measure boundaries of permissible ranges, then the system can determine reset position, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to mechanical switch inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem setupVSAvoidposition measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical limit switches with electronic sensors and software-based position detection. The system uses sensor data and coordinate transformation algorithms to determine positions, eliminating the inaccuracies associated with mechanical switch contacts and providing more precise position measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate system and transformation layer between the physical motor positions and the logical position representation. This intermediary layer allows for more accurate position calculation by using sensor measurements and mathematical transformations rather than direct mechanical switch signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the camera is moved to reset position after initial boot-up, then the system establishes a reference point, but time is lost due to mandatory repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference position establishmentVSAvoidinitial setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning actions during the initial setup phase to establish accurate reference positions and calibration data. By completing the coordinate system establishment and center position calibration during initialization, the system avoids needing to repeatedly return to reset position during normal operation, reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the system to adapt its reference frame based on actual operating conditions. The system can dynamically adjust and recalculate positions based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for rigid return-to-center operations and allowing more flexible, time-efficient positioning strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3145170B1Method and apparatus for controlling positioning of camera device, camera device and terminal device
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3145170B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3145170B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3145170B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a positioning of a camera device, a camera device and a terminal device. The method includes: controlling a motor connected with the camera device to move in a horizontal direction, determining a horizontal center position according to two limit positions in the horizontal direction, and moving the camera device to the horizontal center position; and controlling the motor connected with the camera device to move in a vertical direction, determining a vertical center position according to two limit positions in the vertical direction, and moving the camera device to the vertical center position. With embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize the positioning of the camera device.