Pan-Tilt Camera Sensor Control for Collision Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for pan/tilt cameras fail to efficiently manage the energization of position detection sensors, leading to unnecessary wear and potential collisions due to continuous energization, especially when the camera is not actively rotating or when manually moved.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus that includes a rotation detection unit to determine the rotation direction of a rotating body, with a position detection unit energized only when the camera is actively rotating in a specific direction, and de-energized otherwise, reducing unnecessary energization and preventing collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the position detection sensor is continuously energized to ensure accurate positioning, then the positioning accuracy is maintained, but the sensor deteriorates faster and collisions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsensor lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by controlling the position detection sensor to be energized only during specific periods when the rotating body is rotating in the first direction (approaching direction), rather than continuous energization. The control unit activates the sensor based on rotation detection, maintaining positioning accuracy during critical operations while reducing overall sensor usage time and preventing deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the position detection sensor is continuously energized to prevent collisions, then collision prevention is ensured, but unnecessary energy is consumed and sensor wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidsensor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by energizing the position detection sensor only during specific operational phases when the rotating body rotates in the first direction. The control unit receives rotation detection signals and activates the sensor accordingly, ensuring collision prevention is maintained during approaching operations while eliminating unnecessary energy consumption during non-critical periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor energization state dynamic rather than static. The control unit continuously monitors rotation detection signals and adjusts the sensor's energization state in real-time based on the current rotation direction and operational requirements, optimizing both collision prevention and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the position detection sensor is energized during manual movement, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but sensor deterioration accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy during manual movementVSAvoidsensor lifespan during manual operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by selectively energizing the position detection sensor only during automated rotation operations in the first direction, while keeping it de-energized during manual movement operations. The control unit distinguishes between automated and manual operations through rotation detection signals, maintaining positioning accuracy when needed while preventing unnecessary sensor wear during manual handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces sensor deterioration and prevents collisions by controlling the energization of position detection sensors based on the camera's rotation state, ensuring accurate positioning and extending sensor lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation detection unit configured to detect rotation of a rotating body, a determination unit configured to determine a rotation direction of the rotating body based on an output of the rotation detection unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRelative motion detection:

Implementation Method 2

a position detection unit configured to detect a predetermined position of the rotating body based on positions of a first member provided on the rotating body and a second member provided on a fixed section that moves relative to the rotating body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11172137B2Control apparatus, control method, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2021.11.09 CANON KK
  • US11172137B2 patent drawing
  • US11172137B2 patent drawing
  • US11172137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a rotation detection unit, a direction determination unit, a position detection unit, and a control unit configured to perform control such that the position detection unit is energized in a case where the rotation direction determined by the direction determination unit is a first direction where the first member and the second member approach each other, and that the position detection unit is not energized in a case where the rotation direction determined by the direction determination unit is a second direction where the first member and the second member separate from each other.