Surveillance Camera Tilt Control Using Acceleration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveillance cameras using open loop control methods struggle to instantly detect and correct variations in tilt-angle due to gravity, vibrations, wind, and heat over time, leading to gaps in surveillance, and require expensive location detecting devices like encoders when using closed loop control.
Innovation Solution
Employing an open loop control method that utilizes acceleration values from an acceleration sensor to monitor and maintain the tilt-angle, combined with a gyro sensor and photo-interrupt sensor, allowing real-time detection and correction of tilt-angle variations without the need for additional expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If closed loop control method is used with encoder to detect and correct tilt-angle variations, then tilt-angle accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive location detecting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive encoders with inexpensive acceleration sensors and gyro sensors that can be integrated into the camera body. These sensors provide sufficient tilt-angle detection capability without requiring precision mechanical encoders, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate measurement precision for surveillance applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical encoder-based detection with sensor-based detection using acceleration sensors and gyro sensors. This electronic sensing approach eliminates the need for mechanical encoders and their associated complex feedback mechanisms, reducing both cost and device complexity while achieving the required tilt-angle monitoring functionality
2Device complexity
If open loop control method is used to reduce device complexity and cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but tilt-angle accuracy deteriorates as the camera cannot instantly detect and correct variations due to gravity, vibrations, wind, heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback through acceleration sensors and gyro sensors that continuously monitor tilt-angle variations. Although the control remains open loop, the sensors provide real-time tilt-angle information that enables the system to detect and respond to variations caused by gravity, vibrations, wind, and heat, thereby maintaining tilt-angle accuracy without requiring complex closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes acceleration sensors and gyro sensors that serve multiple functions: they detect tilt-angle variations, provide feedback for correction, and can operate in various environmental conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain tilt-angle accuracy across different scenarios without requiring separate specialized components for each function
3Device complexity
If open loop control method is used with stepping motor, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates as surveillance gaps occur when tilt-angle variations are not corrected in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback using acceleration sensors and gyro sensors that continuously monitor tilt-angle variations. This feedback mechanism ensures that tilt-angle changes are detected in real-time, allowing the system to maintain reliable and continuous surveillance by promptly identifying and responding to variations that could otherwise create surveillance gaps
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
Enables real-time detection and correction of tilt-angle variations, maintaining accurate surveillance while being economically efficient by utilizing existing sensors, reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the tilt-angle after finishing the tilting may be monitored and maintained by using acceleration values in at least one axis of the acceleration sensor
Implementation Method 2
most of surveillance cameras include a gyro sensor for detecting and correcting shaking of the camera during imaging
Implementation Method 3
the tilting operation to the command tilt-angle may be normally performed by using the photo-interrupt sensor that is inexpensive
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of rotating a surveillance camera (101) having an acceleration sensor (31) and being controllable by a processor (207) to maintain a tilt-angle to conform to a command tilt-angle, includes the steps of moving the surveillance camera (101) tilt to a predetermined command tilt-angle in response to a signal from the processor (207); time-periodically calculating estimated tilt-angles by using acceleration values in at least one axis of an acceleration sensor (31); calculating a difference value between an estimated tilt-angle of a current time period and an estimated tilt-angle of a previous time period; and when the difference value between the estimated tilt-angles exceeds a set limit, moving the surveillance camera (101) to another position to correct the tilt angle according to the difference calculate.