Camera Unit in Transparent Tube for Stable Animal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote imaging systems for autonomous vehicles struggle to stably capture images of animals due to the risk of direct contact when the vehicle approaches without a fence or cage, leading to instability in image capture.
Innovation Solution
A holding apparatus and camera unit that can be inserted into a transparent tubular member, featuring a holding portion for the imaging apparatus, a drive portion for movement within the tubular member, and a passive portion moved by the drive portion, allowing the camera to capture images while being supported between the passive and drive portions, thus maintaining stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the autonomous vehicle directly approaches the animal without a fence or cage, then the imaging unit can capture images closer to the subject, but the animal may contact the vehicle causing unstable image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent tubular member as an intermediary barrier between the autonomous vehicle and the animal. The camera unit is positioned inside this tubular member, allowing close observation of the animal while preventing direct contact. The transparent nature of the tubular member maintains visual clarity for image capture while providing physical separation to ensure stable imaging.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera unit is positioned inside a transparent tubular member, then direct contact between the animal and camera is prevented, but the camera unit needs a stable support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit system is segmented into distinct functional components: the camera unit itself, the transparent tubular member, the drive portion, and the passive portion. The holding portion is specifically designed to hold the camera unit and is supported by both the drive portion and passive portion, creating a modular structure that provides stability while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent tubular member serves as an intermediary structure that houses the camera unit and provides physical separation from the animal. This tubular member simplifies the overall support structure while maintaining contact prevention, as it provides both the barrier function and structural support in an integrated manner.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holding portion is supported between the passive portion and drive portion, then the camera unit remains stable during movement, but the drive mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into a drive portion that provides active movement and a passive portion that provides structural support. The holding portion is positioned between these two segments, allowing the camera unit to benefit from both the movement capability and the stability provided by the passive support structure, while keeping each component relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
A holding apparatus that is insertable into a transparent tubular member includes: a holding portion that is capable of holding an imaging apparatus including an imaging optical system and an imaging device for capturing an image of an outside of the tubular member; and a drive portion that is capable of moving the holding apparatus in the tubular member.