Gimbal Camera Rotation Control Around Mounting Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems with gimbals face issues where the camera device may collide with or capture undesired objects, such as mounting members, during rotation due to inadequate control over the rotation range.

Innovation Solution

A control device that determines the mounting state of mounting members and adjusts the rotation range of the camera device based on this state, using sensors like light reflectors or photo interrupters to prevent collisions and unwanted captures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera device is allowed to rotate freely on the gimbal, then the camera can capture a wider range of scenes, but the camera may collide with mounting members or capture undesired objects in the image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation rangeVSAvoidcollision and unwanted captures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the rotation range adjustable based on mounting state. The system dynamically changes the rotation constraints of the camera device according to whether mounting members are detected, transitioning from a fixed rotation range to a dynamic one that adapts to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through sensors (light reflectors or photo interrupters) that detect the presence of mounting members and feed this information back to the control device. The control device then adjusts the rotation range based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents collisions and unwanted captures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If mounting members are fixed to the support frame, then they provide stable support for the camera system, but they may be caught in the camera image or cause collision during camera rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidimage obstruction and collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the presence of mounting members before camera rotation occurs and preemptively adjusting the rotation range to prevent collisions. The system takes advance action to avoid the harmful effect rather than reacting after the collision occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by using sensors to detect mounting members and establishing appropriate rotation constraints before the camera begins rotating. This preliminary detection and constraint setup ensures that the camera operates within safe boundaries from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11516401B2Control device, support system, camera system, and control method and program

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 SZ DJI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a control device. The control device is configured to control a rotation mechanism to rotatably hold a camera device. The control device includes a processor configured to execute a program to: determine a mounting state of a mounting member mounted on a support mechanism supporting the rotation mechanism; determine a rotation range of the camera device coupled to the rotation mechanism based on the mounting state of the mounting member; and control a rotation of the camera device based on the rotation range.