Gimbal Camera Surround Tracking With Yaw-Distance Steering Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for tracking and photographing targets, such as manual handheld cameras and remote-controlled drones, are labor-intensive, have insufficient tracking strength, and require multiple operators, failing to achieve fully automated and efficient target surveillance.

Innovation Solution

An automatic surround photographing system using a gimbal camera mounted on a robotic car with a steering gear, which calculates yaw axis gimbal angle and distance parameters to control the camera's rotation and the car's direction, ensuring the camera remains perpendicular to the target while maintaining a constant distance, using a PID algorithm to adjust the steering gear rotation angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual tracking photography with handheld camera and stabilizer is used, then the photographer can track the target, but it requires more labor effort and is very laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking operationVSAvoidphotographing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automatic target recognition and tracking algorithms that enable the photographing system to automatically acquire, track, and capture images of targets without human intervention. The control unit autonomously processes video feeds, identifies targets, and adjusts camera parameters, making the system self-sufficient in performing photographing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control systems. The control unit uses image processing algorithms and automated feedback loops to control camera movement and positioning, substituting the mechanical stabilizer and manual tracking with electronic image stabilization and automated target acquisition systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If remote-controlled drone aerial photography is used, then aerial views can be obtained, but tracking strength is insufficient and targeted video shooting function is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshooting angle flexibilityVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intelligent control unit as an intermediary between the camera system and the target. This control unit processes video feeds in real-time, identifies targets using image recognition algorithms, and automatically adjusts camera parameters and positioning to maintain optimal tracking, thereby enhancing both tracking accuracy and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time feedback loops where the control unit continuously monitors video feeds, analyzes target position and movement, and automatically adjusts camera settings and positioning. This closed-loop control system ensures high tracking accuracy while maintaining flexibility in shooting angles and distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote-controlled drone aerial photography is used, then aerial views can be obtained, but battery life is short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerial photographing capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standard consumer-grade cameras and power supplies that are readily available and can be easily replaced. Rather than relying on specialized long-lasting power sources, the system is designed to accommodate standard battery configurations that can be swapped out, making the system more practical and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If manual or drone-based tracking photography is used, then target tracking can be achieved, but two or more tracking photographers are required which does not conform to fully intelligent automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking coverageVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed as a multi-functional intelligent system that performs target acquisition, tracking, image processing, and camera control all through a single automated platform. This universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized operators, consolidating all tracking and photographing functions into one intelligent unit that can independently manage the entire photographing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11622080B2Automatic surround photographing method and system for target

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 REMO TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are an automatic surround photographing method and system for a target. The method includes: obtaining an angle parameter of a yaw-axis gimbal, and processing an image obtained by a camera to obtain a distance parameter; obtaining, by means of calculation, a control parameter of a rotation angle of a steering gear according to the angle parameter of the yaw-axis gimbal and the distance parameter; and controlling, according to the angle parameter of the yaw-axis gimbal, the rotation of a gimbal of a gimbal camera so as to control the rotation of the camera, and controlling, according to the control parameter of the rotation angle of the steering gear, a rotation angle of the steering gear in a photographing-moving apparatus for placement of the gimbal camera, such that the photographing-moving apparatus surrounds and tracks a target, and performs surround photographing of the target.