Modular Camera Device With Adjustable Viewing Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current camera devices for industrial applications require significant development effort and resource expenditure due to the need for various device variants with different resolutions, working distances, and recording frequencies, lacking a modular and flexible hardware solution.

Innovation Solution

A modular camera device comprising multiple camera modules with adjustable viewing areas, each equipped with an image sensor and receiving optics, allowing for adaptable field of view configuration through tilting units and focus adjustment, enabling scalable and dynamic surveillance area coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If various device variants are developed separately to meet different application requirements, then the camera device can be adapted to specific resolutions, working distances, and recording frequencies, but the development time and resource expenditure increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different application requirementsVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal camera module platform where a single base module design can serve multiple applications by combining different image sensors and lenses. The standardized interface and modular architecture allow the same platform to achieve various resolutions, working distances, and recording frequencies through component selection rather than separate device development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera device is segmented into independent modular components including image sensor, lens, light source, electronics, and housing. Each module can be selected and combined independently to meet specific application requirements, allowing rapid configuration without redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If various device variants are developed separately to meet different application requirements, then the camera device can be adapted to specific resolutions, working distances, and recording frequencies, but the resource expenditure increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different application requirementsVSAvoidresource expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal camera module platform where a single base module design can serve multiple applications by combining different image sensors and lenses. The standardized interface and modular architecture allow the same platform to achieve various resolutions, working distances, and recording frequencies through component selection rather than separate device development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges common components across different device variants into a shared platform. The standardized housing, electronics, and modular interface design allow multiple application-specific configurations to share the same base resources, reducing redundant development and manufacturing efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple camera modules are combined to form an array, then the surveillance area can be extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveillance areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera device is segmented into independent modular components including image sensor, lens, light source, electronics, and housing. Each module can be selected and combined independently to meet specific application requirements, allowing rapid configuration without redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach reduces development time and costs by allowing for simple setup of camera devices to meet diverse application requirements, enhancing resolution, recording frequency, and depth of field, while enabling 3D imaging and efficient code reading.

Implementation Method 1

each provided with an image sensor and a receiving optic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3687155B1Modular camera device and method for optical detection
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 SICK AG
  • EP3687155B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP3687155B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP3687155B1 patent drawingFigure 4c~5

AI summary

A modular camera device (100) is described, comprising a common control and evaluation unit (70) and at least one camera module (10a-c), which has a receiving optic (14) and an image sensor (12) that define a module viewing area (16a-c) of the camera module (10a-c), wherein the module viewing areas (16a-c) together constitute a monitoring area (30) of the camera device (100). The monitoring area (30) is adjustable by jointly adjusting the module viewing areas (16a-c).