Motorized Camera Mount Using IR Reflection for Subject Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera tripods require manual re-positioning when the object moves out of frame, offering no effective solution for continuous tracking of moving subjects.

Innovation Solution

A camera mount system incorporating a positioning device with infrared beam emission and sensors, coupled with a motorized platform, automatically tracks moving targets using infrared beam reflection, compass, and gyroscope data for precise positioning and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a static tripod mount is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to track moving subjects automatically is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic tracking capabilityVSAvoidmount system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static tripod mount into a dynamic system by introducing a motorized platform that can rotate and tilt to follow moving subjects. The mount dynamically adjusts its position based on real-time feedback from sensors and positioning devices, enabling automatic tracking while maintaining relatively simple overall architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-service capabilities through automatic target acquisition and tracking. The positioning device and sensors automatically detect and lock onto moving subjects, and the motorized platform autonomously adjusts its position to maintain the subject within the camera frame, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual re-positioning is required, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity for capturing moving objects is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to capture moving objectsVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor the position of moving subjects, and this information is fed back to the motorized platform to adjust its position. The positioning device provides real-time data about subject location, enabling the system to automatically correct frame composition without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity for capturing moving objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If a motorized tracking system is implemented, then the automatic tracking capability is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic tracking capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption of motorized system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized tracking system operates using periodic action by activating the motor only when position adjustments are needed based on subject movement detection. The system periodically checks subject position through sensors and positioning devices, and only consumes energy when corrective movement is required, rather than continuous operation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective automatic tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 continuous, automatic tracking of moving subjects, improving the ability to capture moving objects without manual intervention, even in varying light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

caused to emit an infrared beam. The infrared beam is reflected or scattered off of the target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared beam emission and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The positioning device 110 can include a gyroscope 190

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope effect: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS11300856B2Camera mount system
Publication Date: 2022.04.12 MAXVIEW HOLDINGS LLC
  • US11300856B2 patent drawing
  • US11300856B2 patent drawing
  • US11300856B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described which provide a camera mount system. A camera mount is in communication with a positioning device. The positioning device has a compass, gyroscope, and emits an infrared light beam. The camera mount has a sensor that receives reflected and/or scattered infrared light from a moving target. The camera mount changes its orientation based on information from its sensor, and gyroscope and compass information from the positioning device.