Multi-headed Camera with Track-based Pan and Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video-based surveillance systems lack flexibility and efficiency in adjusting camera positions for comprehensive panoramic views without blind spots, limiting their ability to dynamically focus on specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A multi-headed camera assembly with a base featuring tracks for pan movement and guide members for tilt adjustment, allowing each image sensor assembly to be quickly and efficiently positioned for optimal viewing, including a support mechanism for lens assembly within a housing cover and a self-applying pressure mechanism to secure the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed camera position is used, then the structure is simple, but the surveillance coverage is limited and cannot provide 360° panoramic views
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into multiple independent image sensor assemblies, each capable of being positioned independently on tracks. This segmentation allows each camera to cover specific zones while collectively providing 360° panoramic surveillance coverage without requiring a single complex rotating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assemblies are mounted on movable support frames with tracks that enable dynamic repositioning. The cameras can be adjusted to different positions and angles, transforming from a static fixed-position system to a dynamic adjustable system that adapts to provide comprehensive panoramic views.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are installed to achieve comprehensive coverage, then the surveillance coverage is improved, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple image sensor assemblies are integrated into a single housing cover structure with shared support frames and tracks. This merging allows multiple cameras to be installed and positioned simultaneously within one assembly unit, reducing the total installation time compared to installing separate camera systems individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frames and tracks are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple image sensor assemblies with the same mounting interface. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to support and position multiple cameras, streamlining the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are fixed in position after installation, then the structure is stable, but the ability to dynamically focus on specific areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assemblies are mounted on movable support frames with tracks that enable dynamic repositioning. The cameras can be adjusted to different positions and angles along the tracks, transforming from a static fixed-position system to a dynamic adjustable system that can focus on specific areas of interest.
4Manufacturing precision
If a complex mounting mechanism is used to achieve precise positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into modular support frames with discrete track segments. Each camera assembly can be independently positioned on its track, allowing precise positioning through simple modular adjustments rather than a single complex continuous adjustment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-headed camera assembly includes a base comprising a plurality of tracks, a plurality of image sensor assemblies each comprising a support mechanism configured to allow a quick and efficient assembly of a lens assembly within a housing and each removably coupled to the base by a corresponding support frame among a plurality of support frames. Each support frame comprises a guide member for guiding tilt movement of a corresponding image sensor assembly and a support base movably coupled to a corresponding track so as to accomplish pan movement of the corresponding image sensor assembly. The multi-headed camera assembly further includes a surface mount mechanism, an in-ceiling mount mechanism, or a pendant mount mechanism so that the multi-headed camera assembly can be removably mounted to a surface, mounted into a ceiling, or connected to a pendant base.