Pan-Tilt Camera Optical Waveguide Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pan-tilt cameras face challenges in image quality due to heat generation from computing-intensive processing near the image sensor, mechanical restrictions from cable-based communication, and security concerns with electromagnetic radiation from wireless solutions.
Innovation Solution
A pan-tilt camera design featuring an optical waveguide communication path between the camera head and stationary unit, with image processing units located in the stationary unit to reduce heat near the image sensor, and a motor in the camera head for precise turning, utilizing optical communication to eliminate mechanical wear and security hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image processing unit is placed in the camera head near the image sensor, then processing speed is improved, but heat generation increases and degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate units: a camera head containing only the image sensor and optical components, and a stationary processing unit containing the image processing unit. This segmentation allows the heat-generating processing functions to be separated from the temperature-sensitive image sensor, resolving the contradiction between processing speed and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical communication path acts as an intermediary between the camera head and the stationary processing unit. This intermediary enables high-speed data transmission of image information without requiring electrical connections or mechanical moving parts, allowing the processing unit to be located remotely from the image sensor while maintaining fast processing capability.
2Reliability
If cable-based communication is used between camera head and stationary unit, then data transmission is reliable, but mechanical wear and restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with an optical communication system using light transmission. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, friction, and cable restrictions while maintaining reliable data transmission, as optical signals can be transmitted through air or vacuum without physical contact between moving parts.
3Device complexity
If wireless communication is used between camera head and stationary unit, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but electromagnetic interference and security concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic communication with optical communication using light transmission. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference and security vulnerabilities associated with wireless signals, while also eliminating mechanical wear. The optical communication path uses light instead of electromagnetic radio waves, providing a secure and interference-free transmission medium.
4Temperature
If image processing unit is placed in the stationary unit away from the image sensor, then heat near the sensor is reduced and image quality improves, but data transmission distance and speed requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
An optical communication path serves as an intermediary that enables high-speed data transmission over the distance between the camera head and stationary processing unit. Optical communication provides bandwidth sufficient for transmitting raw image data at high speeds, allowing the processing unit to be located away from the image sensor without compromising transmission speed, thus resolving the contradiction between heat reduction and speed requirements.
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 design enhances image quality by reducing heat near the image sensor, simplifies the camera head with fewer components, and provides secure, high-speed data transmission without electromagnetic interference, making the camera smaller, lighter, and more reliable.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide arranged between the camera head and the stationary unit, the optical waveguide having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned at the first rotary joint and being arranged to receive light from the camera head through said first rotary joint, and the second end being positioned at the second rotary joint and being arranged to send light to the stationary unit through said second rotary joint
Data Source
AI summary
A pan-tilt camera is arranged to include a camera head, a stationary unit, an intermediate member arranged between the camera head and the stationary unit, a first rotary joint rotatably connecting the camera head to the intermediate member, and a second rotary joint, rotatably connecting the intermediate member to the stationary unit. A communication path is provided between the camera head and the stationary unit, including an optical waveguide arranged between the camera head and the stationary unit. The optical waveguide has a first end positioned at the first rotary joint to receive light from the camera head through the first rotary joint. The other end of the waveguide is positioned at the second rotary joint and is arranged to send light to the stationary unit through the second rotary joint.