Pan-Tilt Head Leveling Instrument for Horizontal Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cameras, particularly PTZ cameras, face challenges in ensuring horizontal alignment when installed on structures or moving objects due to difficulty in fixing the pan-tilt head correctly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a leveling instrument, such as an acceleration sensor, into the pan-tilt head to measure tilt with respect to a horizontal plane, and transmitting this information to a connected computer for display, facilitating easier installation and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pan-tilt head is fixed to the outside of the imaging device for PTZ camera use, then the camera can be mounted on structures or moving objects, but it becomes difficult to ensure horizontal alignment during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidhorizontal alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical leveling methods (such as bubble levels or physical alignment tools) with an electronic acceleration sensor system. The acceleration sensor detects tilt angles in both pan and tilt directions, and this information is processed by a control unit to provide digital feedback for alignment correction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical leveling mechanisms during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acceleration sensor as an intermediary device between the pan-tilt head and the installer. This sensor acts as a mediator that objectively measures the tilt state and communicates it through display units or external devices, allowing the installer to make precise adjustments without relying on subjective visual estimation or complex mechanical indicators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional installation methods are used without tilt measurement, then the device structure remains simple, but the installer cannot accurately ascertain tilt from the horizontal plane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pan-tilt head performs self-diagnosis and self-reporting of its tilt state through the integrated acceleration sensor. The system automatically measures and communicates its own alignment status without requiring external measurement tools or complex setup procedures, making the installation process more autonomous and user-friendly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The acceleration sensor serves multiple functions: it measures tilt in both pan and tilt directions, provides feedback to display units, and can communicate with external devices. This single component handles multiple measurement and communication tasks, adding functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity

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

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 accurate assessment and correction of tilt, allowing for easier and more precise installation of the camera, even when installed on uneven surfaces, by providing real-time tilt information through a network display.

Implementation Method 1

a leveling instrument that measures tilt of the base portion with respect to a horizontal plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4675348A1Imaging device
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4675348A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4675348A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4675348A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

When an imaging device having a pan-tilt head is installed on the outside, it has been difficult to install the imaging device while keeping the pan-tilt head horizontal. The imaging device (100) includes an imaging unit (10) that has a lens and an image sensor (12), and a pan-tilt head (20) that rotatably supports the imaging unit (10). The pan-tilt head (20) has a base unit (21) that is fixed to outside of the imaging device (100), and a leveling instrument (30) that measures tilt of the base unit (21) with respect to a horizontal plane.