Panhead Signal Transfer Layout for Compact Camera Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surveillance cameras with slip rings for signal transmission face increased manufacturing costs and size due to the use of noble metals and hollow designs, especially for high-speed video signals, leading to cost and space inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A panhead and image pickup apparatus utilizing a first communication section with a slip ring for contact-based signal transmission and a second communication section with a wireless communication unit for non-contact signal transmission, allowing for miniaturization and cost reduction by using general materials and avoiding the need for a large, hollow slip ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a slip ring with noble metal terminals is used for high-speed video signal transmission, then signal transmission quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal transmission function into two separate systems: a first communication section using a slip ring for power and control signals, and a second communication section using wireless communication for high-speed video signals. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for expensive noble metal terminals in the slip ring while maintaining overall signal transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based slip ring system with a wireless communication system for high-speed video signal transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and expensive noble metal terminals, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If the slip ring is made hollow to accommodate optical transmission lines, then cost is reduced, but the size of the slip ring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsize of slip ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical transmission line system with a wireless communication system. This eliminates the need for hollowing the slip ring to accommodate transmission lines, thereby maintaining a compact size while achieving cost reduction through the use of general materials instead of noble metals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of terminals in the slip ring is increased, then signal transmission capability is improved, but the size of the slip ring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidsize of slip ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal transmission requirements into two categories: basic control signals transmitted through the slip ring with a limited number of terminals, and high-speed video signals transmitted wirelessly. This segmentation allows the slip ring to maintain a compact size with fewer terminals while still achieving comprehensive signal transmission capability through the combination of both communication sections.

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

The solution achieves cost reduction and miniaturization by using a slip ring and wireless communication unit combination, enabling stable, high-frequency signal transmission without increasing the apparatus size, thus reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining signal quality.

Implementation Method 1

a second communication section configured to include a second moving-rotationally portion that communicably connects the fixed portion side and the movable portion side in a non-contact state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12470790B2Panhead and image pickup apparatus that are capable of achieving cost reduction and miniaturization

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 CANON KK

AI summary

A panhead capable of achieving cost reduction and miniaturization is provided. The panhead including a fixed portion and a movable portion that is equipped with an image pickup unit and is movable together with the image pickup unit with respect to the fixed portion includes a first communication section configured to include a first moving-rotationally portion that communicably connects the fixed portion side and the movable portion side and, when the movable portion moves, is able to move rotationally, and a second communication section configured to include a second moving-rotationally portion that communicably connects the fixed portion side and the movable portion side in a non-contact state and, when the movable portion moves, is able to move rotationally around the same axis as the first moving-rotationally portion. The second moving-rotationally portion includes a hollow portion in which at least a portion of the first moving-rotationally portion is disposed.