PTZ Camera Illumination Device with Base-Mounted LED Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

PTZ cameras face challenges with heat generation and power consumption when using LEDs for illumination, especially when mounted on the camera head, and require efficient control to match varying viewing angles without bulkiness and cabling issues.

Innovation Solution

A PTZ camera with LEDs mounted on the camera base, surrounded by a control unit that individually controls the light emitting elements based on camera view settings, including pan, tilt, and zoom positions, to provide focused illumination, reducing unnecessary power consumption and heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LEDs are mounted on the camera head, then the illumination follows the movement of the camera head and points in the viewing direction, but the LEDs are closely placed to the imaging sensor causing heat to negatively impact sensor performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination follows camera movementVSAvoidheat exposure to imaging sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into multiple independently controllable LED groups arranged in different spatial positions and orientations. Each LED group can be individually controlled to provide illumination for specific viewing directions, allowing the system to separate the illumination function from the camera head while maintaining directional lighting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination device transitions from a two-dimensional mounting on the camera head to a three-dimensional arrangement around the camera base. Multiple LED groups are positioned at different heights and angles to provide omnidirectional illumination coverage, eliminating the need for close proximity to the sensor while maintaining effective lighting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If LEDs are mounted on the camera base, then the illumination can cover different viewing angles, but a large number of LEDs are needed increasing power consumption and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination covers viewing anglesVSAvoidpower consumption of LEDs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system implements dynamic control where the lighting state of each LED group changes based on the camera's current viewing angle and position. The control unit activates only the LED groups that are relevant for the current viewing direction, creating a dynamic adaptation that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different LED groups are assigned to different spatial zones and viewing directions. The control unit selectively activates specific LED groups based on the camera's current orientation, providing localized illumination only where needed rather than illuminating the entire scene uniformly, thus reducing total power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If LEDs are mounted on the camera head, then the illumination points in the viewing direction, but the camera head becomes bulkier and additional cabling requirements are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination in viewing directionVSAvoidcabling and structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device is merged with the camera base structure rather than being a separate component. Multiple LED groups are integrated into the base housing, sharing common power supply and control infrastructure, which reduces overall system complexity and eliminates the need for additional cabling between the base and camera head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively manages heat and power usage by only activating LEDs necessary for the current view direction, ensuring efficient illumination while minimizing bulkiness and cabling requirements, thus enhancing image quality and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

A common choice is to use light emitting diodes, LEDs, emitting infrared or white light, for illuminating the scene which is monitored by the surveillance camera.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2512121B1Illumination device
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 AXIS
  • EP2512121B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2512121B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An illumination device for illuminating a scene monitored by a camera (1) and a method of illuminating a scene monitored by a camera, wherein the illumination device comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (5), and an illumination control unit (6). The illumination control unit (6) is arranged to individually control the output intensity of the plurality of light emitting elements (5) based on a camera view direction setting, such that illumination is provided in a view direction of the camera.