Rotating Arm Camera Tracking Across a Hemispherical Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras in mobile and portable devices have a fixed position, requiring manual operation to aim at specific objects or directions, limiting their ability to dynamically follow objects within their field of view.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic camera system with a rotary drive connected to rotating arms, featuring a spiral spring mechanism and solenoid actuation, allowing the camera to rotate and swivel to maintain focus on objects within a wide field of view, enabling automatic tracking of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fixed position camera is used in mobile devices, then the device structure remains simple and compact, but the camera cannot automatically track or follow objects, requiring manual operation to aim at specific targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed camera system into a dynamic one with multiple degrees of freedom. The camera module is mounted on rotating arms that can pivot and rotate, allowing the camera to automatically track objects across a wide field of view without requiring manual repositioning of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is segmented into independent movable components - the camera module is separated from the main device body and mounted on articulated rotating arms. This segmentation allows the camera to move independently to track objects while the main device remains stationary, resolving the contradiction between automation and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is required to aim the camera at specific objects, then the device structure remains simple, but the user experience deteriorates when tracking moving objects or sweeping the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-service by automatically detecting and tracking objects within the field of view. The rotating arms autonomously adjust the camera orientation to follow moving objects or sweep across scenes without requiring continuous manual input from the user, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Area of moving object
If the camera has a limited fixed field of view, then the device structure remains compact, but the ability to capture moving objects or provide panoramic views is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the field of view by adding spatial dimensions through rotating arms that enable horizontal and vertical movement. This dimensional expansion allows the camera to cover a much wider area by moving through three-dimensional space rather than being confined to a fixed two-dimensional view, effectively resolving the field of view limitation.
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 dynamic camera system provides a wide field of view and automatic object tracking, enhancing the ability to capture images of moving objects without manual operation, improving usability and functionality in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary drive includes a flat, spiral spring that applies force to a speed control device
Implementation Method 2
The spring is charged or wound by a solenoid
Implementation Method 3
Electrical connections to the at least one rotating arm are made by brushes contacting conductive traces on the bottom surface of the rotating disc
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for a dynamic camera having a motor driven rotating disc in which at least one rotating arm causes an imaging sensor to sweep a hemispherical field of view. Each rotating arm has one end attached to the rotating disc and the opposite end supporting an imaging module with at least one imaging sensor. Each rotating arm includes a rotation module, a swiveling module, and the imaging module. The rotation module selectively rotates a section of the arm that supports the swiveling module. The swiveling module includes a locking mechanism and a swiveling mechanism. The locking mechanism has a locked position that holds the imaging module in a center position. The swiveling mechanism, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, pivots the imaging module from the longitudinal axis of the rotating arm. The arm positions the imaging sensor so the sensor's optical axis is directed at desired areas.