Rotating Infrared Module Camera for Multi-Angle Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras using multiple fixed infrared modules are costly, power-consuming, and complex due to their multiple components.

Innovation Solution

A camera design incorporating a single infrared module that rotates with a platform, allowing it to cover all panning angles, reducing the need for multiple modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple fixed infrared modules are used around the camera, then infrared illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrared illumination coverageVSAvoidnumber of infrared modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple infrared modules into a single rotating infrared module that pans across different angles. Instead of having multiple fixed modules positioned around the camera, one infrared module rotates to cover the same total angular coverage, thereby reducing component count while maintaining illumination coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared module transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic rotating position. The module is mounted on a rotating platform that allows it to change its orientation and cover different panning angles, enabling a single module to perform the function previously requiring multiple fixed modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If multiple fixed infrared modules are used around the camera, then infrared illumination coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrared illumination coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power-consuming infrared modules into a single rotating module. By consolidating the infrared illumination function into one module that rotates to different positions, the total power consumption is reduced while maintaining the same overall illumination coverage across the field of view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If multiple fixed infrared modules are used around the camera, then infrared illumination coverage is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrared illumination coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple expensive infrared modules into a single rotating module, directly reducing the bill of materials cost. The manufacturing cost is reduced by producing and assembling one infrared module with a rotation mechanism rather than multiple fixed modules, while achieving the same functional coverage.

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

The design reduces costs, power consumption, and complexity by utilizing a single rotating infrared module to provide infrared light across various angles, maintaining effective illumination without multiple fixed modules.

Implementation Method 1

Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras often use infrared light to provide night-time illumination and vision

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared emission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4196848B1Camera with infrared module
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4196848B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4196848B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4196848B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A camera (10) includes an optical camera housing (14), and a platform (46) disposed at least partially within the optical camera housing (14). The platform (46) is configured to be pan-rotated about a first axis (30) relative to the optical camera housing (14). The platform (46) includes a first component (50) configured to be coupled to a camera lens (62), and a second component (54) having a mount (58) configured to be fixed to an infrared module (98). The camera (10) also includes a camera lens (62) coupled to the first component (50) of the platform (46). The camera lens (62) is configured to tilt relative to the platform (46) about a second axis (78) different from the first axis (30). The camera (10) also includes an infrared module (98) fixed to the mount (58).