Rotating Thermal Camera with Slip Ring for 360° Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal imaging camera systems lack versatility, durability, and reliability in acquiring and processing thermal image data, particularly in environments where compatibility with video management systems is limited.
Innovation Solution
A rotating camera system equipped with an uncooled thermal imaging sensor, a rotary actuator, and a slip ring to enable 360-degree rotation, allowing dynamic control and data transmission of thermal images, combined with a rotary encoder for precise angular positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotating camera system with 360-degree field of view is implemented, then surveillance coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for rotary actuators, slip rings, and rotary encoders
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating camera system integrates multiple functions into a single device: the uncooled thermal imaging sensor provides thermal detection, the rotary actuator enables 360-degree rotation, the rotary encoder provides positioning feedback, and the slip ring ensures continuous electrical connection. This multi-functional integration achieves comprehensive surveillance coverage while managing device complexity through coordinated design of all components working together as a unified system.
2Device complexity
If an uncooled thermal imaging sensor is used instead of a cooled sensor, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and detection sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical cooling system (cryogenic refrigerators, liquid nitrogen tanks, and associated infrastructure) with an uncooled thermal imaging sensor that operates at ambient temperatures. This substitution uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microbolometer technology to detect thermal radiation without requiring complex cooling mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient thermal detection precision for surveillance applications.
3Reliability
If a slip ring is used to provide continuous electrical connection during rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases compared to rotary connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring acts as an intermediary component that enables continuous electrical connection between the rotating camera assembly and the stationary housing. The conductive rings mounted on the rotating shaft maintain constant electrical contact through sliding contact with stationary brushes, serving as a mediator that transfers power and data signals without requiring complex rotary connectors or intermittent connections, thereby improving reliability while adding manageable complexity.
4Productivity
If multiple stop positions are implemented for the rotating camera, then productivity is improved by capturing images at specific locations, but loss of time increases due to repeated stopping and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning by pre-defining multiple stop positions corresponding to locations of interest before image acquisition begins. The rotary encoder is calibrated to recognize these predetermined angular positions, allowing the camera to quickly stop and capture images at specific locations without requiring complex real-time positioning calculations, thereby improving productivity while minimizing positioning time through advance preparation of target positions.
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 system enhances thermal image acquisition by providing a robust, integrated solution that operates autonomously, processes data efficiently, and supports machine learning, offering improved durability and reliability with enhanced data processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an uncooled thermal imaging sensor configured to generate thermal images based on a direction of its optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a slip ring affixed to the rotating shaft. The slip ring provides an electrical coupling transition (and data and power connections) between the rotating uncooled thermal imaging sensor and a stationary connection
Data Source
AI summary
An improved camera system includes an uncooled thermal imaging sensor, a rotary actuator, a rotary encoder, and a slip ring. The rotary actuator is physically coupled to the uncooled thermal imaging sensor and enables the sensor to rotate a full 360 degrees any number of times relative to the system's horizontal base. Through the use of the slip ring, the sensor and the sensor's wiring can rotate freely without impedance. Notably, the sensor's wiring can be disposed through a central through-hole running the length of the rotary actuator. Therefore, prior to reaching the slip ring, the sensor and its wiring rotate in unison with the rotary actuator. The encoder is structured to monitor the angular position of the sensor in order to accurately determine where the sensor is being aimed.