Photography – Camera support – Surveillance type
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-21
2001-03-20
Gray, David M. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Camera support
Surveillance type
C396S428000, C348S143000, C348S158000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203216
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a panhead device which supports an image sensing apparatus such as a video camera, or the like, and pivots the image sensing apparatus in the pan or tilt direction.
In recent years, along with development of communication systems using the Internet, personal computers, and the like, so-called video conference systems have become popular. In such communication system, e.g., in a video conference system, an image is captured using a video camera, and data including information of the captured image can be communicated with each other.
Conventionally, when an image is captured by a video camera, and that video information is transmitted, a panhead device which supports the video camera and pivots it in the pan or tilt direction is known. However, the conventional panhead device has only a simple function that merely allows panning or tilting, and is not easy to control integrally with the video camera.
The conventional panhead device normally has a large outer shape, and is not easy to carry and operate. Furthermore, mechanical cluttering or the like of a lower transmission mechanism of a pan or tilt system in the panhead device often disturbs smooth operation.
Furthermore, since the number of parts that build the device is large in correspondence with the large outer shape, a large number of steps are required to assemble the device itself. When a cable including signal lines for, e.g., a control signal and the like is mounted on the device, the layout of the cable is troublesome, and some cable used may restrain the operation of the panhead device itself.
In the conventional panhead device, since it is not easy to detect the home positions of the pan and tilt mechanisms, it is not easy to return the device to those home positions within a short period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to provide a compact panhead device with high operation performance, which has a structure that allows easy assembly.
In order to achieve the above object, a panhead device according to the present invention is characterized by having the following arrangement.
That is, a panhead device which supports an image sensing apparatus on a panhead, and pivots the image sensing apparatus in a pan or tilt direction, comprises a tilt mechanism for tilting the panhead about a tilt pivot shaft and a pan mechanism for panning the tilt mechanism about a pan pivot shaft, and the tilt and pan mechanisms are disposed to be offset from each other in a back-and-forth direction of the panhead device.
For example, preferably, the pan pivot shaft stands upright on a base of the panhead device, and the tilt pivot shaft is horizontally disposed above the pan pivot shaft.
Also, the tilt pivot shaft is preferably disposed in front of the pan pivot shaft.
In a panhead device which supports an image sensing apparatus on a panhead, and pivots the image sensing apparatus in a pan or tilt direction, each of driving force transmission systems for respectively panning and tilting the panhead comprises power transmission means having a worm and worm wheel, and the worm is supported to be freely movable in a radial direction of the worm wheel and is biased in the radial direction.
For example, means for biasing the worm preferably comprises at least a leaf spring which elastically contacts the worm in a thrust direction thereof.
In a panhead device which supports an image sensing apparatus on a panhead, and pivots the image sensing apparatus in a pan or tilt direction, the panhead and a bearing cover that fixes the tilt pivot shaft can be assembled from an upper side with respect to the base of the tilt mechanism, and the panhead is fixed to and supported on the base of the tilt mechanism when the bearing cover is assembled.
For example, preferably, the bearing cover has a lock arm that can engage with a predetermined position of the base, and engages with and is held by the base by clamping the predetermined position with the lock arm.
A In a panhead device which supports an image sensing apparatus on a panhead, and pivots the image sensing apparatus in a pan or tilt direction, the panhead is supported to be pivotal about the tilt pivot shaft, and a communication cable is mounted in a space formed inside the panhead, and the communication cable is preferably mounted along a curved wall surface formed inside the panhead.
A panhead device which supports an image sensing apparatus on a panhead, and pivots the image sensing apparatus in a pan or tilt direction, comprises detection means for detecting a home position in panning or tilting of the panhead, and the detection means outputs a first predetermined signal when the panhead is located within an operation range on one side of a reference position of panning or tilting of the panhead, and outputs a second predetermined signal when the panhead is located within an operation range on the other side of the reference position.
Preferably, the detection means comprises:
a pivot member which synchronously pivots about an axis coaxial with a central axis of the panning or tilting, and a sensor for outputting the first or second predetermined signal, and the state of an output signal from the sensor is changed by the pivot member.
More preferably, the pivot member and the sensor are disposed, so that the state of the output signal from the sensor changes when the panhead is located at a home position in panning or tilting.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3568583 (1971-03-01), Horberg, Jr. et al.
patent: 4736218 (1988-04-01), Kutman
patent: 5224675 (1993-07-01), Ellenberger et al.
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Gray David M.
Morgan & Finnegan , LLP
LandOfFree
Compact low-profile camera device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Compact low-profile camera device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Compact low-profile camera device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2549107