Surveillance camera system
US5627616A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 6, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/60
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A camera module for use in a surveillance camera system is provided. The camera module includes a housing and a pan-and-tilt mechanism that is mounted to the housing. The pan-and-tilt mechanism includes a pan motor for panning a camera and a tilt motor for tilting the camera. The pan motor is mounted on the pan-and-tile mechanism so as to be stationary relative to the housing. A slip ring, mounted to the pan-and-tilt mechanism, provides electrical connections to the tilt motor and the camera and a flex cable connects the camera to the slip ring. Also provided are methods for controlling unique functions of the surveillance camera system. Calibration of a home pan position for the camera is achieved by monitoring an optical homing sensor. Calibration of a home tilt position for the camera is accomplished by driving the camera against a stop. Thereafter, pan and tilt positions of the camera are tracked relative to the home pan and tilt positions. The electric current for energizing the tilt and pan motors is controlled in relation to the motor speed. In addition, an auto-pivot feature provides automatic pivoting of the camera when the camera is in a vertical position. A tour feature …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.