JPH09284612A - Motor driven pan head - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a motor driven pan head where endless rotation is possible and also a long life and noiseless conversion are easily obtained. SOLUTION: The motor driven pan head has a rotating part 2 which is held so as to be rotation possible with a rotary axis line C as a center as against a fixing part 1 to be a stand. Between them, the transmission path of a video signal and the transmission path of a control signal are formed by optical signals between an optical transmission unit 4 and an optical reception unit 5 and also the optical transmission unit 6 and the optical reception unit 7 which are respectively made into a pair. The optical transmission path which is formed at the other side of space is used in signal transmission between the fixing part 1 and the rotating part 2 so that endless rotation is made to be possible and also reduction in a life owing to cable bending is prevented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric pan head for remotely controlling an azimuth angle of a camera, and more particularly to an electric pan head suitable for a television camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image monitoring system using a television camera (hereinafter simply referred to as "camera") has been widely used, but at this time, the azimuth angle of the camera can be changed by remote control within a required range. It is customary to use an electric pan head configured as described above so that a wide observation range can be obtained by one camera.

The operation for changing the azimuth angle of the camera is called pan, but there are other operations for changing the elevation angle, and the operation for changing the elevation angle is called tilt.

The electric pan head is roughly composed of a fixed portion which is a base for installing a camera at a surveillance place, and a swivel portion which is rotatably held with respect to the fixed portion. In general, it is possible to remotely control this turning part by turning it with an electric motor.
At this time, in the conventional electric pan head, a connecting path with a cable having a long loop and a sliding contact method with a slip ring and a brush is used as a conductive path for control signals and video signals between the fixed part and the swivel part. Or a connecting path made of a combination of these.

[0005]

The prior art cannot be said to give sufficient consideration to the formation of the conductive path between the fixed portion and the swivel portion, and has the following problems.

That is, first, in the method using a cable, since the length of the cable is finite, there is a limit to the number of times the swivel part can swivel, and endless (infinite) swivel is impossible, and the swivel part rotates Since the cable is flexed each time it is operated, there is a problem that it is necessary to consider the durability of the cable. On the other hand, the method using a slip ring inevitably causes noise due to sliding contact. However, there was a problem that maintenance was required.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric pan head which is capable of endless turning, has a long life, and is easily noiseless.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide, in an electric pan head having a fixed portion and a movable portion, transmission / reception of signals between the fixed portion and the movable portion through an optical signal transmission path. Will be achieved.

Further, the above-mentioned object is, in an electric pan head having a fixed portion and a turning portion, a television camera attached to the turning portion, and a video signal attached to the turning base and supplied from the television camera. A first electro-optical converting means for converting the optical signal into an optical signal, and a first optical-electric converting means for converting an optical signal incident from the first electro-optical converting means into a video signal, which is attached to the fixing portion. Conversion means and second electro-optical conversion means means attached to the fixed part for converting a control signal inputted from the outside into an optical signal; and the second electro-optical conversion part attached to the swivel part. This is achieved by providing a second optical-electrical conversion means for converting an optical signal incident from the means means into a control signal and supplying the control signal to the television camera.

Since light propagates in space, it is possible to send and receive signals across the space by using an optical signal. Therefore, by forming the signal transmission path between the fixed part and the swivel part (movable part) by the optical signal transmission path, it is possible to eliminate the need for cables or slip rings that connect the fixed part and the swivel part. It enables endless turning.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an electric pan head according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to illustrated embodiments. FIG.
Is an example schematically showing a first embodiment of an electric pan head according to the present invention, and this example is composed of a fixed part 1 and a swivel part 2 shown as cylindrical members as shown in the figure. , Swivel part 2
A camera (television camera) 3 is mounted and mounted on.

The fixed portion 1 serves as a base for installing a camera at a necessary place such as a surveillance place. Then, the turning portion 2 is held by a turning holding mechanism (not shown), so that the turning portion 2 can be rotated about the turning axis C shown by a chain line.

The swivel unit 2 constitutes a movable unit with respect to the fixed unit 1, and is configured to be swung by an electric motor (not shown) as indicated by an arrow R, thereby swiveling the camera 3. , It works so that the imaging direction can be set to an arbitrary azimuth.

Therefore, if the fixed part 1 is attached at a predetermined position so that the turning axis C is vertical, the azimuth of the camera 3 is controlled by turning the turning part 2 by controlling the above-mentioned electric motor. The corners can be controlled remotely.

Here, the camera 3 operates by receiving a control signal supplied from an external device and outputs a video signal of a subject imaged by the lens 3a. Therefore, camera 3
It is necessary to provide a signal transmission line between the external device and
Therefore, first, it is necessary to enable signal transmission between the fixed portion 1 and the swivel portion 2.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the optical transmitting unit 4 and the optical receiving unit 5, and the optical transmitting unit 6 and the optical receiving unit 7, which are paired with each other, are used. The signal transmission path between them is formed by separating the space.

First, the light transmitting unit 4 and the light receiving unit 7 are provided in the fixed portion 1, and the light emitting surface of each light emitting element 4a and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 7a are provided in the vicinity of the turning axis C above the fixed portion 1. , Are attached to the fixed portion 1 so as to face upward.

Next, the light transmitting unit 6 and the light receiving unit 5 are provided in the swivel portion 2, and in the lower part thereof, in the vicinity of the swivel axis C, the light emitting surface of each light emitting element 6a and the light receiving element 5 are provided.
The light receiving surface of a is attached to the swivel unit 2 so as to face downward.

Here, 8 is an opening, which is the fixed portion 1.
Between the swivel unit 2 and the swivel unit 2 is drawn to show that there is no obstacle to the transmission of light in the vicinity of the swivel axis C. Therefore, the light is output from the optical transmission unit 4. The light is received by the light receiving unit 5 without being disturbed by anything.
Similarly, the light that has been incident on the optical transmission unit 6 and has been output from the optical transmission unit 6 is also directly received by the optical reception unit 7.

First, the control signal transmission path will be described. A control signal supplied from an external device is input as an electric signal from an input terminal 10 provided in the fixed portion 1,
It is input to the optical transmission unit 4 via the wiring 11. Since the control signal input to the optical transmission unit 4 is a voltage signal, it is first input to the voltage-current conversion circuit 4b and converted into a current signal here. Then, the light is supplied to the light emitting element 4a composed of a light emitting diode, converted into an optical signal having a predetermined beam width, and output to the optical receiving unit 5.

Therefore, the optical signal emitted from the optical transmission unit 4 enters the swivel portion 2 through the opening 8 between the fixed portion 1 and the swivel portion 2, and the optical receiving unit 5 provided there. Entered in. The light signal incident on the light receiving unit 5 is converted into a current signal by the light receiving element 5a including a photodiode, converted into a voltage signal by the current / voltage conversion circuit 5b, and then amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier 5c, and wiring is performed. It is supplied to the camera 3 via 12 and controls the camera 3 to take an image.

Next, the transmission path of the video signal will be described.
The video signal from the camera 3 is output to the wiring 13 as an electric signal and input to the optical transmission unit 6. Since the control signal input to the optical transmission unit 6 is a voltage signal, it is first input to the voltage-current conversion circuit 6b and converted into a current signal here. And a light emitting element 6a composed of a light emitting diode
Is supplied to the optical receiving unit 7 and is converted into an optical signal having a predetermined beam width.

Therefore, the optical signal emitted from the optical transmission unit 6 enters the fixed portion 1 through the opening 8 between the swivel portion 2 and the fixed portion 1, and the optical receiving unit 7 provided there. Entered in. The light signal incident on the light receiving unit 7 is converted into a current signal by the light receiving element 7a composed of a photodiode, converted into a voltage signal by the current / voltage conversion circuit 7b, and then amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier 7c, and then the wiring is performed. It is supplied to the video signal output terminal 15 via 14. A video signal as an electric signal is output from the fixed unit 1 from a video signal output terminal 15.

Therefore, if the control signal input terminal 10 and the video signal output terminal 15 are connected to an external device with a cable, the image of the subject captured by the camera 3 can be monitored and the camera 3 can be remotely operated. The image of the subject in any direction can be monitored by turning.

Further, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, since no cable is used for exchanging the control signal and the video signal between the fixed part 1 and the turning part 2, the camera 3 is 360 degrees in azimuth. The above, that is, any number of rotations of one rotation or more, can be rotated, and endless turning can be performed.

Next, regarding the second embodiment of the present invention,
This will be described with reference to FIG. The embodiment of FIG. 2 is configured so that the camera can be moved not only by the turning axis C but also by a horizontal axis (shown by a chain line) D orthogonal to the turning axis C, whereby both the azimuth angle and the elevation angle can be set. The remote control can be performed, and the same parts as those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 or the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The fixing portion 1 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a substantially flat top portion 1A, and a cylindrical member 20 is attached to the center of the top portion 1A. And this cylindrical member 2
The revolving unit 2 is held by two bearings 21 and 22 provided above and below 0, and is configured to be rotatable about the revolving axis C.

On the other hand, above the revolving part 2, there are provided bearings 23 and 24 which are paired on the left and right, and members 25 and 26 which are also paired are inserted from the outside on the left and right, The members 25 and 26 constitute a rotary shaft for rotation about the horizontal axis D by being internally coupled by the cylindrical shaft member 27.

The left and right outer portions of these members 25 and 26 are formed in a disk shape, and a camera mount 28 that is bent downward in a U-shape in this portion as shown in the figure. Are attached to the respective ends of the camera mount 28. Therefore, the camera mount 28 is configured to rotate about the horizontal axis D with respect to the swivel unit 2 and change the elevation angle of the camera.

An optical transmission unit 4 and an optical reception unit 7 are attached to the upper end inside the cylindrical member 20,
An optical transmitter unit 6 and an optical receiver unit 5 are attached to the swivel unit 2 so as to face these units.

Furthermore, at the upper end of the cylindrical member 20,
A slip ring 29 having two conductor rings is attached to the outside thereof, and correspondingly, the cylindrical member 20 is provided with
Brushes 30 that are respectively brought into contact with the two conductor rings,
31 are provided.

Next, the configurations of the signal transmission system and the power supply system between the fixed portion 1 and the turning portion 2 will be described. First, the optical transmission unit 4 and the optical reception unit 7 on the fixed portion 1 side are connected to a wiring board (not shown) by the wiring 32, and from there are connected to the control signal input terminal 10 and the video signal output terminal 15. It is like this. In addition, the optical transmission unit 6 and the optical reception unit 5 on the swivel unit 2 side are connected to the wiring board 46 by the wiring 33, and further connected to the video signal input terminal 37 and the control signal output terminal 38 by the wirings 34 and 35. It has become.

After mounting the camera on the camera mount 28, the video signal input terminal 37 and the control signal output terminal 38 are connected to the camera by a cable.
At this time, the range of change in the rotation angle of the camera mount 28 about the horizontal axis D is at most about 100 degrees, as is well known, so there is no problem in connection with a cable.

Next, the fixed portion 1 has an AC power input terminal 4
0 and a power distribution terminal block 41 connected thereto are provided, and AC power is supplied from this terminal block 41 to the slip ring 29 through the wiring 42. On the other hand, on the swivel unit 2 side, the brushes 30 and 31 contacting the slip ring 29 are connected to the power supply circuit 4 via the wiring 43.
4 is connected.

As a result, when the AC power is supplied from the power input terminal 40, the AC power is supplied to the slip ring 29 and the brush 3.
The power is supplied to the power supply circuit 44 via 0 and 31. As a result, power for operation is supplied to the optical transmission unit 6 and the optical reception unit 5 in the swivel unit 2 and electric motors 50 and 53 described later. Will be.

Wirings from the power supply circuit 44 to the light transmitting unit 6, the light receiving unit 5, the electric motors 50, 53, etc. are not shown. Further, a power supply circuit 45 connected to the power supply distribution terminal block 41 is provided in the fixed portion 1, and thus the electric power for operation required in the fixed portion 1 is supplied.

Next, the swing drive mechanism of the swing unit 2 and the vertical swing drive (elevation angle drive) mechanism of the camera mount 28 will be described. First, the turning drive mechanism includes an electric motor 50, a worm 51 attached to its rotating shaft, and a cylindrical member 2
The motor 50 is fixed to the revolving unit 2 so that the worm 51 attached to the rotary shaft of the electric motor 50 meshes with the worm wheel 52.

Therefore, if the electric motor 50 is controlled to rotate, the worm 51 and the worm wheel 52 will cause the revolving unit 2 to revolve around the revolving axis C, thereby obtaining a remote control of the azimuth angle. be able to.

Next, the vertical swing drive mechanism is the electric motor 53.
And a worm 54 attached to the rotary shaft thereof, and a worm wheel 55 attached to the member 25 thereof. In the electric motor 53, the worm 54 attached to the rotary shaft meshes with the worm wheel 55. Thus, it is fixed to the swivel unit 2.

Therefore, if the electric motor 53 is rotationally controlled, the worm 54 and the worm wheel 55 cause the camera mount 28 to be rotated about the horizontal axis D, so that the elevation angle can be remotely controlled. it can.

At this time, the electrical connection between the fixed part 1 and the swivel part 2 is given by the optical coupling system of the optical transmission units 4 and 6 and the optical reception units 5 and 7 in the signal system, and in the power supply system. Slip ring 29 and brushes 30, 31
Since it is provided by the sliding contact method, the endless rotation can be obtained.

Therefore, according to the embodiment of FIG. 2, by mounting the camera on the camera mount 28, the camera azimuth angle can be remotely controlled endlessly, and the elevation angle of the camera can also be remotely controlled. As a result, for example, when used for monitoring at an airport or the like, even an aircraft that is turning in the sky can always reliably and continuously capture a target regardless of the number of turns and the course.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the sliding contact method using the slip ring 29 and the brushes 30 and 31 is used. However, this is configured to be used only for supplying power for power supply. Therefore, there is no risk of noise or maintenance problems.

Because, in the power supply system, unlike the transmission of a minute signal, the voltage and current levels are quite large, so that the generation of noise is hardly a problem, and the slip ring and brush are slightly worn. This is because it can be used for a long time as it is.

[0045]

According to the present invention, signals such as control signals and video signals are delivered to and from the revolving unit to which the television camera is attached through the space. The signal cable between the fixed part and the swivel part can be eliminated, and as a result, there is no limitation on the number of rotations of the swivel part, and the endless swivel operation can be performed.

As a result, according to the present invention, there is no limitation on the azimuth angle operation of the television camera, and continuous camera operation is possible even when capturing a moving object.
It is possible to always reliably obtain the image signal of the subject.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an electric pan head according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of an electric pan head according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 fixed part 2 turning part 3 camera (television camera) 4, 6 optical transmission unit 4a, 6a light emitting element (light emitting diode) 4b, 6b voltage-current conversion circuit 5, 7 optical receiving unit 5a, 7a light receiving element (photodiode) 5b, 7b Current-voltage conversion circuit 5c, 7c Amplifier (amplifier) 8 Opening 10 Control signal input terminal 11, 12 13, 14 Wiring 20 Cylindrical member 21, 22, 23, 24 Bearing 25, 26, 27 Shaft member 28 Camera mount 50 Motor for turning 51, 54 Worm 53 Motor for vertical swing 52, 55 Worm wheel

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An electric pan head having a fixed portion and a movable portion, wherein transmission and reception of a signal between the fixed portion and the movable portion is configured to be given through an optical signal transmission path. Electric pan head. 2. An electric pan head having a fixed part and a swivel part, wherein a television camera mounted on the swivel part and a video signal mounted on the swivel base and supplied from the television camera are converted into optical signals. A first electro-optical converting means for converting, and a first optical-optical means mounted on the fixing part for converting an optical signal incident from the first electro-optical converting means into a video signal.
Electrical conversion means, second electrical-optical conversion means attached to the fixed portion for converting a control signal input from the outside into an optical signal, and second electrical-optical attached to the swivel portion. An electric pan head, which is provided with a second optical-electrical converting means for converting an optical signal incident from the converting means into a control signal and supplying the control signal to the television camera.