as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2015/0177596 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Jun. 25, 2015
`
`Bergsten etal.
`
`US 20150177596A1
`
`(54) MONITORING DEVICE ARRANGEMENT
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(71) Applicant: Axis AB, Lund (SE)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Johan Bergsten, Landskrona (SE); Jens
`Pahlitzsch, Lund (SE); Niclas Méller
`Lewin, Malmé (SE)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G03B 17/56
`FI6M 13/02
`(52) U.S.CL
`CPC veces G03B 17/561 (2013.01); FI6M 13/022
`(2013.01)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(73) Assignee: Axis AB, Lund (SE)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/567,563
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 11, 2014
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Dec. 19, 2013)
`
`(EP) wee cesescteeseeesenees 13198392.6
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A monitoring device arrangementis disclosed comprising a
`mounting rail, and at least two fixed monitoring devices, said
`fixed monitoring devices each being mounted on a respective
`holder, said holders being arranged on said mounting rail,
`wherein each said holder comprises a lock device locking said
`holder in a determined position on said mounting rail, and
`wherein said lock device is releasable to allow sliding repo-
`sitioning of said holder on said mountingrail.
`
`
`
`17
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Fig. 2
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`aam
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`Seros
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`SAY
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`RAR |Ay
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`2
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`Fig. 4
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`US 2015/0177596 Al
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`Jun. 25, 2015
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`MONITORING DEVICE ARRANGEMENT
`
`FIELD OF INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention concerns a monitoring device
`arrangement comprising a mountingrail andat least two fixed
`monitoring devices mounted on holders arranged on said
`mountingrail.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Monitoring device arrangements may include a
`numberofmonitoring devices, such as cameras and IR detec-
`tors. The monitoring devices may be mounted on a support
`and may be used for monitoring an area around the monitor-
`ing device arrangement. The monitoring devices in such a
`monitoring device arrangement mayall be of the sametype,
`or they maybeofdifferent types. For instance, one monitor-
`ing device may be a fish-eye camera and another monitoring
`device may bea fix focus lens camera.
`[0003]
`It may be desirable to monitor, e.g., a 360° field of
`view around the monitoring device arrangement. However, in
`somelocations, there may be objects, such as walls, blocking
`the view of one or more of the monitoring devices, reducing
`the usable field ofview ofthe monitoring device arrangement.
`Further, the most important parts of the scene to monitor may
`be located suchthat they are near the edge ofthefield ofview
`of one of the monitoring devices, whereas it would be desir-
`able to have these parts at the centre of the field of view.It
`would therefore be desirable to have a monitoring device
`arrangement allowing flexibility in the positioning of the
`monitoring devices.
`[0004] WO 2004/095386 discloses a surveillance appara-
`tus incorporating a plurality of CCTV cameras individually
`adjusted andfixed to survey the required areasof a site. The
`cameras are mounted from a camera support ring by a hinged
`bracket arrangement. The cameras are manually adjustable in
`azimuth bysliding the bracket arrangements aroundthe sup-
`port ring and clamping them in the required positions.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`[0005]
`monitoring device arrangement which alleviates the prob-
`lems associated with prior art monitoring device arrange-
`ments.
`
`[0006] A particular objectis to provide a monitoring device
`arrangement which enables flexible, yet well-defined posi-
`tioning of monitoring devices.
`[0007] According to the invention, these and other objects
`are achieved,in full orat least in part, by a monitoring device
`arrangement comprising a mounting rail, and at least two
`fixed monitoring devices, said fixed monitoring devices each
`being mounted on a respective holder, said holders being
`arranged on said mounting rail, wherein each said holder
`comprises a lock device locking said holder in a determined
`position on said mounting rail, and wherein said lock device
`is releasable to allow sliding repositioning of said holder on
`said mounting rail. It may be noted that the term “fixed
`monitoring device”refers to a monitoring device which is not
`in itself capable of panning ortilting, but which may be
`capable of zooming. With a monitoring device arrangement
`accordingto the invention,it is possible to mountfixed moni-
`toring devices on the mounting rail with a possibility of
`adjusting the positions of the fixed monitoring device by
`sliding them along the mounting rail with the lock device
`
`released. Oncethefixed monitoring devices have been placed
`in the desired position, the lock device of the holder may be
`locked, and the fixed monitoring devices may be securely
`held on the mounting rail. In this manner, the monitoring
`device arrangementis flexible in that the positionsofthe fixed
`monitoring devices in relation to each otheror in relation to
`objects in the surroundings may be chosen in accordance with
`current needs. Thus, for instance, fixed monitoring devices
`maybepositioned to cover a desired field of view and avoid-
`ing positions where the field of view of one or more of the
`fixed monitoring devices would be blocked by a wall or other
`object. Further, parts of a potential field of view which for
`other reasons should not be monitored may also be avoided.
`This may, e.g., be the case if a monitoring device arrangement
`is placed indoors, andit is not allowable to monitor persons
`outside, through a window. Byadjusting the positions of the
`fixed monitoring devices on the mounting rail, their usable
`combinedfield ofview maythusbe utilised, instead ofhaving
`to shut off an inappropriately directed fixed monitoring
`device. Conversely, there may be particularly importantparts
`of the scene to monitor, and by adjusting the positions of the
`fixed monitoring devices on the mountingrail, the field of
`view may be centred on the most importantparts ofthe scene.
`[0008]
`In some embodiments, the mountingrail is arcuate
`or angled. Thereby, a wide range of positions for the fixed
`monitoring devices are available in order to cover a desired
`field of view. If the mountingrail is arcuate and is free from
`sharp angles, the holders mayeasily beslidingly repositioned
`along the entire are portion.
`[0009] The mounting rail may becircular. In this manner,
`the fixed monitoring devices may be positioned in a large
`numberofpositions along the circular mounting rail, thereby
`allowing a large combinedfield of view.
`[0010]
`In an embodiment, the lock device of the holder
`comprises a magnet, and the mounting rail comprises ferro-
`magnetic material. This is a practical way of achieving a
`releasable lock, which does not require tools for releasing and
`locking the holder.
`[0011] The mounting rail may comprise at least one mag-
`net, and said holder may comprise ferromagnetic material.
`This is also a practical way of achieving a releasable lock,
`which does not require tools for releasing and locking the
`holder.
`
`In one embodiment, the holder comprises a biasing
`[0012]
`memberbiasing said holder against said mountingrail. In this
`manner, it may be ensuredthat the holder is securely held in
`position on the mountingrail.
`[0013] The biasing member may comprise a leaf spring.
`[0014] The mounting rail may have at least one recess or
`protrusion in a predetermined position along said mounting
`rail, and the biasing member maybe adapted to engage said
`recess or protrusion for locking said holder in said predeter-
`minedposition. This makes it easy for a person installing the
`monitoring device arrangementto place the fixed monitoring
`devices correctly in case one ofthe predeterminedpositionsis
`desired. Similarly, this may assist in adjusting the position of
`the fixed monitoring devices in an already mounted monitor-
`ing device arrangement. For instance, the mounting rail may
`be provided with four recesses or protrusions in positions 90°
`apart along the mounting rail. This may simplify equidistant
`positioning of four fixed monitoring devices for a 360° field
`of view.
`
`[0015] The holder may comprise a rotation prevention
`memberpreventing said holder from rotating around said
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`mounting rail. This may ensure a stable positioning of the
`fixed monitoring device once the holder is locked in the
`desired position.
`[0016]
`In one embodiment, the holder comprises a retain-
`ing memberarrangedto retain said holder on said mounting
`rail also when said lock device is released. Hereby, it may be
`ensured that the holder is retained on the rail even during a
`repositioning movement. It may also be ensured that the
`holder is retained on the mounting rail even if the locking
`function of the lock device were to fail for some reason.
`
`lar embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It
`must be noted that, as used in the specification and the
`appended claim, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are
`intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements
`
`for
`unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,
`example, a reference to “an object” or “the object” may
`include several objects, and the like. Furthermore, the word
`“comprising” does not exclude other elementsorsteps.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0017] The retaining member may comprise a hookretain-
`[0024] The invention will now be described in more detail
`ing said holder on said mounting rail. This is a practical way
`by way of example and with reference to the accompanying
`of ensuring that the holder is kept on the mountingrail.
`schematic drawings, in which:
`[0018] Atleast one ofsaid fixed monitoring devices may be
`[0025]
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a monitoring device
`a fix focus lens camera. Further, at least one of said fixed
`arrangementaccording toa first embodiment,
`monitoring devices may be anon-pannable, non-tiltable cam-
`[0026]
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detail in the moni-
`era capable of zooming.
`toring device arrangement in FIG. 1 showing a monitoring
`[0019]
`In an embodiment, the monitoring device arrange-
`device in a holder arranged on a mountingrail,
`ment further comprises a pannable and/or tiltable monitoring
`[0027] FIG.3isaperspective view ofthe monitoring device
`device, wherein the mounting rail is arranged surrounding
`and the holder shownin FIG.2,
`said pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device. For instance,
`[0028]
`FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the monitoring device
`the fixed monitoring devices may be used for getting an
`and holder of FIG.3,
`overview and the pannable and/ortiltable monitoring device
`
`[0029] FIG. 5 isaperspective view of a monitoring device
`may be used for targeting objects found using the overview
`arrangementaccording to a second embodiment,
`monitoring devices.
`[0030]
`FIG. 6 is an exploded view ofthe monitoring device
`[0020] The monitoring device arrangement may further
`arrangement shownin FIG.5,
`comprise a shielding portion arranged to shield said pannable
`[0031]
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of part of a monitoring
`and/ortiltable monitoring device from environmentalfactors,
`device arrangement with a holder according to a third
`such as sunlight or rain. In this manner, the pannable and/or
`embodiment,
`tiltable monitoring device may be protected from harmful
`[0032]
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view ofa holder according to
`environmental factors, such as ingress ofrain.If the pannable
`a fourth embodiment, and
`and/or tiltable monitoring device is a camera,
`it may be
`[0033]
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of part of a monitoring
`advantageousto shield it from the sun in order to obtain good
`device arrangement with a holder according to a fifth embodi-
`images.
`ment.
`[0021] The pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device may
`bea PTZ camera,i.e. a camera capable of panning,tilting and
`zooming. If the fixed monitoring devices are cameras, these
`maybe used for getting an overview image of an area sur-
`rounding the monitoring device arrangement. The PTZ cam-
`era may be usedfor tracking and zoomingin on objects found
`in the overview image. The overview image maybestitched
`together from the images captured by the respective fixed
`cameras to form a panoramic image. The overview may also
`be shownas separate images, e.g., on a video wall.
`[0022] The monitoring device arrangement may comprise a
`motorforsliding repositioning of said holder on said mount-
`ing rail. In this manner, the positions of the fixed monitoring
`devices may be adjusted even if the monitoring device is
`difficult to reach, or if adjustmentis needed also after instal-
`lation of the monitoring device, e.g., for different monitoring
`needs during the day and at night. A further scope of appli-
`cability of the present invention will become apparent from
`the detailed description given below. However, it should be
`understood that
`the detailed description and specific
`examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
`invention, are given by wayofillustration only, since various
`changes and modifications within the scope of the invention
`will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this
`detailed description.
`[0023] Hence,itis to be understoodthatthis invention is not
`limited to the particular component parts of the device
`described or steps of the methods described as such device
`and method mayvary. It is also to be understood that the
`terminology usedherein is for purpose of describing particu-
`
`In FIG. 1 a monitoring device arrangement 1 is
`[0034]
`shown comprising a number of monitoring devices 2. In this
`embodiment, the arrangementis a camera arrangement com-
`prising a numberof fixed cameras, i.e. cameras that are in
`themselves incapable of panning andtilting. The camera
`arrangement1 has a shielding portion 3 for shieldingthe fixed
`cameras 2 against environmental factors, such as sunlight,
`rain, and snow. Further, the camera arrangement 1 has an
`attachmentportion 4 for attaching the camera arrangementto,
`é.g., a mounting bracket (not shown in FIG. 1) for mounting
`on a surface such as a wall, a ceiling, or a pole. The fixed
`cameras 2 are arranged inside a protective window 5. At an
`end, which in FIG. 1 is a lower end, of the camera arrange-
`ment, there is an opening 6 surroundedby a trim ring 7. The
`shielding portion 3 may be made of aluminium, making it
`allowable to arrange the camera arrangement recessed in a
`ceiling while fulfilling fire safety requirements.
`[0035] Turning to FIG. 2, a fixed camera 2 of the camera
`arrangement 1 may be seen. Thefixed camera 2 is arranged in
`a holder 8, which is mounted on a mounting rail 9. In the
`embodiment shown, the mounting rail 9 is of circular shape,
`such that it surrounds the opening 6.
`[0036] As may be more clearly seen in FIG.3, the holder 8
`has a numberof retaining members in the form of hooks 10
`and bosses 11. The hooks 10 are arrangedat the front of the
`holder 8, such that when the holder 8 is mounted on the
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
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`mounting rail 9, the hooks 10 are engaged arounda radially
`outer rim 12 of the mounting rail 9 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The
`bosses 11 are arrangedat the back of the holder 8, such that
`whenthe holder 8 is mounted on the mounting rail 9, the
`bosses 11 abut a radially inner rim 13 of the mounting rail 9,
`thereby preventing the holder 8 from tilting or rotating for-
`wards. Further, the holder 8 has a biasing memberin the form
`of a leaf spring 14 arranged at the back of the holder 8. The
`leaf spring 14 is slightly hook-shaped. Whenthe holder 8 is
`mounted on the mounting rail 9, the leaf spring 14 urges the
`holder 8 radially outwardly against the inner rim 13 of the
`mounting rail 9 and the hook-shape engagesthe inner rim 13.
`[0037] Withreferenceto the cross-section shownin FIG.4,
`the holder 8 has a locking device in the form of a magnet 15.
`In this embodiment, the mounting rail 9 is made ofa ferro-
`magnetic material, and the magnet may therefore securely
`lock the holder 8 in position on the mountingrail. Byslightly
`lifting the holder 8 offthe mounting rail 9, or by pressing back
`the leaf spring 14 andtilting the holder 8 slightly forward, the
`magnetic force of the magnet 15 may be overcome, such that
`the holder can be movedslidingly along the mounting rail 9 to
`a desired position. The hooks 10, bosses 11, and leafspring 14
`ensure that the holderis retained on the mountingrail 9 during
`this movement. Once the holder 8 has been movedto the
`
`desired position, the holder is released, such that the force of
`the magnet 15 locks the holder 8 in place. Thus, the holder 8
`may be unlocked, moved, and locked without the need for
`tools.
`
`[0038] As may be seen in FIG.2, recesses or notches 16 are
`formed in the mountingrail 9 at predeterminedpositions. The
`holder 8 has a protrusion in the form of the leaf spring 14,
`which mayengagethe notch 16 whenthe holderis positioned
`in one of the predetermined positions. When a holder 8 is
`movedto one of the predeterminedpositions, the leaf spring
`14 of the holder snaps into the corresponding notch 16. This
`snapping action ofthe leaf spring may be heard and/orfelt by
`the person moving the holder 8, indicating that the fixed
`camera 2 and the holder 8 have reached the predetermined
`position. For instance, the mounting rail 9 may have four
`notches 16 spaced 90° apart, thereby simplifying mounting of
`four fixed cameras2 at right angles for creating a combined
`360° view.
`
`[0039] Now turning to FIG. 5, the camera arrangement 1
`may be used as an accessory for a pannable and/or tiltable
`camera 17. In such case, the pannable and/or tiltable camera
`17 may be mounted inside the camera arrangement 1 with a
`dome18 of the pannable and/ortiltable camera 17 protruding
`through the opening 6 of the camera arrangement 1. The
`combination of the camera arrangement1 and the pannable
`and/or tiltable camera 18 may be mountedto, e.g., a wall
`using a mounting bracket 19, which maybe attached via the
`attachmentportion 4 of the camera arrangement 1. Whenthe
`accessory 1 and the pannable and/or tiltable camera 17 are
`assembled to a combined camera arrangement 101,
`the
`shielding portion 3 may shield the pannable and/ortiltable
`camera 17 from sun, rain, snow, and otherpotentially harmful
`environmental factors.
`
`[0040] The fixed cameras 2 maybefix focus lens cameras,
`and the pannable and/ortiltable camera 17 may be a PTZ
`camera, i.e. acamera capable ofpanning,tilting and zooming.
`The fix focus lens cameras 2 may be used for creating an
`overview imageof an area surrounding the combined camera
`arrangement 101. If, for instance, four fixed cameras 2 are
`placed approximately 90° apart on the mountingrail 9, a 360°
`
`view may be achieved. Dependingonthe viewing angle ofthe
`fixed cameras, a 360° view may be achieved with fewer
`cameras, for instance three fixed cameras 2 placed approxi-
`mately 120° apart. When using the combined camera arrange-
`ment 101, the PTZ camera 17 may bedirected to points of
`interest identified in the overview imagecreated by the fixed
`cameras 2. Hereby, objects or persons may be tracked
`throughout the area covered by the cameras 2, 17 of the
`combined camera arrangement 101, while still maintaining
`an overview ofthe area.
`
`[0041] When mounting the combined camera arrangement
`101,
`the environment surrounding the combined camera
`arrangement 101 may be such that one or more of the fixed
`cameras would have all or parts ofthe field ofview blocked by
`objects, such as building walls. In such case, the predeter-
`mined positions of the fixed cameras 2 may notbe suitable.
`However, the holders 2 allow the fixed cameras 2 to be moved
`to more suitable positions along the mounting rail 9. Should,
`for instance, one of the predetermined positions on the
`mountingrail 9 entail that one of the fixed cameras be point-
`ing into a wall, the fixed cameras may be moved closer
`together along the remaining portion of the mountingrail,
`such that they provide more overlap in the useable field of
`view surrounding the combined camera arrangement. Simi-
`larly, should the camera arrangement 101 be placed indoors,
`it might not be allowable to monitor persons walking past
`outside a window. Also in this type of situation, it may be
`desirable to adjust the positions of the fixed cameras 2 so as
`not to monitor a certain part ofthe surroundingarea, but to use
`the fixed cameras 2 to get good coverage of the remaining
`surroundingarea. It will be appreciated that a person skilled
`in the art can modify the above described embodiments in
`many waysandstill use the advantages of the invention as
`shown in the embodiments above. As an example, although
`reference has here been made to monitoring devices in the
`form of cameras, other monitoring devices may be used
`instead. Examples of such monitoring devices include IR
`detectors and microphones.
`[0042]
`Instead of, or in combination with, cameras employ-
`ing visible light,
`the cameras of the combined camera
`arrangement may comprise IR cameras, or thermal cameras.
`[0043] The fixed monitoring devices need not necessarily
`each contain their own electronics. Instead, the electronics
`necessary for the two or more fixed monitoring devices may
`be arranged at one, common location.
`[0044]
`In the embodimentdescribed above, there are four
`fixed monitoring devices. However, another numberoffixed
`monitoring devices may be arranged in the camera arrange-
`ment. Depending on the local conditions in the place where
`the monitoring device arrangement is mounted, it may be
`possible to create a desired overview with three, or as few as
`two fixed monitoring devices. In other instances, it may be
`desirable to have more than four fixed monitoring devices.
`Forinstance, a combination of a numberoffixed cameras and
`other monitoring devices may be arranged on the mounting
`rail.
`
`[0045] When the camera arrangementhas been mounted,it
`may be possible to supplement it with more monitoring
`devices.
`
`[0046] The monitoring devices may be removable from the
`holders, allowing exchange of monitoring devices for main-
`tenanceor for changing from one type ofmonitoring device to
`another.
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`Inthe embodiment described above, the fixed cam-
`[0047]
`eras are fix focus lens cameras, but cameras capable of zoom-
`ing may be usedinstead.
`[0048] The numberof recesses or notches in the mounting
`rail need not necessarily be three or four. A smaller or larger
`numberof recesses may be provided depending on the num-
`ber of predetermined positions to mark. Further, the prede-
`termined positions may be marked byrecesses ofother shapes
`than the notch shown in FIG.2, such as through holes and
`blind holes.
`
`[0049] The mounting rail and the holders, respectively, may
`be formed such that locking ofthe holdersis only possible in
`the predeterminedpositions. They may be achieved, e.g., by
`suitable shapes of the recesses and protrusions. However,
`generally, it is preferable to allow an infinitely variable posi-
`tioning of the holders on the mounting rail.
`[0050]
`Instead of the recesses, the mounting rail may be
`provided with protrusions marking the predetermined posi-
`tions. In such case, the holder may be provided with a corre-
`sponding recess for engagement with the protrusions.
`[0051]
`In the embodiment shownin FIG. 5, a PTZ camera
`is placed in the opening ofthe camera arrangement. However,
`the pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device may be
`another kind of camera or monitoring device. The camera
`arrangement may in someinstances be mounted without a
`central, pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device. For
`example, a spotlight or loudspeaker may be mounted in the
`opening. In someinstances it may even be desirable to have
`no other device in the opening of the camera arrangement. In
`such case, the opening may be coveredbya lid.
`[0052] The magnet may be a permanent magnet, e.g., a
`neodymium magnet. In one embodiment, the magnet may
`have two magnetic poles and be pivotable, such that it locks
`the holder in place when oriented in one direction, and
`releases the holder oriented in the opposite direction.
`[0053]
`Instead of permanent magnets, electro-magnets
`maybe used. In such case,it is preferable if the action of the
`electro-magnet be arranged such that when the monitoring
`device is supplied with electric current, the electro-magnetis
`turned off, and such that it is turned on when the electric
`power supply is interrupted. Thereby, the fixed monitoring
`devices are locked securely in position in the case of a power
`outage.
`[0054] The arrangement of the magnet and the ferromag-
`netic material may be reversed, such that each holder com-
`prises ferromagnetic material, and the mounting rail com-
`prises magnets. The ferromagnetic material used in the
`mounting rail or in the holder may be martensitic stainless
`steel, but other ferromagnetic materials are also possible.
`the
`[0055]
`Instead of lock devices employing magnets,
`holders in the monitoring device arrangement mayhave lock
`devices employing other means. For instance, each holder
`may be provided with a spring or a snap lock. Examples of
`additional embodiments of holders are shown in FIGS. 7-9.
`
`InFIG.7, a lock device 215 of a holder 208 employ-
`[0056]
`ing spring function is shown. The lock device 215 is essen-
`tially made up of bent sheet metal. At the front of the lock
`device 215, i.e. the part of the lock device 215 which is
`arrangedat the radially outer rim ofthe mountingrail, the lock
`device 215 has two release tabs 220. By pressing the release
`tabs 220 towards each other, the lock device 215 is released,
`such that the holder 208 may be moved slidingly along the
`mounting rail to a desired position. Similar to the embodi-
`ment described above in connection with, e.g., FIG. 3, this
`
`holder 208 has hooks 210 for retaining the holder 208 on the
`mounting rail even when the lock device 215is released.
`[0057]
`In FIG. 8, another embodiment of a holder 308
`having a lock device 315 employing a snap lock is shown.
`This holder 308 is essentially made of plastic, and the lock
`device 315 comprises a curved metallic bar 319 which is
`connected to a lock lever 320. Similar to the embodiments
`
`already described, the holder 308 in FIG.8 has hooks 310 for
`retaining the holder 308 on the mountingrail, even when the
`lock device 315 is released. In the locked position, as shown
`in FIG. 8, the lock lever 320 positions the curved bar in a
`position where it presses against the underside of the mount-
`ing rail, thereby locking the holder 308 in position on the
`mounting rail. When the lock lever 320 is pivoted forwards,
`ie. in a direction radially outwardly, the curved bar 319 is
`rotated such that it no longer presses against the mounting
`rail. The holder 308 may then be movedslidingly along the
`mountingrail.
`[0058] As may be seen in FIG. 9, combinationsof features
`of the different embodiments of holders that have been
`
`described are also possible. Here, the holder 408 is of a type
`similar to the one shown in FIG. 7, and may be made essen-
`tially of sheet metal. However, the lock device 415 is of the
`type shownin FIG. 8, comprising a curved metallic bar 419
`and a lock lever 420. In FIG.9, the holder 408 is shown with
`the lock lever 420 in the locking position, in which the curved
`bar presses against the mounting rail 409. Thus, the holder
`408 andthe fixed camera 402 are held securely in position on
`the mounting rail. Ifthe lock lever 420 is pivoted forwards,i.e.
`radially outwardly, the lock device 415 is released in the same
`way as described in connection with FIG. 8. With the lock
`device 415 released, the holder 408 with the fixed camera 402
`may be moved along the mounting rail 409 to a desired
`position in a sliding motion. The lock lever 420 may be made
`long enough to protrude radially outside the outer rim of the
`mounting rail 409 such that it prevents replacing the protec-
`tive window (not shown in FIG. 9) when in the unlocked
`position. In this manner,
`it may be ensured that a person
`installing the monitoring device arrangement does notacci-
`dentally forget to lock the locking device 415 before closing
`the monitoring device arrangement. Once the arrangementis
`locked andclosed, the fixed cameras 402 are held securely in
`place on the mounting rail 409, protected by the shielding
`portion 403 and the protective window.
`[0059] Other types of locking devices are also possible,
`such as locking devices employing rubber bands, clamping
`screwsor tension bolts. Advantageously, locking devices not
`requiring tools for locking and releasing are used, thereby
`simplifying installation and adjustment of the monitoring
`device arrangement.
`[0060]
`Inthe embodiments shown,the holdersare intended
`to be moved manually along the mounting rail. However,
`there maybesituations whereit is useful to be able to move
`the holders by remote control. This could be ofinterest if the
`monitoring device arrangement is mounted in a location that
`is difficult to reach,e.g., high up on a wall or pole. A remote-
`controlled movementof the holders may be achieved using a
`toothed rim on the mounting rail. The inner rim or the outer
`rim or both rims of the mounting rail could be provided with
`teeth, and the holder be provided with correspondingteeth. A
`motor, such as a piezoelectric motor, could be provided in the
`holder for moving the holder along the toothed mountingrail.
`It should be noted that the manual as well as the remote-
`controlled movementof the holders are intended for installa-
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1004-11
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1004-11
`
`

`

`US 2015/0177596 Al
`
`Jun. 25, 2015
`
`wherein each said holder comprises a lock device locking
`said holder in a determined position on said mounting
`rail;
`wherein said lock device is releasable to allow sliding
`repositioning of said holder on said mountingrail;
`wherein one of said lock device of said holder and said
`mounting rail comprises a magnet; and
`wherein anotherofsaid lock device of said holder and said
`mounting rail comprises ferromagnetic material.
`2. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`1, wherein said fixed monitoring devices are monitoring
`devices which are in themselves incapable of panning and
`tilting.
`3. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`1, wherein said mountingrail is arcuate or angled.
`4. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`1, wherein said mountingrail is circular.
`5. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`1, wherein said holder comprises a biasing memberbiasing
`said holder against said mountingrail.
`6. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`5, wherein said biasing member comprisesa leaf spring.
`7. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`5 or 6, wherein said mounting rail has at least one recess or
`protrusion in a predetermined position along said mounting
`rail, and wherein said biasing memberis adapted to engage
`said recess or protrusion for locking said holder in said pre-
`determinedposition.
`8. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`1, wherein said holder comprises a rotation prevention mem-
`ber preventing said holder from rotating around said mount-
`ing rail.
`9. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`1, wherein said holder comprises a retaining member
`arrangedto retain said holder on said mounting rail also when
`said lock device is released.
`10. The monitoring device arrangement according to claim
`9, wherein said retaining member comprises a hook retaining
`said holder on said mountingrail.
`11. The monitoring device arrangementaccording to claim
`1, whereinat least one ofsaid fixed monitoring devicesis a fix
`focus lens camera.
`
`tion and adjustmentof the fixed monitoring devices, and not
`for any movement during the actual monitoring. Thus, once
`the fixed monitoring devices have been placedin the desired
`positions, they are intended to be securely held in position.
`Remote-controlled or motorised movementofthe fixed moni-
`toring devices mayalso be useful for setting personal prefer-
`ences, such as the preferences of different security guards.
`For instance, the monitoring needs may be different during
`the da