`
`Patentamt
`Europaisches
`European
`Patent Office
`Office européen
`
`EUROPEANPATENT APPLICATION
`
`(1 9)
`
`(12)
`
`(43) Date of publication:
`24.06.2015 Bulletin 2015/26
`
`(51) Int CL:
`GO8B 131196 (2006.01)
`
`(21) Application number: 13198392.6
`
`EP 2 887 328 A1
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`(22) Dateoffiling: 19.12.2013
`
`
`(84) Designated Contracting States:
`AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FIFRGB
`GR HR HUIE IS IT LILT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO
`PL PT RO RS SE SISK SMTR
`
`Designated Extension States:
`BA ME
`
`(71 — Applicant: Axis AB
`223 69 Lund (SE)
`
`mswv
`
`Inventors:
`
`¢ Pahlitzsch, Jens
`224 57 Lund (SE)
`
`(74) Representative: Lindgren, Sven Erik Andreas
`Awapatent AB
`Box 1066
`
`251 10 Helsingborg (SE)
`
`Remarks:
`
`Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2)
`EPC.
`
`Bergsten, Johan
`261 40 Landskrona (SE)
`
`
`(54) Monitoring devices slidably mounted on a rail releasably locked to predetermined positions
`
`A monitoring device arrangementis disclosed
`(57)
`comprising
`a mounting rail (9), and
`at least two fixed monitoring devices (2),
`said fixed monitoring devices (2) each being mounted on
`a respective holder (8), said holders (8) being arranged
`on said mounting rail (9),
`
`wherein each said holder (8) comprises a lock device
`(15) locking said holder (8) in a determined position on
`said mounting rail (9),
`and wherein said lock device (15) is releasable to allow
`sliding repositioning of said holder (8) on said mounting
`rail (9).
`
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`ypas
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`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
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`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-1
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`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-1
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`Description
`
`Technical field
`
`[0001] The present invention concerns a monitoring
`device arrangement comprising a mounting rail and at
`least two fixed monitoring devices mounted on holders
`arranged on said mountingrail.
`
`Background
`
`[0002] Monitoring device arrangements mayinclude a
`numberof monitoring devices, such as cameras and IR
`detectors. The monitoring devices may be mounted on
`a support and may be used for monitoring an area around
`the monitoring device arrangement. The monitoring de-
`vices in such a monitoring device arrangement mayall
`be of the same type, or they maybeofdifferent types.
`For instance, one monitoring device may be a fish-eye
`camera and another monitoring device may be a fix focus
`lens camera.
`
`It may be desirable to monitor, e.g., a 360° field
`[0003]
`of view around the monitoring device arrangement. How-
`ever, in same locations, there may be objects, such as
`walls, blocking the view of one or moreof the monitoring
`devices, reducing the usablefield of view of the monitor-
`ing device arrangement. Further,
`the most
`important
`parts of the scene to monitor may be located such that
`they are near the edge ofthe field of view of one of the
`monitoring devices, whereas it would be desirable to
`have these parts at the centre ofthe field of view. it would
`therefore be desirable to have a monitoring device ar-
`rangement allowing flexibility in the positioning of the
`monitoring devices.
`
`Summary of the invention
`
`Itis an object of the present invention to provide
`[0004]
`a monitoring device arrangement which alleviates the
`problems associated with prior art monitoring device ar-
`rangements.
`[0005] Aparticular object is to provide a monitoring de-
`vice arrangement whichenablesflexible, yet well-defined
`positioning of monitoring devices.
`[0006] According to the invention, these and otherob-
`jects are achieved, in fullor atleastin 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 arespective holder, said
`holders being arranged on said mounting rail, wherein
`each said holder comprises a lock device locking said
`holder ina 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 notedthat the term "fixed monitoring device"refers to
`a monitoring device which is notin itself capable of pan-
`ning ortilting, but which may be capable of zooming. With
`a monitoring device arrangement according to the inven-
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`tion, it is possible to mount fixed monitoring devices on
`the mounting rail with a possibility of adjusting the posi-
`tions of the fixed monitoring device bysliding them along
`the mounting rail with the lock device released. Once the
`fixed monitoring devices have been placedin the desired
`position, the lock device of the halder may be locked, and
`the fixed monitoring devices may be securely held on the
`mounting rail. In this manner, the monitoring device ar-
`rangement is flexible in that the positions of the fixed
`monitoring devicesin relation to each otheror in relation
`to objects in the surroundings may be chosen in accord-
`ance with current needs. Thus, for instance, fixed mon-
`itoring devices may be positioned to cover a desiredfield
`of view and avoiding 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 po-
`tential 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 arrangementis placed in-
`doors, and it is not allowable to monitor persons outside,
`through a window. By adjusting the positions of the fixed
`monitoring devices on the mounting rail,
`their usable
`combinedfield of view may thus beutilised, instead of
`having to shut off an inappropriately directed fixed mon-
`itoring device. Conversely, there may be particularly im-
`portant parts of the scene to monitor, and by adjusting
`the positions of the fixed monitoring devices on the
`mounting rail, the field of view may be centred on the
`most important parts of the scene.
`[0007]
`In some embodiments, the mountingrail is ar-
`cuate or angled. Thereby, a wide range of positions for
`the fixed monitoring devices are available in order to cov-
`er a desired field of view.
`If the mounting rail is arcuate
`andis free from sharp angles, the holders mayeasily be
`slidingly repositioned along the entire arc portion.
`[0008] The mounting rail may be circular. In this man-
`ner, the fixed monitoring devices may be positioned ina
`large number of positions along the circular mounting
`rail, thereby allowing a large combinedfield of view.
`[0009]
`Inanembadiment, the lock device of the holder
`comprises a magnet, and the mounting rail comprises
`ferromagnetic material. This is a practical way of achiev-
`ing a releasable lock, which does not require tools for
`releasing and locking the holder.
`[0010] The mounting rail may comprise at least one
`magnet, and said holder may comprise ferromagnetic
`material. This is also a practical way of achieving a re-
`leasable lock, which does not require tools for releasing
`andlocking the holder.
`[0011]
`In one embodiment, the holder comprises a bi-
`asing member biasing said holder against said mounting
`rail. In this manner, it may be ensured that the holder is
`securely held in position on the mounting rail.
`[0012] The biasing member may comprise a leaf
`spring.
`[0013] The mounting rail may have at least one recess
`or protrusion in a predetermined position along said
`mounting rail, and the biasing member may be adapted
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`to engage said recessor protrusion for locking said holder
`in said predetermined position. This makesit easy for a
`person installing the monitoring device arrangement to
`place the fixed monitoring devices correctly in case one
`of the predetermined positions is desired. Similarly, this
`mayassistin adjusting the position of the fixed monitoring
`devices in an already mounted monitoring device ar-
`rangement. For instance, the mounting rail may be pro-
`vided with four recessesor protrusions in positions 90°
`apart along the mounting rail. This may simplify equidis-
`tant positioning of four fixed monitoring devices for a 360°
`field of view.
`
`[0014] The holder may comprise a rotation prevention
`member preventing said holder from rotating around said
`mounting rail. This may ensure a stable positioning of
`the fixed monitoring device once the holderis locked in
`the desired position.
`[0015]
`In one embodiment, the holder comprises a re-
`taining memberarranged to retain said holder on said
`mounting rail also when said lock device is released.
`Hereby, it may be ensured that the holderis retained on
`the rail even during a repositioning movement.
`It may
`also be ensuredthat the holder is retained on the mount-
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`ing rail even if the locking function of the lock device were
`to fail for some reason.
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`imagescaptured by the respective fixed cameras to form
`a panoramic image. The overview may also be shown
`as separate images, e.g., on a video wall.
`[0021] The monitoring device arrangement may com-
`prise a motor for sliding repositioning of said holder on
`said mounting rail. In this manner, the positions of the
`fixed monitoring devices may be adjusted even if the
`monitoring deviceis difficult to reach, or if adjustmentis
`neededalsoafter installation of the monitoring device,
`e.g., for different monitoring needs during the day and at
`night. A further scope of applicability of the present in-
`vention will become apparentfrom the detailed descrip-
`tion given below. However, it should be understood that
`the detailed description and specific examples, while in-
`dicating preferred embodimentsofthe invention, are giv-
`en by wayofillustration only, since various changes and
`modifications within the scope of the invention will be-
`come apparentto thoseskilled in the art from this detailed
`description.
`[0022] Hence, it is to be understoodthat this invention
`is not limited to the particular componentparts of the
`device described or steps of the methods described as
`such device and method mayvary. It is also to be under-
`stood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of
`describing particular embodiments only, and is notin-
`tended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in
`[0016] Theretaining member may comprise a hook re-
`the specification and the appendedclaim, the articles "a,"
`taining said holder on said mounting rail. This is a prac-
`"an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there
`tical way of ensuring that the holderis kept on the mount-
`are one or moreof the elements unless the context clearly
`ing rail.
`[0017] At least one of said fixed monitoring devices
`dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, areference to"an
`
`maybeafix focus lens camera. Further, at least one of object” or "the object" mayinclude several objects, and
`said fixed monitoring devices may be a non-pannable,
`the like. Furthermore, the word "comprising" does not
`non-tiltable camera capable of zooming.
`exclude other elements or steps.
`[0018]
`In an embodiment, the monitoring device ar-
`rangement further comprises a pannable and/ortiltable
`monitoring device, wherein the mounting rail is arranged
`surrounding said pannable and/or tiltable monitoring de-
`vice. For instance, the fixed monitoring devices may be
`used for getting an overview and the pannable and/or
`tiltable monitoring device may be used for targeting ob-
`jects found using the overview monitoring devices.
`[0019] Themonitoring device arrangement mayfurther
`comprise a shielding portion arrangedto shield said pan-
`nable and/or tiltable monitoring device from environmen-
`tal factors, such as sunlight or rain. In this manner, the
`pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device may be pro-
`tected from harmful environmental factors, such as in-
`gress of rain.
`If the pannable and/or tiltable monitoring
`device is a camera, it may be advantageous toshield it
`from the sun in order to obtain good images.
`[0020] The pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device
`may be a PTZ camera, i.e. acamera capable of panning,
`tilting and zooming. If the fixed monitoring devices are
`cameras, these may be usedfor getting an overview im-
`age of an area surrounding the monitoring device ar-
`rangement. The PTZ camera may be usedfor tracking
`and zooming in on objects foundin the overview image.
`The overview image maybestitched together from the
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`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`[0023] The invention will now be described in more de-
`tail by way of example and with reference to the accom-
`panying schematic drawings, in which:
`
`is a perspective view of a monitoring device
`Fig. 1
`arrangement according to a first embodiment,
`Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a detail in the moni-
`toring device arrangement in Fig. 1 showing a mon-
`itoring device in a holder arranged on a mounting rail,
`Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the monitoring device
`and the holder shown in Fig. 2,
`Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the monitoring device
`and holderof Fig. 3,
`Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a monitoring device
`arrangement according to a second embodiment,
`Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the monitoring device
`arrangement shown in Fig. 5,
`Fig. 7 is a perspective view of part of a monitoring
`device arrangementwith a holder accordingto a third
`embodiment,
`Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a holder according to
`a fourth embodiment, and
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`Fig. 9 is a perspective view of part of a monitoring
`during this movement. Once the holder 8 has been
`
`device arrangement with a holder according toafifth movedto the desired position, the holder is released,
`embodiment.
`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 needfor tools.
`
`Detailed description of embodiments
`
`[0028] As may beseen in Fig. 2, recesses or notches
`16 are formed in the mounting rail 9 at predetermined
`positions. The holder 8 has a protrusion in the form of
`the leaf spring 14, which may engage the notch 16 when
`the holder is positioned in one of the predetermined po-
`sitions. When a holder 8 is moved to one of the prede-
`termined positions, the leaf spring 14 of the holder snaps
`into the corresponding notch 16. This snapping action of
`the leaf spring may be heard and/or felt by the person
`moving the holder 8, indicating that the fixed camera 2
`and the holder 8 have reached the predetermined posi-
`tion. For instance, the mounting rail 9 may have four
`notches 16 spaced 90° apart, thereby simplifying mount-
`ing of four fixed cameras 2 at right angles for creating a
`combined 360° view.
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`In Fig. 1 a monitoring device arrangement1 is
`[0024]
`shown comprising a numberof monitoring devices 2. In
`this embodiment, the arrangement is a camera arrange-
`ment comprising a number of fixed cameras, i.e. cameras
`that are in themselves incapable of panning and tilting.
`The camera arrangement1 has a shielding portion 3 for
`shielding the fixed cameras 2 against environmental fac-
`tors, such as sunlight, rain, and snow. Further, the cam-
`era arrangement 1 has an attachment portion 4 for at-
`taching the camera arrangement to, e.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 arrangement,
`[0029] Now turning to Fig. 5, the camera arrangement
`there is an opening 6 surroundedbya trim ring 7. The
`1 may be used as an accessory for a pannable and/or
`shielding portion 3 may be made of aluminium, making
`tiltable camera 17.
`In such case, the pannable and/or
`itallowable to arrange the camera arrangementrecessed
`in a ceiling while fulfilling fire safety requirements.
`tiltable camera 17 may be mounted inside the camera
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`[0025] Turning to Fig. 2, afixed camera2of the camera arrangement 1 with a dome 18 of the pannable and/or
`
`arrangement 1 may be seen. The fixed camera2is ar- tiltable camera 17 protruding through the opening 6 of
`ranged in a holder 8, which is mounted on a mounting
`the camera arrangement 1. The combination of the cam-
`rail 9. In the embodiment shown, the mounting rail 9 is
`era arrangement 1 and the pannable and/or tiltable cam-
`of circular shape, such thatit surrounds the opening 6.
`era 18 may be mountedto, e.g., a wall using a mounting
`[0026] As maybe more clearly seen in Fig. 3, the holder
`bracket 19, which may be attached via the attachment
`8 has anumber of retaining membersin the form of hooks
`portion 4 of the camera arrangement 1. When the acces-
`10 and bosses 11. The hooks 10 are arrangedatthe front
`sory 1 and the pannable and/or tiltable camera 17 are
`of the holder 8, such that when the holder 8 is mounted
`assembled to a combined camera arrangement 101, the
`onthe mounting rail 9, the hooks 10 are engaged around
`shielding portion 3 may shield the pannable and/or tiltable
`a radially outer rim 12 of the mounting rail 9 (see Figs 2
`camera 17 from sun, rain, snow, and other potentially
`harmful environmental factors.
`and 4). The bosses 11 are arranged at the back of the
`holder 8, such that when the 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 forwards. Further, the holder 8
`has a biasing member in the form of a leaf spring 14
`arranged at the back of the holder 8. The leaf spring 14
`is slightly hook-shaped. When the 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 mount-
`ing rail 9 and the hook-shape engagesthe innerrim 13.
`[0027] With reference to the cross-section shown in
`Fig. 4, the holder 8 has a locking device in the form of a
`magnet15. In this embodiment, the mounting rail 9 is
`made of a ferromagnetic material, and the magnet may
`therefore securely lock the holder 8 in position on the
`mounting rail. By slightlylifting the holder 8 off the mount-
`ing rail 9, or by pressing backthe leaf spring 14 and tilting
`the holder 8 slightly forward, the magnetic force of the
`magnet 15 may be overcome, such that the holder can
`be moved slidingly along the mounting rail 9 to a desired
`position. The hooks 10, bosses 11, and leaf spring 14
`ensurethat the holderis retained on the mounting rail 9
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`[0030] The fixed cameras 2 maybefix focus lens cam-
`eras, and the pannable and/or tiltable camera 17 may be
`a PTZ camera, i.e. a camera capable of panning, tilting
`and zooming. The fix focus lens cameras 2 may be used
`for creating an overview image of an area surrounding
`the combined camera arrangement 101. If, for instance,
`four fixed cameras 2 are placed approximately 90° apart
`on the mounting rail 9, a 360° view may be achieved.
`Depending on the viewing angle of the fixed cameras, a
`360° view may be achieved with fewer cameras,for in-
`stance three fixed cameras 2 placed approximately 120°
`apart. When using the combined camera arrangement
`101, the PTZ camera 17 maybe directed to points of
`interest identified in the overview image created 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 of the area.
`[0031] When mounting the combined camera arrange-
`ment 101, the environment surrounding the combined
`camera arrangement 101 may be such that one or more
`of the fixed cameras would haveall or parts of the field
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`of view blocked by objects, such asbuilding walls. In such
`case, the predetermined positions of the fixed cameras
`2 may not be suitable. However, the holders 2 allow the
`fixed cameras 2 to be movedto more suitable positions
`along the mounting rail 9. Should, for instance, one of
`the predetermined positions on the mounting rail 9 entail
`that one of the fixed cameras be pointing into a wall, the
`fixed cameras may be movedcloser together along the
`remaining portion of the mounting rail, such that they pro-
`vide more overlap in the useablefield of view surrounding
`the combined camera arrangement. Similarly, should the
`camera arrangement 101 be placed indoors, it might not
`be allowable to monitor persons walking past outside a
`window. Alsoin 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 of the surrounding area, but to
`use the fixed cameras 2 to get good coverage of the
`remaining surrounding area.
`[0032]
`It will be appreciated that a person skilled in the
`art can modify the above described embodiments in
`manywaysand still use the advantagesofthe invention
`as shown in the embodiments above. As an example,
`although reference has here been made to monitoring
`devicesin the form of cameras, other monitoring devices
`may be used instead. Examples of such monitoring de-
`vices include IR detectors and microphones.
`[0033]
`Instead of, or in combination with, cameras em-
`ploying visible light, the cameras of the combined camera
`arrangement may comprise |R cameras, or thermal cam-
`eras.
`
`The fixed monitoring devices need not neces-
`[0034]
`sarily each contain their own electronics. Instead, the
`electronics necessaryfor the two or morefixed monitor-
`ing devices may be arranged at one, common location.
`[0035]
`In the embodiment described above, there are
`four fixed monitoring devices. However, another number
`of fixed monitoring devices may be arranged in the cam-
`era arrangement. 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 twofixed monitoring devices. In
`other instances, it may be desirable to have more than
`four fixed monitoring devices. For instance, a combina-
`tion of a number of fixed cameras and other monitoring
`devices may be arranged on the mountingrail.
`[0036] When the camera arrangement has been
`mounted, it may be possible to supplement it with more
`monitoring devices.
`[0037] Themonitoring devices may be removable from
`the holders, allowing exchange of monitoring devicesfor
`maintenanceor for changing from one type of monitoring
`device to another.
`
`In the embodiment described above,the fixed
`[0038]
`camerasarefix focus lens cameras, but cameras capa-
`ble of zooming may be usedinstead.
`[0039] The number of recesses or notches in the
`mounting rail need not necessarily be three or four. A
`smaller or larger number of recesses may be provided
`
`depending on the numberof predeterminedpositions to
`mark. Further,
`the predetermined positions may be
`marked by recesses of other shapes than the notch
`shown in Fig. 2, such as through holes andblind holes.
`[0040] The mounting rail and the holders, respectively,
`may be formed such that locking of the holders is only
`possible in the predetermined positions. They may be
`achieved, e.g., by suitable shapes of the recesses and
`protrusions. However, generally, it is preferable to allow
`an infinitely variable positioning of the holders on the
`mountingrail.
`[0041]
`Instead of the recesses, the mounting rail may
`be provided with protrusions marking the predetermined
`positions. In such case, the holder may be provided with
`a corresponding recess for engagementwith the protru-
`sions.
`
`Inthe embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a PTZ cam-
`[0042]
`era is placed in the opening of the camera arrangement.
`However, the pannable and/ortiltable monitoring device
`maybe another kind of camera or monitoring device. The
`camera arrangement may in some instances be mounted
`without a central, pannable and/ortiltable monitoring de-
`vice. For example, a spotlight or loudspeaker may be
`mountedin the opening. In some instancesit may even
`be desirable to have no other device in the opening of
`the camera arrangement. In such case, the opening may
`be covered bya lid.
`[0043] The magnet maybe a permanent magnet, e.g.,
`a neodymium magnet. In one embodiment, the magnet
`may have two magnetic poles and be pivotable, such that
`itlocks the holder in place when orientedin one direction,
`and releasesthe holder oriented in the opposite direction.
`[0044]
`Instead of permanent magnets, electro-mag-
`nets may be 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 thatit is turned
`on when the electric power supply is interrupted. There-
`by, the fixed monitoring devices are locked securely in
`position in the case of a power outage.
`[0045] The arrangement of the magnet and the ferro-
`magnetic material may be reversed, such that each hold-
`er comprises ferromagnetic material, and the mounting
`railcomprises 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.
`Instead of lock devices employing magnets, the
`[0046]
`holders in the monitoring device arrangement may have
`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.
`[0047]
`In Fig. 7, a lock device 215 of a holder 208 em-
`ploying spring function is shown. The lock device 215 is
`essentially made up of bent sheet metal. At the front of
`the lock device 215, i.e. the part of the lock device 215
`whichis arrangedat the radially outer rim of the mounting
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`Inthe embodiments shown, the holders arein-
`[0051]
`tended to be moved manually along the mounting rail.
`However, there may be situations whereit is useful to be
`able to move the holders by remote control. This could
`be of interest if the monitoring device arrangement is
`mountedin a location that is difficult to reach, ¢.g., high
`up on a wall or pole. A remote-controlled movement of
`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 corresponding teeth. A motor,
`such as a piezoelectric motor, could be provided in the
`holder for moving the holder along the toothed mounting
`rail.
`It should be noted that the manual as well as the
`remote-controlled movement of the holders are intended
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`rail, 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 movedslidingly along the mounting rail to a desired
`position. Similar to the embodiment described abovein
`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 215 is released.
`
`In Fig. 8, another embodiment of a holder 308
`[0048]
`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
`mounting rail, even when the lock device 315 is released.
`In the locked position, as shown in Fig. 8, the lock lever
`320 positions the curved barina position whereit presses
`against the underside of the mounting rail, thereby lock-
`ing the holder 308 in position on the mounting rail. When
`the lock lever 320 is pivoted forwards, i.e. in a direction
`radially outwardly, the curved bar 319 is rotated such that
`itno longer presses against the mounting rail. The holder
`308 may then be movedslidingly along the mountingrail.
`[0049] As may be seen in Fig. 9, combinations of fea-
`tures 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 essentially 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
`
`for installation and adjustment of the fixed monitoring de-
`vices, and not for any movementduring the actual mon-
`itoring. Thus, once the fixed monitoring devices have
`been placed in the desired positions, they are intended
`to be securely held in position. Remote-controlled or mo-
`torised movement of the fixed monitoring devices may
`also be useful for setting personal preferences, such as
`the preferencesofdifferent security guards. For instance,
`the monitoring needs may be different during the day and
`at night, such that a security guard on a dayshift wishes
`to centre the field of view of one of the fixed monitoring
`devices on one part of the surrounding area, while a se-
`curity guard working on a night shift may wish to centre
`the field of view on another part.
`[0052] The holders may be arranged such that the
`monitoring devices are fixedly attached in the holders,
`allowing removal only in a workshop.
`[0053] A monitoring device arrangement, such as the
`locking position, in which the curved bar presses against
`one shown in Figs 1-4, may be manufactured and sold
`the mounting rail 409. Thus, the holder 408 andthe fixed
`separately as an accessory to a pannable and/or tiltable
`camera 402 are held securely in position on the mounting
`monitoring device. Hereby, an existing pannable and/or
`rail.
`If the lock lever 420 is pivoted forwards, i.e. radially
`tiltable monitoring device may be upgraded byproviding
`outwardly, the lock device 415 is released in the same
`it with the accessory, and without any real modification
`wayas described in connection with Fig. 8. With the lock
`device 415 released, the holder 408 with the fixed camera
`of the pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device. The
`monitoring device arrangement may also be manufac-
`402 may be movedalong the mounting rail 409 to a de-
`tured already combined, suchthatit includes the fixed
`sired position in a sliding motion. The lock lever 420 may
`monitoring devices arranged on the mounting rail, and
`be made long enough to protrude radially outside the
`the pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device arranged
`outer rim of the mounting rail 409 such that it prevents
`in the opening of the monitoring device arrangement.
`replacing the protective window (not shown in Fig. 9)
`[0054]
`Inthe embodiments shown, the mounting rail is
`when in the unlocked position. In this manner, it may be
`circular. However, other shapes are also possible.
`In
`ensured that a person installing the monitoring device
`some embodiments, the mounting rail may beelliptical.
`arrangement does notaccidentally forgetto lock the lock-
`The mounting rail may have an arcuate shape, although
`ing device 415 before closing the monitoring device ar-
`
`rangement. Once the arrangement is locked and closed, not formingafull circle or ellipse. In other embodiments,
`50
`the fixed cameras 402 are held securely in place on the
`the mounting rail may be angled, having straight portions
`mounting rail 409, protected by the shielding portion 403
`along which the holders are movable. It is also possible
`and the protective window.
`to combine arcuate and straight portions along the
`[0050] Other types of locking devices are also possible,
`mounting rail. For mounting close to a wall,
`it may for
`such as locking devices employing rubber bands, clamp-
`instance be sufficient to have a semi-circular mounting
`ing screwsortension bolts. Advantageously, locking de-
`rail, allowing positioning of fixed monitoring devices only
`vices not requiring tools for locking and releasing are
`in positions not facing the wall. It may also be useful to
`used, thereby simplifying installation and adjustment of
`have a mounting rail resembling a semicircle, but made
`the monitoring device arrangement.
`up of three straight portions placed at angles of, e.g.,
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-6
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-6
`
`
`
`11
`
`EP 2 887 328 A1
`
`12
`
`9.
`
`The monitoring device arrangement according to
`claim 7 or 8, wherein said mounting rail (9) has at
`least one recess (16) or protrusion in a predeter-
`mined position along said mounting rail
`(9), and
`wherein said biasing member (14) is adapted to en-
`gagesaid recess (16) or protrusion for locking said
`holder (8) in said predetermined position.
`
`120°.
`
`[0055] Thus, the invention should not be limited to the
`shown embodiments but should only be defined by the
`appendedclaims.
`
`Claims
`
`1. A monitoring device arrangement comprising
`
`a mounting rail (9; 409), and
`at least two fixed monitoring devices (2; 402),
`said fixed monit