US009438782B2
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`(12) United States Patent
`US 9,438,782 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`Donaldson
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 6, 2016
`
`(54)
`
`OMNIDIRECTIONAL USER
`CONFIGURABLE MULTI-CAMERA
`HOUSING
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`USPC .................................................. .. 348/373, 36
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(71)
`
`Applicant: ARECONT VISION, LLC, Glendale,
`CA (US)
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`(56)
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`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`(72)
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`Inventor: Brad J. Donaldson, Valencia, CA (US)
`
`2012/0242785 A1*
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`9/2012 Sasagawa ............ .. H04N 5/247
`348/36
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`(73)
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`Assignee: ARECONT VISION, LLC., Glendale,
`CA (US)
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 30 days.
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Joel Fosselman
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm iLewis Roca Rothgerber
`Christie LLP
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 14/682,974
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`(22)
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`Filed:
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`Apr. 9, 2015
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`(65)
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`(60)
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`(51)
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`(52)
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`(58)
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`Prior Publication Data
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`US 2015/0358538 A1
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`Dec. 10, 2015
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`Related US. Application Data
`
`Provisional application No. 62/009,760, filed on Jun.
`9, 2014.
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`H04N 5/225
`H04N 5/247
`US. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`CPC ........ .. H04N 5/2258 (2013.01); H04N 5/2252
`(2013.01); H04N 5/247 (2013.01)
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC .................................................... .. H04N 5/225
`
`(57)
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`ABSTRACT
`
`An omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing
`includes a top plate including one or more electronic circuit
`boards thereon; a track plate secured to the top plate by a
`plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plate is rota-
`tionally movable with respect to the top plate via a respec-
`tive curve-shaped opening that accommodates movement of
`a respective first fastener within the respective curve-shaped
`opening; a plurality of camera assemblies secured to the
`track plate by a plurality of magnetic devices, each of the
`camera assemblies including a camera and a bracket, mov-
`ably installed on the track, wherein each of the camera is
`rotatable on a respective bracket in a plane perpendicular to
`the track plate, and wherein each of the bracket are rotatable
`in a plane including the track plate; and a transparent cover
`for covering the plurality of camera assemblies installed on
`the track plate.
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`17 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
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`Top Plate
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`Trim Ring
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 6, 2016
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`Sheet 1 of 8
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`FIG.1A
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 6, 2016
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`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 9,438,782 B2
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`Top Plate
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`Cover —9 ,_
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 6, 2016
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`FIG. 5
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`FIG. 6
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 6, 2016
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`Sheet 7 of 8
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`US 9,438,782 B2
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`Lens Assembly Bracket
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`Captive Fastener
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`3 Magnets
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`FIG. 8
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`FIG. 9
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`US 9,438,782 B2
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`1
`OMNIDIRECTIONAL USER
`CONFIGURABLE MULTI-CAMERA
`HOUSING
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This patent application claims the benefits of US. Pro-
`visional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/009,760, filed on
`Jun. 9, 2014 and entitled “Omnidirectional User Configu-
`rable Multi-Camera Housing,” the entire content of which is
`hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to a multi-camera
`housing and more specifically to an omnidirectional user
`configurable multi-camera housing.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Typical security or monitoring cameras contain a single
`image sensor inside of a camera housing or have multiple
`image sensors in a fixed location inside a housing. These
`configurations offer a fixed field of view (e.g., 180° or 360°).
`However, if a user needs to have multiple or very specific
`fields of views then more camera housing must be acquired,
`requiring multiple installation of housings that leads to more
`installation effort and cost, and potentially additional licens-
`ing fees for any software that the camera housings may
`require. The ability to use different lens options is another
`feature that makes the device more flexible. Typical multi-
`sensor cameras would have a fixed lens with no ability to use
`different lenses to get different fields of views.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In some embodiments, the present invention is an omni-
`directional user configurable multi-camera housing that
`includes a top plate including one or more electronic circuit
`boards thereon; a track plate secured to the top plate by a
`plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plate is rota-
`tionally movable with respect to the top plate, when the first
`fasteners are loosen; a plurality of camera assemblies mov-
`ably installed on the track plate and within the top plate.
`Each of the plurality of camera assemblies includes: a
`bracket movably secured to the track plate, a camera mov-
`ably secured to the bracket, wherein the camera is rotatable
`in a plane perpendicular to the track plate, and a second
`fastener for movably securing the bracket to the track plate.
`The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera hous-
`ing further includes a transparent cover for covering the
`plurality of camera assemblies installed on the track plate;
`and a trim plate for securing the transparent cover to the top
`plate with a plurality of third fasteners. The track plate
`includes: a plurality of first index holes around a perimeter
`of the track plate for configurable indexing a positioning and
`an alignment of a first portion of the plurality of camera
`assemblies, a plurality of second index holes around a center
`of the track plate for configurable indexing a positioning and
`an alignment of a second portion of the plurality of camera
`assemblies, a plurality of curve-shaped openings to accom-
`modate the plurality of first fasteners and allow movement
`of the plurality of first fasteners within the curve-shaped
`openings, respectively, for rotational movement of the track
`plate with respect to the top plate, when the plurality of first
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`fasteners are loosen, and an opening for a cable coupled to
`the one or more electronic circuit boards.
`
`In some embodiments, the present invention is an omni-
`directional user configurable multi-camera housing that
`includes a top plate including one or more electronic circuit
`boards thereon; a track plate secured to the top plate by a
`plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plate is rota-
`tionally movable with respect to the top plate via a respec-
`tive curve-shaped opening that accommodates movement of
`a respective first fastener within the respective curve-shaped
`opening; a plurality of camera assemblies secured to the
`track plate by a plurality of magnetic devices, each of the
`camera assemblies including a camera and a bracket, mov-
`ably installed on the track, wherein each of the camera is
`rotatable on a respective bracket in a plane perpendicular to
`the track plate, and wherein each of the bracket are rotatable
`in a plane including the track plate; and a transparent cover
`for covering the plurality of camera assemblies installed on
`the track plate.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
`present invention will become better understood with regard
`to the following description, appended claims, and accom-
`panying drawings.
`FIGS. 1A-1B depict an exemplary omnidirectional user
`configurable multi-camera housing, according to some
`embodiments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 2A-2C show main components of an exemplary
`omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 3A-3B show an exploded view of an exemplary
`omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary camera bracket assembly,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary
`camera bracket assembly, according to some embodiments
`of the present invention.
`FIG. 6(a)-(f) shows several examples of the placement
`configuration of the camera assemblies in the housing,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 7A-7C depict an exemplary track plate without the
`camera assemblies, according to some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 8 shows an exemplary detail view of a camera (lens)
`assembly, according to some embodiments of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 9 illustrates an example of how camera assemblies
`are installed and adjusted on a track plate, according to some
`embodiments of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`In some embodiments, the present invention is an omni-
`directional user configurable multi-camera housing. The
`invention provides the user with capabilities of placing
`multiple cameras movably attached to an indexed track
`plate, which is then placed in a housing with a transparent
`cover (“bubble”), for example, a plastic or glass cover,
`which has a low profile.
`In some embodiments, a multi-sensor multi-megapixel
`camera housing, according to the present invention, provides
`ample resolution to zoom-in for details in live and recorded
`video. In some embodiments, the present invention inte-
`grates several imagers, each with a choice of IR corrected
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`into an impact resistant dome-shaped housing. A
`lens,
`unique track design allows several individual sensor gimbals
`to be independently placed in a variety of user-configurable
`configurations, such as, four cameras, each places at 90
`degrees angle to each other, three or five cameras placed in
`an ad hoc user configuration, or six or more cameras in
`equally or ad hoc angle with respect to each other. In some
`embodiments, each camera includes data compression capa-
`bilities to reduce bandwidth and storage requirements, while
`delivering full frame rates and full resolution without sac-
`rificing image quality. The present invention uniquely inte-
`grates and combines multiple cameras in a single housing
`with the ability to uniquely position each individual camera
`inside the housing to create desired field of views.
`FIGS. 1A-1B depict an exemplary omnidirectional user
`configurable multi-camera housing, according to some
`embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a side
`view of the housing. As shown in the side view, a top plate
`102, typically made of plastic or metal, houses one or more
`circuit board containing electronics and related connections
`for the multiple camera. The top plate 102 may also include
`a track plate, and the camera assemblies (not shown). A trim
`ring 104, which also may be made of plastic or metal,
`attaches to a cover and, in conjunction with a cover gasket,
`uses fasteners to create a weatherproof seal. A transparent
`cover 108, for example, a plastic dome-shaped cover is used
`to enclose the cameras within the housing with the top plate
`102. In some embodiments, the cover 108 is truncated to be
`shaped as a half-sphere. The unique form/design of the
`bubble allows the multi-camera housing to be low-profile
`and have the optimal optical characteristics by positioning
`the plastic cover at an optimal distance from the lens. The
`truncated portion allows for optimal optical characteristics
`when camera assemblies are positioned directly above the
`truncated section. The track plate carries the camera assem-
`blies and may be part of the top plate or a separate compo-
`nent attached to the top plate.
`For example, if the cover were a complete half-sphere
`then, when the camera is placed in one of the center
`positions on the track plate, the distance from the image
`sensor or the lens to the bubble material would be too large
`which would cause image distortion. The truncated section
`creates a plane that is an optimal distance from the image
`sensor or lens. The rounded or spherical sides allow for an
`optimal distance from the image sensor or lens when the
`camera is places around the diameter of the track plate. The
`camera can be rotated or “tilted” 90 degrees and still
`maintain the optimal distance due to the shape of the
`spherical portion.
`FIG. 1B is a top view of a omnidirectional user configu-
`rable multi-camera housing. As shown, fasteners 110 are
`used to secure the trim ring to the top plate and also secure
`the cover and the cover gasket. In some embodiments, the
`fasteners are security torx type fasteners (also called pin-in-
`torx), although other fasteners such as different types of
`screws, clips, brackets or the like may be used.
`In some embodiments, the footprint of the housing is
`circular, as shown in the top view of FIG. 1B, although other
`footprints, such as elliptical square, rectangular or others are
`possible and within the scope of the present invention. The
`size of the housing is relatively small to be able to accom-
`modate more versatile placement of the housing with the
`multiple cameras. In some embodiments, the height of the
`entire assembly is less than about 3.5 inches, while the
`length and width (e.g., the diameter of the circular footprint)
`is less than 8 inches.
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`FIGS. 2A-2C show main components of an exemplary
`omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention. As
`shown in the example of FIG. 2A, four camera (lens)
`assemblies 204a, 204b, 2040 and 204d are placed within the
`top plate 202 and installed on a track plate 218 (FIG. 2C).
`Camera assembly 204d is placed at the center of the track
`plate, while camera assemblies 204a, 2041) and 2040 are
`positioned around one half of the track plate, where camera
`assembly 204a is within about 60 degrees of each of the
`camera assemblies 204!) and 2040. Although four cameras
`positioned at certain locations are depicted and described in
`FIGS. 2A-2C, the omnidirectional user configurable multi-
`camera housing of the present invention is not limited to four
`camera assemblies and any particular positioning of any of
`the camera assemblies. Some other examples of multiple
`camera assembly placement and configuration are shown in
`FIG. 9. These user selectable configurations of FIG. 9, may
`equally be applied to more or less than four camera assem-
`blies.
`
`As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, each camera assembly
`may include a camera sensor circuit board 208 that includes
`the electronics and connections for each camera, a lens 206,
`a plastic or metal lens bracket 212 to hold the parts together.
`Each camera assembly may also include a day/night switch
`210 capable of moving a piece of infrared (IR) coated glass
`over the sensor (camera lens) to allow different light spec-
`trums in for day mode or night mode. In some embodiments,
`the camera assemblies are secured to a track plate 218 using
`a fastening device, such as a screw, bracket, latch or the like,
`or some magnetic devices. In addition, the track plate 218 or
`the top plate supports one or more fans 216 for cooling the
`camera assemblies, one or more heating elements for heating
`the camera assemblies (not shown), one or more main circuit
`boards 220 that includes the electronics common to all of the
`camera assemblies, and one or more connectors 214 for
`input/output signals to/from the multi-camera housing. This
`configuration allows for adjustability to pan or tilt and to
`position each of the cameras individually, on the track plate.
`The trim ring secures the cover and the cover gasket to the
`top plate to make the housing a weatherproof assembly.
`FIGS. 3A-3B show an exploded view of an exemplary
`omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention. As
`shown in FIG. 3A, a top gasket (e.g., a rubber gasket) is used
`for creating a weatherproof seal between multi-camera hous-
`ing (e.g., top plate) and mounting surface, for example a
`ceiling, wall or roof. In some embodiments, an NPT (na-
`tional pipe thread) port 302 is used (for example, on the side
`of the top plate) to connect conduit and to allow cabling
`from the side of the camera (or the housing), rather than
`through the back of the camera (or the housing).
`Each individual camera can be positioned in a variety of
`different locations on the track plate 318. The track plate
`includes a plurality of index holes 308 at its perimeter for
`indexing positions for specific camera assembly positioning
`and alignment. In some embodiments, the index holes 308
`are 5 degrees apart and are aligned in such a way (in
`conjunction with the track plate diameter) to allow for
`positioning the camera to give 180, 270, and 360 degree
`fields of views. The index holes are optional to provide
`pre-defined positions and indexing locations. One or more
`magnets (magnetic devices) may be used in alternative or in
`addition to the index holes (not shown). A plurality of larger
`holes 306 are positioned close to the perimeter of the track
`plate for mounting the camera. These hole 306 allow mount-
`ing screws (or fasteners) to pass through the track plate and
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`reach the mount holes in the top plate and the opening (slit)
`310 positioned close to the center of the track plate. The slit
`310 allows the wires connecting the camera sensor board to
`the main board to pass through the track plate.
`The track plate also includes a plurality of smaller holes
`312 close to its center and arrange in a straight line also used
`to install the camera assemblies in the center position(s), as
`shown in FIG. 4. The holes 312 are similar in function to
`
`index holes 308. Aplurality of fasteners 304 secure the track
`plate to the top plate. The curved (for example, oblique-
`shaped) openings/slots 304a around the fasteners 304 are
`thru hole slots that allow the user to adjust (rotate) the track
`plate when the fasteners 304 are loosened, giving the user
`flexibility to rotate the track plate (with respect to the top
`plate) independently of the top plate after the top plate has
`been affixed to its mounting surface. This way, individual
`camera assemblies are secured using a fastening device or
`magnetic device.
`In some embodiments, magnets are
`attached to the brackets (204a in FIG. 2A) that affix to the
`track plate allowing the user to affix a camera assembly to
`the track plate, without the constraints of the indexing holes.
`Camera assemblies when secured are allowed to move or
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`rotate to accommodate adjustments to field of view.
`As show in FIG. 3B, a cover gasket, for example, a rubber
`gasket, is used for creating a weatherproof seal between the
`top plate and the cover. A trim ring is used to secure the
`cover and the cover gasket to the top plate. The cover is used
`to protect and/or hide the inside of the camera housing. In
`some embodiments, the cover is made of clear plastic, which
`can be tinted or mirrored finish. Each lens assembly includes
`a lens, a day/night switcher, a sensor circuit board, and a
`bracket system that holds the parts together and mounts the
`assembly to the track plate using a fastening device or
`magnets. The bracket system allows the camera to tilt and
`pan while attached to the track plate.
`FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary camera bracket assembly,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`Each individual camera 404 can be positioned in a variety of
`different locations on the track plate via the bracket assem-
`bly. A fastener 402, such as a permanently attached captive
`panel screw, is attached to the camera bracket 406 and used
`to hold the fastener in place while the bracket is being
`attached to the track plate. A captive fastener make instal-
`lation easier as in many instances where gravity is working
`against the installer to prevent the fastener (e.g., screw) from
`falling. As shown, the camera is movably secured to the
`bracket so that the camera can rotate in a plane perpendicular
`to the track plate, on which the bracket is movable installed.
`Also, as shown in FIG. 9 (arrow 901), the camera bracket
`can be rotated on the track plate using the indexing hole or
`the magnets.
`FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary
`camera bracket assembly, according to some embodiments
`of the present invention. As shown,
`the camera bracket
`assembly includes a lens 502, a day/night switch 504, the
`circuit board 506 and a bracket 508. The components in the
`exploded view interact with the bracket (base bracket with
`the fastener and magnets). These components mount to the
`base bracket in such a way to allow for the camera assembly
`to tilt or rotate around the axis where the two bracket parts
`opposing each other mate.
`FIG. 6(a)-(f) shows several examples of the placement
`configuration of the camera assemblies in the housing,
`according to some embodiments of the present invention. In
`some embodiments, the lens bracket assembly which houses
`the camera assembly has the ability to move around the track
`plate, for example, in an elliptical or circular pattern in, for
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`example, 5° increments plus additional locations around the
`center of the camera; tilt, for example, up to 90° or more;
`and rotate around the captive fastener position. Each of these
`movements is depicted in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the
`lens bracket also has magnets attached to the bottom surface
`of the lens bracket which provides more camera positioning
`options at the expense of a secure attachment using the
`(captive) fastener.
`As shown, the camera assemblies may be positioned on
`the track plate in a variety of user-selectable positions, for
`example, in a 270° viewing angle (FIG. 6(a)). Each of the 3
`lenses has a horizontal field of view of 90 degrees in a
`straight nine (FIG. 6(b)); 360° or hallway (FIG. 6(c)); 180°
`or panoramic (FIG. 6(d)); randomly (user configured) (FIG.
`6(6) and FIG. 6(d)). Although four camera assemblies are
`shown in FIG. 6(a)-(f), as readily understood by one skilled
`in the art, the present invention is not limited to four camera
`assemblies, rather, any number of camera assemblies can be
`used, as long as they fit within the housing.
`FIGS. 7A-7C depict an exemplary track plate without the
`camera assemblies, according to some embodiments of the
`present
`invention. The unique design of the track plate
`allows each individual camera assembly to be positioned in
`a desired location on the track plate to achieve a desired field
`of view. As shown, the track plate has a plurality of indexing
`features 702 and 704 (holes) to secure the camera assemblies
`for a customizable camera configurations and allow for
`camera assemblies to be secured using magnetics for more
`flexibility. The indexing features 702 are formed around the
`perimeter of the track plate. In this example there are about
`72 indexing features 702 that are placed apart from the
`previous feature by about 5 degrees, however, other numbers
`of the indexing feature are possible and within the scope of
`the present invention. Additionally the track plate includes
`an additional plurality of indexing features 704 that are
`placed diagonally going through the center of the track plate.
`These second batch of the indexing features 704 are used to
`position one or more camera assemblies in the middle or
`center of the track plate.
`Openings (holes) 706 are used to mount the camera to a
`ceiling or mounting bracket. A slit-shaped opening 708 in
`the middle of the track plate allows for cables to pass thru
`the track plate from the main circuit board to the sensor
`circuit boards. Several curved (for example, oblique-shaped)
`openings 710 are arranged around the perimeter of the track
`plate and inward of the indexing features 702. These
`oblique-shaped openings 710 are used for mounting the
`track plate to the top plate and allow for rotational adjust-
`ment of the track plate relative to the top plate. A larger
`opening 712 is configured, shaped and placed within the
`track plate to accommodate access to the network port,
`auxiliary power connectors and to allow cables to pass thru
`the track plate from the main circuit board to the sensor
`circuit boards. In some embodiments, the circuit board is
`secured to the top plate using fasteners.
`The slots 714 mount the track plate to the top plate and
`allow for rotational adjustment of the track plate relative to
`the top plate, when the fasteners (e.g., screws) are loose.
`Once positioned, the fasteners are tightened down and the
`track plate is secured. This feature is useful when the top
`plate is securely installed and the installer needs to adjust the
`track plate position. One or more access ports 716 are used
`for running cable through the top plate and provide access to
`the cameras and Ethernet jack 718, which is used to com-
`municate with the cameras. The access port is typically
`covered by a gasket. In some embodiments, it is covered by
`the top gasket. The access port is positioned in a location that
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`7
`allows for the cable to have sufficient bend radius (i.e. not
`directly under the track plate). The Ethernet jack 718 allows
`the camera assemblies to connect to a network and allows
`
`for power over Ethernet to power the cameras. Screws 720
`attach the trim ring to the top plate. When assembled, the
`screws 720 capture and hold the bubble and bubble gasket
`in place by sandwiching them between the trim ring and top
`plate.
`The side view of the track plate is shown in FIG. 7C. As
`shown, in these embodiments, the track plate is a relatively
`thin planar plate that is made of sturdy material such as
`metal, or hard plastic.
`FIG. 8 shows an exemplary detail view of a camera (lens)
`assembly, according to some embodiments of the present
`invention. In some embodiments, the day/night switch is an
`electro-mechanical device that slides an IR coated glass in
`front of the sensor for daytime and nighttime operation. The
`metal bracket holds the day/night switch and sensor circuit
`board together. It also attaches to the lens assembly bracket
`and allows day/night switcher and sensor circuit board to
`rotate. The sensor circuit board is a printed circuit board with
`megapixel CMOS image sensor. The lens assembly bracket
`is a plastic or metal bracket used to hold the lens, day/night
`switcher/sensor circuit board combination and to secure the
`
`entire assembly to the track plate. It also holds the captive
`fastener and magnets.
`The captive fastener attaches the lens assembly bracket to
`the track plate. The screw may be a captive screw so as that
`it won’t fall down during camera setup. Magnets may be
`attached to the lens assembly bracket that provide a second-
`ary and more flexible way to mount the lens assembly
`bracket.
`
`FIG. 9 illustrates an example of how camera assemblies
`are installed and adjusted on a track plate, according to some
`embodiments of the present invention. As shown, camera
`assemblies have the ability to tilt the image, rotate on the
`camera assembly, and rotate on the track plate. The arrow
`901 illustrates how the camera assembly is able to rotate
`around the axis created by the captive fastener 903. In this
`example, the rotation can be accomplished when the camera
`is affixed to the track plate in any position using the captive
`fastener. Further positioning of the camera assembly can be
`accomplished by using magnets to secure the camera assem-
`blies, instead of the fasteners. The arrow 902 illustrates how
`each individual camera assembly can be mounted in any
`position around the track plate using the pre-defined posi-
`tioning holes. using the (captive) fastener 903 or magnets.
`The arrow 904 illustrates how the camera assembly can tilt
`or rotate on the axis through the camera bracket.
`It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various
`modifications may be made to the illustrated and other
`embodiments of the invention described above, without
`departing from the broad inventive scope thereof. It will be
`understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the
`
`particular embodiments or arrangements disclosed, but is
`rather intended to cover any changes, adaptations or modi-
`fications which are within the scope of the invention as
`defined by the appended claims and drawings.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. An omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing comprising:
`a top plate including one or more electronic circuit boards
`thereon;
`a track plate secured to the top plate by a plurality of first
`fasteners, wherein the track plate is rotationally mov-
`able with respect
`to the top plate, when the first
`fasteners are loosen;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
`
`8
`a plurality of camera assemblies movably installed on the
`track plate and within the top plate, each comprising:
`a bracket movably secured to the track plate,
`a camera movably secured to the bracket, wherein the
`camera is rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the
`track plate, and
`a second fastener for movably securing the bracket to
`the track plate;
`a transparent cover for covering the plurality of camera
`assemblies installed on the track plate; and
`a trim plate for securing the transparent cover to the top
`plate with a plurality of third fasteners, wherein the
`track plate includes:
`a plurality of first index holes around a perimeter of the
`track plate for configurably indexing a positioning
`and an alignment of a first portion of the plurality of
`camera assemblies,
`a plurality of second index holes around a center of the
`track plate for configurably indexing a positioning
`and an alignment of a second portion of the plurality
`of camera assemblies,
`a plurality of curve-shaped openings to accommodate
`the plurality of first fasteners and allow movement of
`the plurality of first fasteners within the curve-
`shaped openings, respectively, for rotational move-
`ment of the track plate with respect to the top plate,
`when the plurality of first fasteners are loosen, and
`an opening for a cable coupled to the one or more
`electronic circuit boards.
`
`2. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1, further comprising a top gasket attached
`to the top plate for a weatherproof seal between the top plate
`and a mounting surface for the housing.
`3. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1,
`further comprising a cover gasket
`attached to the top plate for a weatherproof seal between the
`top plate and the cover.
`4. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1, wherein the top plate includes a national
`pipe thread (NPT) port for cabling from the side of the
`camera assemblies.
`
`5. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of
`camera assemblies include a day/night switch for moving a
`piece of infrared (IR) coated glass over a camera lens to
`allow different light spectrums in for a day mode or a night
`mode.
`
`6. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1, further comprising one or more fans for
`cooling the plurality of camera assemblies.
`7. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1, wherein the second fastener for movably
`securing the bracket to the track plate is a captive screw.
`8. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1, wherein the second fastener for movably
`securing the bracket to the track plate is a magnet.
`9. The omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing of claim 1, wherein a footprint of the housing is
`circular or elliptical.
`10. An omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera
`housing comprising:
`a top plate including one or more electronic circuit boards
`thereon;
`a track plate secured to the top plate by a plurality of first
`fasteners, wherein the track plate is rotationally mov-
`able with respect to the top plate via a respective
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1001-13
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1001-13
`
`

`

`US 9,438,782 B2
`
`9
`curve-shaped opening that accommodates movement
`of a respective first fastener within the respective
`curve-shaped opening;
`a plurality of camera assemblies secured to the track plate
`by a plurality of magnetic devices, each of the camera
`assemblies including a camera and a bracket, movably
`installed on the track plate, wherein each of the cameras
`is rotatable on a respective br