Europfiisches
`Patentamt
`European
`Patent Office
`Office européen
`
`des brevets
`
`1 )
`
`EP 2 887 328 A1
`
`(12)
`
`EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
`
`(43) Date of publication:
`24.06.2015 Bulletin 2015/26
`
`(51) Int CL:
`6088 13/196 (2006.01)
`
`(21) Application number: 131983926
`
`(22) Date of filing: 19.12.2013
`
`(84) Designated Contracting States:
`AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB
`GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL N0
`PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
`
`Designated Extension States:
`BA ME
`
`(71) Applicant: Axis AB
`223 69 Lund (SE)
`
`- 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.
`
`
`
`A monitoring device arrangement is 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),
`
`Inventors:
`(72)
`- Bergsten, Johan
`261 40 Landskrona (SE)
`
`(54) Monitoring devices slidably mounted on a rail releasany locked to predetermined positions
`
`wherein each said holder (8) comprises a lock device
`(15) looking 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).
`
`,2
`
`a
`
`EP2887328A1
`
`
`
`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-1
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-1
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`

`EP 2 887 328 A1
`
`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 mounting rail.
`
`Background
`
`[0002] Monitoring device arrangements may include a
`number of monitoring devices, such as cameras and IR
`detectors. The monitoring devices may be mounted on
`a supportand may be used for monitoring an area around
`the monitoring device arrangement. The monitoring de-
`vices in such a monitoring device arrangement may all
`be of the same type, or they may be of different types.
`For instance, one monitoring device may be a fish-eye
`camera and another monitoring device may be afixfocus
`lens camera.
`
`It may be desirable to monitor, e.g., a 360° field
`[0003]
`ofview around the monitoring device arrangement. How-
`ever, in some locations, there may be objects, such as
`walls, blocking the view of one or more of the monitoring
`devices, reducing the usable field 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 of the field of view of one of the
`monitoring devices, whereas it would be desirable to
`have these parts at the centre ofthe field ofview. 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
`
`It is an object ofthe present invention to provide
`[0004]
`a monitoring device arrangement which alleviates the
`problems associated with prior art monitoring device ar-
`rangements.
`[0005] A particular object is to provide a monitoring de-
`vice arrangementwhich enablesflexible, yetwell-defined
`positioning of monitoring devices.
`[0006] According to the invention, these and other ob-
`jects are achieved, in full or at 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 pan-
`ning ortilting, butwhich may be capable ofzooming. With
`a monitoring device arrangement according to the inven-
`
`
`
`monitored may also be avoided. This may, e.g., be the
`case if a monitoring device arrangement is 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
`combined field of view may thus be utilised, 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 mounting rail is ar-
`cuate or angled. Thereby, a wide range of positions for
`thefixed monitoring devices are available in order to cov-
`er a desired field of view.
`If the mounting rail is arcuate
`and is free from sharp angles, the holders may easily be
`slidineg repositioned along the entire arc portion.
`[0008] The mounting rail may be circular. In this man-
`ner, the fixed monitoring devices may be positioned in a
`large number of positions along the circular mounting
`rail, thereby allowing a large combined field of view.
`[0009]
`In an embodiment, the lock device ofthe 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
`and locking 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
`
`tion, it is possible to mount fixed monitoring devices on
`the mounting rail with a possibility of adjusting the posi-
`tions ofthe fixed monitoring device by sliding them along
`the mounting rail with the lock device released. Once the
`fixed monitoring devices have been placed in the desired
`position, the lock device ofthe holder 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 devices in relation to each other or 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 desired field
`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 ofview which for other reasons should not be
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-2
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`EP 2 887 328 A1
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`4
`
`to engage said recess or protrusion for locking said holder
`in said predetermined position. This makes it 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
`may assist in adjusting the position ofthe fixed monitoring
`devices in an already mounted monitoring device ar-
`rangement. For instance, the mounting rail may be pro—
`vided with four recesses or protrusions in positions 90°
`apart along the mounting rail. This may simplify equidis-
`tant positioning offourfixed monitoring devices for a 360°
`field of view.
`
`[0014] The holder may comprise a rotation prevention
`member preventing said holderfrom rotating around said
`mounting rail. This may ensure a stable positioning of
`the fixed monitoring device once the holder is locked in
`the desired position.
`[0015]
`In one embodiment, the holder comprises a re-
`taining member arranged to 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 mount-
`
`ing rail even if the locking function of the lock device were
`to fail for some reason.
`
`images captured 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 device is difficult to reach, or if adjustment is
`needed also after 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 apparent from the detailed descrip-
`tion given below. However, it should be understood that
`the detailed description and specific examples, while in-
`dicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are giv-
`en by way of illustration only, since various changes and
`modifications within the scope of the invention will be-
`come apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this detailed
`description.
`[0022] Hence, it is to be understood that this invention
`is not limited to the particular component parts of the
`device described or steps of the methods described as
`such device and method may vary. It is also to be under-
`stood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of
`describing particular embodiments only, and is not in-
`tended 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 ofthe elements unless the context clearly
`dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an
`object" or "the object" may include several objects, and
`the like. Furthermore, the word "comprising" does not
`exclude other elements or steps.
`
`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:
`
`
`
`[0016] The retaining member may comprisea hook re-
`taining said holder on said mounting rail. This is a prac-
`tical way ofensuring that the holder is kepton the mount-
`ing rail.
`[0017] At least one of said fixed monitoring devices
`may be a fix focus lens camera. Further, at least one of
`said fixed monitoring devices may be a non-pannable,
`non-tiltable camera capable of zooming.
`[0018]
`In an embodiment, the monitoring device ar-
`rangement further comprises a pannable and/or tiltable
`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] Themonitoringdevicearrangementmayfurther
`comprise a shielding portion arranged to 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 to shield it
`from the sun in order to obtain good images.
`[0020] The pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device
`may be a PTZ camera, Le. a camera capable of panning,
`tilting and zooming. If the fixed monitoring devices are
`cameras, these may be used for getting an overview im-
`age of an area surrounding the monitoring device ar-
`rangement. The PTZ camera may be used for tracking
`and zooming in on objects found in the overview image.
`The overview image may be stitched together from the
`
`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 holderarranged 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 holder of 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 according to athird
`embodiment,
`Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a holder according to
`a fourth embodiment, and
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`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-3
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`EP 2 887 328 A1
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`Fig. 9 is a perspective view of part of a monitoring
`device arrangement with a holder according to a fifth
`embodiment.
`
`Detailed description of embodiments
`
`during this movement. Once the holder 8 has been
`moved to 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.
`
`[0028] As may be seen 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 leafspring 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.
`
`[0029] 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 dome 18 of the pannable and/or
`tiltable camera 17 protruding through the opening 6 of
`the camera arrangement 1. The combination ofthe cam-
`era arrangement 1 and the pannable and/or tiltable cam-
`era 18 may be mounted to, e.g., a wall using a mounting
`bracket 19, which may be attached via the attachment
`portion 4 ofthe camera arrangement 1. When the acces—
`sory 1 and the pannable and/or tiltable camera 17 are
`assembled to a combined camera arrangement 101, the
`shielding portion 3 may shield the pannableand/ortiltable
`camera 17 from sun, rain, snow, and other potentially
`harmful environmental factors.
`
`
`
`is
`In Fig. 1 a monitoring device arrangement 1
`[0024]
`shown comprising a number of monitoring devices 2. In
`this embodiment, the arrangement is a camera arrange-
`mentcomprising a numberoffixed cameras, i.e. cameras
`that are in themselves incapable of panning and tilting.
`The camera arrangement 1 has a shielding portion 3 for
`shielding the fixed cameras 2 againstenvironmental 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 isa lowerend, ofthe camera arrangement,
`there is an opening 6 surrounded by a trim ring 7. The
`shielding portion 3 may be made of aluminium, making
`itallowableto arrangethe camera arrangement recessed
`in a ceiling while fulfilling fire safety requirements.
`[0025] Turning to Fig. 2, a fixed camera2 ofthe camera
`arrangement 1 may be seen. The fixed camera 2 is ar-
`ranged 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.
`[0026] As may be more clearly seen in Fig. 3, the holder
`8 has a number ofretaining members in theform of hooks
`10 and bosses 11. The hooks 10 are arranged at thefront
`of the holder 8, such that when the holder 8 is mounted
`on the mounting rail 9, the hooks 10 are engaged around
`a radially outer rim 12 of the mounting rail 9 (see Figs 2
`and 4). The bosses 11 are arranged at the back of the
`holder 8, such thatwhen 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 ofthe mount-
`ing rail 9 and the hook-shape engages the inner rim 13.
`[0027] With reference to the cross-section shown in
`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 of a ferromagnetic material, and the magnet may
`therefore securely lock the holder 8 in position on the
`mounting rail. By slightly lifting the holder8 offthe mount-
`ing rail 9, or by pressing back the 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 slidineg along the mounting rail 9 to a desired
`position. The hooks 10, bosses 11, and leaf spring 14
`ensure that the holder is retained on the mounting rail 9
`
`[0030] The fixed cameras 2 may be fix focus lens cam-
`eras, and the pannable and/or tiltable camera 17 may be
`a PTZ camera, Le. 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 may be 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 have all or parts of the field
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`EP 2 887 328 A1
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`ofview blocked by objects, such as building 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 moved to more suitable positions
`along the mounting rail 9. Should, for instance, one of
`the predetermined positions on the mounting rail 9 entail
`that one ofthe fixed cameras be pointing into a wall, the
`fixed cameras may be moved closer together along the
`remaining portion ofthe mounting rail, such thatthey pro-
`vide more overlap in the useable field ofview 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. 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 of the surrounding area, but to
`use the fixed cameras 2 to get good coverage of the
`remaining surrounding area.
`[0032]
`ltwill be appreciated that a person skilled in the
`art can modify the above described embodiments in
`many ways and still 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 de-
`vices include IR detectors and microphones.
`[0033]
`Instead of, or in combination with, cameras em-
`ploying visible light, the cameras ofthe combined camera
`arrangement may comprise IR cameras, or thermal cam-
`eras.
`
`[0034] The fixed monitoring devices need not neces—
`sarily each contain their own electronics. Instead, the
`electronics necessary for the two or more fixed monitor-
`ing devices may be arranged at one, common location.
`[0035]
`In the embodiment described above, there are
`fourfixed 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 two fixed 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 mounting rail.
`[0036] When the camera arrangement has been
`mounted, it may be possible to supplement it with more
`monitoring devices.
`[0037] The monitoring devices may be removablefrom
`the holders, allowing exchange of monitoring devices for
`maintenance or for changing from one type of monitoring
`device to another.
`
`In the embodiment described above, the fixed
`[0038]
`cameras are fix focus lens cameras, but cameras capa-
`ble of zooming may be used instead.
`[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
`
`
`
`In the embodimentshown in Fig. 5, a PTZ cam-
`[0042]
`era is placed in the opening of the camera arrangement.
`However, the pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device
`may be another kind of camera or monitoring device. The
`camera arrangement may in some instances be mounted
`without a central, pannable and/or tiltable monitoring de-
`vice. For example, a spotlight or loudspeaker may be
`mounted in the opening. In some instances it may even
`be desirable to have no other device in the opening of
`the camera arrangement. In such case, the opening may
`be covered by a lid.
`[0043] 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 looks the holder in place when oriented in one direction,
`and releases the holderoriented in the opposite direction.
`[0044]
`Instead of permanent magnets, electro-mag-
`nets may be used.
`In such case, it is preferable if the
`action ofthe electro-mag net be arranged such thatwhen
`the monitoring device is supplied with electric current,
`the electro-magnet is turned off, and such that it 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
`rail comprises magnets. Theferromagnetic material used
`in the mounting rail or in the holder may be martensitic
`stainless steel, butotherferromagnetic 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 ofa 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, Le. the part of the lock device 215
`which is arranged at the radially outer rim ofthe mounting
`
`5
`
`depending on the number of predetermined positions 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 and blind 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
`mounting rail.
`[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 engagement with the protru-
`sions.
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`EP 2 887 328 A1
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`10
`
`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 thatthe holder 208 may
`be moved slidineg along the mounting rail to a desired
`position. Similar to the embodiment described above in
`connection with, e.g., Fig. 3, this holder 208 has hooks
`210 for retaining the holder208 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
`
`In the embodiments shown, the holders are in-
`[0051]
`tended to be moved manually along the mounting rail.
`However, there may be situations where it is useful to be
`able to move the holders by remote control. This could
`be of interest 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 movement of
`the holders may be achieved using a toothed rim on the
`mounting rail. The inner rim orthe 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 ofthe holders are intended
`
`
`
`for installation and adjustment ofthe fixed monitoring de-
`vices, and not for any movement during 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 preferences ofdifferent securityguards. For instance,
`the monitoring needs may be different during the day and
`at night, such that a security guard on a day shiftwishes
`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
`one shown in Figs 1-4, may be manufactured and sold
`separately as an accessory to a pannable and/or tiltable
`monitoring device. Hereby, an existing pannable and/or
`tiltable monitoring device may be upgraded by providing
`it with the accessory, and without any real modification
`of the pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device. The
`monitoring device arrangement may also be manufac-
`tured already combined, such that it includes the fixed
`monitoring devices arranged on the mounting rail, and
`the pannable and/or tiltable monitoring device arranged
`in the opening of the monitoring device arrangement.
`[0054]
`In the embodiments shown, the mounting rail is
`circular. However, other shapes are also possible.
`In
`some embodiments, the mounting rail may be elliptical.
`The mounting rail may have an arcuate shape, although
`not forming a full circle or ellipse. In other embodiments,
`the mounting rail may be angled, having straight portions
`along which the holders are movable. It is also possible
`to combine arcuate and straight portions along the
`mounting rail. For mounting close to a wall,
`it may for
`instance be sufficient to have a semi-circular mounting
`rail, allowing positioning of fixed monitoring devices only
`in positions not facing the wall. It may also be useful to
`have a mounting rail resembling a semicircle, but made
`up of three straight portions placed at angles of, e.g.,
`
`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 bar in a position where it 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 31 9 is rotated such that
`it no longer presses against the mounting rail. The holder
`308 maythen be moved slidingly along the mounting rail.
`[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 shown in 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 holder408 and the fixed
`camera402 are held securely in position on the mounting
`rail.
`If the 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 holder408 with thefixed camera
`402 may be moved along the mounting rail 409 to a de-
`sired position in a sliding motion. The lock lever420 may
`be made long enough to protrude radially outside the
`outer rim of the mounting rail 409 such that it prevents
`replacing the protective 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
`arrangementdoes notaccidentally forget to lock the lock-
`ing device 415 before closing the monitoring device ar-
`rangement. Once the arrangement is locked and closed,
`the fixed cameras 402 are held securely in place on the
`mounting rail 409, protected by the shielding portion 403
`and the protective window.
`[0050] Othertypesoflockingdevicesarealsopossible,
`such as looking devices employing rubber bands, clamp-
`ing screws or tension bolts. Advantageously, locking de-
`vices not requiring tools for locking and releasing are
`used, thereby simplifying installation and adjustment of
`the monitoring device arrangement.
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-6
`
`AXIS EXHIBIT 1006-6
`
`

`

`EP 2 887 328 A1
`
`12
`
`120°.
`
`[0055] Thus, the invention should not be limited to the
`shown embodiments but should only be defined by the
`appended claims.
`
`Claims
`
`1. A monitoring device arrangement comprising
`
`The monitoring device arrangement according to
`claim 1, wherein said fixed monitoring devices are
`monitoring devices which are in themselves incapa-
`ble of panning and tilting.
`
`The monitoring device arrangement according to
`claim 1 or, wherein said mounting rail (9; 409) is ar-
`cuate or angled.
`
`The monitoring device arrangement according to
`any one of the preceding claims, wherein said
`mounting rail (9; 409) is circular.
`
`The monitoring device arrangement according to
`any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lock
`device of said holder (8, 208; 308; 408) comprises
`a magnet (15), and wherein said mounting rail (9;
`409) comprises ferromagnetic material.
`
`The monitoring device arrangement according to
`an