Imaging device

Abstract

When an imaging device having a pan-tilt is installed externally, it is difficult to install the imaging device while keeping the pan-tilt horizontal. An imaging device (100) is provided with: an imaging unit (10) having a lens and an image sensor (12); and a holder (20) that rotatably supports the imaging unit (10). The pan / tilt (20) has: a base part (21) fixed to the outside of the imaging device (100); and a level gauge (30) for measuring the inclination of the base part (21) with respect to the horizontal plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device. Background Art

[0002] In cameras, especially those capable of capturing video, image deviation in the horizontal direction is a problem. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-68335 discloses correcting image tilt using an acceleration sensor, particularly for the purpose of correcting camera shake. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In recent years, cameras such as PTZ (pan / tilt / zoom) cameras, which use a pan / tilt head fixed to a building, tripod, or mobile object, have become increasingly common. These pan / tilt heads rotatably support the camera unit. However, when using cameras with externally fixed pan / tilt heads, securing the head horizontally is not always easy.

[0005] Means for solving problems

[0006] A first embodiment of the present invention provides an imaging device including an imaging unit having a lens and an image sensor, and a platform for rotatably supporting the imaging unit. The platform includes a base fixed to the outside of the imaging device and a level for measuring the inclination of the base relative to a horizontal plane.

[0007] The second embodiment of the present disclosure is a camera device according to the first embodiment, connected to an external computer via a network. The computer includes a display device. Tilt information of the pan / tilt head measured by the level is output from the camera device, sent to the computer via the network, and displayed on the display device.

[0008] Effects of the Invention

[0009] The imaging device of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a level for measuring the tilt of the pan / tilt head. Therefore, when the imaging device is installed externally, the installer can know the tilt of the pan / tilt head relative to the horizontal plane, facilitating the installation of the imaging device.

[0010] The second embodiment of the present invention enables the camera device to display the tilt information of the pan / tilt head on the display unit of a computer connected via a network. This allows personnel in remote locations to obtain the tilt information of the pan / tilt head. Furthermore, by transmitting the tilt information of the pan / tilt head to the person setting up the camera device, the pan / tilt head installation process can be facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a control block diagram of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3A This is a top view of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment as viewed from above, showing the orientation in the desktop mode.

[0014] Figure 3B This is a diagram of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front.

[0015] Figure 3C This is a plan view of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment as viewed from below, showing the orientation in the hanging mode.

[0016] Figure 4A Schematic diagrams illustrating the inclination of the platform 20 in the left-right direction relative to the horizontal plane in the tabletop mode and the hanging mode.

[0017] Figure 4B Schematic diagram illustrating the tilt of the platform 20 in the front-rear direction relative to the horizontal plane in the tabletop mode and the hanging mode.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a display example of the display screen 51 a of the display unit 51 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following describes the embodiments in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, detailed descriptions beyond those necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structure may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily lengthy and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. In addition, the inventors provide the drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims through these drawings and the following description.

[0020] <First embodiment>

[0021] 1. Structure of the Camera Device 100

[0022] The imaging device 100 of this embodiment is a camera that captures and outputs images. It can also drive the imaging unit 10 and change the imaging range. It can be a PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) camera with a pan / tilt / zoom function.

[0023] exist Figure 1 The appearance of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 2The camera device 100 includes a camera unit 10, a pan / tilt head 20, a drive unit 23, a control unit 40, a network interface 41, and a display interface 42. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the camera unit 10 is arranged vertically above the pan-tilt head 20. This arrangement is called a desktop mode. Conversely, the camera unit 10 can also be arranged vertically below the pan-tilt head 20. This arrangement is called a hanging mode.

[0024] The camera unit 10 is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device 100 includes an image sensor 12 and a lens unit 11. The image sensor 12 captures an image of the external space captured by the lens unit 11 and outputs it to the control unit 40. The image sensor 12 is a CMOS, CCD, or other device. The lens unit 11 includes multiple lenses. The lens unit 11 moves the lenses based on control signals sent from the control unit 40. The focus position or zoom position of the lenses can be adjusted under the control of the control unit 40. The zoom function (optical zoom) of the imaging device 100 is achieved by moving the lenses.

[0025] The camera unit 10 may also include a level (not shown) separately from the level 30 provided on the pan / tilt head. The level of the camera unit 10 corrects the tilt of the image. The level may include an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor may be a three-axis acceleration sensor.

[0026] The platform 20 rotatably supports the camera unit 10. The platform 20 serves as a housing that houses the drive unit 23, the level 30, the control unit 40, and other components. Furthermore, interfaces such as a network interface 41 and a display interface 42 are provided on the surface of the platform 20 to allow external access.

[0027] PTZ 20 Figure 1 As shown, the camera 10 includes a base 21 and a rotating portion 22. The rotating portion 22 includes a disc-shaped connection portion 22b for connecting to the base 21 and an arm 22a for connecting to the imaging unit 10. The base 21 is connected to the rotating portion 22 at a connection portion 201. The rotating portion 22 is driven by a driving portion 23 and is capable of rotating within a horizontal plane. The rotating portion 22 can be capable of rotating more than 360° within the horizontal plane. As the rotating portion 22 rotates within the horizontal plane, the imaging unit 10 rotates within the horizontal plane, thereby rotating the imaging area of ​​the imaging unit 10 within the horizontal plane.

[0028] The arm 22a of the rotating unit 22 of the pan / tilt head 20 is connected to the camera unit 10 at the connecting portion 202. The camera unit 10 is driven by the driving unit 23 and can rotate within the vertical plane. The angle of rotation within the vertical plane can be less than 360° or greater. As the camera unit 10 rotates within the vertical plane, the imaging area of ​​the camera unit 10 rotates within the vertical plane.

[0029] The base 21 of the pan-tilt head 20 fixes the camera device 100 to the outside. The front surface 21a of the base 21 is provided with a logo such as a product name. The surface of the base 21 opposite to the connecting portion 201 is a setting surface 21b that is connected to the outside. The outside can be a ceiling or a building or a mobile object installed on the ceiling. In this case, it is usually a hanging mode. The outside can also be a building, a tripod, a mobile object, etc. installed on the ground. In this case, it is usually a desktop mode. In either case, the setting surface 21b of the pan-tilt head 20 is set horizontally. For example, the camera device 100 can also be set on the slope of a building. In such a case, an accessory is inserted between the slope and the base 21 so that the setting surface 21b of the pan-tilt head 20 becomes horizontal.

[0030] The level 30 may include an acceleration sensor 31 and a tilt calculation unit 32. The acceleration sensor 31 is disposed in the platform 20. The acceleration sensor 31 is fixed directly or indirectly relative to the base 21. That is, even if the rotating unit 22 rotates, the acceleration sensor 31 does not move. The level 30 measures the degree of inclination of the setting surface 21b of the platform 20 relative to the horizontal plane. Specifically, Figure 3A As shown, the tilt of the platform 20 in the x-direction (front-back direction, indicated by F and back in the figure) or the y-direction (left-right direction, indicated by L and right in the figure) relative to the horizontal plane is measured. The measurement results of the acceleration sensor 31 are output to the tilt calculation unit 32. The tilt calculation unit 32 calculates the tilt in the x-direction and the y-direction based on the measurement results of the acceleration sensor 31. The tilt calculation unit 32 can also be part of the control unit 40.

[0031] In this embodiment, the level 30 includes an acceleration sensor 31. The acceleration sensor 31 may be a three-axis acceleration sensor. In addition, other devices besides the acceleration sensor may be used as long as they can measure the inclination relative to the horizontal plane.

[0032] The driving unit 23 drives the imaging unit 10 to rotate relative to the rotating unit 22 of the platform 20. The driving unit 23 also drives the rotating unit 22 to rotate relative to the base 21. The driving unit 23 may include a motor 23a for driving the imaging unit 10 and a motor 23b for driving the rotating unit 22.

[0033] The imaging device 100 also includes various interfaces, including a network interface 41 and a display interface 42. Furthermore, an interface for outputting to a recording medium such as an SD card, a storage device, or a computer may also be provided.

[0034] The network interface 41 can communicatively connect the imaging device 100 to the network N. The imaging device 100 can communicate with a computer 50 connected to the network N. The computer 50 includes a display unit 51. Image information captured by the imaging unit 10 is transmitted to the computer 50 via the network N and can be displayed on the display unit 51. Similarly, information on the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20 measured by the level 30 is transmitted from the imaging device 100 to the computer 50 via the network N and displayed on the display unit 51.

[0035] The display interface 42 can connect the camera 100 to an external display device 61. Image information captured by the camera unit 10 can be displayed on the display device 61 via the display interface 42. Similarly, tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20 measured by the level 30 is displayed on the display device 61 from the camera 100 via the display interface 42.

[0036] The control unit 40 obtains image information from the camera unit 10. It also obtains tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20 from the level 30. The control unit 40 transmits the image information and / or tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20 via the network interface 41 to the computer 50. Similarly, the control unit 40 transmits the image information and / or tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20 via the display interface 42 to the display device 61 for display.

[0037] The control unit 40 can be composed of a computer. A computer includes a CPU. A microcomputer can be used as the computer. The control unit 40 can be composed of multiple microcomputers. For example, the control unit 40 may include a computer that processes image signals, a microcomputer that controls the drive unit 23 of the pan / tilt head 20, a microcomputer that controls the lens unit 11, and a microcomputer that constitutes the tilt calculation unit 32. Alternatively, the control unit 40 may be composed entirely of a computer and circuits.

[0038] 2. Marking the tilt of the platform 20 relative to the horizontal using a level 30

[0039] The notation of the tilt of the platform 20 relative to the horizontal, measured by the level 30 , will be described.

[0040] Figure 3A 1 is a diagram of the imaging device 100 viewed from above in the vertical direction (from one side of the imaging unit 10). Since the imaging unit 10 or the rotating unit 22 of the pan / tilt head 20 rotates and changes position, the direction is defined by the orientation of the base 21. Figure 3A In the embodiment, the front surface 21a of the base portion 21 is defined as the front side (front), the opposite side is defined as the rear side, and the direction from the rear to the front is defined as the x direction. Figure 3AAs shown in , in the horizontal plane, define left (L) and right (R), and set the direction from left to right as the y direction. Figure 3B As shown, the z-direction is from bottom to top. Furthermore, the degree to which the mounting surface 21b of the platform 20 is tilted up or down relative to the horizontal plane in the front-to-back direction (x-direction) and along the vertical direction (z-direction) is expressed as an angle (the full angle is 360°). For example, a tilt of 0.8° from the front to the back is noted as:

[0041] F↓ -0.8 / +0.8 ↑B (1).

[0042] However, for convenience, when the tilt exceeds 9.9°, the maximum value is indicated as 9.9°. Similarly, the degree to which the mounting surface 21b of the pan / tilt head 20 is tilted up or down relative to the horizontal plane in the left-right direction (y-direction) and the vertical direction (z-direction) is expressed in degrees (the full angle is 360°). For example, a tilt of 3.2° to the left relative to the right is indicated as:

[0043] L↑ +3.2 / -3.2 ↓R (2).

[0044] However, for convenience, when the inclination exceeds 9.9°, the maximum is indicated as 9.9°.

[0045] The tilt number varies depending on whether the device is in tabletop or hanging mode. Figure 4A 、 4B Explain this.

[0046] Figure 4A Schematically illustrates the difference in tilt in the left-right direction (y direction) between the desktop mode (labeled as desktop) and the hanging mode (labeled as hanging). Figure 4A It can be seen that regarding the left and right directions, in either mode, the upward tilt of the left (L) relative to the horizontal plane is expressed as +, and therefore the notation of the tilt remains unchanged.

[0047] Figure 4B Schematically illustrates the difference in tilt between the desktop mode and the hanging mode with respect to the front-back direction (x direction). Figure 4B It can be seen that regarding the front and back directions, the tilt direction of the platform 20 and the marked + direction change in the desktop mode and the hanging mode. Figure 3A (Desktop mode), Figure 3C This is because the left and right directions (y direction) are defined oppositely in the Hanging Mode. However, in actual settings, it is easier to understand intuitively how to change the direction between the Desktop Mode and Hanging Mode.

[0048] 3. Setting assistance function of the camera device 100 using the level 30

[0049] Next, a description will be given of an installation support function of the imaging device 100 using the level 30 in the platform 20 .

[0050] The tilt information of the platform 20 measured by the level meter 30 is output from the imaging device 100 to the user's computer 50 via the network N. The computer 50 displays the tilt information of the platform 20 on the display unit 51. Figure 5 An example of screen display on the display unit 51 is shown.

[0051] exist Figure 5 The screen 51a includes an image display unit 54, a setting unit 55, a tilt display unit 52, and a tilt display on / off switch icon 53. The image display unit 54 displays the image (imaging information) captured by the imaging unit 10. The setting unit 55 displays various information and operation buttons required for setting the imaging device 100.

[0052] The tilt display unit 52 displays the tilt information of the platform 20 measured by the level 30. The tilt information of the platform 20 includes the tilt of the platform 20 in the front-to-back direction and the tilt of the platform 20 in the left-to-right direction. For example, the tilt of the platform 20 in the front-to-back direction is "F↓ -0.8 / +0.8↑B", and the tilt of the platform 20 in the left-to-right direction is "L↑ +3.2 / -3.2↓R".

[0053] Tilt display on / off toggle icon 53 is a button that allows the user to toggle the display of tilt information (tilt display unit 52) ​​on or off. Clicking tilt display on / off toggle icon 53 while tilt information is being displayed turns it off. Clicking icon 53 when tilt information is not being displayed turns it back on.

[0054] On the display screen 51 a , an oblique display may be performed together with the display of a video, or only an oblique display may be performed.

[0055] The tilt information of the platform 20 measured by the level 30 can also be output from the imaging device 100 to the display device 61 for display. The screen display of the display device 61 can be displayed in the same manner as the display example of the display unit 51 ( Figure 5 ) are constructed exactly the same way.

[0056] As another example of the screen display of the display unit 51 and the display device 61, the tilt information may be superimposed on the image signal from the imaging unit 10. Furthermore, if the display of the tilt information is switched on and off in each of the display unit 51 and the display device 61, user convenience is improved.

[0057] When the installer of the imaging device attempts to set up the imaging device 100, a remote assistant can monitor the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20 via the display 51 of the computer 50. This allows the installer to be informed of the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20, assisting them. The network interface 41 can be configured with either a wired or wireless interface, or both. A wireless interface eliminates the need for wiring and improves operational efficiency.

[0058] The tilt information of the platform 20 measured by the level 30 can also be output from the imaging device 100 to the display device 61 for display. The screen display of the display device 61 can be displayed in the same manner as the display example of the display unit 51 ( Figure 5 ) are constructed exactly the same way.

[0059] In this case, the person who installs the imaging device 100 outside can assist the installation work by himself or herself, or a nearby person can assist the installation work.

[0060] 4. Features of this embodiment

[0061] The camera device 100 of this embodiment includes a camera unit 10 and a pan / tilt head 20. The camera unit 10 includes a lens unit 11 and an image sensor 12. The pan / tilt head 20 includes a base 21, a rotating portion 22, and a level 30. The installation surface 21b of the base 21 is fixed to the outside of the camera device 100. The outside is, for example, a ceiling, a tripod, or a moving object. The base 21 supports the rotating portion 22 so that it can rotate. The rotating portion 22 supports the camera unit 10 so that it can rotate. The level 30 is fixed directly or indirectly to the base 21. That is, even if the rotating portion 22 rotates relative to the base 21, the level 30 is configured so that its positional relationship relative to the base 21 does not change. The level 30 measures the inclination of the base 21 of the pan / tilt head 20 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0062] The imaging device 100 of the present disclosure includes the level 30 for measuring the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20 . Therefore, when the imaging device 100 is installed outside, the installer can know the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20 relative to the horizontal plane, facilitating installation of the imaging device 100 .

[0063] The level 30 may also be composed of an acceleration sensor 31 and a tilt calculation unit 32. The tilt calculation unit 32 calculates the tilt based on information from the acceleration sensor 31. The acceleration sensor 31 measures the tilt of the base 21 of the platform 20 relative to the horizontal plane in two directions: the left-right direction (y-direction) and the front-back direction (x-direction).

[0064] The rotating portion 22 of the pan / tilt head 20 is capable of rotating horizontally relative to the base 21. Furthermore, the rotating portion 22 of the pan / tilt head 20 supports the imaging unit 10 for vertical rotation. The imaging device 100 is a PTZ camera with a PTZ function. Horizontal and vertical rotation functions are achieved by rotating the rotating portion 22 relative to the base 21 and the pan / tilt head 20 relative to the imaging unit 10. The zoom function (optical zoom) is achieved by moving the lens of the lens unit 11.

[0065] The imaging device 100 has a plurality of interfaces for connecting to external devices, storage media, etc. The interfaces may include a network interface 41 and a display interface 42 .

[0066] The display interface 42 of the camera 100 is connected to the display device 61. The image information acquired by the camera 10 and the tilt information of the platform measured by the level 30 are sent to the display device 61 via the display interface 42. The display device 61 can display the image information and the tilt information.

[0067] The network interface 41 of the camera device 100 is connected to an external computer 50 via a network N. The image information acquired by the camera unit 10 and the tilt information of the pan / tilt head measured by the level 30 are sent to the computer 50 via the network N. The computer 50 can display the image information and tilt information on a display unit 51 of the computer 50.

[0068] The imaging device 100 of this embodiment can display the tilt information of the pan / tilt head on the display unit 51 of a computer 50 connected via a network. This allows personnel in remote locations to obtain the tilt information of the pan / tilt head. Furthermore, by providing the tilt information to the person installing the imaging device 100, the pan / tilt head installation process can be facilitated.

[0069] The tilt information of the pan / tilt head includes the left-right tilt of the base portion 21 of the pan / tilt head 20 relative to the horizontal plane and the front-back tilt relative to the horizontal plane. The display of the left-right tilt and the front-back tilt of the tilt information include symbols and numbers indicating positive and negative. In addition, depending on the installation method of the camera device 100 to the outside, a desktop mode (in the vertical direction, the camera portion 10 is above the pan / tilt head 20) and a hanging mode (in the vertical direction, the camera portion 10 is below the pan / tilt head 20) are set. In the case of the desktop mode and the hanging mode, the left-right tilt and the front-back tilt relative to the horizontal plane are defined respectively. The markings in the desktop mode and the hanging mode may also be different.

[0070] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] Industrial applicability

[0072] The imaging device of the present disclosure can be used as an image acquisition or surveillance camera in a theater, a stadium, or outdoors at a broadcasting station or an image producer.

[0073] Explanation of symbols

[0074] 10. Camera Department

[0075] 11 lens units

[0076] 12 Image Sensor

[0077] 20 PTZ

[0078] 21 Base part

[0079] 21a Front surface (of base)

[0080] 21b Installation surface (of the base)

[0081] 22 Rotating part

[0082] 22a Arm (of the rotating part)

[0083] 22b Connecting portion (of the rotating portion and the base portion)

[0084] 23. Drive unit

[0085] 30 Level

[0086] 31 Accelerometer

[0087] 32. Tilt calculation unit

[0088] 40 Control Unit

[0089] 41 Network Interface

[0090] 42 Display port

[0091] 50 Computer

[0092] 51 Display unit

[0093] 61 Display device

[0094] 100 Camera

[0095] 201 Connecting portion (rotating portion and base portion)

[0096] 202 Connection part (of the camera unit and the pan / tilt head).

Claims

1. A camera device comprising: a camera unit having a lens and an image sensor; and A pan / tilt head supports the camera unit so as to be rotatable. The pan / tilt platform has: a base portion fixed to the outside of the camera device; and A level is used to measure the inclination of the base relative to a horizontal plane.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The level includes an acceleration sensor and a tilt calculation unit. The tilt calculation unit calculates tilt based on information from the acceleration sensor.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The level gauge measures the inclination of the base portion of the platform relative to a horizontal plane in two directions: the left-right direction and the front-back direction. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein: The platform further includes a rotating portion connected to the camera portion and configured to rotate relative to the base portion. The rotating portion is rotatable in a horizontal direction relative to the base portion. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein: The imaging unit is supported by the platform so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction relative to the base unit. The imaging device according to claim 4 , wherein: The imaging unit is supported by the rotating unit so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction relative to the base unit.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The camera device is connected to a computer via a network, and the computer includes a display device. The tilt information of the pan / tilt head measured by the level meter is output from the camera device, sent to the computer via a network, and displayed on the display device.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein: The tilt information includes a left-right tilt of the base portion of the platform relative to a horizontal plane and a front-back tilt relative to the horizontal plane.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein: The display of the left-right tilt and the display of the front-back tilt of the tilt information include symbols and numbers indicating positive and negative. The display is changed when the imaging unit is above the pan / tilt head and when the imaging unit is below the pan / tilt head in the vertical direction.

10. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein: The inclined display of the display device is displayed together with a switching button for switching between display and non-display of the inclined display.

Images