Image pickup apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an image pickup apparatus. The image pickup apparatus includes: a main body; an imaging unit; a support unit configured to support the imaging unit; a driving unit configured to drive the imaging unit to rotate with respect to the main body; a memory storing instructions; and a processor to execute the instructions such that the image pickup apparatus: determines whether the image pickup unit is in a non-use state; controlling the driving unit to drive the imaging unit to be at the first position in a case where the end of the imaging is instructed; and performing control to cut off the power supply when it is determined that the imaging unit is in the non-use state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to camera equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, in gimbal-integrated cameras where the camera unit is rotatably driven, the camera unit is supported by multiple support units connected to multiple drive mechanisms. When such a gimbal-integrated camera is powered off, the drive mechanisms are not energized, so the multiple support units connected to the grip and the camera are not fixed and are unstable. If the camera unit and support units protrude from the grip, the camera is not suitable for portable use.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0230289 describes a technique in which, upon receiving a power-off command, a universal joint is driven to a folded position, maintained in that position for a predetermined period of time, and then the power is off. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a camera device includes: a main body; a camera unit; a support unit configured to support the camera unit; a drive unit configured to drive the camera unit to rotate relative to the main body; a memory storing instructions; and a processor for executing instructions such that the camera device: determines whether the camera unit is in a non-use state; controls the drive unit to drive the camera unit to a first position when indicating camera termination; and controls to cut off power when it is determined that the camera unit is in a non-use state.

[0005] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a gimbal-integrated camera, which is an example of a camera device according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a portion of a gimbal-integrated camera according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating three drive devices according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a perspective view illustrating the storage posture of a gimbal-integrated camera according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the gimbal-integrated camera according to an embodiment is housed in a box.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the power-off steps according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the non-use state according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating a gimbal-integrated camera according to another embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the power-off steps according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] (First Embodiment)

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a gimbal-integrated camera, which is an example of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The gimbal-integrated camera 1 includes a main body unit 2 and a vibration damping mechanism 3. The main body unit 2 includes a housing 21. The housing 21 also serves as a grip for the user during shooting and is equipped with a first operation unit 22a, a second operation unit 22b, and a display unit 23. The housing 21 is also equipped with multiple input units (not shown), an external media tank, a tripod mount, a strap, external input / output terminals, a power terminal, indicator lights, a microphone, and a speaker.

[0019] The vibration damping mechanism 3 includes a first drive unit 31, a first support member 32, a second drive unit 33, a second support member 34, and a third drive unit 35. The first support member 32 is pivotally coupled to the housing 21 of the main body unit 2 via the first drive unit 31, and the second support member 34 is pivotally coupled to the first support member 32 via the second drive unit 33. The camera unit 36 ​​is pivotally coupled to the second support member 34 via the third drive unit 35.

[0020] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the first drive unit 31 is defined as YAW (yaw), the rotation axis of the second drive unit 33 is defined as ROLL (tilt), and the rotation axis of the third drive unit 35 is defined as PITCH (pitch). Additionally, when the vibration damping mechanism 3 is in... Figure 1 In the illustrated configuration, the angles of each rotation axis are defined as 0°. The amount and direction of rotation are... Figure 1 The positive and negative signs are used to represent this.

[0021] The first support member 32 is secured to the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 33 by screws (not shown). Similarly, the second support member 34 is secured to the second drive unit 33 and the third drive unit 35 by screws (not shown). The method of securing the respective drive units may be a coupling method. Cable paths (not shown) are formed in the respective movable parts and support members, through which power cables are routed.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are external three-phase brushless motors, each including a rotor unit 40 and a stator unit 41. In this embodiment, the rotor unit 40 and stator unit 41 of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 have the same structure, but the motors can have different structures and different sizes. Alternatively, the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 can be an internal motor or an axial clearance motor.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a part of a system for a gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to this embodiment. The main unit 2 includes a control unit 210 for controlling the gimbal-integrated camera 1, a motor control unit 211, and a motor drive unit 212. The control unit 210 issues various types of trigger events in response to detections from a first detection unit 24a, a second detection unit 24b, a non-use state determination unit 25, etc.

[0024] The first detection unit 24a detects that the first operation unit 22a is being pressed by the user and notifies the control unit 210 of this detection. Similarly, the second detection unit 24b detects that the second operation unit 22b is being pressed by the user and notifies the control unit 210 of this detection.

[0025] In this embodiment, a static capacitive touch panel is used in the display unit 23. The display unit 23 is connected to the control unit 210 and displays video images captured by the camera unit 36, the settings of the gimbal-integrated camera 1, and the status of the gimbal-integrated camera 1. The third detection unit 24c detects the touch operation performed on the display unit 23, and the control unit 210 issues various types of trigger events based on the detection signal from the third detection unit 24c.

[0026] The non-use status determination unit 25 determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a state of non-use by the user and notifies the control unit 210 of this determination. The power-off command unit 26 issues a power-off trigger based on the determination conditions described below to cut off the power supply to the motors in the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35, and notifies the control unit 210 of this power-off trigger.

[0027] The motor control unit 211 generates switching signals based on information input to the control unit 210 instructing the absolute angles of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35. The motor drive unit 212 is an inverter circuit and includes six switching elements for each motor. (Switching elements are not illustrated.) The motor drive unit 212 then switches based on the switching signals generated by the motor control unit 211 to generate three-phase AC power. The generated AC power is supplied to the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 via cables not illustrated.

[0028] Camera unit 36 ​​includes image capture unit 361 and inertial measurement unit (IMU) 362. Image capture unit 361 includes imaging elements (not shown), optical elements, autofocus (AF) mechanism, aperture stop mechanism, neutral density (ND) mechanism, etc. Video images or images captured by camera unit 36 ​​are transmitted to control unit 210, converted into video image data or image data, and stored in video image recording device 213 including memory, etc. IMU 362 includes an angular velocity sensor capable of detecting angular velocity in three axial directions and an accelerometer sensor capable of detecting acceleration in three axial directions. The angular velocity sensor and accelerometer sensor are not shown.

[0029] The control unit 210 calculates the jitter amount based on the detection values ​​obtained by the IMU 362, and performs vibration suppression operation by driving the camera unit 36 ​​in the YAW, ROLL, and PITCH directions via the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35, respectively, based on the calculated jitter amount. The control unit 210 can drive the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 not only for vibration suppression but also for intentionally changing the imaging angle of the camera unit 36.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the rotor unit 40 and stator unit 41 that constitute the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33 and the third drive unit 35.

[0031] The rotor unit 40 includes a yoke 401, a drive magnet 402, a rotating shaft 403, and a detection magnet 404. The rotating shaft 403 is a hollow shaft, allowing a cable (not illustrated) to pass through it. In this embodiment, the detection magnet 404 is magnetized with two poles in the radial direction, but it can be magnetized with multiple poles (more than two poles).

[0032] The stator unit 41 includes a base 412, a core 413, a coil 414, a bearing 415, an electronic circuit board 416, and an angle sensor 417. The electronic circuit board 416 includes the angle sensor 417. The electronic circuit board 416 is electrically connected to the control unit 210. In this embodiment, the angle sensor 417 includes two Hall elements, an angle calculation unit, and a communication unit in a single package. The Hall elements, angle calculation unit, and communication unit are not illustrated.

[0033] Angle sensor 417 detects the leakage magnetic flux of detection magnet 404. Specifically, angle sensor 417 detects the magnetic flux Br in the radial direction and the magnetic flux Bt in the tangential direction. The detected magnetic flux forms sine and cosine waves. An angle calculation unit calculates the arctangent value based on the sine and cosine waves to obtain the absolute angle and transmits the absolute angle to control unit 210. Angle sensor 417 may be a sensor that does not include an angle calculation unit or a communication unit, but instead uses multiple Hall elements and multiple linear Hall sensors.

[0034] Angle sensor 417 can be configured to detect leakage magnetic flux of drive magnet 402 without using detection magnet 404.

[0035] The orientation and range of motion of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to this embodiment will now be described. As described above, the control unit 210 drives the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 in the vibration damping mechanism 3, thereby changing the orientation of the camera unit 36.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As illustrated, the state in which the rotation axes of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are each at an angle of 0° is defined as the positive position. The positive position refers to the orientation of the camera unit 36 ​​when the user is taking normal photos. The user typically holds the gimbal-integrated camera 1 with the display unit 23 facing the user to check the video image displayed on the display unit 23 during shooting. When shooting scenes such as landscapes in this state, the lens surface 36a of the camera unit 36 ​​faces the opposite direction to the user.

[0037] Adjustments are made so that the rotation axes of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are each at an angle of 0°. Based on information related to the orientation of the camera unit 36 ​​and the captured video images, the angles of the rotation axes are each adjusted to 0°. The control ranges of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are set based on drive control and mechanical limitations.

[0038] The drive control range of the first drive unit 31 is set from -70° to +230°, the drive control range of the second drive unit 33 is set from -45° to +45°, and the drive control range of the third drive unit 35 is set from -50° to +100°. The mechanically movable range of the first drive unit 31 is set from -90° to +250°, the mechanically movable range of the second drive unit 33 is set from -90° to +90°, and the mechanically movable range of the third drive unit 35 is set from -90° to +180°.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a perspective view illustrating the storage posture of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 within the housing 5. In this embodiment, the storage posture is characterized by the first drive unit 31 rotating +90° from its upright position, the second drive unit 33 rotating +90° from its upright position, and the third drive unit 35 rotating +180° from its upright position. The storage posture is not limited to these angles. For example, the first drive unit 31 can rotate to -90° and the third drive unit 35 can rotate to 0°.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is housed by a user in a housing 5. The housing 5 is formed of a deformable resin material. The inner wall surface of the housing 5 is shaped to correspond to the outer contour of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 and has a structure that fits into a portion of the gimbal-integrated camera 1. The inner portion of the housing 5 is shaped to at least cover the periphery of the anti-vibration mechanism 3, which protects the gimbal-integrated camera 1 from damage or scratches when carrying the gimbal-integrated camera 1 or in similar situations.

[0041] refer to Figure 6 The following is a description of the procedures to be performed when the user ends the camera operation and performs an operation to power off the gimbal-integrated camera 1. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps for powering off the gimbal-integrated camera 1. Figure 6 The flowchart in the diagram is executed under the control of the control unit 210.

[0042] In step S701, the control unit 210 determines whether a recording end trigger has been generated. When the user operates the first operation unit 22a to end the recording operation of the gimbal-integrated camera 1, the first detection unit 24a notifies the control unit 210 of the operation. Alternatively, when the user operates the display unit 23 to terminate the recording operation, the third detection unit 24c notifies the control unit 210 of the operation.

[0043] Upon being notified of any of the aforementioned operations, the control unit 210 generates a camera end trigger. The camera end trigger can be generated by an operation other than that performed using the first operation unit 22a or the display unit 23. If the control unit 210 determines that a camera end trigger has been generated (Yes in step S701), the process proceeds to step S702. If it determines that a camera end trigger has not yet been generated (No in step S701), the control unit 210 repeats the determination in step S701.

[0044] In step S702, the control unit 210 performs drive control on each motor (i.e., the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35) until the gimbal-integrated camera 1 reaches the... Figure 4 The process continues until the first position corresponding to the illustrated storage posture is reached, and then proceeds to step S703.

[0045] In step S703, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a state of being used by the user (in use state). If the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is not in use by the user (in non-use state) (Yes in step S703), the process proceeds to step S706. If the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in use (No in step S703), the process proceeds to step S704.

[0046] In step S704, the control unit 210 determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the generation triggered by the end of the camera recording. This determination process checks whether the user is in the preparation stage. If the predetermined amount of time has not elapsed since the generation triggered by the end of the camera recording (No in step S704), the process returns to step S703. If the predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the generation triggered by the end of the camera recording (Yes in step S704), the control unit 210 determines that the user is in the preparation stage, and then the process proceeds to step S705.

[0047] In step S705, the control unit 210 drives each motor (i.e., the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35) until the gimbal-integrated camera 1 reaches the third position corresponding to the positive position (the position where the user uses the gimbal-integrated camera 1 during normal shooting), and then the process proceeds to step S706.

[0048] In step S706, the power-off command unit 26 generates a power-off trigger to cut off the power supply to each motor (i.e., the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35), and then the process proceeds to step S707.

[0049] In step S707, the control unit 210 cuts off the power supply to each motor and ends the process.

[0050] Even if the control unit 210 determines in step S704 that the user is in the preparation stage and in step S705 the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is brought to the correct position, it will still cut off the power supply to the motors because continuous power supply to each motor would result in wasted power consumption. Therefore, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, even if the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in the standby orientation during the preparation stage, the control unit 210 will still control the power supply to each motor to cut off the power supply.

[0051] refer to Figure 7 Now we will provide information on... Figure 6 The above-mentioned step S703 describes the process of determining whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state.

[0052] In step S801, each motor (i.e., the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35) is energized until the gimbal-integrated camera 1 reaches the... Figure 4 The first position corresponds to the illustrated storage posture. During power-on, the non-use state determination unit 25 acquires the motor angle value from the angle sensor 417 installed in each of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35.

[0053] In step S802, it is determined whether the difference between the motor angle value obtained in step S801 and the first position is a first threshold or smaller. If the difference between the obtained motor angle value and the first position is a first threshold or smaller (yes in step S802), it is determined that each drive unit in the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a controllable state, and then the process returns to step S801.

[0054] The first threshold is expected to be set, for example, to a value slightly larger than the stopping error that may occur in the anti-vibration mechanism 3 under conditions where neither a particularly large external force nor a particularly large disturbance is in effect. If the user stores the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in the housing 5 or places it on a table after a power-off operation, an external force acts on the anti-vibration mechanism 3, causing it to enter an uncontrollable state. Therefore, if the individual drive units of the anti-vibration mechanism 3 can be controlled to rotate to the first position, it is determined that the user is still holding the housing 21 of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 and using the camera.

[0055] If the difference between the acquired motor angle value and the first position is greater than the first threshold (No in step S802), it is determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 has become uncontrollable due to the external force applied to the anti-vibration mechanism 3 (such as when the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is stored in the housing 5 or other factors), and then the process proceeds to step S803. Assume that the anti-vibration mechanism 3 is in the second position at this time. For example, the motor angle sensor 417 detects that the motor angle value of the first drive unit 31 is +87°, the motor angle value of the second drive unit 33 is +88°, and the motor angle value of the third drive unit 35 is +177°, respectively.

[0056] In step S803, the motor angle values ​​detected by each angle sensor 417 are stored as P1, and then the processing proceeds to step S804.

[0057] In step S804, the non-use state determination unit 25 obtains the motor angle value from each angle sensor 417 again, and then the process proceeds to step S805.

[0058] In step S805, for example, when the user has already stored the camera in the housing 5 and has continued to leave it unattended, it is determined whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state. Therefore, it is determined whether the difference between the reacquired motor angle value and the stored motor angle value P1 is a second threshold or smaller. When a predetermined time period has elapsed while the difference is at or below the second threshold (yes in step S805), the process proceeds to step S806. It is desirable to set the second threshold to a very small value (specifically, ±0.5 degrees or smaller).

[0059] In step S806, the non-use status determination unit 25 sets the non-use status flag, and then the series of processes ends.

[0060] from Figure 7 The above flowchart of steps S801 to S806 is in Figure 6The details of the process in step S703 of determining whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-state state.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state without providing a special mechanical mechanism. Furthermore, control is performed to maintain the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in its stored position within the housing 5 until it is determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state. This control allows the user to immediately store the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in the housing 5. Therefore, the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is more user-friendly than a gimbal that loses power after a predetermined time period following a power-off command and can no longer maintain its folded position. In addition, a conventional gimbal that loses power after a predetermined time period following a power-off command will continue to supply power until that time has elapsed, even if it does not need to be kept in a folded state. However, according to this embodiment, by cutting off the power supply to the motors of each drive unit when it is determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state, power consumption can be reduced.

[0062] (Second Embodiment)

[0063] The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described. Since the basic structure of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is similar to that according to the first embodiment, descriptions of structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0064] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that... Figure 6 The method for determining the non-use state in step S703 is as follows. More specifically, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state based on the operation states of the first operation unit 22a, the second operation unit 22b, etc. Specifically, if the second detection unit 24b detects in step S701 that the user operated the second operation unit 22b after operating the first operation unit 22a to end the recording operation, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state.

[0065] If the user performs a second operation on the first operation unit 22a after terminating the recording operation, the non-use state determination unit 25 can determine that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state. Similarly, if the user operates the display unit 23 after terminating the recording operation on the first operation unit 22a, the non-use state determination unit 25 can also determine that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state.

[0066] The above description provides an example according to the second embodiment, in which the user, after issuing a command to terminate the recording operation, clearly indicates that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state. This makes it clear whether the user intends to resume recording operation after temporarily terminating it, or to stop using the gimbal-integrated camera 1, and whether to maintain the stored position of the gimbal-integrated camera 1.

[0067] (Third Embodiment)

[0068] The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to the third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, since the basic structure of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is similar to that according to the first embodiment, the description of structures identical to those in the first embodiment is omitted.

[0069] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that... Figure 6 The method for determining the non-use state in step S703 is as follows. More specifically, in step S701, the first detection unit 24a detects that the user has performed a first operation to start pressing the first operation unit 22a to terminate the camera operation. Assume that the first detection unit 24a has detected that the user has released their hand to end the second operation of pressing the first operation unit 22a. In this case, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state.

[0070] In other words, when the user wants to maintain the integrated gimbal camera 1 in a stowed position, the user keeps pressing the first operation unit 22a to energize each motor, thus maintaining the integrated gimbal camera 1 in the stowed position. Afterwards, when the first operation unit 22a is no longer pressed, for example, due to the user storing the integrated gimbal camera 1 in the housing 5 or other factors, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the integrated gimbal camera 1 is in a non-use state and stops energizing each motor.

[0071] When the user operates the second operation unit 22b or the display unit 23 to terminate the camera operation, the non-use state determination unit 25 can determine that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state when it detects that the second operation unit 22b or the display unit 23 is no longer pressed.

[0072] According to this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the user can choose whether to maintain the storage posture of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 after issuing a command to terminate the camera operation.

[0073] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0074] The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment will now be described. Since the basic structure of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is similar to that according to the first embodiment, descriptions of structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0075] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that Figure 6 The method for determining the non-use state in step S703 of the power-off control described herein. More specifically, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state based on information obtained by the imaging element in the imaging unit 361. Specifically, when the user stores the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in the housing 5, the brightness information or changes in the captured image obtained by the image sensor are detected compared to the imaging state of the imaging element when the imaging end trigger is generated in step S701.

[0076] According to this embodiment, information obtained by the camera element after the recording ends can be used to determine whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state.

[0077] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0078] The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 101 according to the fifth embodiment will now be described. Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating the stowed position of the gimbal-integrated camera 101 according to this embodiment. Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is housed in the housing 105.

[0079] Since the basic structure of the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is similar to that of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to the first embodiment, structures identical to those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The gimbal-integrated camera 101 differs from the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to the first embodiment in that the magnetic detection device 37, which serves as the non-use state determination unit 25, is disposed inside the first support member 32.

[0080] A housing 105 is used when carrying the gimbal-integrated camera 101. The housing 105, when housing the gimbal-integrated camera 101, has a magnet 105a positioned facing the magnetic detection device 37. When the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is housed in the housing 105, the magnetic detection device 37, which serves as the non-use state determination unit 25, approaches the magnet 105a, causing a change in the magnetic field, and this change in the magnetic field can be detected. Figure 6 In step S703, the determination of whether the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is in a non-use state.

[0081] While the magnetic detection device 37 installed in the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 105a approaching the housing 105, it determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is stored in the housing 105. Then, it determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is in a non-use state and sets a non-use state flag.

[0082] The method for detecting that the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is housed in the receiving box 105 is not limited to using a magnetic detection device and a magnet. For example, it can be determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is housed in the receiving box 105 by using a combination of a light blocker and a shielding member or by detecting changes in brightness.

[0083] Such testing methods are applicable.

[0084] The location of the magnetic detection device 37 within the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is not limited to the structure of the anti-vibration mechanism 103, and the magnetic detection device 37 can be located in the main body unit 102 or the camera unit 36. The magnetic detection device 37 can be located in any position, as long as it is in a position that can be determined when the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is housed in the receiving box 105.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is maintained in its storage position until it is stored in the receiving box 105, and the storage of the gimbal-integrated camera 101 in the receiving box 105 is reliably detected.

[0086] Subsequently, by stopping the power supply to the motor, a gimbal-integrated camera with a simple structure can be provided, which further reduces power consumption.

[0087] (Other embodiments)

[0088] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and causing one or more processors of a computer in the system or device to read and execute the program. Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented by circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) that implement one or more functions.

[0089] The disclosed content of the embodiments includes the following structure.

[0090] (Structure 1)

[0091] A camera device, comprising:

[0092] main body;

[0093] Camera unit;

[0094] A support unit configured to support the camera unit;

[0095] A driving unit configured to drive the camera unit to rotate relative to the main body;

[0096] Memory for storing instructions; and

[0097] Processor, configured to execute the instructions, causing the camera device to:

[0098] Determine whether the camera unit is in a non-use state.

[0099] When the camera is instructed to stop recording, the drive unit is controlled to drive the camera unit to a first position, and

[0100] If it is determined that the camera unit is not in use, control is performed to cut off the power.

[0101] (Structure 2)

[0102] According to the camera device of structure 1, determining whether the camera unit is in a non-use state includes detecting whether the camera unit has been in a second position different from the first position for a predetermined time period.

[0103] (Structure 3)

[0104] According to the camera device of structure 1 or 2, when it is determined that the camera unit is not in a non-use state, the driving unit is further controlled to drive the camera unit to a third position different from the first position.

[0105] (Structure 4)

[0106] The camera device according to structure 1 further includes an operation unit configured for user operation.

[0107] The determination of whether the camera unit is in a non-use state is based on the user's operation state of the operation unit.

[0108] (Structure 5)

[0109] According to the camera device of structure 4, the camera unit is determined to be in a non-use state when the user performs a second operation after performing a first operation on the operation unit to indicate the termination of the camera recording.

[0110] (Structure 6)

[0111] According to the camera device of structure 5, the first operation is a first operation on the operation unit, and the second operation is a second operation on the operation unit.

[0112] (Structure 7)

[0113] According to the camera device described in structure 5, the first operation is an operation on the first operation unit, and the second operation is an operation on the second operation unit.

[0114] (Structure 8)

[0115] According to the camera device of structure 1, determining whether the camera unit is in a non-use state is based on information obtained by the camera element of the camera unit.

[0116] (Structure 9)

[0117] According to the camera device of structure 1, determining that the camera unit is in a non-use state includes detecting that the camera device is stored in a housing.

[0118] (Structure 10)

[0119] According to the camera device of structure 1, determining whether the camera unit is in a non-use state is performed after the driving unit drives the camera unit to the first position.

[0120] According to this disclosure, a user-friendly gimbal-integrated camera can be provided.

[0121] Other embodiments

[0122] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0123] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A camera device, comprising: main body; Camera unit; A support unit configured to support the camera unit; A driving unit configured to drive the camera unit to rotate relative to the main body; Memory that stores instructions; as well as Processor, configured to execute the instructions, causing the camera device to: Determine whether the camera unit is in a non-use state. When the camera is instructed to stop recording, the drive unit is controlled to drive the camera unit to a first position, and If it is determined that the camera unit is not in use, control is performed to cut off the power.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, Determining whether the camera unit is in a non-use state includes detecting whether the camera unit has been in a second position different from the first position for a predetermined period of time.

3. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, If it is determined that the camera unit is not in a non-use state, the driving unit is further controlled to drive the camera unit to a third position different from the first position.

4. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit configured for user operation. in, Determining whether the camera unit is in a non-use state is based on the user's operation status of the operation unit.

5. The camera device according to claim 4, wherein, If the user performs a second operation after performing a first operation on the operation unit to indicate that the camera recording has stopped, the camera unit is determined to be in a non-use state.

6. The camera device according to claim 5, wherein, The first operation is a first operation on the operation unit, and the second operation is a second operation on the operation unit.

7. The camera device according to claim 5, wherein, The first operation is an operation on the first operation unit, and the second operation is an operation on the second operation unit.

8. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, Determining whether the camera unit is in a non-use state is based on information obtained from the camera element of the camera unit.

9. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, Determining that the camera unit is in a non-use state includes detecting that the camera device is stored in the housing.

10. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, Determining whether the camera unit is in a non-use state is performed after the driving unit drives the camera unit to the first position.

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