camera device

Abstract

A camera device includes a device main body, a camera unit, a first support unit rotatably connected to the device main body, a second support unit rotatably connected to both the first support unit and the camera unit, a first driver configured to rotate the first support unit relative to the device main body about a first axis, a second driver configured to rotate the second support unit relative to the first support unit about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a third driver configured to rotate the camera unit relative to the second support unit about a third axis orthogonal to both the first axis and the second axis, and a controller configured to control the first driver, the second driver, and the third driver in a non-camera mode such that the camera unit is located in an airflow generated by a forced air cooling mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, camera devices equipped with gimbal mechanisms have become common, enabling handheld image capture with reduced camera shake. The increasing demand for higher functionality and performance in these devices often leads to increased heat generation and power consumption. Simultaneously, the urgent need for miniaturization reduces internal space for heat dissipation. Increased heat generation can cause internal component malfunctions, device failure, and image quality degradation due to electrical noise. Therefore, when a predetermined temperature is reached, the device is protected by limiting its functionality. Since the user cannot capture the desired images due to functional limitations, high heat dissipation performance is essential to extend the time before the camera's motion capture function is restricted.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-085204 describes a structure in which internal and external temperature sensors, arranged within the shielded housing of a surveillance camera equipped with a pan-tilt head and an imaging device, monitor the temperature inside and outside the housing to control the drive of a fan that circulates air within the housing. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345052 describes a structure in which, when the temperature of the image sensor in the imaging device exceeds a predetermined temperature, the image sensor is controlled to be driven to a position where it is thermally coupled to a cooling element.

[0004] However, the structure described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-085204 requires a large housing for air circulation, making it difficult to apply to relatively small camera devices equipped with a gimbal mechanism for handheld image capture. Furthermore, the structure described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345052 also requires a large housing to mount the drive mechanism for thermally coupling the image sensor to the cooling element, making it difficult to apply to smaller camera devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure aims to improve the heat dissipation performance of compact camera devices equipped with a gimbal mechanism for handheld image capture, thereby extending the time before motion picture capture functionality is limited.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a camera device includes: a device body; a camera unit; a first support unit rotatably connected to the device body; a second support unit rotatably connected to both the first support unit and the camera unit; a first driver configured to rotate the first support unit about a first axis relative to the device body; a second driver configured to rotate the second support unit about a second axis relative to the first support unit, the second axis being orthogonal to the first axis; a third driver configured to rotate the camera unit about a third axis relative to the second support unit, the third axis being orthogonal to both the first and second axes; and a controller configured to control the first driver, the second driver, and the third driver in a non-camera mode, such that the camera unit is located in an airflow generated by a forced air cooling mechanism.

[0007] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of a gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2A This is an external view of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2B This is an external view of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2D This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an operation flowchart of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5A This is an appearance diagram of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment in the image capture standby state.

[0017] Figure 5B This is an appearance diagram of the gimbal camera after gimbal control according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5CThis is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment in the image capture standby state.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a table showing the gimbal control of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment, based on the remaining battery level and internal temperature.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a system block diagram of a gimbal camera according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8A This is an external view of the gimbal camera according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a system block diagram of a gimbal camera according to a variation of the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a gimbal camera according to a variation of the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a system block diagram of a gimbal camera according to a variation of the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12A This is an external view of a gimbal camera according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view of a gimbal camera according to a variation of the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12C This is a cross-sectional view of a gimbal camera according to a variation of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a system block diagram of a gimbal camera according to a variation of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14A This is an external view of a gimbal camera according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14B This is a cross-sectional view of a gimbal camera according to a variation of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a system block diagram of a gimbal camera according to the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 16 This is an operation flowchart of the gimbal camera according to the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a table showing the control of the valve opening diameter based on the temperature detection results according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 19 This is a system block diagram of a gimbal camera according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 20A This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 20B This is an external view of the gimbal camera according to the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 20C This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] (First embodiment) Figure 1 The structure of a gimbal camera according to a first embodiment is shown. The gimbal camera includes a main body 100, a gimbal mechanism 200, and a movable unit 300.

[0042] The movable unit 300 includes a camera unit 310 and a lens unit 330, and the main body 100 supports the movable unit 300 movably (rotatably) via a gimbal mechanism 200.

[0043] The main body 100, gimbal mechanism 200, and movable unit 300 of the device can be constructed as a single unit or can be constructed as detachable units. The detachable movable unit 300 can be a common or general-purpose interchangeable lens SLR camera, a mirrorless camera, a lens-integrated camera, a smartphone with camera functions, etc., and any of the above can be supported by the gimbal mechanism 200.

[0044] The main body 100 includes a main control unit 101, a display unit 102, an input unit 103, and a storage unit 104. The main control unit 101 is configured to control the gimbal camera and control the following functions. The display unit 102 displays moving images captured by the camera unit 310, operation information input via the input unit 103, moving images stored in the storage unit 104, etc., all of which can be visually recognized by the user.

[0045] The input unit 103 receives user operations, such as changing camera settings and playing back recorded images. The input unit 103 also receives operations from the pan-tilt unit 210, which is capable of changing the orientation of the movable unit 300 around three mutually orthogonal rotation axes, thereby enabling panning operations of the movable unit 300, etc.

[0046] Storage unit 104 stores moving images captured by camera unit 310, operation information from input unit 103, information from camera unit temperature detection unit 320 (described below), etc. The main body 100 also includes a power supply unit 105. Power supply unit 105 is a battery electrically connected to main control unit 101 to power the various functions of the gimbal camera via main control unit 101. Power supply unit 105 sends information about the remaining battery level to main control unit 101.

[0047] The main body 100 also includes a fan 106, an exhaust port 107, and an air inlet 108. The main body control unit 101 controls the fan 106 to blow air from the air inlet 108 to the exhaust port 107. The fan 106 may be integrally constructed with the main body 100, or it may be constructed as a detachable component, as described below in the second embodiment's fan accessory 600. The fan 106, exhaust port 107, and air inlet 108 constitute a forced air cooling mechanism.

[0048] The exhaust port 107 discharges the air blown out by the fan 106 to the outside of the gimbal camera. The exhaust port 107 may be included in the device body 100 as in the second embodiment described below, or it may be included in the gimbal mechanism 200 or the camera unit 310.

[0049] Air inlet 108 draws in air from the outside. In this embodiment, air inlet 108 is located at the lower part of the device body 100. However, air inlet 108 can be located at the upper part, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] The gimbal mechanism 200 includes a gimbal unit 210, which is capable of changing the posture of the movable unit 300 around three mutually orthogonal rotation axes. The gimbal unit 210 is electrically connected to the main control unit 101 and can perform image stabilization driving, panning operations, etc. on the movable unit 300 based on control information from the main control unit 101.

[0051] The optical system in lens unit 330 includes multiple optical elements such as zoom lens 331, focusing lens 333, and light intensity adjustment unit 336. Lens unit 330 includes viewing angle changing unit 332, which drives zoom lens 331 in the direction (optical axis direction) extending along optical axis 330a. Lens unit 330 also includes focusing drive unit 334 for driving focusing lens 333, and lens control unit 335 for controlling viewing angle changing unit 332, focusing drive unit 334, and light intensity adjustment unit 336.

[0052] The camera unit 310 includes: an image sensor 311 that performs photoelectric conversion on an optical image formed by the optical system in the lens unit 330; a camera control unit 312 that drives and controls the image sensor 311; and a camera unit temperature detection unit 320 that detects temperature information about the camera unit 310.

[0053] The camera control unit 312 is electrically connected to the main control unit 101 to send camera information, including moving images obtained based on signals output from the image sensor 311, to the main control unit 101. The camera control unit 312 is also electrically connected to the lens control unit 335 to exchange various types of information with the lens control unit 335. The camera unit temperature detection unit 320 is electrically connected to the main control unit 101 to send temperature information detected by the camera unit 310 to the main control unit 101.

[0054] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Each of these examples shows the appearance of the gimbal camera in this embodiment, and Figure 2C and Figure 2D Show each Figure 2A yz section view and Figure 2B The xz cross-sectional view.

[0055] The main body 100 of the device includes, for example Figure 1 The main control unit 101, storage unit 104, power supply unit 105, and fan 106 are shown. The outer surface of the main body 100 is provided with a display unit 102, multiple input units 103a to 103g, and exhaust ports 107a and 107b.

[0056] The movable unit 300 is connected to the main body 100 of the device via the gimbal mechanism 200 and rotates around three rotation axes via the gimbal unit 210 of the gimbal mechanism 200. The gimbal unit 210 includes a first support unit 211, a second support unit 212, a first drive unit 221, a second drive unit 222 and a third drive unit 223, and each unit is a gimbal structure.

[0057] The first support unit 211 is rotatably connected to the device body 100, and the second support unit 212 is rotatably connected to both the first support unit 211 and the camera unit 310. The first drive unit 221 drives the first support unit 211 (i.e., the movable unit 300) to rotate relative to the device body 100 about the y-axis (panning). The second drive unit 222 drives the second support unit 212 (i.e., the movable unit 300) to rotate relative to the first support unit 211 about the z-axis (rolling). The third drive unit 223 drives the movable unit 300 to rotate relative to the second support unit 212 about the x-axis (tilting). In other words, the movable unit 300, by coupling to the device body 100 via the first and second support units 211 and 212, is capable of rotating relative to the device body 100 about three axes.

[0058] The image stabilization operation of the gimbal camera in this embodiment will now be described. The gimbal camera tilts according to the tilt of the user's handheld device body 100. Due to vibration of the handheld device body 100 (hand tremor) or user movement (such as walking), the gimbal camera will also vibrate. This may cause the moving images captured by the camera unit 310 to tilt or shake.

[0059] For this reason, in this embodiment, the spatial orientation of the movable unit 300 is controlled by rotational drive performed by the first drive unit 221 to the third drive unit 223, thereby stabilizing the motion image captured by the camera unit 310 at a certain tilt and reducing image jitter. For example, by controlling the spatial orientation of the movable unit 300, the motion image remains horizontal regardless of how the user's hand is tilted, thereby obtaining a motion image with reduced image jitter caused by vibration. These operations to reduce tilt and image jitter are called image stabilization operations. In addition to the image stabilization operations performed by the first drive unit 221 to the third drive unit 223 respectively, image stabilization operations can also be performed by displacement drive of the image sensor 311 in the camera unit 310.

[0060] The panning, tilting, and rolling operations of the gimbal camera in this embodiment will now be described.

[0061] When the user operates the input unit 103 to instruct a panning operation, such as Figure 1 The main control unit 101 shown uses the first drive unit 221 to control the spatial attitude (rotation position) of the camera unit 310 in the panning direction, so that the camera angle of the camera unit 310 changes in the panning direction.

[0062] When the user operates the input unit 103 to instruct the pitch operation, the main control unit 101 uses the third drive unit 223 to control the spatial attitude of the camera unit 310 in the pitch direction, so that the camera angle of the camera unit 310 changes in the pitch direction.

[0063] When the user operates the input unit 103 to instruct the scrolling operation, the main control unit 101 uses the second drive unit 222 to control the spatial attitude of the camera unit 310 in the scrolling direction, so that the camera angle of the camera unit 310 changes in the scrolling direction.

[0064] The main control unit 101 can also control the drive of the first drive unit 221 to the third drive unit 223 to change the attitude of the camera unit 310 in the panning direction, pitch direction and roll direction, thereby tracking a specific subject (e.g., a moving object) in the moving image captured by the camera unit 310.

[0065] Now refer to Figures 3 to 6 This embodiment describes the gimbal operation of the gimbal camera in non-video recording mode.

[0066] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the gimbal camera according to the first embodiment is shown. In response to the gimbal camera being powered on, the main control unit 101 is activated, powering each unit, and the camera unit 310 captures an optical image formed by the optical system in the lens unit 330, so as to display the image on the display unit 102.

[0067] In step S101, the camera enters a camera standby state, in which the next operation will be determined based on the user's operation via the input unit 103.

[0068] In step S102, it is determined whether the gimbal camera has been powered off by the user.

[0069] If the user powers off the gimbal camera ("Yes" in step S102), the power supply from the power supply unit 105 to each unit is cut off, the image capture of the camera unit 310 is terminated, and the gimbal camera enters a state where it does not receive operations from the user.

[0070] If the user does not power off the gimbal camera (the answer is "No" in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the gimbal camera waits for input from the user.

[0071] In step S103, it is determined whether a non-video recording mode is selected based on the user's operation via input unit 103, such as playing back recorded motion images or changing image capture settings. If a non-video recording mode is not selected ("No" in step S103), the process returns to step S101. In step S101, the gimbal camera remains in video recording standby mode. If a non-video recording mode is selected ("Yes" in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0072] In step S104, in order to change the control of the gimbal unit 210 via the main control unit 101 based on the remaining battery level, information about the remaining battery level from the power supply unit 105 is detected and stored in the storage unit 104, and then the process proceeds to step S105.

[0073] In step S105, in order to change the control of the gimbal unit 210 based on the temperature detection results described below, temperature information from the camera unit temperature detection unit 320 is detected and stored in the storage unit 104, and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0074] In step S106, the gimbal unit 210 is controlled based on the information about the remaining battery capacity obtained in step S104 and the temperature information obtained in step S105. (Refer to...) Figures 4A to 5C Provide a detailed description.

[0075] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera and movable unit 300 in the camera standby state. Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are images showing the gimbal camera and movable unit 300 before and after the control of gimbal unit 210 is changed based on information about the remaining battery level and temperature. Figure 5C This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera and movable unit 300 before the control of the gimbal unit 210 is changed based on information about the remaining battery level and temperature information.

[0076] Figure 6 This is a table showing the gimbal control based on the remaining battery level and internal temperature.

[0077] like Figure 4A As shown, the air blown by the fans 106a and 106b of the forced air cooling mechanism built into the main body 100 is discharged from the exhaust ports 107a and 107b toward the movable unit 300.

[0078] like Figure 4B As shown, the image sensor 311 is positioned in the movable unit 300 closer to the surface opposite the lens unit 330. Consequently, the heat generated by the image sensor 311 is concentrated on the side of the movable unit 300 opposite the lens unit 330. Therefore, as... Figure 5B As shown, the first driving unit 221 is rotated 90 degrees, and the third driving unit 223 is rotated 90 degrees. Furthermore, by moving the surface of the movable unit 300 opposite to the lens unit 330 to a position greater than... Figure 5A The camera unit 310 is positioned closer to the exhaust port 107b, which improves heat dissipation efficiency. In other words, the camera unit 310 is located within the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

[0079] Furthermore, to improve heat dissipation efficiency, the first support unit 211 and the second support unit 212 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., metal), and the first support unit 211 and the second support unit 212 may be moved to a position closer to the exhaust port 107a or the exhaust port 107b. In other words, the first support unit 211 and the second support unit 212 are located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

[0080] Return to Figure 3 In step S107, the rotational speed of fan 106 is changed based on the information about the remaining battery level obtained in step S104 and the temperature information obtained in step S105. Thus, as... Figure 6 As shown, when the remaining battery level is high, or when the internal temperature rises significantly to a high level, the fan speed is increased to prioritize heat dissipation efficiency. On the other hand, when the remaining battery level is low, or when the internal temperature is low due to a small temperature rise, the fan speed is reduced or the fan stops to prioritize maintaining the power required for image capture.

[0081] In step S108, it is determined whether the camera mode is selected based on the user's operation via input unit 103. If no camera mode is selected ("No" in step S108), the process proceeds to step S104; if a camera mode is selected ("Yes" in step S108), the process proceeds to step S101. In step S101, the gimbal camera enters camera standby mode.

[0082] As described above, according to the first embodiment, based on information about the remaining battery level from the power supply unit 105 and internal temperature information from the camera unit temperature detection unit 320, heat dissipation performance can be improved by bringing the heat source closer to the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism to exhaust air from the exhaust port 107. This allows for an extension of motion image capture time before the motion image capture function is limited.

[0083] (Second Embodiment) Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the gimbal camera in the second embodiment, and Figure 8A and Figure 8B These are the external view and cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera. Except for the positions of the fan 106 and exhaust port 107... Figure 1 Although the positions shown are different, the basic structure of the gimbal camera is the same as that shown in the first embodiment. The operation of the gimbal camera is the same as that in the first embodiment, so it will be omitted from the description.

[0084] like Figure 7 , Figure 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, the gimbal camera of the second embodiment includes an air duct 501 connecting a fan 106 and an exhaust port 107. Air blown from the fan 106 passes through the air duct 501 and is discharged from the exhaust port 107.

[0085] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a gimbal camera according to a modified example of the second embodiment, and Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera. In this modified example, the exhaust port 107 is disposed in the gimbal unit 210, and the air duct 501 extends from the device body 100 to the gimbal unit 210. Figure 7 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the air blown out from the fan 106 passes through the air duct 501 and is discharged from the exhaust port 107.

[0086] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a gimbal camera in another variation of the second embodiment. Figure 12A It is an image of the gimbal camera's exterior, and Figure 12B and Figure 12C Each is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera. In this modified example, the exhaust port 107 is disposed in the movable unit 300, and the air duct 501 extends from the main body 100 to the gimbal unit 210 and the movable unit 300. In this modified example, the air blown out by the fan 106 also passes through the air ducts 501a to 501g and is discharged from the exhaust port 107.

[0087] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the gimbal camera in yet another variation of the second embodiment, and Figure 14A and Figure 14B These are, respectively, an external view and a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera. In this modified example, the fan accessory 600 is attached to the gimbal camera. The air duct 501 passes through the main body 100 of the device and connects the fan accessory 600 attached to the main body 100 to the exhaust port 107. Air blown from the fan accessory 600 passes through the air duct 501 and is discharged from the exhaust port 107.

[0088] (Third embodiment) Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating the construction of the gimbal camera in the third embodiment, and Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera. The gimbal camera of the third embodiment includes multiple air ducts and includes a valve 701, a device body temperature detection unit 702, and a camera unit temperature detection unit 320, as components for regulating the amount of air passing through each air duct.

[0089] like Figure 17As shown, the air blown out by the fan 106 passes through the air duct 501a and is then split and supplied to air ducts 501b and 501c, and then discharged from the exhaust ports 107b and 107c respectively. The heat transfer element 703 is connected to the air duct 501c via a screw 704 to transfer heat generated inside the device body 100 to the air duct 501c. A valve 701b is disposed between air ducts 501a and 501c, and a valve 701c is disposed between air ducts 501a and 501c.

[0090] Valves 701b and 701c, corresponding to multiple air ducts, are controlled by the main control unit 101 to change their opening diameter based on temperature information from the camera unit temperature detection unit 320 and the device main body temperature detection unit 702. The device main body temperature detection unit 702 is electrically connected to the main control unit 101 to send the detected temperature information about the device main body 100 to the main control unit 101.

[0091] Figure 16 This is an operation flowchart of the gimbal camera according to the third embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Compared to the operation flowchart of the first embodiment described, step S105 is replaced by step S801, and step S802 is added.

[0092] In step S101, the camera enters a video recording standby state, where the next operation will be determined based on the user's operation via the input unit 103.

[0093] In step S102, it is determined whether the gimbal camera has been powered off by the user.

[0094] If the user powers off the gimbal camera ("Yes" in step S102), the power supply from the power supply unit 105 to each unit is cut off, the image capture of the camera unit 310 is terminated, and the gimbal camera enters a state where it does not receive operations from the user.

[0095] If the user does not power off the gimbal camera (the value in step S102 is "No"), the process proceeds to step S103. The gimbal camera waits for input from the user.

[0096] In step S103, it is determined whether a non-camera mode is selected based on the user's operation via input unit 103, such as playing back recorded motion images or changing image capture settings. If a non-camera mode is not selected ("No" in step S103), the process returns to step S101. In step S101, the gimbal camera remains in camera standby mode. If a non-camera mode is selected ("Yes" in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0097] In step S104, the main control unit 101 detects information about the remaining battery level from the power supply unit 105 and stores it in the storage unit 104 so as to change the control of the gimbal unit 210 according to the remaining battery level, and then proceeds to step S801.

[0098] In step S801, temperature information from the camera unit temperature detection unit 320 and temperature information from the device body temperature detection unit 702 are detected and stored in the storage unit 104.

[0099] In step S106, the gimbal unit 210 is controlled based on the information about the remaining battery level obtained in step S104 and the temperature information obtained in step S801. In other words, a reference is made. Figures 4A to 5C The control operations described.

[0100] In step S107, the rotational speed of fan 106 is adjusted based on the information about the remaining battery level obtained in step S104 and the temperature information obtained in step S801. Thus, when the remaining battery level is high, or when the internal temperature rises significantly to a high level, the fan speed is increased to prioritize heat dissipation efficiency. Conversely, when the remaining battery level is low, or when the internal temperature is low due to a small temperature rise, the fan speed is reduced or the fan stops to prioritize maintaining the power required for image capture.

[0101] In step S802, based on the first temperature detection result detected by the camera unit temperature detection unit 320 and the second temperature detection result detected by the device body temperature detection unit 702 in step S801, the opening diameters of valves 701b and 701c are changed. (Refer to...) Figure 18 Provide a detailed description.

[0102] Figure 18 This is a table showing the opening diameters of valves 701b and 701c as changed based on the first and second temperature detection results. (See table below.) Figure 18 As shown, when the first temperature detection result from the camera unit temperature detection unit 320 is higher than the second temperature detection result from the device body temperature detection unit 702, the opening diameter of valve 701b increases, while the opening diameter of valve 701c decreases. This increases the amount of air supplied to the air duct 501b, resulting in a large amount of air being discharged from the exhaust port 107b. Therefore, the heat dissipation efficiency of the movable unit 300 is improved.

[0103] Furthermore, when the first temperature detection result from the camera unit temperature detection unit 320 is lower than the second temperature detection result from the device body temperature detection unit 702, the opening diameter of valve 701b decreases, while the opening diameter of valve 701c increases. This increases the amount of air supplied to the air duct 501c, resulting in a large amount of air being discharged from the exhaust port 107c. Therefore, the heat dissipation efficiency of the device body 100 is improved.

[0104] Return to Figure 3 In step S108, it is determined whether the camera mode is selected based on the user's operation via input unit 103. If no camera mode is selected ("No" in step S108), the process proceeds to step S104. If a camera mode is selected ("Yes" in step S108), the process proceeds to step S101. In step S101, the gimbal camera enters camera standby mode.

[0105] As described above, in the third embodiment, the opening diameters of valves 701b and 701c are controlled based on temperature information from the camera unit temperature detection unit 320 and temperature information from the device body temperature detection unit 702. This allows for effective improvement in heat dissipation performance based on the heat generated by the device body 100 and the movable unit 300, thereby extending the motion image capture time before the motion image capture function is limited.

[0106] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a gimbal camera according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 20A and Figure 20C Each is a cross-sectional view of the gimbal camera, and Figure 20B This is an external view of the gimbal camera. According to the fourth embodiment, the gimbal camera includes multiple temperature detection units within the movable unit 300. The gimbal camera is controlled based on the results of each temperature detection. Thus, the first embodiment... Figure 1 The camera unit temperature detection unit 320 described herein is replaced by a first camera unit temperature detection unit 901 and a second camera unit temperature detection unit 902. The first camera unit temperature detection unit 901 and the second camera unit temperature detection unit 902 are electrically connected to the main control unit 101 to send the detected temperature information about the camera unit 310 to the main control unit 101.

[0107] like Figure 20AAs shown, the first camera unit temperature detection unit 901 and the second camera unit temperature detection unit 902 are respectively arranged on the side near the movable unit 300 and the side near the device body 100. In this case, when the temperature detection result from the second camera unit temperature detection unit 902 is higher than the temperature detection result from the first camera unit temperature detection unit 901, the second drive unit 222 is rotated 45 degrees, as shown. Figure 20B As shown. Then, the movable unit 300 moves to bring the high-temperature part closer to the exhaust port 107, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0108] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the movable unit 300 includes multiple temperature detection units, which control the gimbal camera based on the temperature detection results, effectively improving heat dissipation performance based on the generated heat. This allows for an extension of motion image capture time before the motion image capture function is limited.

[0109] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0110] (Other embodiments) 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 having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. This disclosure can also be implemented using circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) that implement one or more functions.

[0111] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following structure.

[0112] (Construction 1) A camera device comprising: Device body; camera unit; first support unit rotatably connected to the device body; second support unit rotatably connected to both the first support unit and the camera unit; first driver configured to rotate the first support unit about a first axis relative to the device body; The second actuator is configured to rotate the second support unit relative to the first support unit about a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to the first axis; A third actuator is configured to rotate the camera unit relative to the second support unit about a third axis, the third axis being orthogonal to both the first and second axes; and The controller is configured to control the first, second, and third drivers in non-camera mode, such that the camera unit is located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

[0113] (Construction 2) According to the camera device of configuration 1, the controller controls the first driver, the second driver and the third driver such that a portion of the camera unit that is detected to be at high temperature by the temperature detector is located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

[0114] (Construction 3) According to the camera device of configuration 1 or 2, in the non-camera mode, the controller controls the first driver, the second driver and the third driver such that the first support unit or the second support unit is located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

[0115] (Construction 4) According to any one of the constructions 1 to 3, the camera device wherein the controller controls the speed of the fan of the forced air cooling mechanism based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

[0116] (Construction 5) According to any one of the constructions 1 to 4, the camera device wherein the controller controls the speed of the fan of the forced air cooling mechanism based on the remaining battery capacity.

[0117] (Construction 6) According to any one of the constructions 1 to 5, the camera device further includes an air duct through which air blown from the fan of the forced air cooling mechanism passes.

[0118] (Construction 7) According to the camera device of configuration 6, the camera device further includes a valve for adjusting the amount of air passing through the air duct, wherein the controller controls the opening of the valve based on the temperature detected by a temperature detector.

[0119] (Construction 8) According to the camera device of configuration 7, the camera device also includes a plurality of valves corresponding to the plurality of air ducts, wherein the controller controls the opening of the valves based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit to regulate the amount of air passing through each air duct.

[0120] 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 interpreted in the broadest possible sense to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A camera device, comprising: Main body of the device; Camera unit; The first support unit is rotatably connected to the main body of the device; The second support unit is rotatably connected to both the first support unit and the camera unit; A first actuator is configured to rotate a first support unit about a first axis relative to the device body. The second actuator is configured to rotate the second support unit relative to the first support unit about a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to the first axis; The third actuator is configured to rotate the camera unit about a third axis relative to the second support unit, the third axis being orthogonal to both the first and second axes; as well as The controller is configured to control the first, second, and third drivers in non-camera mode, such that the camera unit is located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller controls the first driver, the second driver, and the third driver, such that the portion of the camera unit where the temperature detector detects high temperature is located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

3. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, In non-camera mode, the controller controls the first driver, the second driver, and the third driver, such that the first support unit or the second support unit is located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller controls the fan speed of the forced air cooling mechanism based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

5. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller controls the fan speed of the forced air cooling mechanism based on the remaining battery level.

6. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising an air duct through which air blown from the fan of the forced air cooling mechanism passes.

7. The camera device according to claim 6, further comprising a valve for adjusting the amount of air passing through the air duct. in, The controller controls the opening of the valve based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

8. The camera device according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of valves corresponding to the plurality of said air ducts, in, The controller controls the opening of the valves based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector, thereby regulating the amount of air passing through each air duct.

9. A camera device comprising: Main body of the device; The camera unit includes an image sensor; The first support unit is rotatably connected to the main body of the device; The second support unit is rotatably connected to both the first support unit and the camera unit; A first actuator is configured to rotate a first support unit about a first axis relative to the device body. The second actuator is configured to rotate the second support unit relative to the first support unit about a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to the first axis; The third actuator is configured to rotate the camera unit about a third axis relative to the second support unit, the third axis being orthogonal to both the first and second axes; as well as The controller is configured to control at least one of the first driver, the second driver, and the third driver in non-camera mode, such that the image sensor is arranged closer to the exhaust port disposed in the device body than in camera standby mode.

10. The camera device according to claim 9, wherein, In non-camera mode, the controller controls the first driver, the second driver, and the third driver, such that the first support unit or the second support unit is located in the airflow generated by the forced air cooling mechanism.

11. The camera device according to claim 9, wherein, The controller controls the fan speed of the forced air cooling mechanism based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

12. The camera device according to claim 9, wherein, The controller controls the fan speed of the forced air cooling mechanism based on the remaining battery level.

13. The camera device according to claim 9, further comprising an air duct through which air blown from the fan of the forced air cooling mechanism passes.

14. The camera device according to claim 13, further comprising a valve for adjusting the amount of air passing through the air duct, in, The controller controls the opening of the valve based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

15. The camera device according to claim 14, further comprising a plurality of valves corresponding to the plurality of said air ducts, in, The controller controls the opening of the valves based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector, thereby regulating the amount of air passing through each air duct.

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