Multi-sensor camera system for video surveillance of a large scene

Abstract

Multi-sensor camera system (1) for video surveillance of a large-area scene comprising a camera housing (2) extending along a camera longitudinal axis (KLA) with a housing outer surface (2.3) extending concentrically to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and several image sensor units (3) integrated in the camera housing (2) for capturing video image data of at least individual sub-areas of the large-area scene, wherein at least a first sensor group (SG1) of the image sensor units (3.1 to 3.5) is arranged along a first mounting plane (ME1) oriented perpendicular to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA), wherein the image sensor units (3.1 to 3.5) are5) of the first sensor group (SG1) are distributed concentrically around the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and are arranged adjacent to one another in the camera housing (2), wherein the camera housing (2) has at least one first protective device (5) for protecting the first sensor group (SG1) from sunlight and / or precipitation, which extends in a ring shape along the outer surface (2.3) of the camera housing (2) around the camera longitudinal axis (KLA), directly above the first sensor group (SG1) and wherein the first protective device (5) projects radially outwards from the outer surface (2.3) of the housing and is designed as a canopy at least in the area of ​​the first sensor group (SG1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-sensor camera system for video surveillance of a large-area scene.

[0002] Camera systems for video surveillance of scenes are well known. Such camera systems are used for numerous surveillance tasks, for example in security systems, traffic management, industrial manufacturing and logistics, or for monitoring critical infrastructure.

[0003] In addition to camera systems with only one image sensor module, multi-sensor camera systems are increasingly being used for video surveillance of large scenes. These systems comprise several image sensor units housed in a single camera casing, with each image sensor unit capturing video footage of at least a portion of a large scene. Multi-sensor technology offers significant advantages over single-sensor technology. For example, multi-sensor camera systems enable the digital acquisition of image information across a large area with high resolution, even under challenging environmental conditions such as changing lighting, partial occlusion, or rapid movements.

[0004] An image sensor unit typically comprises an image sensor and associated optics and is designed to capture a field of view along a line of sight. Image sensor units can have different optical properties, allowing different areas of a scene with varying object resolutions to be captured and monitored simultaneously. The object resolution, or object image resolution, indicates the spatially dependent resolution of the image of an object, which depends on the lens of the sensor module and the object's distance from the camera system. This object resolution is often specified in terms of pixel density (pixels per meter) or pixels per meter for such digital image or video recordings.

[0005] Multi-sensor camera systems are also known, in which several image sensor units are designed to generate images of different parts of a scene ("detail shots"). These detail shots are captured by the different image sensor units in the form of video image data, i.e., as a temporal sequence of digital images generated by scanning a scene or parts of the scene, comprising a large number of matrix-arranged pixels.

[0006] The structure and technical operation of such digital image sensor units are well known. The detailed images acquired by the individual image sensor units are combined into a complete image using software and can then be displayed accordingly on a display device, for example, a screen or monitor. The image data can also be subjected to digital image processing (e.g., stitching). For example, the image data acquired by the image sensor units concerning several detailed images of parts of a large scene can be combined into a larger, coherent overall image of the scene, whereby the image data acquired by two or more adjacent sensor modules are superimposed, at least at the edges, in the corresponding recording areas.The aim is to obtain a wide-angle overall image with high detail resolution, for example, in the form of a panorama. By combining overlapping image sections into a single image with higher object resolution, high-resolution images or videos with an extended field of view can be generated. One or more such multi-sensor camera systems can be part of a surveillance system. An example of such a surveillance system is described in DE 10 2011 103 378 B3.

[0007] The image sensor units of such multi-sensor camera systems for capturing the different recording areas of the large scene can be grouped into sensor groups, which are arranged in one or more mounting planes within the camera housing, preferably oriented perpendicular to the camera's longitudinal axis or a vertical mounting direction. The fields of view of the image sensor units within a sensor group are adjacent and aligned with the different, also adjacent, recording areas. It is desirable to protect the image sensor units within a sensor group, which are oriented at different angles to sunlight due to the aforementioned arrangement, from direct sunlight and / or precipitation by means of a suitably designed protective device.

[0008] Protective devices of this kind for surveillance cameras, especially for so-called dome cameras, in the form of covers, hoods, or tinted protective domes, are well known. A disadvantage is that these are often designed to protect only a single image sensor unit from sunlight and are therefore not suitable for protecting one or more image sensor groups within a camera housing. Furthermore, known protective devices can cause vignetting or image distortion in the resulting video recordings.

[0009] Based on the prior art shown, the invention aims to provide a multi-sensor camera system for video surveillance of a large-area scene, which eliminates the disadvantages known from the prior art and provides optimized sun and / or precipitation protection for at least one sensor group provided in a camera housing of a multi-sensor camera system.

[0010] The problem is solved by a multi-sensor camera system according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] The essential aspect of the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention for video surveillance of a large-area scene is that a camera housing extending along a longitudinal camera axis with a housing exterior concentric to the longitudinal camera axis and several image sensor units housed in the camera housing for capturing video image data of at least individual sub-areas of the large-area scene are provided, wherein at least a first sensor group of the image sensor units is arranged along a first mounting plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal camera axis, wherein the image sensor units of the first sensor group are distributed concentrically around the longitudinal camera axis and are arranged adjacent to one another in the camera housing, and wherein the camera housing has at least a first protective device for protecting the first sensor group from sunlight and / or precipitation.The protective device extends in a ring-like fashion along the outer surface of the camera housing around the longitudinal axis of the camera immediately above the first sensor group and projects radially outwards from the outer surface of the housing, forming a canopy-like structure at least in the area of ​​the first sensor group. The first protective device advantageously provides protection from sunlight and / or precipitation that is optimized for the arrangement of the sensor group within the camera housing. According to the invention, it is arranged in close proximity to, and specifically directly above, the first sensor group on the outer surface of the camera housing. The first protective device particularly advantageously forms a canopy for the first sensor group.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, the first protective device is detachably connected to the camera housing and / or designed as a unit removable from the camera housing. Advantageously, the multi-sensor camera system can be mounted without the first protective device, and, in particular, the image sensor units contained therein can be calibrated accordingly. Only after successful assembly can the first protective device be subsequently attached to the outside of the camera housing.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first protective device has a first ring-shaped protective body which includes a first collar section enclosing the first opening recess and which transitions into a first canopy section.

[0014] In particular, the first opening recess can have an opening cross-section that corresponds to the cross-section of the outer surface of the camera housing in the area above the first sensor group. The first protective device thus forms an annular protective device for the first sensor group that can be attached to the camera housing from below, wherein the annular first protective body forms a canopy at least in the area of ​​the first sensor group.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the first protective device has a structured first underside, which preferably forms a polyhedral structured surface. This structuring effectively prevents reflection of radiation incident on the underside onto the image sensor units.

[0016] Advantageously, the image sensor units of the first sensor group are arranged in a semicircular first mounting area along the first mounting plane, with the viewing axes preferably oriented radially to the camera's longitudinal axis. The first mounting area preferably extends over an angular range of 180°, so that the multi-sensor camera system is advantageously designed to capture a 180° angular range.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, at least a second sensor group of image sensor units is arranged within the camera housing along a second mounting plane oriented perpendicular to the camera's longitudinal axis, wherein the camera housing has a second protective device for protecting the second sensor group from sunlight and / or precipitation. It is particularly advantageous to provide a second protective device optimized for the protection of the second sensor group in addition to the first protective device; that is, each sensor group is assigned its own protective device, which is adapted to its individual requirements.

[0018] The second protective device preferably extends along the outer surface of the camera housing in a partially ring-shaped manner around the camera's longitudinal axis and is arranged directly above the second sensor group and projecting radially outwards from the outer surface of the housing, with this protective device having a canopy-like shape at least in the area of ​​the second sensor group. The inventive design and arrangement of the second protective device in the immediate vicinity of the second sensor group, in turn, enables optimal protection of the second sensor group from sunlight and / or precipitation. The second protective device is preferably arranged between the first and second mounting planes above the second sensor group.

[0019] The second protective device is also advantageously detachable from the camera housing and / or designed as a unit removable from the camera housing, so that it can be easily retrofitted later.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second protective device comprises a second partially annular protective body, which has a second collar section enclosing the second opening recess, to which a second canopy section is attached. The second opening recess preferably forms a U-shaped opening cross-section. The second partially annular protective device can thus be slid laterally onto the camera housing below the first protective device and mounted between the first and second sensor groups.

[0021] In one version of the multi-sensor camera system, a display unit can be positioned between two image sensor units of the second sensor group to show the current operating status of the system. This allows the current operating status of the multi-sensor camera system to be visually indicated externally, which is particularly advantageous in cases where the image sensor units must be switched off at public events, as required by law. This so-called "privacy mode" can be represented, for example, by an illuminated "X" symbol in the display unit.

[0022] The second protective device can also have a structured second underside, which preferably forms a polyhedral structured surface, thereby preventing reflections of light rays striking the underside.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the image sensor units integrated into the camera housing are configured to capture video image data in the form of a temporal sequence of images of the recording areas of the large-scale scene assigned to the different image sensor units, and / or they feature lenses with different fixed focal lengths or at least fixed focal lengths for capturing detailed images of the scene with different object image resolutions. Advantageously, this allows the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention to provide a wide-angle overall image with high detail image resolution, for example, in the form of a panoramic image.

[0024] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will also become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All features described and / or illustrated are, individually or in any combination, fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, irrespective of their compilation in the claims or their cross-reference. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0025] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a multi-sensor camera system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view from below of the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic view of the underside of the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention Fig. 1, Fig. 4. A perspective view from above of the first protective device for protection against solar radiation and / or precipitation, Fig. 5 a schematic top view of the top of the first protective device according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a perspective view from below of the first protective device according to Fig. 4, Fig. 7 a schematic top view of the underside of the first protective device according to Fig. 4, Fig. 8 a schematic side view of the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention with the first protective device removed, Fig. 9 a schematic side view of the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention with a first and second protective device, Fig. 10 a perspective view from below of the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention with a first and second protective device according to Fig. 9, Fig. 11. A perspective view from above of the second protective device for protection against solar radiation and / or precipitation, Fig. 12 a perspective view from below of the second protective device according to Fig. 11 and Fig. 13 a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-sensor camera system according to the invention with a second sensor group consisting of three image sensor units with the first and second protective device removed.

[0026] Identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or similarly functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The invention is also illustrated in the figures by means of purely schematic views and block diagrams to explain the fundamental principle of the invention.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a multi-sensor camera system 1 according to the invention, which is preferably designed for suspended mounting. For example, the multi-sensor camera system 1 according to the invention can be configured for mounting on a building ceiling, a building wall or a mast. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of the multi-sensor camera system 1 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 a schematic underside view of the multi-sensor camera system 1 according to Fig. 1. The multi-sensor camera system 1 forms a multi-sensor camera unit.

[0028] The multi-sensor camera system 1 is designed for video surveillance of a large scene. Specifically, it can detect objects within this scene and track their movements. To achieve this, the multi-sensor camera system 1 digitally captures multiple images or video recordings of the large scene, which can then be processed and displayed on a screen.

[0029] Such a large-scale scene could, for example, be a vast area of ​​a facility to be monitored, critical infrastructure, or a large section of a public or private area, such as a public square or a street intersection. Sporting venues, such as the playing field and / or the stands of a stadium, can also constitute the scenes to be recorded. The multi-sensor camera system 1 according to the invention can, in particular, also be used for recording and subsequently transmitting the action of a game, for example, a football match in real time. A large-scale scene could, for example, be formed by a playing field.

[0030] According to the invention, a multi-sensor camera system 1 for video surveillance of a large-area scene comprises a camera housing 2 extending along a longitudinal camera axis KLA, which in the present embodiment includes a housing top 2.1, a housing bottom 2.2, and a circumferential housing outer surface 2.3. The camera housing 2 is preferably designed in multiple parts. The housing outer surface 2.3 is formed concentrically around the longitudinal camera axis KLA, wherein, in a suspended mounting of the multi-sensor camera system 1, the longitudinal camera axis KLA is aligned with the vertical spatial axis, as exemplified in Fig. 1 corresponds to the representation.

[0031] The outer surface of the housing 2.3 can comprise several outer surface sections that connect to each other along the camera's longitudinal axis KLA and / or concentrically around it. The upper surface of the housing 2.1, the lower surface 2.2, and the outer surface 2.3 thus essentially form the outer housing walls of the camera housing 2.

[0032] The camera housing 2 contains several image sensor units 3 for capturing video image data of at least individual sub-areas of the large-scale scene, specifically located in at least one interior space of the camera housing 2. These image sensor units 3 preferably have different optical properties. The different image sensor units 3 are particularly preferably located in the lower, downward-facing area of ​​the camera housing 2. Each image sensor unit 3 has a field of view corresponding to the recording or capture area, with the field of view extending along a visual axis.

[0033] To allow the image sensor units 3 housed in the camera housing 2 to view the scene, window-like openings are provided at least in the area of ​​the camera's outer surface 2.1 of the camera housing 2. These openings are each closed with a transparent housing section or part. By means of these window-like openings, the field of view of the image sensor units 3 housed inside the camera housing 2 is thus opened to the outside, specifically to the parts of the scene for capturing the video image data.

[0034] According to the invention, the image sensor units 3 are arranged in at least one, preferably two different mounting planes ME1, ME2 within the camera housing 2, wherein the mounting planes ME1, ME2 each extend perpendicular to the camera longitudinal axis KLA. Preferably, at least one first and second mounting plane ME1, ME2 are provided, both of which are arranged in the lower region of the camera housing 2.

[0035] The mounting planes ME1 and ME2 preferably run parallel to each other and are spaced apart, with both mounting planes ME1 and ME2 being oriented parallel to the ground or the horizon, respectively, when mounted. The orientation of the mounting planes ME1 and ME2 is independent of the orientation of the field of view or the sight lines of the image sensor units 3 mounted therein. When the multi-sensor camera system 1 is mounted in a suspended position, the second mounting plane ME2 extends downwards from the upper mounting point along the camera's longitudinal axis KLA, i.e., the first and second mounting planes ME1 and ME2 are located between the top 2.1 and the bottom 2.2 in the lower region of the camera housing 2. The second mounting plane ME2 is particularly preferably located directly adjacent to the bottom of the housing 2.2, which preferably runs parallel to it.

[0036] In a semicircular first mounting area along the first mounting plane ME1, a first part of the image sensor units 3 is accommodated, forming a first sensor group SG1. The image sensor units 3 of the first sensor group SG1 are grouped and aligned with each other such that the associated image sensor units 3 are distributed concentrically around the camera's longitudinal axis KLA and are adjacent to one another in the camera housing 2 within the semicircular first mounting area. The fields of view of the image sensor units 3 of the first sensor group SG1 preferably adjoin each other laterally, thus enabling the capture of a scene within an angular range of up to 180°. The semicircular first mounting area can also extend over an angular range of 180°.

[0037] In a semicircular second mounting area along the second mounting plane ME2, a second part of the image sensor units 3 is accommodated, forming a second sensor group SG2, with the viewing axes of the image sensor units 3 running obliquely to the second mounting plane ME2. The image sensor units 3 of the second sensor group SG2 are in turn grouped or aligned with each other such that the associated image sensor units 3 are distributed concentrically around the camera longitudinal axis KLA and are arranged adjacent to each other in the camera housing 2 in the semicircular second mounting area.

[0038] Additionally, at least one image sensor unit 3 can be arranged on the underside of the housing 2.2, directly below the second mounting level ME2. This image sensor unit is designed to capture the recording area directly below the multi-sensor camera system 1 and has a wide-angle lens, enabling it to capture a field of view of up to 180°. This image sensor unit 3 can, for example, be a fisheye camera unit.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the first sensor group SG1 comprises a first to fifth image sensor unit 3.1 to 3.5, which are arranged along the first mounting plane ME1. In the illustrated embodiment, the camera housing 2 has several flat side surface sections, at least in the region of the first mounting plane ME1, which are arranged at an obtuse angle to one another. For example, each of the first to fifth image sensor units 3.1 to 3.5 is assigned to a flat side surface section, which has a window-like opening to provide the field of view of the assigned image sensor unit 3.1 to 3.5. The camera housing 2 can have an octagonal cross-section in the region of the first mounting plane ME1, such that the interior angle between two adjacent side surface sections is approximately 135°.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the second sensor group SG2 comprises, according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 at least a sixth and seventh image sensor unit 3.6, 3.7, which are arranged in the area of ​​the second mounting level ME2, specifically in the semicircular disk-shaped second mounting area. Each of the sixth and seventh image sensor units 3.6, 3.7 can also be assigned a flat side surface section of the housing outer surface 2.3, each of which has a corresponding window-like opening. In the present embodiment, the housing outer surface 2.3 slopes downwards in a truncated pyramid shape in the area of ​​the second mounting level ME2 and thus tapers towards the bottom in the direction of the camera longitudinal axis KLA, so that the line of sight of the sixth and seventh image sensor units 3.6, 3.7 of the second sensor group SG2 form a smaller angle with the camera longitudinal axis KLA than the line of sight of the first to fifth image sensor units 3.1 to 3.5 of the first sensor group SG1. Preferably, the sixth and seventh image sensor units 3.6, 3.7 is set up to capture those parts of the scene that are closer to the location of the multi-sensor camera system 1 and in front of the parts of the scene captured by the first to fifth image sensor units 3.1 to 3.5.

[0041] A display unit 4 for showing the current operating status of the multi-sensor camera system 1 or a further, ninth image sensor unit 3.9 can be arranged between the sixth and seventh image sensor units 3.6, 3.7 of the second sensor group SG2. For example, the display unit 4 can indicate an operating mode in which the image sensor units 3 are deactivated, i.e., no video surveillance of the assigned scene takes place when the multi-sensor camera system 1 is switched on. This operating mode is also referred to as "privacy mode". In addition to the ON / OFF operating mode, the display unit 4 can also indicate the detection of an object or its tracking, for example, by a flashing signal or a change in signal color.

[0042] According to the invention, the camera housing 2 has at least one first protective device 5 to protect the first sensor group SG1 from sunlight and / or precipitation, which extends in a ring shape around the outer surface 2.3 of the camera housing 2 directly above the first sensor group SG1 and projects outwards from the outer surface 2.3 of the camera housing and is designed as a canopy at least in the area of ​​the first sensor group SG1.

[0043] The first protective device 5 is thus directly assigned to the first sensor group SG1 and is designed to protect the image sensor units 3.1 to 3.5 of the first sensor group SG1. This effectively prevents the exposure of the flat side surface sections of the housing exterior 2.3 to solar radiation and / or precipitation. The first protective device 5 preferably rests directly against the camera exterior 2.3, completely and without gaps within a circumferential section 2.4 of the camera housing 2 above the first sensor group SG1.

[0044] The first protective device 5 is preferably detachably connected to the camera housing 2 and / or designed as a removable unit. For this purpose, the first protective device 5 has an annular first protective body 5.1, which is formed in one piece and is preferably made of a plastic material.

[0045] The annular first protective body 5.1 encloses a first opening recess 5.2 with an opening cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the circumferential section 2.4 of the camera housing 2 in the area above the first sensor group. This allows a positive-locking connection between the first protective device 5, or the annular first protective body 5.1, and the camera housing 2 by sliding the latter onto the section 2.4 of the camera housing 2 along the camera's longitudinal axis KLA. Once the positive lock has been established, the annular first protective body 5.1, which has been slid or attached to the camera housing 2, can be secured in the mounting position by means of a suitable detachable connection. This detachable connection can be, for example, a screw connection and / or a plug connection.

[0046] The annular first protective body 5.1 has a canopy-shaped cross-section to form a canopy for the first sensor group SG1, i.e., it has a first collar section 5.11 enclosing the first opening recess 5.2, which transitions into a first canopy section 5.12 that runs essentially perpendicular to the first collar section 5.11 or, in the mounted state, to the camera longitudinal axis KLA. This results in an essentially L-shaped cross-section of the annular first protective body 5.1, with the leg formed by the first canopy section 5.12 being significantly longer than the leg formed by the first collar section 5.11. The radial extent of the first canopy section 5.12 with respect to the camera longitudinal axis, i.e. the “width of the canopy”, is significantly greater than the height of the window-like openings in the flat side surface section of the housing outer surface 2 assigned to the first to fifth image sensor units 3.1 to 3.5.3, to achieve complete protection from sunlight and / or precipitation. The height of the first collar section 5.11 is preferably adapted to the width of the surrounding system section 2.4 of the housing outer surface 2.3, which preferably also tapers slightly towards the ground in the direction of the camera longitudinal axis KLA.

[0047] The ring-shaped first protective body 5.1 also has a structured and therefore uneven first underside 5.3, which causes a scattering of the light reaching the first underside 2.3 and furthermore increases the stiffness of the ring-shaped first protective body 5.1. The first underside 5.3 can, for example, be formed by a multitude of adjacent polygonal surface sections that connect directly to one another. The first underside 5.3, for example, has a polyhedral-like structured surface.

[0048] In the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows different views of an embodiment of a first protective device 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular first protective body 5.1 has a first opening recess 5.2 with an octagonal opening cross-section, which is adapted to the circumferential system section 2.4, which also has an octagonal cross-section. The first underside 5.3 of the annular first protective body 5.1 has a polyhedral structure. The circumference of the first canopy section 5.12 is also octagonal, with the corners being distinctly rounded. The radial extent of the first canopy section 5.12 with respect to the camera longitudinal axis KLA, i.e., the "width of the canopy," is significantly greater in the area of ​​the first sensor group SG1 than in the opposite area of ​​the annular first protective body 5.1. For example, the radial width of the first canopy section 5.12 is wider over an angle of approximately 180°.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 8 is an example of a schematic side view of the multi-sensor camera system 1 according to Fig. Figure 1 shows the camera housing with the first protective device 5 removed. This reveals the circumferential section 2.4 located in the central area of ​​the camera housing 2 above the first mounting level ME1, to which the area of ​​the housing exterior 2.3, comprising several flat side surface sections with window-like openings, adjoins. Following this, along the camera's longitudinal axis KLA, is the pyramid-shaped area of ​​the housing exterior 2.3, which passes through the second mounting level ME2.

[0050] In a further development of the multi-sensor camera system 1 according to the invention, this system has, in addition to the first protective device 5, a second protective device 6, which is designed to protect the second sensor group SG2 from sunlight and / or precipitation. The first and second protective devices 5, 6 are preferably spaced apart from each other on the camera housing 2 and extend in two parallel planes, which in turn run parallel to the mounting planes ME1, ME2.

[0051] The second protective device 6 extends along the outer surface 2.3 of the camera housing 2, at least partially in an annular shape around the camera's longitudinal axis KLA, directly above the second sensor group SG2, and also projects radially outwards from the outer surface 2.3 of the housing and is designed as a canopy, at least in the area of ​​the second sensor group SG2. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 is a variant of the multi-sensor camera system 1 according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a second protective device 6 in addition to the first protective device 5. The second protective device 6 is located between the first mounting level ME1 and the lower side of the housing 2.2 above the second sensor group SG2, whose sixth and seventh image sensor units 3.6, 3.7 are arranged along the second mounting level ME2.

[0052] The second protective device 6 is directly assigned to the second sensor group SG2 and is designed to protect the image sensor units 3.6, 3.7 of the second sensor group SG2. A display device 4 arranged between the sixth and seventh image sensor units 3.6, 3.7 is also protected by the second protective device 6.

[0053] The second protective device 6 preferably rests directly against the outer surface 2.3 of the camera, specifically above the truncated pyramid-shaped section of the camera housing 2. The second protective device 6 thus extends seamlessly along the outer surface 2.3 of the camera in the transition area to the truncated pyramid-shaped section of the housing 2.3 above the second sensor group SG2.

[0054] The second protective device 6 is also preferably detachably connected to the camera housing 2 and / or designed as a removable unit. For example, the second protective device 6 can be mounted laterally on the outer surface 2.3 of the housing by means of a detachable connection. Preferably, the detachable connection is implemented in the form of a screw connection.

[0055] The second protective device 6 has a partially annular second protective body 6.1, which preferably extends over an angular range of 180°. Accordingly, the second protective body 6.1 includes a lateral opening 6.2, which is U-shaped and thus, unlike the first protective device 5, is laterally open. Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows different perspective views of an embodiment of a second protective device 6.

[0056] The partially annular second protective body 6.1 is preferably formed in one piece and made of a plastic material. To form a "canopy," the partially annular second protective body 6.1 has a canopy-shaped cross-section, which is created by a second collar section 6.11 enclosing the second opening recess 6.2 and a second canopy section 6.12. The second collar section 6.11 is again essentially perpendicular to the second collar section 6.11 or, in the mounted state, to the longitudinal axis of the camera KLA. The radial width of the second canopy section 6.12 is significantly reduced compared to the first canopy section 5.12 of the first protective body 5.1 in order not to impair the field of view of the first sensor group SG1.

[0057] The partially ring-shaped second protective body 6.1 also has, analogous to the first protective device 5, a structured and therefore uneven second underside 6.3, which preferably forms a polyhedral structured surface.

[0058] In Fig. Figure 13 shows another exemplary embodiment of the multi-sensor camera system 1 in a schematic side view, which differs from the embodiment according to the Fig. 8 instead of the display unit 4 comprises a ninth image sensor unit 3.9. In this embodiment, the second sensor group SG2 thus comprises three image sensor units, namely the sixth, seventh, and ninth image sensor units 3.6, 3.7, and 3.9, whereby the eighth image sensor unit 3.8 on the underside of the housing 2.2 is omitted. The in Fig.The embodiment of the multi-sensor camera system 1 shown in Figure 13 is preferably designed for use in sports, specifically for transmitting the action of a sporting event. The addition of a ninth image sensor unit 3.9, and thus a total of eight image sensor units, allows for seamless recording of the action on a preferably rectangular playing field.

[0059] Such multi-sensor camera systems 1 are typically mounted at a predetermined distance from the ground with a clear view of the scene to be monitored. The fields of view or detection / recording areas of the individual image sensor units are then aligned with the large-scale scene or its various regions. This alignment arranges the fields of view of the individual image sensor units in such a way that the entire scene is completely or at least partially covered, thus enabling seamless image acquisition with preferably only minimal overlap between adjacent image sensor units 3. The fields of view of the individual image sensor units 3 can be aligned with the scene in virtually any way.

[0060] The image sensor units 3 are preferably designed for the simultaneous acquisition of different recording areas of the large-scale scene with different object resolutions or object image resolutions. An object resolution specifies the resolution of the image of an object in the scene, which depends on the lens of the image sensor unit 3 and the object's distance from the multi-sensor camera system 1. The object resolution of an object depicted in a generated image is therefore dependent on the object's distance from the multi-sensor camera system 1 and thus location-dependent. The object resolution is measured in terms of the density of the image points or pixels and is specified in "pixels per meter".

[0061] Using a multi-sensor camera system 1 according to the invention, in addition to at least one overview image, a multitude of detailed images can be generated, whereby a combination of overview image and a multitude of detailed images ensures a consistently high and guaranteed minimum object resolution across the entire depth of the captured scene. It is understood that multi-sensor camera systems 1 according to the invention can be configured to provide only detailed images without an overview image. In order to provide the required minimum object resolutions, the image sensor units preferably have optics with different fixed focal lengths or at least fixed focal lengths, which are configured to image the predefined sub-areas of the scene with different resolutions.The optics are chosen in such a way that the object resolutions required for detecting objects are also achieved in the recording areas further away from the multi-sensor camera system 1.

[0062] The image sensor units 3 can have different optical properties such as different resolutions or spectral sensitivities (e.g. visible range, infrared, thermal range) in order to obtain comprehensive image information of the scene and the objects in it.

[0063] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications and adaptations are possible without departing from the underlying inventive concept. Reference symbol list 1 Multi-sensor camera system 2 camera bodies 2.1 Top of the housing 2.2 Underside of the housing 2.3 Exterior of the housing 2.4 Circulating section of the plant 3 Image sensor unit 3.1 to 3.9 first to ninth image sensor unit 4 Display setup 5 first protective device 5.1 First ring-shaped protective body 5.11 first collar section 5.12 first canopy section 5.2 First opening recess 5.3 first subpage 6 second protective device 6.1 second partially ring-shaped protective body 6.11 second collar section 6.12 second canopy section 6.2 second opening recess 6.3 second underside KLA camera longitudinal axis ME1 first assembly level ME2 second assembly level SG1 first sensor group SG2 second sensor group QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2011 103 378 B3

[0006]

Claims

[1] Multi-sensor camera system (1) for video surveillance of a large-area scene comprising a camera housing (2) extending along a camera longitudinal axis (KLA) with a housing outer surface (2.3) extending concentrically to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and several image sensor units (3) included in the camera housing (2) for capturing video image data of at least individual sub-areas of the large-area scene, wherein at least a first sensor group (SG1) of the image sensor units (3.1 to 3.5) is arranged along a first mounting plane (ME1) oriented perpendicular to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA), wherein the image sensor units (3.1 to 3.5) of the first sensor group (SG1) are distributed concentrically around the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and are arranged adjacent to one another in the camera housing (2), wherein the camera housing (2) has at least one first protective device (5) for protecting the first sensor group (SG1) from sunlight and / or precipitation, which extends in a ring shape along the outer surface (2.3) of the camera housing (2) around the camera longitudinal axis (KLA), directly above the first sensor group (SG1) and wherein the first protective device (5) projects radially outwards from the outer surface (2.3) of the housing and is designed as a canopy at least in the area of ​​the first sensor group (SG1). [2] Multi-sensor camera system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first protective device (5) is detachably connected to the camera housing (2) and / or is designed as a unit that can be removed from the camera housing (2). [3] Multi-sensor camera system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the first protective device (5) has a first annular protective body (5.1) which has a first collar section (5.11) enclosing a first opening recess (5.2) and which transitions into a first canopy section (5.12). [4] Multi-sensor camera system according to claim 3, characterized by , that the first opening recess (5.2) has an opening cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the housing exterior (2.3) of the camera housing (2) in the area above the first sensor group (SG1). [5] Multi-sensor camera system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the ring-shaped first protective body (5.1) forms a canopy at least in the area of ​​the first sensor group (SG1). [6] Multi-sensor camera system according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the first protective device (5) has a structured first underside (5.3) which preferably forms a polyhedral structured surface. [7] Multi-sensor camera system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the image sensor units (3.1 to 3.5) of the first sensor group (SG1) are arranged in a semicircular disk-shaped first mounting area along the first mounting plane (ME1), wherein the sighting axes of the image sensor units (3.1 to 3.5) are preferably oriented radially to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA). [8] Multi-sensor camera system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that within the camera housing (2) at least a second sensor group (SG2) of image sensor units (3.6, 3.7, 3.9) is arranged along a second mounting plane (ME2) oriented perpendicular to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA). [9] Multi-sensor camera system according to claim 8, characterized by , that the camera housing (2) has a second protective device (6) to protect the second sensor group (SG2) from sunlight and / or precipitation. [10] Multi-sensor camera system according to claim 9, characterized by , that the second protective device (6) extends along the outer surface (2.3) of the camera housing (2) at least partially in an annular shape around the longitudinal axis (KLA) of the camera and is arranged directly above the second sensor group (SG2) and radially outwards from the outer surface (2.3) of the housing and is designed as a canopy at least in the area of ​​the second sensor group (SG2). [11] Multi-sensor camera system according to claims 9 and 10, characterized by , that the second protective device (6) is arranged between the first and second mounting levels (ME1) above the second sensor group (SG2). [12] Multi-sensor camera system according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by , that the second protective device (6) is detachably connected to the camera housing (2) and / or is designed as a unit that can be removed from the camera housing (2). [13] Multi-sensor camera system (3) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by , that the second protective device (6) has a second partially annular protective body (6.1) which has a second collar section (6.11) enclosing a second opening recess (6.2) to which a second canopy section (6.12) is attached. [14] Multi-sensor camera system according to claim 13, characterized by , that the second opening recess (6.2) forms a U-shaped opening cross-section. [15] Multi-sensor camera system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by , that a display device (4) for displaying the current operating status of the multi-sensor camera system (1) is arranged between two image sensor units (3.6, 3.7) of the second sensor group (SG2). [16] Multi-sensor camera system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by, that the second protective device (6) has a structured second underside (6.3) which preferably forms a polyhedral structured surface. [17] Multi-sensor camera system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the image sensor units (3) incorporated in the camera housing (2) are designed to capture video image data in the form of a temporal sequence of images of the recording areas of the large-area scene assigned to the different image sensor units (3) and / or have optics with different fixed focal lengths or at least fixed focal lengths for capturing detailed shots of the scene with different object image resolutions.

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