MULTI-SENSOR-CAMERA

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-sensor camera according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In the field of professional video surveillance of larger areas, there are high demands on the resolution of details in the recorded video data. The video systems used for this purpose feature a large number of cameras or video cameras, which are specifically designed for video surveillance of a wide variety of areas.

[0003] The standard DIN EN 62676-4 specifies, in particular, a global standard for the planning and target setting of such video surveillance systems. This standard includes, in particular, a general classification of the required resolution based on the distance of the object to be imaged from the camera, in the unit "pixels / meter". The categories specified in this classification are: "Observe" (below 125 pixels / meter), "Recognize known persons" (from 125 pixels / meter) and "Identify an unknown person" (from 250 pixels / meter).

[0004] Given a specific distance between the objects being imaged and the camera, the resolution of details can be increased, according to the laws of geometric optics, by increasing the pixel density of the image sensor (the number of pixels per square millimeter) or by increasing the focal length of the lens. Alternatively, cameras with enhanced detail resolution can be constructed using multiple camera sensors and lenses, resulting in so-called multi-sensor cameras.

[0005] The camera head of such a multi-sensor camera comprises a plurality of image sensor units, each image sensor unit comprising a lens and an associated image sensor, preferably forming a single structural unit. The camera head of a multi-sensor camera scans different, generally slightly overlapping, spatial angles of a monitored area with its image sensor units. Such multi-sensor cameras thus offer the advantage of being able to capture larger spatial angles at a relatively high resolution relative to the location of the monitored area (unit: pixels / meter at distance x) due to the combined image content of all image sensor units.

[0006] Several manufacturers already offer such multi-sensor cameras, which generate their image content with multiple image sensor units.

[0007] For example, DE 10 2011 103 378 B3 discloses a surveillance device with multiple cameras, where the cameras are designed as multi-sensor camera units. These multi-sensor camera units are implemented using so-called "multi-focal camera technology." For this purpose, the image sensor units of the multi-sensor camera units, which capture a scene to be monitored with significantly different object distances, are equipped with lenses of different focal lengths. Due to the underlying, sometimes very different, image scales of the individual image sensor units, as well as the significantly different pixel densities relative to the different solid angles (in pixels per angle), a minimum resolution relative to the distance of the object from the camera (in pixels per meter) can be guaranteed.This feature allows video surveillance to be planned in accordance with the resolution specified in the DIN EN 62676-4 standard, and a guarantee of person recognizability at a given distance can be given. DE 10 2011 103 378 B3 discloses, in particular, a method for displaying the image content of image sensor units which, according to the geometry of the sensor arrangement, consist of partially very different image scales (lens focal lengths) and the resulting, significantly different pixel densities with respect to the solid angles, in which an overall image and any desired detail views can be generated for live mode and synchronized playback mode and displayed on the monitor.

[0008] It is also desirable to be able to monitor interior spaces using only a small number of cameras. For this purpose, cameras mounted on the ceiling of the room to be monitored are frequently used, capable of recording a 360° horizontal field of view around the vertical projection axis of the ceiling-mounted camera to the floor. Such 360° cameras can also have multiple image sensor units, which together capture several image sections or areas of the room, creating a 360° image.

[0009] From US patent 2015 / 0367958 A1, a system for capturing aerial images is known in which at least one camera unit is arranged on the underside of an aircraft. The camera unit comprises six independently controllable camera modules, with three camera modules arranged along each of two parallel rows.

[0010] For example, US Patent 2016 / 0191813 A1 discloses a multi-sensor camera comprising several image sensor units, designed for ceiling mounting. The camera includes four image sensor units housed in a dome-shaped glass enclosure. This enclosure is connected to an annular base housing, which contains the other camera components and is also designed for ceiling mounting. When mounted, the dome-shaped glass enclosure housing the image sensor units is positioned below the base housing and thus spaced apart from the ceiling. Due to this distance from the ceiling, the four image sensor units of the camera, as illustrated in the embodiment, are arranged such that their lenses point away from each other, thereby orienting their image capture areas outwards from the camera's central or longitudinal axis without intersecting.The four image sensor units enable room monitoring with a 360° horizontal field of view, with each sensor unit capturing approximately 90° of that horizontal field. However, a disadvantage is that the floor area directly below the camera is only partially captured by the existing image sensor units, which are oriented with their longitudinal axes angled outwards. To achieve a 360° horizontal field of view, the image sensor units and their lenses are mounted below and at a distance from the ceiling in a dome-shaped glass housing for ceiling-mounted cameras. This ensures an unobstructed view of the room areas to be monitored, starting from the camera's longitudinal axis. A disadvantage of this design is that flush ceiling mounting of such a multi-sensor camera is not possible.

[0011] Similar ceiling-mounted cameras comprising multiple image sensor units are known, for example, from CN203069959U or CN201639666U, which in particular have additional image sensor units that allow the area directly below the ceiling-mounted cameras to be additionally captured. Here, too, the image sensor units are arranged within the camera housing below the ceiling in such a way that their detection areas extend radially outwards from the camera's longitudinal axis, i.e., they do not intersect within the camera housing. A disadvantage here as well is that flush mounting of such cameras is not possible.

[0012] A camera system for capturing a panoramic image is also known from EP 3 177 009 A1, which has a housing with a base and a dome-shaped glass cover. The camera system further comprises at least a first and second camera device and a control unit, wherein the first camera device is fixed and rigidly attached to the base, has a predefined detection device, and is configured for capturing a panoramic image. The second camera device is movably arranged on the base so that the detection direction of the second camera device can be controlled and adjusted. Depending on the panoramic image captured by the first camera device, the detection direction of the second camera device can be controlled.

[0013] Documents US 2015 / 0042851 A1 and US 2016 / 0191813 A1 also show multi-sensor camera units designed for ceiling mounting to capture panoramic images.

[0014] Based on this, the invention aims to provide a multi-sensor camera of the type mentioned above, which can be installed flush with a building ceiling and enables the recording of a 360° horizontal field of view. This objective is achieved by the characterizing features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0015] A key aspect of the multi-sensor camera according to the invention is that the image sensor units are distributed concentrically around the camera's longitudinal axis and are arranged within the housing such that the lenses of the image sensor units are oriented towards or away from the camera's longitudinal axis, wherein at least four image sensor units and at least two further image sensor units are provided, and wherein the sensor longitudinal axes of both further image sensor units run parallel to the camera's longitudinal axis and one of the further image sensor units has a fish-eye lens, wherein the at least four image sensor units are arranged in the housing in a ring-shaped arrangement around the camera's longitudinal axis and the further image sensor unit having a fish-eye lens is arranged outside the ring formed by the ring-shaped, at least four image sensor units.A particularly advantageous feature is the ability to generate an overview video image via the image sensor unit with fisheye lens, with the image sensor units arranged in a ring around the camera's longitudinal axis being configured to generate detailed video images. The additional image sensor unit further enables the capture of the spatial area directly below the multi-sensor camera. For this purpose, the image sensor units may, for example, have different resolutions. It is particularly advantageous that, with the multi-sensor camera according to the invention, individual spatial areas can be captured using at least two image sensor units at different resolutions, and that when displaying the recorded video image on a monitor, it is possible to switch between the overview video image and the individual detailed video images, thus enabling "zooming" of individual spatial angle areas of a 360° video image with increased resolution.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the image sensor units are distributed concentrically around the camera's longitudinal axis and arranged above a housing base, such that the lenses of the image sensor units are oriented towards the camera's longitudinal axis. Particularly advantageous in this embodiment is that, with respect to the camera's longitudinal axis, the image sensor units are arranged entirely within the housing, which can be flush-mounted in a ceiling, and each is oriented with its lens in the direction of the camera's longitudinal axis. The detection area of ​​each image sensor unit extends initially across the interior of the housing, the image capture aperture, or the optically transparent, flat cover plate outwards; that is, the detection areas of the image sensor units intersect in the area of ​​the camera, already inside the housing, thus particularly advantageously enabling flush mounting of the camera in a ceiling.The image sensor units housed in the casing are thus oriented in opposite directions to each other; the detection area of ​​one image sensor unit runs below the image sensor unit opposite it in the casing and thus passes by it.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the image sensor units each form an acute angle with the camera's longitudinal axis, wherein the angle of inclination of the image sensor units relative to the camera's longitudinal axis is, for example, between 15° and 80°, preferably between 35° and 65°.

[0018] Furthermore, the housing base advantageously features an image acquisition opening that can be closed by means of an optically transparent, flat, and preferably removable cover plate. The image acquisition opening provides an optical line of sight from the housing interior into the area to be monitored, and its diameter is adapted to the concentric arrangement, number, and / or angle of the image sensor units.

[0019] The image sensor units are advantageously arranged in a mounting plane perpendicular to the camera's longitudinal axis, with the mounting plane running parallel to and spaced apart from the housing base or the housing cover plate.

[0020] In particular, the image sensor units are arranged at such an angle to each other within the housing that their sensor longitudinal axes and the camera longitudinal axis intersect at a common virtual intersection point outside the housing. This results in an arrangement of the image sensor units that is symmetrical with respect to the camera longitudinal axis, and in particular point-symmetrical, in order to ensure video surveillance over a horizontal detection range of 360°.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the image sensor units each have the same radial distance to the camera's longitudinal axis. To ensure the described arrangement is simple and straightforward within the housing, one embodiment, for example, provides retaining elements for the image sensor units that open dome-shaped towards the image acquisition aperture. These can, for example, form an interchangeable module together with the image sensor units, simplifying the manufacturing and / or maintenance of the multi-sensor camera.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one additional image sensor unit is provided, the longitudinal axis of which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the camera. This image sensor unit enables the detection of the area directly below the multi-sensor camera.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the image sensor units, whose lenses are oriented obliquely to the camera's longitudinal axis, to be arranged in a first mounting plane that runs parallel to and spaced apart from the housing base or cover plate, whereas at least one further image sensor unit is arranged in a second mounting plane oriented parallel to the first mounting plane. If two further image sensor units are provided, these can also be arranged in a second and / or third mounting plane, each of which runs parallel to the first mounting plane.

[0024] It is understood that four, six, or eight image sensor units can also be arranged within the housing at an angle to the camera's longitudinal axis and concentrically around it. Furthermore, at least one additional image sensor unit can be located within the housing with its sensor axis coinciding with the camera's longitudinal axis, and at least one further image sensor unit can be integrated into the base of the housing with its sensor axis running parallel to the camera's longitudinal axis. Using this described arrangement of image sensor units, video surveillance over a horizontal detection range of 360° is possible.

[0025] Furthermore, the housing is advantageously designed for flush installation in a building ceiling. The housing base, in particular due to its design, enables such flush mounting to the building ceiling, especially when the camera is routed through an opening in the building ceiling.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the image sensor units have lenses with the same or different focal lengths.

[0027] Furthermore, the image sensor units and / or the additional image sensor units are advantageously designed for capturing high-resolution digital single images.

[0028] Due to the arrangement of the image sensor units within the housing according to the invention, this arrangement advantageously has detection areas that intersect in the area of ​​the housing, particularly in the area of ​​the housing interior. When using at least one further image sensor unit, the detection areas of the image sensor units and at least one of the further image sensor units also intersect.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 a multi-sensor camera according to the invention, installed flush with the ceiling in a room, for video surveillance of the room; Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view through a multi-sensor camera according to the invention, installed flush with the ceiling; Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the underside of the housing of an embodiment of the multi-sensor camera according to the invention without a cover; Fig. 4 a schematic section along line AA through the Figure 3 The multi-sensor camera shown with cover, but without housing wall and housing top, Fig. 5 shows a schematic section along line BB through the in Figure 3The multi-sensor camera shown with cover, but without housing wall and housing top, Fig. 6 a side view of the schematically represented detection areas of individual image sensor units of a ceiling-mounted multi-sensor camera and Fig. 7 a schematic sectional view analogous to the Figure 5 through the housing of a multi-sensor camera according to the invention with an alternative arrangement of the image sensor units.

[0031] In Figure 1 A schematic side view of a room R is shown, which is video monitored by means of a multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention, which is installed flush in the ceiling D of the room R.

[0032] For this purpose, the multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention is integrated into the ceiling D in the area of ​​the middle of the room R in the illustrated embodiment, flush with the side of the ceiling D facing the interior of the room R or the floor B of the room R.

[0033] A flush-mounted installation of a multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention is understood to mean the installation of the multi-sensor camera 1 in a flat area of ​​a ceiling R such that the underside of the multi-sensor camera 1 does not protrude into the interior space R, or only to a minimal extent, thus ensuring that at least the optical impression of a flat, closed ceiling R is maintained even after the installation of the multi-sensor camera 1. Known dome cameras or cameras with "fish-eye" lenses can indeed be attached to the ceiling D, but unlike the multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention, they protrude at least partially and noticeably into the space R; that is, they are by no means flush with the ceiling R.

[0034] The multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention preferably has a horizontal detection range HEB of 360° and a vertical detection range VEB of at least 140°, preferably 180°. Starting from a camera longitudinal axis KLA that runs vertically to the ceiling R or the floor B in the installed state, the horizontal detection range HEB extends 360° around the camera longitudinal axis KLA, and the vertical detection range VEB extends at least + / - 70° around the vertically running camera longitudinal axis KLA. The multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention thus forms a 360° camera, which is used in the area of ​​video surveillance of preferably enclosed spaces. Within the defined detection range, a 360° and thus complete recording of the scenes taking place there is possible. In known multi-sensor cameras with a horizontal detection range HEB of 360°, the image sensor units are always located below the ceiling D.This is where the invention comes in.

[0035] The multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention comprises at least one housing 2 extending along the camera longitudinal axis KLA, with a housing bottom 2.1, at least one housing side wall 2.2, and a housing top 2.3. The housing bottom 2.1 has a flat housing base 3 extending at least partially perpendicular to the camera longitudinal axis KLA, which has an image acquisition opening 4 that can be closed by means of an optically transparent, flat, and preferably removable cover plate 5.

[0036] The cover plate 5 is preferably made of glass or a transparent plastic material and can, for example, be designed in one or more parts. When the image acquisition opening 4 is closed by means of the cover plate 5, a preferably closed housing interior 2' is created, which is enclosed by the housing base 3, the housing wall 2.2 adjoining it along the subsequent longitudinal camera axis KLA, and the housing top 2.3 opposite the housing base 3.

[0037] According to the invention, several image sensor units 6, 6' are provided in the housing 2 or in its interior 2' for capturing high-resolution digital single images. Each such image sensor unit 6, 6' extends along a sensor longitudinal axis SLA and comprises a lens 6a, 6a' and an image sensor 6b, 6b' connected to it along a sensor longitudinal axis SLA. The sensor longitudinal axis SLA preferably corresponds to the optical axis of the lens 6a, 6a' or runs at least parallel to it. The image sensor units 6, 6' are arranged concentrically around the camera longitudinal axis KLA, above the housing base 3 and within the housing 2 or in the interior 2', such that the lenses 6a, 6a' of the image sensor units 6, 6' are oriented towards the camera longitudinal axis KLA. The optical axes of lenses 6a, 6a' are thus oriented in the direction of the camera longitudinal axis KLA and therefore intersect in the area of ​​camera 1.

[0038] For example, the longitudinal sensor axis SLA of an image sensor unit 6, 6' forms an acute angle w, w' with the longitudinal camera axis KLA. In a preferred embodiment, the acute angle w, w' is between 15° and 80°, preferably between 35° and 65°.

[0039] The inclined arrangement of the image sensor units 6, 6' relative to the camera longitudinal axis KLA and the concentric, preferably ring-shaped distribution of them around the camera longitudinal axis KLA enables 360° image acquisition by means of image sensor units 6, 6' completely installed in the housing interior 2' and thus also enables flush ceiling mounting.

[0040] In Figure 2 An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view through a multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention, installed flush in the ceiling D, is shown, in which only two image sensor units 6, 6' are shown by way of example.

[0041] The image sensor units 6, 6' are preferably arranged in a mounting plane ME perpendicular to the camera longitudinal axis KLA, which runs parallel to and spaced apart from the housing base 3 or the cover plate 5 of the housing 2 of the multi-sensor camera 1. The image sensor units 6, 6' are preferably arranged at an angle to each other in the housing 2 such that their sensor longitudinal axes SLA and the camera longitudinal axis KLA intersect at a common virtual intersection point S outside the housing 2. This intersection point lies below the housing 2 or the housing base 3. Preferably, the image sensor units are arranged in a ring around the camera longitudinal axis KLA within the housing 2 and each has the same radial distance to the camera longitudinal axis KLA. In the arrangement according to the invention, the detection areas EB, EB' of the individual image sensor units 6, 6' extend from the interior of the housing 2' across the image capture aperture 4 or 5.the transparent, flat cover plate 5 facing outwards.

[0042] For mounting the image sensor units 6, 6', for example, retaining means 7 can be provided within the housing 2 for receiving and preferably releasably mounting them, opening dome-like towards the image acquisition aperture 4. In the present embodiment, the retaining means 7 are formed by a dome-like mounting structure comprising a plurality of strut and surface elements that enable releasable mounting of the image sensor units 6, 6' in the predetermined mounting position, which is inclined to the camera's longitudinal axis KLA. In this mounting position, the optics or lenses 6a, 6a' are oriented towards the camera's longitudinal axis KLA. This dome-like mounting structure 7 has, for example, a trapezoidal cross-section, the underside of which is open and approximately corresponds to the edge profile of the image acquisition aperture 4.The dome-shaped support structure 7 can also be modular, which, together with the attached image sensor units 6, 6', is interchangeable for simplified assembly and / or maintenance.

[0043] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a top view of the underside 2.1 of an embodiment of the multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention, without a cover plate 5, in which, by way of example, six image sensor units 6, 6' are arranged concentrically around the camera's longitudinal axis KLA within the housing 2', each at an acute angle w, w' to the camera's longitudinal axis KLA. In the present embodiment, the multi-sensor camera 1 has a first to sixth image sensor unit 6.1 to 6.6, which are arranged in a ring shape and at equal intervals around the camera's longitudinal axis KLA, which runs perpendicular to the plane of the leaf.

[0044] According to the invention, at least one further image sensor unit 8, 8' is provided, the sensor longitudinal axis SLA of which runs parallel to or coincides with the camera longitudinal axis KLA. In the present embodiment, a first and a second further image sensor unit 8, 8' are provided, wherein the first further image sensor unit 8 is arranged in the housing 2 or housing interior 2' such that its sensor longitudinal axis SLA coincides with the camera longitudinal axis KLA. The second further image sensor unit 8' is received in the housing base 4, preferably in the edge region of the image acquisition aperture 4, such that its sensor longitudinal axis SLA runs parallel to the camera longitudinal axis KLA. Alternatively, the sensor longitudinal axes SLA of both further image sensor units 8, 8' can also run parallel to the camera longitudinal axis KLA.

[0045] The additional image sensor units 8, 8' enable the detection of the area of ​​the room directly below the multi-sensor camera 1. For this purpose, the first additional image sensor unit 8, for example, has the following features: Figure 6 The detection area EB" is schematically indicated. One of the further image sensor units 8', specifically the second further image sensor unit 8' in the present embodiment, has a fish-eye lens according to the invention, by means of which a 360° image can be generated. The detection area of ​​the second further image sensor unit 8' with fish-eye lens extends over the entire space, i.e., it includes all detection areas EB, EB', EB" of the image sensor units 6, 6', 6.1 to 6.6 or the first further image sensor unit 8.

[0046] The further image sensor unit 8' with the fisheye lens thus forms an overview image sensor, which is intended for generating an overview video image. The first to sixth image sensor units 6.1 to 6.6 are detail image sensors for generating detailed video images with significantly higher resolutions compared to the overview video image. A multi-sensor camera 1 according to the invention thus provides video data of a spatial area or recording area with different detail resolutions, between which it is possible to switch when displaying the video image on a monitor.

[0047] In the Figures 4 and 5 Each longitudinal section along line AA or BB is taken by the multi-sensor camera 1 according to Figure 3 shown, but with cover plate 5. In addition, the following are shown in the Figures 4 and 5The housing wall 2.2 and the housing top 2.3 are not shown, but only the housing bottom 2.1 and the housing base 3.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Figures 3 to 5 This results in a total of eight image sensor units 6.1 - 6.6, 8, 8' being used. However, the invention is by no means limited to the illustrated number of image sensor units 6.1 - 6.6 or further image sensor units 8, 8'. It is understood that any number of image sensor units 6, 6', which can be arranged evenly distributed around the camera's longitudinal axis KLA in a mounting plane ME, and additional image sensor units 8, 8', which can be installed in the housing base 3 and / or in the housing interior 2', can be installed, provided this appears technically advantageous. Preferably, four, six, or eight image sensor units 6, 6' are arranged obliquely to the camera's longitudinal axis KLA and concentrically distributed around the camera's longitudinal axis KLA within the housing 2.

[0049] Figure 4 Figure 1 also shows a section through two opposing image sensor units 6, 6', from which the arrangement of the lenses 6a, 6a' and the associated image sensors 6b, 6b' can be seen along the sensor longitudinal axes SLA.

[0050] The image sensor units 6, 6' and further image sensor units 8, 8' can have lenses 6a, 6a' with the same or different focal lengths. When using lenses 6a, 6a' with different focal lengths, the image sensor units 6, 6' and further image sensor units 8, 8' can also record monitoring areas located further away in space R from the multi-sensor camera 1 with a higher resolution relative to the solid angle in the units "pixels / angle" than areas located closer to the multi-sensor camera 1.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-sensor camera 1 captures all areas of a room R to be monitored in high resolution, regardless of the distance to the multi-sensor camera 1, and records them in one or more recorders, preferably digital recorders of a surveillance system, connected to the multi-sensor camera 1.

[0052] In Figure 6 The detection areas EB, EB', EB" of the image sensor units 6, 6' and of a further image sensor unit 8 are shown as examples in a schematic side view of a ceiling-mounted, sectioned multi-sensor camera 1. It is clearly evident that the detection areas EB, EB', EB" already intersect within the housing 2.

[0053] In Figure 7 This is an example of a schematic section analogous to the Figure 5This is shown by an alternative embodiment of a multi-sensor camera 1, in which the lenses 6a, 6a' of the image sensor units 6.1 - 6.6 are oriented towards or away from the camera's longitudinal axis KLA. The sensor longitudinal axes SLA of the image sensor units 6.1 - 6.6 again form an acute angle w, w' with the camera's longitudinal axis KLA, while the sensor longitudinal axes SLA of the other image sensor units 8, 8' run parallel to the camera's longitudinal axis KLA. In this embodiment of the multi-sensor camera 1, the holding means 7 are again formed by a dome-shaped holding structure, which, for example, has a trapezoidal cross-section and is open towards the top of the housing 2.3. The dome-shaped holding structure 7 preferably also forms the bottom of the housing 2.1 or the housing base 3, so that an image acquisition opening 4 is omitted. The image sensor units 6.1 - 6.The 6 image sensor units are arranged in a ring around the camera's longitudinal axis KLA within the housing 2, with the additional image sensor units 8, 8' having a smaller radial distance to the camera's longitudinal axis KLA than the image sensor units 6.1 - 6.6 surrounding it. The additional image sensor units 8, 8' are thus accommodated or arranged within the "sensor ring" formed by the image sensor units 6.1 - 6.6. In this mounting position, the optics or lenses of the image sensor units 6.1 - 6.6 point away from the camera's longitudinal axis KLA, i.e., they are oriented outwards. The dome-shaped mounting structure 7 can also be modular, allowing it to be removed together with the attached image sensor units 6, 6' and additional image sensor units 8, 8' for simplified assembly and / or maintenance.

[0054] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the attached claims. Reference symbol list

[0055] 1 Multi-sensor camera 2 Housing 2' Housing interior 2.1 Housing bottom 2.2 Housing wall 2.3 Housing top 3 Housing base 4 Image acquisition aperture 5 Transparent, flat cover plate 6, 6' Image sensor unit 6a, 6a' Lens 6b, 6b' Image sensor 6.1 - 6.6 First to sixth image sensor unit 7 Mounting device 8, 8' Additional image sensor unit(s) B Floor DD Ceiling EB, EB', EB" Detection areas HEB Horizontal detection area ME Mounting level P Person R Room S Common virtual intersection VEB Vertical detection area w, w' Acute angle

Claims

1. Multi-sensor camera (1) comprising at least a housing (2) extending along a camera longitudinal axis (KLA) with a housing base (3) running at least in sections perpendicularly to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and a plurality of image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6), wherein an image sensor unit (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) comprises a lens (6a, 6a') and an image sensor (6b, 6b') adjoining thereto along a sensor longitudinal axis (SLA), wherein the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) are distributed concentrically about the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and are arranged within the housing (2) such that the lenses (6a, 6a') of the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) are oriented towards the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) or point outwards from the camera longitudinal axis (KLA), wherein at least four image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) and at least two further image sensor units (8, 8') are provided, wherein the sensor longitudinal axes (SLA) of both further image sensor units (8, 8') run parallel to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and wherein one of the further image sensor units (8') comprises a fisheye lens, and wherein the at least four image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) are arranged in the housing (2) in a ring-shaped distribution around the camera longitudinal axis (KLA), characterised in that the further image sensor unit (8') comprising a fish-eye lens is arranged outside the ring formed by the at least four image sensor units arranged in the ring-shaped distribution.

2. Multi-sensor camera according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensor longitudinal axes (SLA) of the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) each form an acute angle (w, w') with the camera longitudinal axis (KLA).

3. Multi-sensor camera according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the housing base (3) comprises an image capture aperture (4) which can be closed by means of an optically transparent, flat and preferably removable cover plate (5).

4. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) are arranged in at least one mounting plane (ME) extending perpendicular to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA).

5. Multi-sensor camera according to claim 4, characterised in that the at least one mounting plane (ME) extends parallel to and spaced from the housing base (3) or the cover plate (5) of the housing (2).

6. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) are arranged inclined to one another within the housing (2) such that their sensor longitudinal axes (SLA) and the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) intersect at a common virtual intersection point (S) outside the housing.

7. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) each comprise the same radial distance from the camera longitudinal axis (KLA).

8. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that retaining means (7) for holding the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) are provided within the housing (2).

9. Multi-sensor camera according to claim 8, characterised in that the retaining means (7) open in a dome-like manner towards the image capture aperture (4) or towards an upper side of the housing (2.3).

10. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the sensor longitudinal axis (SLA) of at least one of the further image sensor units (8) coincides with the camera longitudinal axis (KLA).

11. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that four, six or eight image sensor units (6, 6') are arranged inclined to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) and distributed concentrically about the camera longitudinal axis (KLA) within the housing (2), and / or in that at least one further image sensor unit (8) is arranged in the housing (2), the longitudinal axis of the sensor (SLA) threreof coincides with the camera longitudinal axis (KLA), and at least one further image sensor unit (8') is accommodated in the housing base (3), the sensor longitudinal axis (SLA) of which runs parallel to the camera longitudinal axis (KLA).

12. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the housing (2) is designed to be installed in a building ceiling (D) with the housing base (3) flush therewith and / or in that the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) comprise lenses (6a, 6a') with the same or different focal lengths.

13. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the acute angle (w, w') is between 15° and 80°, preferably between 35° and 65°, and / or in that the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) and / or the further image sensor units (8, 8') are designed to capture individual high-resolution digital images.

14. Multi-sensor camera according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) comprise detection areas (EB, EB') which intersect in the region of the housing (2), in particular in the region of the interior of the housing (2').

15. Multi-sensor camera according to claim 14, characterised in that the detection areas (EB, EB', EB") of the image sensor units (6, 6', 6.1 - 6.6) and of at least one of the further image sensor units (8, 8') intersect.