Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging device that detects an external environment of the imaging device with a simple structure and can control the movement of a light-blocking unit.SOLUTION: An imaging device 10 in an embodiment includes an imaging element, a lens 111 that guides subject light having passed a first opening part 125 toward the imaging element, a blade 13 that is provided between the first opening part and the lens and exists at a first position or a second position, an actuator 15 that moves the blade along a first direction intersecting with an optical axis L of the lens, an auxiliary opening part 139 that is provided outside a viewing field range of the lens and that allows the subject light to pass, and a control unit 31 that controls driving of the actuator. Based on a change of output of the imaging element that receives diffusion light that passes the auxiliary opening part and is reflected inside a housing when the blade is at the first position, the control unit moves the blade at the first position to the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Surveillance cameras are installed in various places such as nursing homes, hospitals, factories, and stores for crime prevention and disaster prevention purposes. When using surveillance cameras, which are imaging devices, it is necessary to protect the privacy of the individuals who are the subjects of the images. For this reason, surveillance cameras are equipped with a light shielding part that covers the lens as necessary.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism that moves relative to a fixed member that is an imaging unit and functions as a shutter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0249415 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the camera of Patent Document 1, the shutter is shifted from a closed state to an open state, enabling the imaging unit to capture an image. However, in order to detect the timing to open the shutter, it is necessary to provide a configuration for inputting an external trigger when the shutter is closed, and a sensor for detecting the external environment of the camera, which results in a problem of a complex camera structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging device includes an imaging element that receives subject light, an optical member that guides the subject light that has passed through a first opening provided in a housing to the imaging element, a light-shielding portion that is provided between the first opening and the optical member and that is located at either a first position that restricts the subject light from entering the imaging element or a second position that allows the subject light to enter the imaging element, a drive portion that moves the light-shielding portion along a first direction that intersects with an optical axis of the optical member to position the light-shielding portion at either the first position or the second position, an auxiliary opening that is provided outside the field of view of the optical member and through which the subject light can pass, and a control portion that controls the drive portion. When the light-shielding portion is located at the first position, the control portion controls the drive portion based on a change in output of the imaging element that receives diffuse light that has passed through the auxiliary opening and been reflected inside the housing, and moves the light-shielding portion from the first position to the second position. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the external environment of the imaging device and control the movement of the light blocking portion with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is an external view of the imaging device in a closed state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an external view of the imaging device in an open state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device in the closed state. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a region R shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined action by a user. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined action by a user. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a motion detection process by the control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is an internal perspective view of the imaging device in an open state. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the inside of the imaging device in the closed state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an external view of the imaging device in the closed state according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device in the closed state according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating the attitude of the imaging device and a predetermined action by a user. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the attitude of the imaging device and a predetermined action by the user. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a motion detection process by the control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is an external view of an imaging device according to a first modified example. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an external view of the imaging device of the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The use of the imaging device is not particularly limited, but it is suitable for installation as a surveillance camera or a monitoring camera in hospitals, nursing homes, factories, stores, etc. Also, the imaging device can be switched between a state in which imaging is possible and a state in which imaging is not possible. More specifically, the imaging device can be switched between a closed state in which light cannot be incident on the imaging optical system and an open state in which light can be incident on the imaging optical system. Furthermore, when the imaging device is switched to a state in which imaging is not possible (closed state), the person being photographed can recognize that the imaging device has been switched to a state in which imaging is not possible. The imaging device of this embodiment can be automatically switched to a state in which imaging is possible when it is detected that a user has performed a predetermined operation on the imaging device in a state in which imaging is not possible.

[0011] <First embodiment> Figures 1A and 1B are external views of an imaging device 10 according to a first embodiment. Figure 1A shows the imaging device 10 in a closed state, and Figure 1B shows the imaging device 10 in an open state. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 10 in the closed state shown in Figure 1A.

[0012] <Overall configuration of imaging device 10> The imaging device 10 can be switched from a closed state (FIG. 1A) to an open state (FIG. 1B). The imaging device 10 can also be switched from the open state (FIG. 1B) to the closed state (FIG. 1A). As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2, the imaging device 10 has a camera module 11, a housing (exterior case) 12, blades 13, a blade drive mechanism 14, an illumination unit 16, an illuminometer 17, a connector 25, an antenna 27, a control unit 31, and a position sensor 138.

[0013] <Housing 12> The housing 12 is composed of a front case 120 and a rear case 121. The front case 120 includes a rectangular or substantially rectangular ceiling plate 122 and side wall plates 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d that are connected to each side of the ceiling plate 122. The ceiling plate 122 and the side wall plates 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are integrally molded from synthetic resin, with the side wall plate 123a connected to one long side of the ceiling plate 122 and the side wall plate 123b connected to the other long side of the ceiling plate 122. The side wall plate 123c is connected to one short side of the ceiling plate 122, and the side wall plate 123d is connected to the other short side of the ceiling plate 122.

[0014] In the following description, the direction of the front case 120 of the housing 12 may be referred to as the upper direction, the direction of the rear case 121 as the lower direction, the direction of the side wall plate 123a as the front direction, the direction of the side wall plate 123b as the rear direction, the direction of the side wall plate 123c as the right direction, and the direction of the side wall plate 123d as the left direction. The left-right direction may be referred to as the first direction, and the front-rear direction as the second direction. The first direction is a direction intersecting with the optical axis L of the lens 111 of the camera module 11 described later, and the second direction is a direction intersecting with the first direction and the optical axis L.

[0015] A circular first opening 125 that communicates with the inside and outside of the housing 12 is provided in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120. In other words, the first opening 125 is a through-hole provided in the ceiling plate 122. Light (subject light) emitted from an image capture target (subject) is taken into the housing 12 through the first opening 125 and enters the imaging optical system.

[0016] An illumination opening 126 is provided in a ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120 at a position corresponding to a position where an illumination unit 16, which will be described later, is disposed. That is, the illumination opening 126 is also a through-hole provided in the ceiling plate 122. Illumination light emitted from the illumination unit 16 passes through the illumination opening 126 and illuminates an object to be imaged (subject).

[0017] 1A to 2, a total of four illumination openings 126 are provided, two on the right side of the ceiling board 122 (one on the front side, the other on the rear side) and two on the left side of the ceiling board 122 (one on the front side, the other on the rear side). However, the positions of the illumination openings 126 are not limited to the positions shown in the figures, and are appropriately determined depending on the arrangement positions of the illumination units 16. Furthermore, the number of illumination openings 126 is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more, and is determined depending on the number of illumination units 16 provided in the imaging device 10.

[0018] The rear case 121 is fixed to the front case 120 and closes the bottom (lower side) of the front case 120. The rear case 121 is fixed to the front case 120 by, for example, screw connection.

[0019] <Connector 25> 2, the imaging device 10 includes a connector 25 to which a power cable, a communication cable, etc. can be connected. More specifically, the imaging device 10 includes a female connector 25 to which a USB cable can be connected. The connector 25 faces an opening provided in a right side wall plate of the rear case 121 or an opening provided in the bottom surface of the rear case 121. The connector 25 is electrically connected to a board 240 on which the power supply unit 24 is provided.

[0020] <Camera Module 11> Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 in the closed state shown in Fig. 1A taken along line AA. The camera module 11 includes an imaging element (image sensor) 110 such as a CMOS or a CCD, and a lens 111. The imaging element 110 is mounted on a substrate 112. The lens 111 is, for example, a convex lens having a predetermined curvature and a central portion (near the position of the optical axis L) protruding toward an imaging target (subject). The lens 111 is disposed above the imaging element 110 and held by a lens holder 113. Below the lens holder 113, a substrate 112 on which the imaging element 110 is mounted is fixed, for example, by screw connection.

[0021] The lens 111 collects subject light within a viewing range VA. The viewing range VA is narrower than the first opening 125. Therefore, when the imaging device 10 is in an open state, the subject light that passes through the first opening 125 and travels within the viewing range VA is guided by the lens 111 to the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110 and collected. In other words, the lens 111 is an optical member (imaging optical system) that forms an image of an object to be imaged on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110, or is at least a part of the optical member. The imaging element 110 converts the brightness of the image formed by the lens 111 into an amount of electric charge and outputs a signal (image signal) according to the amount of electric charge converted.

[0022] <Antenna 27> Referring again to Fig. 2, the imaging device 10 includes an antenna 27 and can be interconnected with other devices via wireless LAN (Wi-Fi). For example, the imaging device 10 can wirelessly transmit a signal (image signal) output from the imaging element 110 to other devices such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The imaging device 10 can also be remotely controlled by other devices such as a smartphone.

[0023] <Lighting Section 16> The illumination unit 16 emits illumination light that illuminates an object to be imaged when imaging is performed in a dark environment. The illumination unit 16 has an illumination light source 161 and a cover unit 162. The illumination light source 161 is, for example, an LED, and is controlled by a control unit 31 described later to emit light having a wavelength in the infrared range (infrared light, infrared light). Note that the illumination light source 161 is not limited to one that emits infrared light as illumination light, and may emit visible light other than infrared light as illumination light. The illumination light source 161 is disposed on a base member 140 of the blade drive mechanism 14 described later.

[0024] The cover portion 162 is molded, for example, from a translucent resin, and is provided on the emission side (upper side) of the illumination light from the illumination light source 161. The cover portion 162 has a surface that covers at least the upper side of the illumination light source 161. The surface of the cover portion 162 is fitted into the illumination opening portion 126. In this case, the cover portion 162 is attached so that the surface does not protrude outward (upper side) beyond the outer surface of the ceiling plate 122 of the housing 12. The illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 161 is emitted to the outside of the imaging device 10 through the surface of the cover portion 162.

[0025] 1A to 2, the imaging device 10 is equipped with four illumination units 16. A pair of the four illumination units 16 is provided on the right side of the ceiling board 122, with one illumination unit 16 on the front side and the other illumination unit 16 on the rear side. The other pair of illumination units 16 is provided on the left side of the ceiling board 122, with one illumination unit 16 on the front side and the other illumination unit 16 on the rear side.

[0026] The number of illumination units 16 included in the imaging device 10 is not limited to four. The imaging device 10 may be provided with three or fewer illumination units 16, or may be provided with five or more illumination units 16.

[0027] <Luminometer 17> The illuminometer 17 is, for example, a photoresistor or a photodiode, and receives light from the environment (external environment) surrounding the imaging device 10. The illuminometer 17 is disposed on a base member 140 of the blade drive mechanism 14, the details of which will be described later. The illuminometer 17 converts the brightness of the received light into an amount of charge, and outputs a signal (brightness signal) according to the amount of charge. In other words, the illuminometer 17 functions as a detection unit that detects the brightness of the environment surrounding the imaging device 10.

[0028] <Blade 13 and blade drive mechanism 14> The blade driving mechanism 14 has a base member 140 and an actuator 15. The blade driving mechanism 14 moves the blade 13 in a direction (first direction) along the long side of the ceiling plate 122 to open and close the first opening 125, thereby controlling the incidence of the subject light on the lens 111. More specifically, the blade driving mechanism 14 moves the blade 13 to a closed position (first position) that closes the first opening 125, and an open position (second position) that opens the first opening 125. That is, the blade 13 is moved in the first direction by the blade driving mechanism 14, and is located at either a first position that restricts the subject light from being incident on the imaging element 110, or a second position that allows the subject light to be incident on the imaging element 110. Moreover, the blade 13 in the first position functions as a light shielding portion that blocks the first opening 125 and restricts the subject light from being incident on the imaging element 110.

[0029] From another perspective, the blade drive mechanism 14 switches the first opening 125 of the imaging device 10 from a closed state (FIG. 1A) to an open state (FIG. 1B). Also, the blade drive mechanism 14 switches the first opening 125 of the imaging device 10 from an open state (FIG. 1B) to a closed state (FIG. 1A). As a result, the lens 111 is covered in the closed state (FIG. 1A), and the lens 111 is exposed in the open state (FIG. 1B).

[0030] <Base member 140> The base member 140 is molded from, for example, synthetic resin, and is integrally molded with a main base portion 141 and a sub-base portion 142. The main base portion 141 is located on the ceiling plate 122 side (upper side) of the housing 12 with respect to the lens 111. The sub-base portion 142 rises downward from the main base portion 141, and has a screw hole formed in part thereof for screwing to the rear case 121. The sub-base portion 142 is fixed to the rear case 121 by screwing, whereby the base member 140 is fixed to the rear case 121.

[0031] The main base portion 141 is formed with a circular opening 143 that is centered on a position through which the optical axis L of the lens 111 passes and communicates with the top and bottom of the base member 140. In other words, the opening 143 is a through hole provided in the main base portion 141. Light (subject light) that is emitted from an image capture target (subject) and passes through a first opening 125 provided in the housing 12 enters the lens 111 through the opening 143. The outer diameter of the opening 143 is larger than the outer diameter of the lens 111 and smaller than the outer diameter of the first opening 125 formed in the front case 120.

[0032] At least the blades 13, the actuator 15, the lighting unit 16, and the illuminometer 17 are mounted on the main base unit 141. The blades 13, the lighting unit 16, and the illuminometer 17 are mounted on the upper side of the main base unit 141.

[0033] Two illumination units 16 are mounted on each of the right and left sides of the main base unit 141. The illuminometer 17 is disposed on the right side of the opening 143 near the center in the front-rear direction. A sound collection unit 20 having a microphone for collecting sounds around the image capture device 10 is disposed close to the illuminometer 17 on the opening 143 side (left side) of the illuminometer 17. A plurality of openings (sound collection openings) 201 for sound collection are formed in the ceiling board 122 of the front case 120 at a position opposite to the position where the sound collection unit 20 is disposed (see Figs. 1A, 1B, and 2). Sound around the image capture device 10 reaches the sound collection unit 20 through at least one sound collection opening 201. The illuminometer 17 receives light of the surrounding environment that passes through this sound collection opening 201. In other words, the illuminometer 17 is disposed below at least one sound collection opening 201. It is preferable that a white filter, for example, is disposed above the illuminometer 17, between the illuminometer 17 and the front case 120. This filter transmits light from the environment surrounding the image capture device 10 and allows the light to reach the illuminometer 17, and also prevents dust and the like from entering the image capture device 10 through the sound collection opening 201.

[0034] A contact member 146 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is provided on the left end of the upper surface of the main base portion 141. The upper surface of the contact member 146 comes into contact with the lower surface of the blade 13, which will be described later.

[0035] <Actuator 15> The actuator 15 is mounted on the rear case 121 side (lower side) with respect to the main base part 141. The actuator 15 functions as a drive part that moves the blade 13 along the first direction, as will be described in detail later. The actuator 15 has a motor 151, a rotating shaft 152, and a gear 153. The motor 151 has, for example, a coil, a yoke, a magnet, etc., and rotates by power (current) supplied from the power supply part 24 under the control of the control part 31. The rotation direction of the motor 151 is reversed depending on the direction of the current supplied to the coil. For example, when a current flows in a certain direction in the coil, the motor 151 rotates clockwise, and when a current flows in the opposite direction in the coil, the motor 151 rotates counterclockwise.

[0036] The rotating shaft 152 extends along the second direction and meshes with the gear 153. The rotating shaft 152 is rotationally driven by the rotation of the motor 151. The gear 153 meshed with the rotating shaft 152 rotates in response to the rotational drive of the rotating shaft 152. As described above, the rotation direction of the motor 151 is reversed depending on the direction of the current supplied thereto. Therefore, the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 152 and the gear 153 is also reversed depending on the direction of the current supplied to the motor 151.

[0037] <Feather 13> Blade 13 is molded from, for example, a synthetic resin or a metal material. As shown in Fig. 2, blade 13 is supported on main base portion 141 of base member 140 so as to be capable of moving straight (sliding). Since main base portion 141 is located above lens 111, blade 13 can be said to be disposed between first opening 125 formed in housing 12 and lens 111 of camera module 11. Blade 13 has light-shielding surface 130 and guide portion 131 formed in front of light-shielding surface 130.

[0038] <Shading surface 130> The light-shielding surface 130 is a thin plate with its longitudinal direction in the first direction, and is disposed on the upper part of the base member 140 and overlaps with the base member 140. More specifically, the light-shielding surface 130 overlaps with the main base portion 141 and partially covers the main base portion 141.

[0039] In the light-shielding surface 130, a second opening 133 and an auxiliary opening 139 are formed which communicate with the top and bottom of the light-shielding surface 130. In other words, the second opening 133 and the auxiliary opening 139 are through holes formed in a part of the light-shielding surface 130 and penetrating the light-shielding surface 130 from the inside to the outside. When the blades 13 are in the second position, the second opening 133 passes subject light which has passed through the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122. The second opening 133 is formed by a first opening region 133a and a second opening region 133b.

[0040] The first opening region 133a is a region sandwiched between two first side wall surfaces 130b that extend leftward in the first direction from the right end of the light-shielding surface 130 while facing each other. The length (width) of the first opening region 133a along the second direction (front-rear direction), i.e., the distance between the first side wall surfaces 130b, is greater than the length (width) of the illuminometer 17 and the sound collection unit 20 along the second direction.

[0041] The second opening area 133b is formed in a circular or substantially circular shape centered on the position through which the optical axis L of the lens 111 passes when the imaging device 10 is in an open state, i.e., when the blades 13 are in an open position. Specifically, it is an area surrounded by an arc-shaped second side wall surface 130c connected to the left end of the first side wall surface 130b. The outer diameter of the second opening area 133b is the same or substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120.

[0042] Further, the lower side of the light-shielding surface 130 abuts against the upper side of the abutment member 146 provided on the main base portion 141 described above. The abutment member 146 is provided on the left end of the upper surface of the main base portion 141, as described above. The light-shielding surface 130 of the blade 13 in the open position is supported from below by this abutment member 146. This prevents the right side of the blade 13 from moving up and down on the main base portion 141, and other rattles.

[0043] <Auxiliary opening 139> The auxiliary opening 139 is a long hole formed on the right and left sides with respect to the optical axis L (see Figs. 1A and 2). That is, the auxiliary opening 139 has two auxiliary openings 139a, 139b provided at different positions along the first direction (left-right direction). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3A, the auxiliary opening 139a is formed at a position overlapping in the vertical direction along the optical axis L with the vicinity of the right end portion, which is a part of the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120, when the blade 13 is in the closed position (first position). The auxiliary opening 139b is formed at a position overlapping in the vertical direction along the optical axis L with the vicinity of the left end portion, which is a part of the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120, when the blade 13 is in the closed position (first position). More specifically, the auxiliary opening 139 is formed outside the field of view VA of the lens 111 shown in Fig. 3A. Therefore, the auxiliary opening 139 overlaps with a main base portion 141 of a base member 140 of the blade driving mechanism 14 in the vertical direction.

[0044] Fig. 3B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of region R surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 3A. As shown in Fig. 3B, auxiliary opening 139a is tapered in the vertical direction such that the inner diameter becomes larger toward the lower side, i.e., the side closer to main base portion 141. Note that auxiliary opening 139b is also tapered in the same manner as auxiliary opening 139a.

[0045] Even when the imaging device 10 is in a closed state, a part of the subject light traveling outside the field of view range VA of the lens 111 reaches the inside of the imaging device 10 through the auxiliary opening 139. That is, the auxiliary opening 139 is an opening through which the subject light can pass. As described above, the auxiliary opening 139 is formed in a tapered shape, and therefore, a light beam traveling non-parallel to the optical axis L can also reach the inside of the imaging device 10 through the auxiliary opening 139. That is, the auxiliary opening 139 allows the light beam arriving from the outside of the imaging device 10 to pass through when the blade 13 is located at the first position. Note that the auxiliary opening 139 is not limited to being formed in a tapered shape. The auxiliary opening 139 may be formed in any shape that allows a part of the subject light traveling outside the field of view range VA of the lens 111 to reach the inside of the imaging device 10 through the auxiliary opening 139.

[0046] As described above, the auxiliary opening 139 and the main base portion 141 overlap each other in the vertical direction, so that the light beam passing through the auxiliary opening 139 is reflected by the main base portion 141. The reflected light (diffused light) reflected by the main base portion 141 is then reflected by the lower surface of the blade 13 and other internal components, passes through the space S between the blade 13 and the main base portion 141, and reaches the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110 via the lens 111. At this time, the diffused light based on the light beam passing through the auxiliary opening 139a formed on the right side of the optical axis L reaches the right region of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110. Also, the diffused light based on the light beam passing through the auxiliary opening 139b formed on the left side of the optical axis L reaches the left region of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110. In other words, when the blade 13 is located in the first position (closed position), the imaging element 110 receives the diffused light that passes through the auxiliary opening 139 and is reflected inside the housing 12.

[0047] Furthermore, because auxiliary opening 139 and main base portion 141 overlap in the vertical direction, when a user views imaging device 10 from the optical axis direction, lens 111 is not visible through auxiliary opening 139. It is preferable that light-shielding surface 130 of blade 13 and the area of ​​main base portion 141, which is the support portion, that overlaps with auxiliary opening 139 in the vertical direction along optical axis L are of similar colors. This makes it difficult for a user to visually recognize that auxiliary opening 139 is formed in light-shielding surface 130.

[0048] <Information section 131> As shown in FIG. 2, the guide portion 131 rises from the front side of the lower surface of the light-shielding surface 130 toward the lower side (rear case 121 side). The guide portion 131 extends along a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the light-shielding surface 130. By cutting out the center of the guide portion 131, a first region 131a on the right side and a second region 131b on the left side are formed on the lower end side of the guide portion 131. That is, the lower end of the first region 131a and the lower end of the second region 131b protrude downward compared to the center of the guide portion 131. In addition, a rack portion is formed along the first direction on the rear surface of the guide portion 131, and meshes with the gear 153 of the actuator 15 described above. As a result, the rotational force of the motor 151 of the actuator 15 is transmitted to the blade 13.

[0049] <Control unit 31> As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 31 is mounted on a board 310 disposed on the front side inside the housing 12. The control unit 31 is configured with, for example, a CPU, a memory, etc., and is electrically connected to a board 112 on which the imaging element 110 is mounted. The control unit 31 is a processor that controls each part of the imaging device 10 by reading and executing a control program pre-recorded in a recording medium such as a flash memory. As will be described in detail later, the control unit 31 performs control to transition the imaging device 10 to an open state based on a change in the output of the imaging element 110 when the imaging device 10 is in a closed state. The control unit 31 also controls the driving of the actuator 15 to move the blade 13.

[0050] <Position Sensor 138> As shown in FIG. 2, the position sensor 138 is disposed on the front side inside the housing 12, on the inside of the blade 13 (i.e., the side where the imaging element 110 is disposed), which will be described later. The position sensor 138 has a rod-shaped contact portion 138a extending in the vertical direction. The contact portion 138a comes into contact with the guide portion 131 formed on the blade 13 and falls to the right or left in response to the movement of the blade 13. Specifically, when the blade 13 moves from the closed position (right side) to the open position (left side), the contact portion 138a comes into contact with the left side surface of the first region 131a of the guide portion 131 and falls to the left. At this time, the contact portion 138a comes into contact with the first switch inside, and the position sensor 138 outputs a signal (first signal) indicating that the blade 13 is in the open position to the control unit 31.

[0051] When blade 13 moves from the open position (left side) to the closed position (right side), contact portion 138a comes into contact with the right side surface of second region 131b of guide portion 131 and tilts to the right. At this time, contact portion 138a comes into contact with the internal second switch, and position sensor 138 outputs a signal (second signal) to control portion 31 indicating that blade 13 is in the closed position.

[0052] <Processing by control unit 31> When setting the imaging device 10 to the open state or the closed state, the control unit 31 performs a process of detecting whether or not the user has performed a predetermined action on the imaging device 10 when the imaging device 10 is in the closed state (action detection process), and a process of moving the blades 13 in a first direction (blade movement process). Each of the above processes will be described below.

[0053] <Motion detection process> When the imaging device 10 is in the closed state, that is, when the second signal is input from the position sensor 138, the control unit 31 detects whether or not the user has performed a predetermined action on the imaging device 10, using the signal (image signal) output from the imaging element 110. As described above, when the blade 13 is in the closed position, the light flux traveling from outside the field of view range VA of the lens 111 enters the inside of the housing 12 through the auxiliary opening 139 and reaches the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110. At this time, the light flux that has entered the inside of the housing 12 is reflected by the internal structure of the imaging device 10, and becomes diffused light, and reaches the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110 through the lens 111. In other words, the diffused light that has reached the imaging element 110 when the imaging device 10 is in the closed state is not imaged on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110.

[0054] Therefore, the image signal output from the imaging element 110 has an output value according to the amount of light (brightness) of the diffused light incident through the auxiliary opening 139. As described above, the diffused light incident through the auxiliary opening 139a is incident on the right side of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110, and the diffused light incident through the auxiliary opening 139b is incident on the left side of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110. Therefore, when the right side of the imaging device 10 is shaded by another object or the like, the output of the right side region of the imaging element 110 (region near one end in the first direction) decreases. Also, when the left side of the imaging device 10 is shaded by another object or the like, the output of the left side region of the imaging element 110 (region near the other end in the first direction) decreases.

[0055] Using the image signal, the control unit 31 detects whether or not the user has performed a predetermined action. Specifically, the control unit 31 detects whether or not the user has performed a predetermined action based on a change in the output of the imaging element 110 that receives diffused light that passes through the auxiliary opening 139a and is reflected inside the housing 12 when the blades 13 are in the closed position (first position). Then, when the predetermined action is performed, the control unit 31 moves the blades 13 from the first position to the second position. One example of the predetermined action performed by the user is waving a hand in the left-right direction (first direction) a predetermined number of times in front of the imaging device 10.

[0056] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an example of a predetermined action performed by a user. Figure 4A typically shows a case where the user holds his / her hand H over the right side of the imaging device 10, and Figure 4B typically shows a case where the user holds his / her hand H over the left side of the imaging device 10. When the user waves his / her hand H as a predetermined action, the state shown in Figure 4A and the state shown in Figure 4B alternate a predetermined number of times.

[0057] When hand H is held over the right side of imaging device 10 as shown in Fig. 4A, the output of a region near one end in the first direction of imaging element 110 decreases. When hand H is held over the left side of imaging device 10 as shown in Fig. 4B, the output of a region near the other end in the first direction of imaging element 110 decreases. When the user waves hand H, during a period in which the user is performing a predetermined action (action period), a state in which the output of a region near one end in the first direction of imaging element 110 decreases and a state in which the output of a region near the other end in the first direction of imaging element 110 decreases occur repeatedly a predetermined number of times.

[0058] When control unit 31 detects, based on the input image signal, that a change in output of imaging element 110 as described above has occurred in response to a predetermined action by the user in the first direction during the operation period, it determines that the user has performed the predetermined action. When control unit 31 detects that the user has performed the predetermined action, it drives actuator 15 to move blade 13 from the closed position (first position) to the open position (second position).

[0059] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the motion detection process performed by the control unit 31. Each process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 is performed by the control unit 31 reading out a program recorded in an internal memory or the like and executing the program.

[0060] In step S10, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the blades 13 are in the closed position (first position). Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a second signal has been output from the position sensor 138. If the second signal has not been output, the control unit 31 makes a negative determination in step S10 and ends the process. If the second signal has been input to the control unit 31, the control unit 31 makes an affirmative determination in step S10 and the process proceeds to step S11.

[0061] In step S11, the control unit 31 controls the imaging element 110 to generate an image signal at a predetermined frame rate, and outputs the generated image signal to the control unit 31. After that, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0062] In step S12, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a predetermined action has been performed by the user based on the image signals generated at each predetermined frame rate during the operation period. In this case, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a change has occurred in the output of the area near one end and the other end of the image sensor 110 in the first direction corresponding to the right and left sides of the imaging device 10 based on the multiple image signals output during the operation period. If the change in the output of the area near one end and the other end of the image sensor 110 in the first direction has been repeated a predetermined number of times, the control unit 31 judges that the predetermined action has been performed by the user and makes a positive judgment. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13. If there is no change in the output of the area near one end and the other end of the image sensor 110 in the first direction in the multiple image signals or if the change in the output has not been repeated a predetermined number of times, the control unit 31 judges that the predetermined action has not been performed by the user and makes a negative judgment. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.

[0063] In step S13, control unit 31 drives actuator 15 and ends the process, which causes blades 13 to move to the open position (second position), as described below.

[0064] <Blade movement processing> As described above, when it is detected that a predetermined action has been performed by the user while the imaging device 10 is in the closed state, the control unit 31 moves the blade 13 to the left side to open the imaging device 10. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the direction of the current supplied to the coil of the actuator 15 to rotate the motor 151. The driving force generated by the rotation of the motor 151 is transmitted to the light-shielding surface 130 via the gear 153. As described above, the gear 153 meshes with a rack formed on the guide portion 131 of the blade 13 and extending in the first direction. Therefore, the driving force generated by the rotation of the motor 151 is converted into a linear moving force along the first direction.

[0065] As a result, the light blocking surface 130 moves to the left in the left-right direction. When the light blocking surface 130 moves to the left and reaches the open position, the contact portion 138a comes into contact with the first switch inside, and the position sensor 138 outputs a first signal to the control unit 31. Upon inputting the first signal, the control unit 31 stops the supply of current to the coil of the actuator 15, and stops the movement of the blades 13.

[0066] FIG. 6A is an internal perspective view of the imaging device 10 in an open state, with the front case 120 removed from the state shown in FIG. 1B.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6A, the blade 13 can move leftward to a position where the first opening 125 is opened. That is, the blade 13 can move to a position where the center of the second opening region 133b included in the second opening 133 of the blade 13 coincides or substantially coincides with the center of the first opening 125 of the ceiling plate 122. As a result, the lens 111 is exposed as shown in FIG. 1B. As described above, the outer diameter of the opening 143 formed in the main base portion 141 of the base member 140 is larger than the outer diameter of the lens 111 and smaller than the outer diameter of the first opening 125 formed in the front case 120. Therefore, when the blade 13 moves to the open position, a part of the main base portion 141 is also exposed (see FIG. 1B). The imaging device 10 is blocked from the outside by the part of the main base portion 141 exposed in this way and the second side wall surface 130c of the second opening region 133b of the light-shielding surface 130 located between the main base portion 141 and the ceiling plate 122. As a result, foreign matter such as dust is prevented from entering the inside of the housing 12 through the first opening 125.

[0068] 6A, when the blade 13 is in the open position, a part of the sound collection unit 20 is located in the first opening region 133a of the second opening 133, and the remaining part of the sound collection unit 20 and the illuminance meter 17 are located to the right of the light-shielding surface 130 of the blade 13. In other words, the illuminance meter 17 and the sound collection unit 20 are not blocked by the light-shielding surface 130.

[0069] When the imaging device 10 is in the open state, for example, if a signal instructing the movement of the blade 13 to the closed position is input via the antenna 27, the control unit 31 moves the blade 13 to the right to close the imaging device 10. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the direction of the current supplied to the coil of the actuator 15 to be reversed when the imaging device 10 is in the open state, and rotates the motor 151 in the reverse direction. The driving force generated by the reverse rotation of the motor 151 moves the light-shielding surface 130 to the right in the left-right direction. When the light-shielding surface 130 moves to the right and reaches the closed position, the contact portion 138a comes into contact with the second switch inside, and the position sensor 138 outputs a first signal to the control unit 31. When the control unit 31 inputs the second signal, it stops the supply of current to the coil of the actuator 15 to stop the movement of the blade 13.

[0070] FIG. 6B is an internal perspective view of the imaging device 10 in a closed state, with the front case 120 removed from the state shown in FIG. 1A.

[0071] 6B, blade 13 can move to the right to a position where it completely blocks first opening 125. That is, blade 13 can move until the left end of second opening region 133b included in second opening 133 of blade 13 is positioned to the right of the right end of first opening 125. At this time, illuminometer 17 and sound collection unit 20 are positioned within second opening region 133b of second opening 133.

[0072] As described above, since the first opening region 133a of the second opening 133 is formed, when the blade 13 moves between the open position and the closed position, the first opening region 133a passes through the arrangement positions of the illuminometer 17 and the sound collection unit 20. That is, the illuminometer 17 and the sound collection unit 20 are not blocked by the light-shielding surface 130. Therefore, even when the blade 13 is in the open position, the closed position, or moving between the open position and the closed position, the illuminometer 17 and the sound collection unit 20 are prevented from being blocked by the blade 13. As a result, the function of the illuminometer 17 to detect the brightness of the surrounding environment and the function of the sound collection unit 20 to collect surrounding sounds are maintained regardless of the position of the blade 13.

[0073] According to the above-described first embodiment, at least one of the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0074] (1) The imaging device 10 has an auxiliary opening 139 that is provided outside the field of view of the lens 111 and through which subject light can pass. When the blades 13 are in the closed position, which is the first position, the control unit 31 controls the actuator 15, which is a drive unit, based on a change in the output of the imaging element 110 that receives diffused light that passes through the auxiliary opening 139 and is reflected inside the housing 12, to move the blades 13 to the open position, which is the second position. This makes it possible to control the movement of the blades 13 to the open position without providing a device that inputs an instruction (trigger) to move the blades 13 to the open position from outside the imaging device 10 or a sensor that detects changes in the environment outside the imaging device 10. As a result, the internal structure of the imaging device 10 is prevented from becoming complicated, and an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, which contributes to reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, when the blades 13 move to the closed position, the lens 111 cannot be seen from the outside, so the privacy of the person being photographed can be protected.

[0075] (2) Auxiliary opening 139 is provided in light-shielding surface 130 of blade 13. This makes it possible to guide light arriving from outside imaging device 10 to imaging element 110 even when blade 13 is in the closed position.

[0076] (3) A plurality of auxiliary openings 139 are provided at different positions along the left-right direction, which is the first direction. When the output of image sensor 110 changes in response to a predetermined action by the user along the first direction, controller 31 controls actuator 15 to move blades 13 to the open position, which is the second position. This allows blades 13 to be moved to the open position with a simple operation, and imaging device 10 to transition to an open state in which imaging is possible.

[0077] <Second embodiment> The imaging device of the second embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and differences will be mainly described. Points that are not particularly described are the same as those of the first embodiment. The imaging device of the second embodiment differs from the imaging device 10 of the first embodiment in that it has an auxiliary opening and that the environmental change detection process is performed taking into account the attitude of the installed imaging device.

[0078] Fig. 7 is an external view of imaging device 10 of the second embodiment, showing imaging device 10 in a closed state. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of imaging device 10 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, auxiliary openings 139 in light-shielding surface 130 of blade 13 further include auxiliary openings 139c and 139d in addition to auxiliary openings 139a and 139b similar to those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8, imaging device 10 is provided with attitude detection unit 32.

[0079] <Auxiliary opening 139> In the second embodiment, the auxiliary opening 139 further includes two auxiliary openings 139c and 139d along a second direction (front-rear direction) intersecting with the first direction. The auxiliary opening 139c is an elongated hole formed on the front side with respect to the optical axis L, and the auxiliary opening 139d is an elongated hole formed on the rear side with respect to the optical axis L. The auxiliary opening 139c is formed at a position overlapping in the up-down direction along the optical axis L with the vicinity of a front end portion that is a part of the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120 when the blade 13 is in the closed position (first position). The auxiliary opening 139d is formed at a position overlapping in the up-down direction along the optical axis L with the vicinity of a rear end portion that is a part of the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120 when the blade 13 is in the closed position (first position). That is, the auxiliary openings 139c and 139d are also formed outside the field of view VA of the lens 111 shown in FIG. 3A.

[0080] Since auxiliary openings 139c and 139d are formed at the above positions, similar to auxiliary openings 139a and 139b, auxiliary openings 139c and 139d also overlap in the vertical direction with main base portion 141 of base member 140 of blade drive mechanism 14. Similarly to auxiliary openings 139a and 139b, auxiliary openings 139c and 139d are also formed in a tapered shape (see FIG. 3B) in which the inner diameter becomes larger downward, i.e., on the side closer to main base portion 141, in the vertical direction.

[0081] Therefore, the light flux that passes through the auxiliary opening 139c is reflected by components of the imaging device 10, such as the main base portion 141, and reaches the front region of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110 as diffused light. The light flux that passes through the auxiliary opening 139d is reflected by other components of the imaging device 10, such as the main base portion 141, and reaches the rear region of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 110 as diffused light. Therefore, when the front side of the imaging device 10 is blocked by another object, the output of the region of the imaging element 110 corresponding to the front side of the imaging device 10 (region near one end in the second direction) changes. Also, when the rear side of the imaging device 10 is blocked by another object, the output of the region of the imaging element 110 corresponding to the rear side of the imaging device 10 (region near the other end in the second direction) changes.

[0082] <Posture detection unit 32> The attitude detection unit 32 is, for example, an acceleration sensor, and is disposed on the substrate 321. The attitude detection unit 32 detects the attitude of the imaging device 10 based on gravity acting on the imaging device 10, and outputs a signal (attitude signal) to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 determines the attitude of the installed imaging device 10 based on the input attitude signal. Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether the imaging device 10 is installed in an attitude (first attitude) in which the left-right direction (first direction) and the vertical direction (gravity direction) of the imaging device 10 intersect, or in an attitude (second attitude) in which the first direction of the imaging device 10 is along the vertical direction (gravity direction), based on the attitude signal. It can also be said that the control unit 31 determines that the imaging device 10 is installed in the first attitude when the front-rear direction (second direction) of the imaging device 10 is along the vertical direction, and that the imaging device 10 is installed in the second attitude when the left-right direction (first direction) of the imaging device 10 is along the vertical direction. That is, when the attitude detection unit 32 detects that gravity is acting on the front or rear side of the imaging device 10, the control unit 31 determines that the imaging device 10 is installed in the first attitude. On the other hand, when the attitude detection unit 32 detects that gravity is acting on the right or left side of the imaging device 10, the control unit 31 determines that the imaging device 10 is installed in the second attitude.

[0083] <Motion detection process> In the second embodiment, the control unit 31 also performs the motion detection process when the imaging device 10 is in the closed state. Fig. 9A is a diagram that illustrates a state in which the imaging device 10 is installed in a first attitude, and a predetermined motion by the user. Fig. 9B is a diagram that illustrates a state in which the imaging device 10 is installed in a second attitude, and a predetermined motion by the user. Fig. 9A shows a case in which the imaging device 10 is installed so that the front side faces downward in the vertical direction. Fig. 9B shows a case in which the imaging device 10 is installed so that the right side faces downward in the vertical direction.

[0084] The predetermined action performed by the user is, as in the first embodiment, the action of waving the hand H. In this case, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the user moves the hand H back and forth a predetermined number of times along a direction (motion direction) M intersecting the vertical direction.

[0085] 9A, when imaging device 10 is installed in a first attitude, a first direction of imaging device 10 intersects with the direction of gravity acting on imaging device 10. At this time, the left-right direction of imaging device 10, i.e., the first direction in which blade 13 moves, coincides or approximately coincides with direction M of user movement.

[0086] In this case, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a predetermined action has been performed by the user based on a change in the output of the image sensor 110 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, when the control unit 31 detects that a state in which the output of an area near one end of the image sensor 110 in the first direction is reduced and a state in which the output of an area near the other end of the image sensor 110 in the first direction is reduced are repeated a predetermined number of times based on the image signal, the control unit 31 determines that a predetermined action has been performed by the user. In other words, when the first direction of the imaging device 10 intersects with the direction of gravity, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a predetermined action has been performed by the user based on a change in the output of the image sensor 110 according to the light flux that has passed through the auxiliary openings 139a and 139b formed along the first direction.

[0087] 9B, when imaging device 10 is installed in the second attitude, the second direction of imaging device 10 intersects with the direction of gravity acting on imaging device 10, and the first direction of imaging device 10 intersects with motion direction M. At this time, the front-rear direction of imaging device 10, i.e., the second direction intersecting with the first direction in which blade 13 moves, coincides or approximately coincides with the user's motion direction M.

[0088] In this case, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a predetermined action has been performed by the user based on a change in the output of the imaging element 110. That is, when the control unit 31 detects, based on the image signal, that a state in which the output of an area near one end of the imaging element 110 in the second direction is reduced and a state in which the output of an area near the other end of the imaging element 110 in the second direction is reduced are repeated a predetermined number of times, the control unit 31 judges that a predetermined action has been performed by the user. In other words, when the second direction of the imaging device 10 intersects with the direction of gravity, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a predetermined action has been performed by the user based on a change in the output of the imaging element 110 according to the light flux that has passed through the auxiliary openings 139c and 139d formed along the second direction.

[0089] When the control unit 31 determines that a predetermined action has been performed by the user along the movement direction M, it drives the actuator 15 to move the blades 13 from the closed position to the open position, as in the first embodiment.

[0090] Fig. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the motion detection process performed by the control unit 31 in the second embodiment. Each process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 10 is performed by the control unit 31 reading out a program recorded in an internal memory or the like and executing the program.

[0091] In step S20 (determining whether the blades 13 are in the closed position), the control unit 31 performs the same process as step S10 (determining whether the blades 13 are in the closed position) shown in FIG. 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the control unit 31 determines whether the imaging device 10 is installed in the first attitude based on the attitude signal output from the attitude detection unit 32. If the first direction of the imaging device 10 and the direction of gravity acting on the imaging device 10 intersect, the control unit 31 determines that the imaging device 10 is in the first attitude and makes a positive determination. Then, the process proceeds to step S22. If the first direction of the imaging device 10 is along the direction of gravity acting on the imaging device 10, the control unit 31 determines that the imaging device 10 is in the second attitude and makes a negative determination. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0092] In step S22 (image signal generation) and step S23 (determination of the presence or absence of a predetermined motion), the control unit 31 performs the same processes as step S11 (image signal generation) and step S12 (determination of the presence or absence of a predetermined motion) shown in Fig. 5. The process then proceeds to step S26. In step S24, the control unit 31 performs the same process as step S11 (image signal generation) shown in Fig. 5. The process then proceeds to step S25.

[0093] In step S25, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a predetermined action has been performed by the user on the imaging device 10 installed in the second attitude. In this case, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a change has occurred in the output of the region near one end and the other end in the second direction of the imaging element 110 based on a plurality of image signals generated during the operation period. If the change in the output of the region near one end and the other end in the second direction of the imaging element 110 has occurred a predetermined number of times, the control unit 31 judges that the predetermined action has been performed by the user and makes a positive judgment. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S26. If there is no change in the output of the region near one end and the other end in the second direction of the imaging element 110 or if the change in the output has not been repeated a predetermined number of times, the control unit 31 judges that the predetermined action has not been performed by the user and makes a negative judgment. Thereafter, the process returns to step S24. In step S26 (driving the actuator 15), the control unit 31 performs the same process as step S13 (driving the actuator 15) in FIG. 5.

[0094] According to the second embodiment described above, in addition to the advantageous effects (1) and (2) obtained by the first embodiment, at least one of the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0095] (4) Auxiliary openings 139c, 139d are provided along the front-rear direction, which is a second direction intersecting with the first direction. This makes it possible to guide diffused light to image sensor 110 even when a predetermined action of the user is performed along a direction different from the first direction, which is the moving direction of blade 13.

[0096] (5) When the attitude detected by attitude detection unit 32 is the first attitude, control unit 31 controls actuator 15, which is a drive unit, based on a change in the output of imaging element 110 in the first direction to move blades 13 to the open position, which is the second position. Also, when the attitude detected by attitude detection unit 32 is the second attitude, control unit 31 controls actuator 15, which is a drive unit, based on a change in the output of imaging element 110 in the second direction to move blades 13 to the open position, which is the second position. This makes it possible to determine whether or not a predetermined action has been performed by the user, regardless of the attitude of installed imaging device 10, and to control the movement of blades 13 to the open position.

[0097] <First Modification> In the first embodiment, auxiliary openings 139 (139a, 139b) are formed in light-shielding surface 130 of blade 13, but the invention is not limited to auxiliary openings 139 being formed in light-shielding surface 130.

[0098] FIG. 11A is an external perspective view of the imaging device 10 in the closed state in the first modified example. As shown in FIG. 11A, the auxiliary opening 139 is formed on the ceiling plate 122 of the housing 12, not on the light-shielding surface 130. Specifically, the auxiliary opening 139a is an elongated hole formed on the right side of the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122, and the auxiliary opening 139b is an elongated hole formed on the left side of the first opening 125. Since the auxiliary openings 139a and 139b are formed on the ceiling plate 122 outside the first opening 125, it can be said that the auxiliary opening 139 is formed outside the field of view range VA of the lens 111 in the first modified example as well. Other configurations of the imaging device 10 in the first modified example and the processing performed by the control unit 31 are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0099] As a result, in the first modified example in which the auxiliary opening 139 is formed in the housing 12, the same advantageous effects as those (1) and (3) obtained in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0100] <Second Modification> In the second embodiment, auxiliary openings 139 (139a, 139b, 139c, 139d) are formed in light-shielding surface 130 of blade 13, but the present invention is not limited to auxiliary openings 139 being formed in light-shielding surface 130.

[0101] Fig. 11B is an external perspective view of imaging device 10 in a closed state in the second modified example. In the second modified example as well, auxiliary opening 139 is formed on ceiling plate 122 of housing 12, not on light-shielding surface 130. Specifically, auxiliary openings 139a and 139b are formed in the same positions as in the first modified example shown in Fig. 11A. Auxiliary opening 139c is an elongated hole formed in front of first opening 125 formed in ceiling plate 122, and auxiliary opening 139d is an elongated hole formed in rear of first opening 125.

[0102] Also in the second modified example, auxiliary opening 139 is formed on ceiling plate 122 outside first opening 125, and it can be said that auxiliary opening 139 is formed outside field of view range VA of lens 111. Other configurations of imaging device 10 in the second modified example and processing performed by control unit 31 are similar to those in the second embodiment.

[0103] As a result, in the second modified example in which the auxiliary opening 139 is formed in the housing 12, the same effects as the effect (1) obtained by the first embodiment and the effects (4) and (5) obtained by the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0104] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Other embodiments that are conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0105] The shape of the subopenings 139 in the first and second embodiments, and the first and second modifications is not limited to an elongated hole, but may be various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon.

[0106] In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modified examples, examples were illustrated in which the ceiling plate 122 of the housing 12 of the imaging device 10, the main base portion 141 of the base member 140, and the light-shielding surface 130 of the blade 13 have shapes curved in the second direction according to the curvature of the lens 111. That is, the imaging device 10 has a shape in which the vicinity of the center in the second direction protrudes upward. However, the shapes of the ceiling plate 122, the main base portion 141, and the light-shielding surface 130 are not limited to the above shapes, and may be flat plates without protruding parts.

[0107] Furthermore, the attitude detection unit 32 is not limited to an acceleration sensor. For example, the attitude detection unit 32 may be a sensor that detects the attitude of the imaging device 10 based on the angular velocity of the housing 12, such as a gyro sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10 imaging device, 11 camera module, 12 housing, 13 blade, 14 blade drive mechanism, 15 actuator, 31 control unit, 32 attitude detection unit, 110 imaging element, 111 lens, 112 substrate, 113 lens holder, 120 front case, 121 rear case, 122 ceiling plate, 125 first opening, 126 lighting opening, 130 light-shielding surface, 131 guide unit, 133 second opening, 133a first opening area, 133b second opening area, 138 position sensor, 139, 139a, 139b, 139c, 139d auxiliary opening, 140 base member, 141 main base unit, 142 sub-base unit, 143 opening

Claims

1. An image sensor that receives subject light; an optical member that guides the subject light that has passed through a first opening provided in the housing to the image sensor; a light blocking portion provided between the first opening and the optical member, the light blocking portion being located at either a first position that restricts the subject light from being input to the imaging element or a second position that allows the subject light to be incident on the imaging element; a drive unit that moves the light blocking unit in a first direction intersecting an optical axis of the optical member to position the light blocking unit at either the first position or the second position; an auxiliary opening provided outside the field of view of the optical member and through which the subject light can pass; A control unit that controls the driving of the driving unit, an imaging device, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on a change in output of the imaging element that receives diffuse light that passes through the auxiliary opening and is reflected inside the housing when the light-shielding unit is located at the first position, to move the light-shielding unit, which is located at the first position, to the second position.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, The auxiliary opening is provided in the light blocking portion.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, The auxiliary opening is provided in the housing.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 2, a plurality of the auxiliary openings are provided at different positions along the first direction.

5. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, An imaging device, wherein when the output of the imaging element changes in response to a predetermined action by a user along the first direction, the control unit controls the drive unit to move the light-shielding unit located at the first position to the second position.

6. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, a plurality of the auxiliary openings are further provided along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

7. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, an attitude detection unit for detecting an attitude of the imaging device; when the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit is a first attitude in which the first direction and a direction of gravity intersect, the control unit moves the light blocking unit located at the first position to the second position based on a change in an output of the image sensor in the first direction; an imaging device, wherein when the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit is a second attitude in which the first direction is along the direction of gravity, the control unit moves the light-shielding unit located at the first position to the second position based on a change in output of the imaging element in the second direction.

Images