Camera device

Abstract

To increase the freedom of use of a camera device when the camera body is detached from an object to be attached.SOLUTION: A camera device (CA) includes a camera body (1) having a lens (11) for photographing on the front side, a control unit (5) for controlling the operation of the camera body, and a mount component (3) for mounting the camera body to a predetermined mounting target. The camera body and the control unit are connected to be able to communicate with each other. The mount component is detachably attached to the camera body, and has a portion (32) that overlaps with the rear surface of the camera body. With the mount component removed, the rear surface of the camera body can be used as a mounting surface (21) that can be placed on any flat surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera device. [Background technology]

[0002] Head-mounted camera devices that are worn on the head of a user are known. Such camera devices include a camera body having a photographing lens and a control unit that controls the photographing operation of the camera body. The camera body and the control unit are separate components and are connected to each other by wire so that they can communicate with each other.

[0003] As an example of this type of camera device, a camera body that is attached to the temple of glasses is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the camera device of Patent Document 1, a magnet is built into the camera body, and the camera body is attached to the temple of glasses by utilizing the magnetic force. In this camera device, the camera body is fixed by magnetic force at multiple points along the temple of glasses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-060139 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the camera device of Patent Document 1, the camera body is in the form of a long and thin rod. Therefore, it is not expected to be used for various purposes, such as when the camera body is detached from the glasses. In addition, if the camera body is fixed by magnetic force, there is a risk that the camera body may be unintentionally detached from the glasses when the user's hand or the like hits the camera body.

[0006] One possible method for preventing the camera body from coming off the glasses is to fix a mount part to the camera body and use the mount part to attach the camera body to the temple of the glasses. In this method, if the mount part is configured to overlap the back of the camera body, such as by setting the attachment part to the back of the camera body, the uses of the camera device will be limited.

[0007] If the camera body is assumed to be detached from the glasses, for example, it could be used as a conference camera that uses an ultra-wide-angle lens for the shooting lens, places the camera body on a table with the shooting lens facing upwards, and shoots a full 360° view. However, if the mount parts overlap with the back of the camera body, the mount parts get in the way and the camera body cannot be stably placed on the table surface. As a result, it cannot be used as a conference camera.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to increase the freedom of use of a camera device in which the camera body is attached to a specified attachment object such as glasses using a mounting part, when the camera body is detached from the attachment object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above objective, the technology disclosed herein configures the rear surface of the camera body as a mounting surface that can be placed on any flat surface, and configures the mounting part to be freely attached and detached from the camera body, so that even if the mounting part overlaps the rear surface of the camera body when attached to the camera body, the mounting part can be removed so that the rear surface of the camera body can function as a mounting surface.

[0010] A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a camera device. The camera device of the first aspect includes a camera body having a lens for photographing on the front, a control unit for controlling the operation of the camera body, and a mounting part for mounting the camera body to a predetermined mounting target. The camera body and the control unit are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The mounting part is detachably attached to the camera body and has a portion that overlaps with the back surface of the camera body. The back surface of the camera body can be used as a mounting surface that can be placed on any flat surface when the mounting part is removed.

[0011] In this first aspect, the mount part has a portion overlapping the rear surface of the camera body, but is detachably attached to the camera body. Therefore, when attaching the camera body to a predetermined attachment target, if the mount part is attached to the camera body, the camera body can be attached to the attachment target using the mount part. Also, when the camera body is removed from the attachment target and used, the mount part can be removed from the camera body. And, the rear surface of the camera body can be used as a mounting surface that can be placed on any flat surface when the mount part is removed. Therefore, by placing the camera body with the mount part removed on a flat surface such as a table surface so that the lens for shooting faces upward, it can be used as a conference camera. Therefore, the degree of freedom of use of the camera device when the camera body is removed from the attachment target can be increased.

[0012] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device according to the first aspect, in which the camera body has a mounting portion on a rear surface thereof to which the mounting part is attached. The mounting portion is recessed from the rear surface portion usable as the placement surface. The mounting part has a fitting portion that fits into the mounting portion.

[0013] In the second aspect, the mount part is attached to the attachment part on the rear surface of the camera body. This allows the attachment position of the camera body to be easily changed in the vertical and horizontal directions relative to the attachment target, and increases the degree of freedom of the attachment position of the camera body. The attachment part of the camera body is provided in a manner recessed from the rear surface portion that forms the mounting surface. This allows both the rear surface portion that forms the mounting surface and the attachment part to be present on the rear surface of the camera body. This increases the degree of freedom of the attachment position of the camera body relative to the attachment target, while also increasing the degree of freedom of the use of the camera device when the camera body is detached from the attachment target.

[0014] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the camera device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the mounting object is a head-mounted device, and the mounting part has a hook portion that is hooked from above onto a side portion of the head-mounted device.

[0015] In this third embodiment, the object to which the camera body is attached is a head mounting device. The mount part is attached to the head mounting device by hooking the hook part from above onto the side part of the head mounting device while the mount part is attached to the camera body. In this way, the camera body can be attached to the head mounting device. This makes it relatively easy to attach and detach the camera body to and from the head mounting device.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the camera device according to the third aspect, wherein the camera body and the control unit are connected by a cable, and the control unit supplies power to the camera body via the cable.

[0017] In this fourth aspect, the camera body and the control unit are connected by wire. This allows power to be supplied from the control unit to the camera body via the cable, eliminating the need for a battery in the camera body. This allows the camera body to be made lighter. This is advantageous for use as a so-called wearable camera that is worn on a head-mounted device such as glasses. In addition, since the camera body can communicate with the control unit via the cable, it can be made waterproof so that it can be used underwater.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the camera device according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a rear cover part that covers a rear surface of the camera body when the mount part is attached to the camera body, and a cable holder that holds the cable is provided on the rear cover part.

[0019] In the fifth aspect, a cable holder is provided on the rear cover portion of the mount part that covers the rear surface of the camera body. If the cable is held by this cable holder with some slack from the connection portion of the camera body, the cable will come off the cable holder if it gets caught on something and is pulled unexpectedly, thereby preventing the external force from being directly applied to the camera body when the cable is pulled. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the camera device of the present disclosure, in a camera device in which the camera body is attached to a specified attachment target using a mounting part, it is possible to increase the freedom of use when the camera body is detached from the attachment target. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a camera device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the camera body of the embodiment is attached to glasses. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the camera body of the embodiment is attached to glasses. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the camera device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the camera body and mount components according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting component according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view illustrating a state in which the camera body of the embodiment is attached to glasses during use. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a state in which the first cable is pulled when the camera body of the embodiment is attached to glasses during use. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a use of the camera body according to the embodiment when it is detached from the glasses. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a state in which the camera body of the embodiment is placed on a table surface. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a state in which the camera body of the embodiment is placed on a table surface. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a camera device according to a first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to switching of the shooting mode of the camera device of the first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating a state in which the camera body is attached to glasses using the mounting part of the second modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a camera body and a mount component of the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a camera device according to the present disclosure will be described using an example in which the camera body is attached to glasses to function as a wearable camera. The glasses are an example of a head-worn device as a predetermined attachment target.

[0023] In this specification, the side of the camera body and mounting parts where the lens for shooting is directed (the front side in the shooting direction) is referred to as the "front," and the side opposite the side where the lens is directed is referred to as the "rear." In addition, the left side of the camera body and mounting parts in the left-right direction when facing forward in the posture when used as a wearable camera attached to glasses is referred to as the "left," and the right side is referred to as the "right," and in the same posture, the upper side in the up-down direction is referred to as the "upper," and the lower side is referred to as the "lower."

[0024] <<Embodiment>> The camera device CA of this embodiment is a device that can be used for remote presence of on-site work, such as construction work, facility construction, infrastructure maintenance work, etc., and factory inspections, etc. The use of the camera device CA of this example as a wearable camera is not limited to remote presence of on-site work, and it can be used for various purposes as long as it is used for photographing while wearing the glasses GL.

[0025] -Overall configuration of the camera device- As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the camera device CA includes a camera body 1, a mount component 3, a control unit 5, and a first cable .

[0026] Camera body 1 is a component that takes pictures. Camera body 1 has lens 11 for taking pictures on the front side. Lens 11 is an ultra-wide angle lens. An ultra-wide angle lens here has an angle of view of about 120° to 180°. The angle of view of lens 11 in this example is 180°. When such lens 11 is used, the shooting range is a solid angle of 2π steradians. When the shooting range of camera body 1 does not need to be a solid angle of 2π steradians, lens 11 may have an angle of view of less than 180°.

[0027] The camera body 1 has a first housing 10 that houses components such as an image sensor 12. A lens housing section 10a that opens to the outside is provided on the front part of the first housing 10. A lens holder (not shown) is housed in the opening of the lens housing section 10a. A lens 11 is held by the lens holder and positioned in the opening, and is provided so as to protrude from the opening to the outside of the first housing 10.

[0028] The camera body 1 can be attached to the temple TE of the glasses GL using the mount part 3 so that the lens 11 faces forward of a wearer (hereinafter also referred to as a user) DU of the glasses GL. The temple TE is an element that constitutes the side part of the glasses GL. Note that, although an example of a mode in which the camera body 1 is attached to the left temple TE of the glasses GL is shown in Figs. 2 and 3, it is also possible to attach the camera body 1 to the right temple TE of the glasses GL by changing the attachment direction of the mount part 3 or by replacing the mount part 3.

[0029] The control unit 5 is a component that controls the operation of the camera body 1. The control unit 5 has a second housing 50 that houses components such as a board including a control unit 60. A status lamp 51 that indicates the operating state of the camera device CA is provided on the front side of the second housing 50. The control unit 5 is connected to the camera body 1 by a wire. A first cable 7 is used to connect the control unit 5 and the camera body 1.

[0030] The control unit 5 supplies power to the camera body 1 via a first cable 7 and is communicatively connected thereto. The first cable 7 is connected to the lower part of the camera body 1 in a state in which the camera body 1 is attached to the glasses GL via the mount part 3. The first cable 7 is held by a cable holder 47 provided on the mount part 3 on the rear side of the camera body 1. The first cable 7 is a thin coaxial cable.

[0031] The information terminal 100 is further connected to the control unit 5 by wire. A second cable 8 is used to connect the control unit 5 and the information terminal 100. The second cable 8 is a USB Type-C cable. A dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated app) for controlling the operation of the camera device CA is installed in the information terminal 100.

[0032] Furthermore, the information terminal 100 has a wireless LAN function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and a communication function based on a mobile communication standard such as LTE (registered trademark). By using this communication function, the information terminal 100 can access the Internet.

[0033] An example of the information terminal 100 is a multi-function mobile phone called a smartphone. The information terminal 100 may be another mobile device such as a tablet terminal, so long as it is portable. In addition, when the camera device CA is used on a table as described later, a notebook or desktop personal computer may be used as the information terminal 100.

[0034] The control unit 5 is further connected to a mobile battery 200 by a wire. A third cable 9 is used to connect the control unit 5 and the mobile battery 200. The third cable 9 is a USB Type-C cable. The mobile battery 200 is a power source for supplying power from the control unit 5 to the camera body 1. The mobile battery 200 can also be used as a power source for charging the built-in battery of the information terminal 100 via the control unit 5.

[0035] 4, the camera body 1 includes a first power supply circuit 13, an image sensor 12, a temperature sensor 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a gyro sensor 16, a microphone 18, and a first connector 19. These components are housed inside a first housing 10.

[0036] First power supply circuit 13 receives power supplied to camera body 1 via first cable 7, and converts the power into a voltage suitable for each component built into camera body 1 and supplies it to each component. Image sensor 12, temperature sensor 14, acceleration sensor 15, gyro sensor 16, and microphone 18 function by receiving power supplied from first power supply circuit 13.

[0037] The imaging element 12 is provided on the rear side of the lens 11. The imaging element 12 converts the light collected by the lens 11 into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion, and generates an image signal. Examples of the imaging element 12 include a CMOS image sensor and a CCD image sensor. The image signal generated by the imaging element 12 is output to the first connector 19 and transmitted to the control unit 5 via the first cable 7.

[0038] The temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that detects the internal temperature of the camera body 1. Examples of the internal temperature of the camera body 1 include the temperature of the internal space of the first housing 10 and the temperature of the image sensor 12. The temperature sensor 14 is used to perform control to ensure the operation of the image sensor 12. A detection signal indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 is output to the first connector 19.

[0039] The acceleration sensor 15 is a sensor that detects acceleration on three axes. The acceleration sensor 15 detects the direction of gravitational acceleration acting on the camera body 1. The gyro sensor 16 is a sensor that detects angular velocity on three axes. The gyro sensor 16 detects angular velocity when the orientation of the camera body 1 changes. A detection signal indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 15 and a detection signal indicating the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensor 16 are output to a first connector 19.

[0040] The microphone 18 is a component that detects and collects sounds around the camera body 1. The microphone 18 converts sound vibrations into an electrical signal to generate a sound signal. A MEMS microphone or an electret condenser microphone (ECM) is used as the microphone 18. A sound signal indicating the sound detected by the microphone 18 is output to a first connector 19.

[0041] The first connector 19 is a component to which the first cable 7 is connected. A coaxial thin-wire connector is used for the first connector 19. The first connector 19 transmits the image signal output from the imaging element 12, the detection signals output from the temperature sensor 14, the acceleration sensor 15, and the gyro sensor 16, and the sound signal output from the microphone 18 to the control unit 5 via the first cable 7.

[0042] In addition to the status lamp 51, the control unit 5 includes a first USB port 52, a first protection circuit 53, a second power supply circuit 54, a second USB port 55, a second protection circuit 56, a PD controller 63, a first memory 57, a second memory 58, a second connector 59, and a control unit 60. These components are housed inside the second housing 50.

[0043] The first USB port 52 is a cable insertion port for connecting the mobile battery 200. The third cable 9 is inserted into the first USB port 52, and the mobile battery 200 is connected via the third cable 9. A USB Type-C port is used as the first USB port 52.

[0044] The first USB port 52 is connected to a power line (VBUS) via a first protection circuit 53 and a diode 61. The power line is connected to a second power circuit 54. The first protection circuit 53 is a circuit that performs overvoltage protection also known as OVP. The second power circuit 54 converts the power supplied via the power line into a voltage suitable for each component built into the control unit 5 and supplies it, and also converts it into a voltage suitable for operating the camera body 1 and outputs it to the first cable 7.

[0045] The second USB port 55 is a cable insertion port for connecting the information terminal 100. A second cable 8 is inserted into the second USB port 55, and the information terminal 100 is connected via the second cable 8. A USB Type-C port is used as the second USB port 55.

[0046] The second USB port 55 is connected to a power line connected to the second power circuit 54 via a second protection circuit 56 and a switch 62. The second protection circuit 56 is a circuit that performs overvoltage protection also called OVP. The second USB port 55 is also connected to the control unit 60. The transfer modes of the second USB port 55 support USB 2.0 HS (Hi Speed) and USB 3.0 SS (Super Speed).

[0047] A signal line for charging called a CC line is mounted on the second USB port 55. The CC line of the second USB port 55 is connected to the control unit 60 via a PD controller 63. The PD controller 63 controls the supply of power conforming to the USB PD standard from the control unit 60 to the information terminal 100 connected to the second USB port 55.

[0048] The status lamp 51 is composed of an LED capable of emitting light of multiple colors, such as a two-color LED or a three-color LED. The status lamp 51 is connected to the control unit 60. The lighting pattern of the status lamp 51 is switched by the control unit 60 according to the operating state of the camera device CA, such as during shooting, a sleep state (standby state), an abnormal state, etc.

[0049] The first memory 57 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores moving image data with audio. For example, a DRAM is used for the first memory 57. The second memory 58 is a non-volatile memory that records moving image data with audio. For example, a NAND type flash memory is used for the second memory 58.

[0050] The second connector 59 is a component to which the first cable 7 is connected. A coaxial thin-wire connector is used for the second connector 59. The second connector 59 receives the image signal, each detection signal, and sound signal transmitted from the camera body 1 via the first cable 7, and outputs them to the control unit 60.

[0051] The control unit 60 functions as a signal processing unit that processes image signals and sound signals. The control unit 60 temporarily stores in the first memory 57 the image data indicated by the image signal and the sound data indicated by the sound signal input via the second connector 59. The control unit 60 then adds the sound data to the image data stored in the first memory 57 to generate audio-accompanied video data, which is continuously recorded in the second memory 58 and sequentially transmitted to the information terminal 100 via the second USB port 55.

[0052] Before storing image data in first memory 57, or when generating audio-accompanying video data, control unit 60 performs distortion correction on the image data based on internal parameters of camera body 1 to convert the image into an image free of distortion caused by lens aberration, etc. Control unit 60 further performs a cut-out process to cut out a predetermined range from the distortion-corrected image data.

[0053] In this cropping process, the tilt of the cropped range of image data and the cropping position are corrected based on the rotational movement and translational movement around the optical axis of lens 11 of camera body 1. This type of correction is also called electronic gimbaling, and cancels the displacement of the captured image caused by dynamic changes in the attitude and shaking of camera body 1. The rotational movement and translational movement of camera body 1 are obtained from the detection signals from acceleration sensor 15 and gyro sensor 16.

[0054] The control unit 60 also switches the image output mode between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the control unit 60 outputs image data having a narrower angle of view than the second mode. The image data output in the first mode corresponds to shooting data having an angle of view of, for example, about 60° to 90°. The second mode is a mode in which the control unit 60 outputs image data of the entire shooting range of the camera body 1. The image data output in the second mode corresponds to shooting data having an angle of view of, for example, about 120° to 180°.

[0055] The above-mentioned cropping process does not have to be performed when the image output mode is the second mode. In the second mode, tilt correction and shake correction by the electronic gimbal are not performed. In addition, when the camera device CA is used as a wearable camera by attaching the camera body 1 to the temple TE of the glasses GL, it is assumed that the image output mode is basically set to the first mode in order to enable tilt correction and shake correction by the electronic gimbal.

[0056] When the photographing range is darkened by, for example, covering the front side of the lens 11 of the camera body 1 with a hand, the control unit 60 detects the darkening and switches the image output mode. The control unit 60 may have a function of recognizing sound data. In this case, the control unit 60 may be configured to recognize a voice uttered by the user DU and switch the image output mode when the recognized voice is a predetermined word. In addition, the user DU may be able to switch the image output mode by setting the output mode using a dedicated application.

[0057] The control unit 60 also controls thermal shutdown. The imaging element 12 has a predetermined guaranteed operating temperature. Therefore, when the temperature indicated by the detection signal from the temperature sensor 14 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit 60 performs processing to interrupt image capture so that the imaging element 12 does not exceed the guaranteed operating temperature. The control unit 60 is realized using an ASIC or the like.

[0058] In camera device CA, when mobile battery 200 is connected to control unit 5, camera body 1 and control unit 5 are started up. Then, image capture by camera body 1 is automatically performed, and audio-accompanied video data according to the image output mode in control unit 60 is transmitted to information terminal 100. Audio-accompanied video data received by information terminal 100 is transferred to a remote information device via the Internet by a function of a dedicated application.

[0059] A person in charge at a remote location can view the situation at the work site in real time by accessing the information device to which the audio-accompanied video data has been transferred. Also, if the audio-accompanied video data is uploaded to a cloud server when it is transferred from the information terminal 100, the person in charge at the remote location and the user DU can check the audio-accompanied video data after the fact.

[0060] -Detailed configuration of the camera body and mounting parts- The camera body 1 has an attachment portion 20 on its rear surface to which the mount part 3 is attached. The mount part 3 is detachably attached to the camera body 1. The mount part 3 has a portion that overlaps with the rear surface of the camera body 1 when attached to the camera body 1. And, with the mount part 3 removed, the rear surface of the camera body 1 can be used as a mounting surface 21 that can be placed on any flat surface.

[0061] The configuration of the main parts related to attachment and detachment of the mount part 3 to the camera body 1 and the intended use of the camera body 1 will be described below.

[0062] <Camera body> 5, the first housing 10 forming the outer surface of the camera body 1 has a generally cube-like shape. The top and bottom surfaces of the first housing 10 are slightly curved so as to protrude upward and downward. Both side surfaces in the left and right directions of the first housing 10 are formed as flat surfaces.

[0063] The first housing 10 is formed by combining a plurality of components. Specifically, the first housing 10 is formed by a front case 22, a rear case 23, and a back cover 24. Each of these components is a resin molded product.

[0064] The front case 22 and the rear case 23 are joined in the front-rear direction so that their internal spaces are connected to each other, forming a main body of the first housing 10. The front case 22 is located forward of the rear case 23. A lens housing section 10a is provided in the front part of the front case 22, and holds the lens 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Protruding pieces 25 protruding rearward are provided on each edge on both the left and right sides of the rear part of the rear case 23 so as to extend in the vertical direction.

[0065] The back cover 24 is fitted between the pair of protruding pieces 25. The back cover 24 is then screwed at multiple points to the rear part of the rear case 23. The majority of the rear surface of the back cover 24 is formed as a flat surface facing directly behind the camera body 1. As a result, the rear surface of the camera body 1 constitutes a mounting surface 21 that can be placed on any flat surface. The mounting surface 21 is constituted by the rear surface of the back cover 24 and the end faces of each protruding piece 25 of the rear case 23. The mounting surface 21 may be constituted by only the rear surface of the back cover 24.

[0066] The width (hereinafter referred to as "horizontal width") w2 in the left-right direction of the mounting surface 21 is smaller than the width (hereinafter referred to as "vertical width") w1 in the up-down direction of the mounting surface 21. Moreover, from the viewpoint of stabilizing the installation state of the vertically placed camera body 1 as described later, it is desirable that the smaller of the vertical width w1 and horizontal width w2 of the mounting surface 21 (horizontal width w2 in this example) is equal to or larger than 1 / 3 of the height dimension H of the vertically placed camera body 1 (i.e., the length dimension in the front-rear direction) H.

[0067] A notch 26 extending in the up-down direction (the direction of the vertical width w1 of the mounting surface 21) is formed in the center of the back cover 24 in the left-right direction. The notch 26 opens in the front-rear direction and downward. A retaining piece 27 that protrudes inward like an eave is provided in the rear part of the inner peripheral surface of the notch 26. As a result, the opening width of the notch 26 in the up-down and left-right directions is narrower on the rear side than on the front side (towards the rear case 23).

[0068] A fitting recess 28 that is recessed forward and extends in the left-right direction is formed in a portion of the rear surface of the rear case 23 that corresponds to the open end of the notch 26. A lower side wall portion of the fitting recess 28 constitutes a lock piece 29. The portion of the back cover 24 where the notch 26 is formed and the rear surface of the rear case 23 constitute the attachment portion 20 to which the mount component 3 is attached. In this manner, the attachment portion 20 is provided on the rear surface of the camera body 1 in an aspect that is recessed toward the front side relative to the rear surface portion that can be used as the mounting surface 21.

[0069] The camera body 1 in this example is waterproof. Although not shown, gaps communicating with the internal space of the camera body 1, such as the gap between the front case 22 and the lens 11, the gap between the front case 22 and the rear case 23, and the gap between the rear case 23 and the back cover 24, are sealed using a sealing member.

[0070] <Mounting parts> The mount part 3 is configured to cover the back and right side of the camera body 1 when attached to the camera body 1. The mount part 3 in this example is for attaching the camera body 1 to the left temple TE of the glasses GL. The mount part 3 has a hook part 3a that can be hooked from above onto the temple TE of the glasses GL.

[0071] 6, the mounting part 3 is formed by combining a plurality of components. Specifically, the mounting part 3 is formed by a base member 31, a slide member 37, a hook member 43, and an adjustment plate 44. Each of these components is a resin molded product.

[0072] The base member 31 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from above. The base member 31 has a rear cover portion 32 and a side plate portion 34. The rear cover portion 32 is a portion that overlaps with the rear surface of the camera body 1, and covers the rear surface of the camera body 1 when the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1. The side plate portion 34 is a portion that overlaps with the right side surface of the camera body 1, and covers the rear portion of the right side surface of the camera body 1 when the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1. The right edge portion of the rear cover portion 32 and the rear edge portion of the side plate portion 34 are integrally formed to form a corner portion of the base member 31.

[0073] The outer peripheral edge portion on the front surface of the rear cover portion 32 constitutes a wall-like portion that protrudes forward. As a result, the front surface of the rear cover portion 32 is formed in a concave shape that is shallowly recessed rearward. A fixed base portion 33 that protrudes forward is provided on the inside of the concave shape on the front surface of the rear cover portion 32. The fixed base portion 33 is formed in a rectangular shape with its long side aligned in the up-down direction. The fixed base portion 33 is a portion to which the slide member 37 is attached.

[0074] An attachment opening 35 is formed in the center of the side plate 34. The attachment opening 35 is used to attach a support member 300 of a second modified example described below. Attachment holes 36 are formed in both the front and rear portions of the side plate 34 about the attachment opening 35. This pair of attachment holes 36 is used to attach an adjustment plate 44. A slide member 37 and adjustment plate 44 are attached to the right side of the side plate 34.

[0075] The slide member 37 has an insertion portion 38 and a lever portion 39. The insertion portion 38 is a portion that is inserted into the attachment portion 20 of the camera body 1. The portion of the insertion portion 38 that is inserted into the space in front of the retaining piece 27 is formed wider than the portion that is inserted into the space surrounded by the retaining piece 27. With the insertion portion 38 inserted into the attachment portion 20, the retaining piece 27 prevents the slide member 37 from slipping out rearward.

[0076] The lever portion 39 is provided integrally on the lower side of the fitting portion 38. The lever portion 39 has an operation portion 40 that is operated by the user DU. The operation portion 40 is connected to the fitting portion 38 via a plate-shaped portion 41. The plate-shaped portion 41 is formed so that its plate surface faces the front-rear direction. The plate-shaped portion 41 has flexibility that allows it to bend rearward. An engagement protrusion 42 is provided on the end of the front surface of the plate-shaped portion 41 on the operation portion 40 side.

[0077] The fitting protrusion 42 is made up of a plurality of ribs spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. When the fitting portion 38 is fitted into the mounting portion 20, the fitting protrusion 42 fits into the fitting recess 28 and faces the lock piece 29. In this state, the lock piece 29 restricts the sliding member 37 from sliding downward. The sliding member 37 is fixed to the fixing platform portion 33 of the base member 31 from the front side by a fastener 71.

[0078] The hook member 43 constitutes the hook portion 3a of the mounting component 3. The hook member 43 is U-shaped in side view, with both end portions bent at right angles in the same direction (to the left in this example). A plurality of recesses are provided on the back side of the hook member 43. Both end portions of the hook member 43 are fixed to the upper portions of the side plate portions 34 of the base member 31 using fasteners 72.

[0079] The adjustment plate 44 is a member that adjusts the size of the gap through which the temple TE is inserted on the back side of the hook member 43. An opening is formed in the center of the adjustment plate 44. A pair of bending pieces 45 are provided in a mountain shape on the right side surface of the adjustment plate 44 so as to straddle the opening in the vertical direction. Each bending piece 45 has both flexibility and elasticity, and plays a role of supporting the temple TE of the glasses GL from below.

[0080] A pair of protrusions 46 are provided on the left side surface of the adjustment plate 44. Each protrusion 46 is formed in a cross shape when viewed from the protruding direction. The adjustment plate 44 is attached by inserting the pair of protrusions 46 into the attachment holes 36 formed in the side plate portion 34 of the base member 31. As the adjustment plate 44, adjustment plates 44 of a plurality of sizes with different thicknesses are prepared. The user DU can use an adjustment plate 44 of a thickness suitable for hooking and holding the hook portion 3a of the mount part 3 according to the width of the temple TE of the glasses GL worn by the user DU.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 5, the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1 by fitting the fitting part 38 of the slide member 37 from the release side (lower side) of the mounting part 20 of the camera body 1 and sliding it upward. At this time, as the slide member 37 slides, the fitting protrusion 42 of the lever part 39 hits the lock piece 29, but the plate-shaped part 41 bends backward and overcomes the lock piece 29. Thereafter, the plate-shaped part 41 of the lever part 39 elastically returns to its original state, so that the fitting protrusion 42 fits into the fitting recess 28. As a result, the mount part 3 is locked so that it cannot slide downward due to the interference between the fitting protrusion 42 and the lock piece 29. In addition, the mount part 3 can be removed from the camera body 1 by pulling the operation part 40 of the lever part 39 backward to release the locked state caused by the interference between the fitting protrusion 42 and the lock piece 29, and then sliding it downward in this state.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, the rear cover part 32 of the mount component 3 is provided with a cable holding part 47 that holds the first cable 7. The cable holding part 47 is composed of a first clamping piece 48a and a second clamping piece 48b. The first clamping piece 48a and the second clamping piece 48b are both convex parts that protrude rearward and extend in the vertical direction. The first clamping piece 48a is located toward the right side of the rear cover part 32 and is relatively short in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second clamping piece 48b is located to the left of the first clamping piece 48a of the rear cover part 32 (the center in the horizontal direction) and is longer than the first clamping piece 48a in the vertical direction.

[0083] The first clamping piece 48a and the second clamping piece 48b are provided with a gap between them in the left-right direction. A holding groove 49 extending in the up-down direction is formed between the first clamping piece 48a and the second clamping piece 48b. The width of the holding groove 49 is designed to a dimension that allows the first cable 7 to be fitted therein. The holding groove 49 is formed in a shape that is bent toward the side plate portion 34 (the right side in this example) at each end on both the top and bottom sides. The upper end of the holding groove 49 opens toward the upper right side. The lower end of the holding groove 49 opens toward the lower right side.

[0084] The first cable 7 is fitted into the holding groove 49, whereby it is sandwiched and held between the first clamping piece 48a and the second clamping piece 48b. When the first cable 7 is held by the cable holding part 47, the first cable 7 is bent so as to move toward the glasses GL (i.e., the head HE side of the user DU) in accordance with the shape of the holding groove 49. This makes it possible to adjust the center of gravity of the camera body 1 with the mount parts 3 attached to the temple TE of the glasses GL to the head HE side of the user DU. This is advantageous in stabilizing the attachment state of the camera body 1 to the glasses GL.

[0085] The first cable 7 held by the cable holding portion 47 is drawn out from the bottom to the top of the rear surface of the mount part 3. The first cable 7 drawn out in this manner can be easily hung around the ear of the user DU (see FIG. 1). However, the first cable 7 may get caught on the hand of the user DU or something else during on-site work and be pulled unexpectedly. If the external force generated when the first cable 7 is pulled is directly applied to the camera body 1, the shooting direction of the camera body 1 may be unintentionally changed, or the camera body 1 may come off from the head HE of the user DU together with the glasses GL.

[0086] This problem can be addressed by having the first cable 7 held by the cable holding part 47 with some slack from the connection part of the camera body 1. That is, as shown in Fig. 8, if the first cable 7 is held by the cable holding part 47 with some slack from the connection part of the camera body 1, the first cable 7 will come off the cable holding part 47 when it is unexpectedly pulled, and the slack given to the first cable 7 will mitigate the external force when the first cable 7 is pulled, and the external force can be prevented from being directly applied to the camera body 1.

[0087] <Use of the camera device other than as a wearable camera> The camera device CA having the above configuration can be used even when the camera body 1 is detached from the glasses GL. An example of the use of the camera device CA in this state is as a conference camera. The camera device CA of this embodiment is suitable for use as a conference camera because the lens 11 is an ultra-wide-angle lens and the camera device CA has a second image output mode.

[0088] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the camera device CA is used as a conference camera, the camera body 1 is removed from the glasses GL and placed vertically on a table TA with the lens 11 facing upward. At this time, the mount part 3 is removed from the camera body 1 to expose the back surface of the camera body 1 to the outside and use it as a mounting surface 21. Also, the image output mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode by covering the front side of the lens 11 of the camera body 1 with a hand. Note that the camera body 1 may be installed horizontally with either the left or right side surface serving as the mounting surface, as shown in Figure 11.

[0089] When the camera device CA is used in this way, a wide-range panoramic image including the conference participants PA is captured, and audio-accompanied video data including the panoramic image is transmitted to an information device at a remote location. People at remote locations can view the conference in real time by accessing the information device to which the audio-accompanied video data has been transmitted. Furthermore, people at remote locations can also participate in the conference by using a general-purpose web conference application installed on the information terminal 100 as necessary.

[0090] -Features of the embodiment- In the camera device CA of this embodiment, the mount part 3 is detachably attached to the back of the camera body 1. Therefore, when mounting the camera body 1 to the glasses GL, the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1, and the camera body 1 can be mounted to the glasses GL using the mount part 3. When the camera body 1 is removed from the glasses GL and used, the mount part 3 can be removed from the camera body 1. The back of the camera body 1 can be used as a mounting surface 21 that can be placed on any flat surface when the mount part 3 is removed. Therefore, the camera body 1 with the mount part 3 removed can be placed on a flat surface such as a table surface with the lens 11 facing upward, and can be used as a camera for a conference. Therefore, the degree of freedom of use of the camera device CA when the camera body 1 is removed from the glasses GL can be increased.

[0091] In the camera device CA of this embodiment, the mount part 3 is attached to the attachment part 20 on the back of the camera body 1. This allows easy handling when the attachment position of the camera body 1 with respect to the glasses GL is changed in the up-down and left-right directions, and increases the degree of freedom of the attachment position of the camera body 1. In addition, the attachment part 20 of the camera body 1 is provided in a manner recessed toward the front side from the back part forming the mounting surface 21. This allows both the back part forming the mounting surface 21 and the attachment part 20 to be present on the back of the camera body 1. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the attachment position of the camera body 1 with respect to the glasses GL, while increasing the degree of freedom of the use of the camera device CA when the camera body 1 is removed from the attachment target.

[0092] In the camera device CA of this embodiment, the object to which the camera body 1 is attached is glasses GL. The mount part 3 is attached to the glasses GL by hooking the hook portion 3a onto the temple TE of the glasses GL from above while the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1. In this way, the camera body 1 can be attached to the glasses GL. This makes it relatively easy to attach and detach the camera body 1 to and from the glasses GL.

[0093] In the camera device CA of this embodiment, the camera body 1 and the control unit 5 are connected by wire. This allows power to be supplied from the control unit 5 to the camera body 1 via the first cable 7, eliminating the need for a battery in the camera body 1. This allows the camera body 1 to be made lighter. This is advantageous for use as a wearable camera attached to glasses GL. In addition, the camera body 1 is waterproof and can communicate with the control unit 5 via the first cable 7, so it can be used underwater.

[0094] In the camera device CA of this embodiment, the first cable 7 is connected to the lower part of the camera body 1 attached to the glasses GL. This makes it easy to change the attachment position of the camera body 1 relative to the glasses GL in the vertical and horizontal directions, and increases the degree of freedom in the attachment position of the camera body 1.

[0095] In the camera device CA of this embodiment, a cable holding part 47 is provided on the rear cover part 32 that covers the rear face of the camera body 1, of the mounting part 3. If the first cable 7 is held by this cable holding part 47 with some slack from the connection part of the camera body 1, when the first cable 7 gets caught on something and is pulled unexpectedly, it becomes possible to prevent the external force caused when the first cable 7 is pulled from being directly applied to the camera body 1.

[0096] First Modified Example In this first modified example, the control unit 60 is configured to switch the image output mode depending on the usage state of the camera body 1. Specifically, the conditions for determining whether the control unit 60 switches the image output mode are whether or not the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1, and whether or not the camera body 1 is in an upward orientation with the lens 11 facing upward.

[0097] 12, the camera body 1 of this example is provided with an attachment sensor 17 in addition to the temperature sensor 14, the acceleration sensor 15, and the gyro sensor 16. The attachment sensor 17 is a sensor that detects that the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1. A detection signal that indicates the attachment state of the mount part 3 detected by the attachment sensor 17 is output to the first connector 19 and transmitted to the control unit 5 via the first cable 7.

[0098] The control unit 60 of the control unit 5 controls switching of the image output mode based on the detection signal from the mounting sensor 17 input via the second connector 59 and the detection signals from the acceleration sensor 15 and the gyro sensor 16. Specifically, the control unit controls switching of the image output mode in a flow as shown in FIG.

[0099] First, in step ST1, the control unit 60 receives the detection signals from the acceleration sensor 15, the gyro sensor 16, and the mounting sensor 17, and acquires information indicated by these detection signals. The detection signals from the acceleration sensor 15 and the gyro sensor 16 indicate information regarding the attitude of the camera body 1, such as the direction in which the camera body 1 faces. The detection signal from the mounting sensor 17 indicates information regarding whether the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1 or not.

[0100] Next, in step ST2, the control unit 60 judges whether or not the mounting part 3 is attached to the camera body 1 based on the detection signal from the mounting sensor 17. If it is judged that the mounting part 3 is attached to the camera body 1 (YES), the process proceeds to step ST3. In step ST3, the control unit 60 sets the image output mode to the first mode. Then, the control for switching the output mode is terminated.

[0101] Furthermore, if it is determined in step ST2 that the mount component 3 is not attached to the camera body 1 (if NO), the process proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, it is determined whether or not the camera body 1 is facing upwards based on the detection signals from the acceleration sensor 15 and the gyro sensor 16. If it is determined here that the camera body 1 is not facing upwards (if NO), the process proceeds to step ST3, where the control unit 60 sets the image output mode to the first mode. Thereafter, the switching control of the output mode is terminated.

[0102] Furthermore, if it is determined in step ST4 that the camera body 1 is in an upward orientation (YES), the process proceeds to step ST5. In step ST5, the control unit 60 sets the image output mode to the second mode. Thereafter, the control unit 60 ends the switching control of the output mode. This control of switching the image output mode by the control unit 60 is executed sequentially while the camera device CA is in operation. This allows the image output mode to be automatically switched according to the usage state of the camera body 1.

[0103] Second Modified Example In this second modified example, as shown in Fig. 14, the camera device CA includes a support member 300 that is attached to the camera body 1 together with the mount part 3. The support member 300 is an auxiliary part for supporting the camera body 1. As shown in Fig. 15, the support member 300 has a shape that is bent into a crank shape when viewed from the front. The support member 300 has an intermediate portion 301 and an arm portion 303.

[0104] The intermediate portion 301 is formed in a thin plate shape and constitutes the upper portion of the support member 300. The intermediate portion 301 is provided with a rectangular frame-shaped mounting protrusion 302 that protrudes to the right. The mounting protrusion 302 of the support member 300 is fitted from the left side into a mounting opening 35 formed in the base member 31 of the mount part 3. The intermediate portion 301 is interposed between the side plate portion 34 of the mount part 3 and the camera body 1 in a state in which the mount part 3 is attached to the camera body 1. The arm portion 303 extends to the right from the lower end of the intermediate portion 301 and hangs down downward at the right end portion. The hanging portion of the arm portion 303 constitutes abutment surface portion 304.

[0105] When the camera body 1 is attached to the temple TE of the glasses GL using the mount part 3 with such a support member 300 attached to the camera body 1, the contact surface portion 304 of the support member 300 comes into contact with the head HE of the user DU (see FIG. 14). As a result, the support member 300 supports the camera body 1 on the head HE of the user DU. As a result, the weight of the camera body 1 is also applied to the head HE of the user DU, so that the load applied to the temple TE of the glasses GL by wearing the camera body 1 is reduced, and the camera body 1 can be stably worn on the user DU together with the glasses GL.

[0106] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the mounting part 3 is attached to the rear surface of the camera body 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the mounting part 3 may be attached to the right side surface of the camera body 1. In this case, the attachment part 20 is provided on the right side surface of the camera body 1. Also, the slide member 37 is attached to the left side of the side plate part 34 of the mounting part so that it can be fitted into the attachment part 20. As long as the mounting part 3 can be detachably attached to the camera body 1, any configuration can be adopted for the camera body 1 and the mounting part 3, including the attachment part 20 and the fitting part 38.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the first cable 7 is passed through the cable holding part 47 provided on the mount part 3 on the rear side of the camera body 1 in the vertical direction so as to be held close to the head HE of the user DU, but this is not limited to the above. Any configuration can be adopted as the cable holding part 47 as long as it can hold the first cable 7. It is preferable that the cable holding part 47 is configured so that the first cable 7 can be easily pulled out backwards when pulled.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the image output mode switching operation by the control unit 60 is exemplified by darkening the shooting range of the camera body 1, performing voice recognition, setting by a dedicated application, etc., but is not limited thereto. For example, when the camera body 1 has a built-in touch sensor, the switching operation may be performed by the user DU double tapping a detection point of the touch sensor of the camera body 1. In addition, the control unit 5 may be provided with a switch for switching the image output mode, and the image output mode may be switched by operating the switch.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the first cable 7 is connected to the bottom of the camera body 1 in a state where the camera body 1 is attached to the glasses GL via the mount part 3, but this is not limited to the above. The first cable 7 may be connected to a part other than the bottom of the camera body, such as a side part or a back part of the camera body 1.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the camera body 1 and the control unit 5 are connected by wire using the first cable 7, but this is not limited to the above. The camera body 1 and the control unit 5 may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate wirelessly.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the lens 11 for photographing is an ultra-wide-angle lens, but this is not limited thereto. The lens 11 may be a wide-angle lens or a standard lens. In the above embodiment, the camera device CA is used as a conference camera as an example of a use other than a wearable camera, but this is not limited thereto. The camera device CA can be used for any purpose as long as it is useful to take pictures with the camera body 1 placed vertically with the lens 11 facing upward.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the camera device CA of the present disclosure has been described with reference to an example in which the camera body 1 is attached to glasses GL, but this is not limiting. Glasses GL are merely one example of an object to which the camera body 1 is attached, and the object to which the camera body 1 is attached may be a head-mounted device attached to the user's head other than glasses, such as a helmet, goggles, a head-mounted display, or a glasses-type mounting frame. In addition, the camera body 1 can also be attached to any other object, such as other wearable items such as the user DU's clothing, a selfie stick, a tripod, a car, or a robot arm. The mount part 3 can be replaced with one corresponding to the object to which it is attached, and may have various configurations such as a clip type.

[0113] As described above, a preferred embodiment has been described as an example of the technology of the present disclosure. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are appropriately performed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the above embodiment are possible without departing from the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0114] Note that the descriptions "first," "second," etc., mentioned above are merely used to distinguish the words to which they are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words. Also, the description "~" in the numerical ranges mentioned above means a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after it. In other words, if X and Y are substituted for numerical values, then the description "X~Y" indicates a range of "greater than or equal to X and less than or equal to Y." [Industrial Applicability]

[0115] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a camera device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] CA Camera Equipment GL Glasses (wearable, head-mounted) TE Temple 1 Camera body 3 Mounting parts 3a Hook part 5. Control Unit 7 First Cable (Cable) 20 Attached part 21 Placement surface 32 Rear cover part 38 Inset part 47 Cable holder

Claims

1. A camera body having a lens for photographing on the front side; a control unit for controlling the operation of the camera body; a mount part for mounting the camera body on a predetermined mounting target, A camera device in which the camera body and the control unit are communicatively connected to each other, the mount component is detachably attached to the camera body and has a portion overlapping a rear surface of the camera body; The rear surface of the camera body can be used as a mounting surface that can be placed on any flat surface when the mounting part is removed. A camera device comprising:

2. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, the camera body has a mounting portion on a rear surface thereof to which the mount component is attached; the mounting portion is recessed from the rear surface portion usable as the placement surface, The mounting part has a fitting portion that is fitted into the mounting portion. A camera device comprising:

3. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, The wearing object is a head-worn device, The mount part has a hook part that can be hooked from above onto a side part of the head mounting device. A camera device comprising:

4. 4. The camera device according to claim 3, The camera body and the control unit are connected by a cable, The control unit supplies power to the camera body via the cable. A camera device comprising:

5. 5. The camera device according to claim 4, the mount part has a rear cover part that covers a rear surface of the camera body when attached to the camera body, The rear cover portion is provided with a cable holder for holding the cable. A camera device comprising:

Images