Imaging part support device and control method therefor

Abstract

To facilitate manual balancing work.SOLUTION: An imaging unit (camera body 2 and lens 1) is supported so that it can move in an optical axis direction and rotate in a tilt direction. Locking means (camera locking unit 9, camera support unit 8) can switch a state of the imaging unit between an optical axis locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted, and a non-optical axis locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted. Limiting means (lock lever unit 12, lever engagement unit 17) makes a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the non-optical axis locked state smaller than a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the optical axis locked state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging unit support device and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, imaging unit support devices that support an imaging unit are known. For example, there is an imaging device that allows pan-tilt rotation and lens exchange. In this imaging device, the center of gravity balance on the tilt rotation unit changes when changing lenses or when various accessory parts are attached. If the center of gravity balance is tilted to one side, the load on the tilt drive unit increases. Therefore, a balance adjustment is required to bring the center of gravity of the tilt rotation unit closer to the rotation center. Generally, in the balance adjustment, the user manually moves the camera and lens in the optical axis direction while holding the tilt rotation unit. After moving the camera and lens, the user completes the balance adjustment by checking that the tilt rotation unit is kept horizontal.

[0003] When adjusting the balance, the user needs to hold the camera or lens so that it does not tilt. If the user does not hold it properly, the weight of the camera and lens will cause the tilt rotation unit to rotate unintentionally. If unintentional rotation occurs, there is a risk that the camera, lens, or accessory parts will collide with other units that make up the imaging device.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotation control for preventing an imaging device having a rotation mechanism from colliding with another unit during pan-tilt operation. The control unit determines the rotation range based on the state of the specified mounting member and controls the rotation. For example, the control unit does not permit rotation if the amount of movement (amount of rotation) of the gimbal based on the user's operation instruction is outside the determined rotation range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6384002 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the rotation control in Patent Document 1 restricts the rotation operation when electrically rotating according to an operation instruction by a user, and does not take into consideration the user's manual operation of rotating the rotation mechanism, so there is room for improvement in terms of facilitating manual balance adjustment operations.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to facilitate manual balance adjustment operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the imaging unit support device of the present invention is characterized in having a support part that supports the imaging unit so that it can move in the optical axis direction and rotate in the tilt direction, a locking means that can switch the state of the imaging unit between a locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted, and a limiting means that makes the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the unlocked state smaller than the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the locked state. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, manual balance adjustment can be easily performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device system to which an imaging unit support device is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a view of the camera lock unit and its surroundings as viewed from the subject side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera lock section and its periphery. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device system in an optical axis locked state. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device system in a state where the optical axis lock is released. [Figure 7] 4 is an enlarged view of a lever engagement portion and a lock lever portion. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an imaging device system according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an imaging device system according to a first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an imaging device system according to a second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an imaging device system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device system. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a view of the camera lock unit and its surroundings as viewed from the subject side. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera lock section and its periphery. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of main functions of the imaging device system. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart of a turning control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device system to which an imaging unit support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. This imaging device system 100 includes a lens 1, a camera body 2, a tilt rotation unit 3, a pan rotation unit 4, and a pedestal unit 5. The imaging unit support device that supports the imaging unit includes the tilt rotation unit 3, the pan rotation unit 4, and the pedestal unit 5. The imaging unit includes the camera body 2 and the lens 1.

[0013] Lens 1 is replaceably attached to camera body 2. The optical axis of lens 1 is optical axis C0. Camera body 2 is supported together with lens 1 by tilt rotation unit 3. Tilt rotation unit 3 is supported at both ends by pan rotation unit 4. Therefore, tilt rotation unit 3 is supported so as to be rotatable in the tilt direction centered on tilt axis T0 relative to pan rotation unit 4. Pan rotation unit 4 has a built-in tilt drive unit (not shown). When the tilt drive unit operates, tilt rotation unit 3 rotates in the tilt direction relative to pan rotation unit 4 together with the imaging unit.

[0014] The pan rotation unit 4 is supported so as to be rotatable in the pan direction centered on the pan axis P0 relative to the base unit 5. The base unit 5 has a built-in pan drive unit (not shown). When this pan drive unit operates, the pan rotation unit 4 rotates in the pan direction relative to the base unit 5. Therefore, the tilt rotation unit 3 and the pan rotation unit 4 serve as support units that support the imaging unit (camera body 2 and lens 1) so as to be movable in the optical axis direction and rotatable in the tilt direction.

[0015] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device system 100. The tilt rotation unit 3 includes a lens support unit 6, two rod units 7, a camera support unit 8, and a camera lock unit 9. The lens support unit 6 is fixed to the lens 1, and the lens 1 is held by the lens support unit 6. The lens support unit 6 is held so as to be movable in the direction of the optical axis C0 along the two rod units 7. Each rod unit 7 is supported by the camera support unit 8 in a cantilevered manner. The camera support unit 8 holds the camera body 2 via the camera lock unit 9.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a diagram of the camera lock unit 9 and its periphery as viewed from the subject side, and Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the camera lock unit 9 and its periphery.

[0017] The camera lock unit 9 includes a lock sliding portion 10, a pressing portion 11, and a lock lever portion 12. The lock lever portion 12 tilts together with the imaging unit. The pressing portion 11 has a screw hole portion 14. The lock lever portion 12 has a screw portion 13 corresponding to the screw hole portion 14. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the screw portion 13 is defined as the Z direction, and the +Z direction and the -Z direction are defined as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0018] The lock sliding part 10 has a through hole 16, is a trapezoidal part when viewed from the subject side, and is arranged to be slidable in the optical axis C0 direction (hereinafter, also referred to as the optical axis direction) relative to the camera support part 8. A concave shape 10a is formed on the surface of the lock sliding part 10 that contacts the camera support part 8 (the surface on the -Z side).

[0019] Due to the concave shape 10a, a gap 15 is generated between the lock sliding part 10 and the camera support part 8. The pressing part 11 is disposed in the gap 15. The pressing part 11 is in a sheet metal shape, and the axis of the screw hole part 14 is concentric with the axis of the through hole 16 of the lock sliding part 10. The screw part 13 of the lock lever part 12 is screwed into the screw hole part 14 via the through hole 16 of the lock sliding part 10.

[0020] The lock lever portion 12 is disposed on the opposite side (+Z side) of the pressing portion 11 across the lock sliding portion 10. In the lock lever portion 12, the screw portion 13 is provided so as to protrude toward the -Z side. The lock lever portion 12 is rotatably attached to the camera body 2 on the surface opposite (+Z side) to the surface having the screw portion 13. The attachment point of the lock lever portion 12 to the camera body 2 is concentric with the axis of the screw portion 13. Therefore, the lock lever portion 12 rotates relative to the camera body 2 around the axis of the screw portion 13.

[0021] Incidentally, the imaging device system 100 is provided with a pan-tilt lock function (not shown) that mechanically restricts tilt rotation and pan rotation in a non-energized state. When adjusting the balance to make the optical axis direction horizontal, the user releases this pan-tilt lock function.

[0022] The following describes how the movement of the imaging unit (camera body 2 and lens 1) in the optical axis direction is locked by the camera lock unit 9. Hereinafter, locking the movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is referred to as "optical axis lock."

[0023] The camera lock unit 9 serves as a locking means that performs an optical axis locking function in cooperation with the camera support unit 8 by applying pressure in the Z direction. The locking means makes it possible to switch the state of the imaging unit between an optical axis locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and a non-optical axis locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted (state in which the optical axis lock is released; non-locked state). The lock lever unit 12 serves as a lock operating unit that switches between the optical axis locked state and the non-optical axis locked state when operated.

[0024] The optical axis lock function is activated by rotating the lock lever portion 12 counterclockwise as viewed from the +Z side. This counterclockwise rotation transmits axial force from the screw portion 13 of the lock lever portion 12 to the screw hole portion 14 of the pressing portion 11. This axial force moves the pressing portion 11 in the direction in which it is pressed into the camera support portion 8 (-Z direction).

[0025] As a result, a static friction force occurs due to the pressure generated between the pressing portion 11 and the camera support portion 8, and the camera lock portion 9 cannot move in the optical axis direction relative to the camera support portion 8. As a result, an optical axis locked state is reached in which the positions of the camera lock portion 9 and the camera body 2 are fixed relative to the camera support portion 8 in the optical axis direction (see FIG. 5 described later).

[0026] On the other hand, in the optical axis locked state, the optical axis lock can be released by rotating the lock lever portion 12 clockwise as viewed from the +Z side. This clockwise rotation transmits an axial force from the screw portion 13 of the lock lever portion 12 to the screw hole portion 14 of the pressing portion 11. This axial force moves the pressing portion 11 in a direction away from the camera support portion 8.

[0027] This reduces the static friction force acting between the pressing portion 11 and the camera support portion 8, and the camera lock portion 9 becomes movable in the optical axis direction relative to the camera support portion 8. As a result, a non-optical axis locked state is achieved in which the camera lock portion 9 and the camera body 2 are movable in the optical axis direction relative to the camera support portion 8 (see FIG. 6 described later).

[0028] Next, a configuration for restricting the tilt rotation of the tilt rotation unit 3 when the optical axis lock is released will be described.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the imaging device system 100 in an optical axis locked state, seen from the opposite side to the subject. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the imaging device system 100 in an optical axis unlocked state, seen from the opposite side to the subject.

[0030] When releasing the optical axis lock, the user rotates the lock lever portion 12 clockwise as viewed from the +Z side, from the position shown in Fig. 5 to the position shown in Fig. 6. A lever engagement portion 17 is disposed on the rotation path of the lock lever portion 12 in the pan rotation portion 4.

[0031] 7 is an enlarged view of the lever engagement portion 17 and the lock lever portion 12 as viewed from the opposite side to the subject. The lever engagement portion 17 is formed on the inner surface 21 of the pan rotation portion 4. The inner surface 21 is the surface that supports the tilt rotation portion 3. The lever engagement portion 17 includes a groove portion and is a first portion that is fixed to the pan rotation portion 4. This groove portion has a groove bottom surface 18, a groove upper surface 19, and a groove lower surface 20. This groove portion is formed in a direction perpendicular to the tilt axis T0 and the pan axis P0, that is, in the optical axis direction with the imaging unit in a horizontal state as a reference.

[0032] The groove width, which is the distance between the groove upper surface 19 and the groove lower surface 20, is set to be wider than the thickness (width in the Z direction) of the lock lever portion 12. A part (tip portion) of the lock lever portion 12 becomes a second portion that enters (is inserted and engaged into) the groove shape of the lever engagement portion 17. The lock lever portion 12 that enters the lever engagement portion 17 abuts (collides) with the groove upper surface 19 or the groove lower surface 20 when tilting in accordance with the tilt rotation portion 3. This makes it possible to restrict the rotation of the tilt rotation portion 3 including the lock lever portion 12.

[0033] That is, the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction is limited to a predetermined angle range by the engagement between the lock lever portion 12 and the lever engagement portion 17. The predetermined angle range is the angle range from the angle position where the lock lever portion 12 abuts against the groove upper surface 19 to the angle position where it abuts against the groove lower surface 20. Within the angle range in which the lock lever portion 12 can be tilted within the groove in the lever engagement portion 17, there is an angle position where the optical axis direction is horizontal. Therefore, when performing balance adjustment, the user can use the positional relationship between the groove and the lock lever portion 12 as a guide for the adjustment position, making the adjustment work easier.

[0034] On the other hand, in the optical axis locked state, the lock lever portion 12 does not engage with the lever engagement portion 17, so there is no mechanical restriction on the rotation of the tilt rotation portion 3. Therefore, the lock lever portion 12 and the lever engagement portion 17 serve as a restriction means for making the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the non-optical axis locked state smaller than the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the optical axis locked state.

[0035] In order to absorb the impact caused by the contact, at least one of the tip of the lock lever portion 12 and the lever engagement portion 17 may be provided with an elastic portion, or at least one of them may be made of an elastic body.

[0036] During shooting, a holding current usually flows due to energization. The holding current is a current that flows to each motor in the pan drive unit and tilt drive unit to maintain the current pan position and tilt position. However, in this embodiment, when the user performs balance adjustment, it does not matter whether the holding current flows or not. If the pan / tilt lock function is released and a non-energized state is established in which no holding current flows, the tilt rotation unit 3 tilts freely. However, with the above-mentioned configuration, even in the non-energized state, the tilt rotation of the tilt rotation unit 3 is restricted when the optical axis lock is released.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the limiting means makes the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the non-optical axis locked state smaller than the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the optical axis locked state. Therefore, even if the optical axis lock is released for balance adjustment, the tilt rotation of the tilt rotation unit 3 is limited to a predetermined angle range, so that the risk of the imaging unit colliding with another unit is suppressed. This makes it easier to perform manual balance adjustment work.

[0038] The lock lever portion 12 also has a function of switching between an optical axis locked state and an optical axis non-locked state, and a function of restricting tilt rotation of the imaging unit by engaging with the lever engaging portion 17. This prevents the structure from becoming complicated.

[0039] (First Modification of the First Embodiment) A first modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are perspective views of an imaging device system 100 of the first modified example.

[0040] In the first modified example, with regard to the function of limiting the tilt rotation of the imaging unit, a lever engagement portion 23 is provided instead of the lever engagement portion 17, and a tilt lock portion 24 is also provided. Other configurations such as the optical axis lock function are as described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 etc.

[0041] The lever engagement portion 23 is disposed on the bottom surface 22 of the pan rotation portion 4. The lever engagement portion 23 includes a groove that is formed in a direction parallel to the tilt axis T0 and has a width direction parallel to the optical axis direction. The tilt lock portion 24 is supported by one of the rod portions 7 so as to be rotatable about the axis of the rod portion 7 relative to the tilt rotation portion 3. The lever engagement portion 23 is disposed on the rotation trajectory of the tilt lock portion 24, which will be described later.

[0042] Further, tilt lock portion 24 as a displacement member rotates in conjunction with the rotational operation of lock lever portion 12 by an interlocking mechanism (not shown). Fig. 8 shows the optical axis locked state, and Fig. 9 shows the optical axis non-locked state.

[0043] The tilt lock section 24 tilts together with the imaging section. The tilt lock section 24 also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the lock lever section 12, thereby entering (being inserted and engaged) into the groove shape of the lever engagement section 23. When the tilt lock section 24 enters the lever engagement section 23 and tilts to follow the tilt rotation section 3, it abuts (collides) against a wall surface (one of two wall surfaces perpendicular to the optical axis direction) of the groove of the lever engagement section 23. This makes it possible to restrict the rotation of the tilt rotation section 3 including the tilt lock section 24.

[0044] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment) A second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device system 100 of the second modified example.

[0045] 11 is a perspective view of the lens support portion 25, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the lens support portion 25. The lens support portion 25 is composed of a support base 26, a sliding portion 27, a screw 28 (fastening member), and a tilt lock portion 29.

[0046] In the second modified example, the lever engagement portion 17 is eliminated, and a lens support portion 25 is provided in place of the lens support portion 6. For the function of limiting the tilt rotation of the imaging portion and the function of locking the optical axis, the support base 26, the sliding portion 27, the screw 28, and the tilt lock portion 29 in the lens support portion 25 are utilized.

[0047] The support base 26 is directly attached to the lens 1 in advance. A screw hole portion 30 is formed in the support base 26 on the side opposite the lens 1 in the axial direction of the screw 28. A through hole 31 is formed in the sliding portion 27. The sliding portion 27 is attached to the rod portion 7 so as to be slidable and fixable in the optical axis direction.

[0048] One rod portion 7 is inserted into hole 27a of sliding portion 27. A tilt lock portion 29 serving as a displacement member is supported by sliding portion 27 so as to be rotatable about center C1 (FIG. 11) of hole 27a of sliding portion 27. The tip of tilt lock portion 29 is fork-shaped. A user screws screw 28 into screw hole portion 30 of support base 26 via this fork shape and through hole 31, whereby support base 26 attached to lens 1 is fixed to sliding portion 27. Therefore, by fastening screw 28, lens support portion 25 is fixed to the imaging portion including lens 1 (FIG. 11).

[0049] Furthermore, the sliding part 27 is fixed to the rod part 7 by fastening the screw 28, and the lens 1 is in an optical axis lock state. First, as the screw 28 is screwed in while the rod part 7 is inserted into the hole 27a of the sliding part 27, the hole 27a is deformed so as to be crushed in the axial direction of the screw 28, and the hole 27a acts to tighten the rod part 7. As a result, a static friction force acts between the hole 27a and the rod part 7, and the lens support part 25 cannot move in the optical axis direction relative to the rod part 7. At this time, the lens support part 25 is fixed to the support base 26 fixed to the lens 1 by fastening the screw 28, and the lens 1 cannot move in the optical axis direction either. As a result, the imaging part is in an optical axis lock state and cannot move in the optical axis direction.

[0050] When the screw 28 is released, the lens support part 25 becomes movable in the optical axis direction relative to the rod part 7 and the imaging part. In this manner, the optical axis is locked by fastening the sliding part 27 to the lens 1 with the screw 28, and the optical axis is not locked by releasing the fastening with the screw 28.

[0051] When the fastening by screw 28 is released, tilt lock part 29 rotates around center C1 of hole 27a due to its own weight (FIG. 12). Then, the fork-shaped part that is the tip of tilt lock part 29 moves near base part 5. When tilt lock part 29 tilts in conjunction with tilt rotation part 3, it abuts against base part 5. This makes it possible to restrict tilt rotation of tilt rotation part 3 to one side.

[0052] In order to absorb the impact caused by the contact, at least one of the tip of tilt lock portion 29 and base portion 5 may be provided with an elastic portion, or at least one of them may be made of an elastic body.

[0053] Second embodiment 13 and 14 are respectively a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of an imaging device system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This imaging device system 100 includes a lens 51, a camera body 52, a tilt rotation unit 53, a pan rotation unit 54, and a base unit 55, instead of the lens 1, camera body 2, tilt rotation unit 3, pan rotation unit 4, and base unit 5 in the first embodiment.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 14, tilt rotation unit 53 includes a lens support unit 56, a rod unit 57, a camera support unit 58, and a camera lock unit 59, which are similar to the lens support unit 6, rod unit 7, camera support unit 8, and camera lock unit 9 of tilt rotation unit 3 (FIG. 2).

[0055] As far as the mechanical configuration is concerned, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a detection switch 63, which will be described later, is provided, but the other configurations are the same. Note that the function of restricting tilt rotation of the imaging unit in the non-optical axis locked state (realized by cooperation between the lock lever portion 12 and the lever engagement portion 17) is eliminated in this embodiment. However, this function may be provided.

[0056] Fig. 15 is a diagram of the camera lock unit 59 and its periphery as viewed from the subject side, and Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the camera lock unit 59 and its periphery.

[0057] The camera lock section 59 includes a lock sliding section 60, a pressing section 61, a lock lever section 62, and a detection switch 63. The lock sliding section 60, the pressing section 61, and the lock lever section 62 of the camera lock section 59 are respectively configured in the same manner as the lock sliding section 10, the pressing section 11, and the lock lever section 12 of the camera lock section 9 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The screw section 67 of the lock lever section 62, the screw hole section 66 of the pressing section 61, and the through hole 64 of the lock sliding section 60 are respectively configured in the same manner as the screw section 13 of the lock lever section 12, the screw hole section 14 of the pressing section 11, and the through hole 16 of the lock sliding section 10 (FIG. 4). The gap 65 between the lock sliding section 60 and the camera support section 58 corresponds to the gap 15 between the lock sliding section 10 and the camera support section 8 (FIG. 3). The concave shape 60a corresponds to the concave shape 10a (FIG. 3).

[0058] Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the optical axis locking function is realized by cooperation between the camera locking portion 59 and the camera support portion 58. The operation of the lock lever portion 12 when locking or unlocking the optical axis is also similar to the first embodiment.

[0059] A detection switch 63 is disposed on the rotation orbit of the lock lever portion 62. The detection switch 63 is, for example, a button-type detection switch, and is installed on the lock sliding portion 60. The button portion is installed facing the tangent direction of the rotation orbit of the lock lever portion 62 so that the button portion of the detection switch 63 is pressed by the lock lever portion 62 during the process of the lock lever portion 62 rotating clockwise as viewed from the +Z side. The button portion is pressed when the lock lever portion 62 rotates clockwise as viewed from the +Z side to such an extent that the optical axis is not locked.

[0060] 17 is a block diagram of the main functions of the imaging device system 100. The imaging device system 100 has a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a tilt driver 74, a pan driver 75, and a detection switch 63. The CPU 71 controls the entire imaging device system 100. The ROM 72 stores a control program executed by the CPU 71. The RAM 73 provides a work area when the CPU 71 executes various processes.

[0061] The tilt drive unit 74 is built into the pan rotation unit 54. The tilt drive unit 74 rotates the tilt rotation unit 53 in the tilt direction. The tilt drive unit 74 includes, for example, a tilt motor (not shown) with an encoder, and is capable of detecting the tilt rotation angle of the tilt rotation unit 53. The detection result of the tilt rotation angle is supplied to the CPU 71. As the tilt motor operates, the tilt rotation unit 53 rotates in the tilt direction relative to the pan rotation unit 54.

[0062] The CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and pan drive unit 75 are built into the base unit 55. The pan drive unit 75 rotates the pan rotation unit 54 in the pan direction. The pan drive unit 75 includes a pan motor (not shown). When the pan motor of the pan drive unit 75 operates, the pan rotation unit 54 rotates in the pan direction relative to the base unit 55. The detection switch 63 serves as a determination means for determining that the optical axis lock state has been released when the button portion is pressed by the lock lever portion 62. The output signal of the detection switch 63 is supplied to the CPU 71 as a determination result. Therefore, when the button portion is not pressed, it is determined that the optical axis is locked.

[0063] 18 is a flowchart of the rotation control process. This process is realized by the CPU 71 expanding a program stored in the ROM 72 into the RAM 73 and executing it. This process is started when the power of the imaging device system 100 is turned on, and is ended when the power is turned off.

[0064] In step S101, the CPU 71 energizes the tilt drive unit 74 and the pan drive unit 75. That is, the CPU 71 passes a holding current through the tilt motor in the tilt drive unit 74 and the pan motor in the pan drive unit 75. These holding currents exert a holding force on the tilt rotation unit 53 and the pan rotation unit 54, so that the tilt rotation position and the pan rotation position are maintained as they are.

[0065] After the start of energization, the CPU 71 constantly monitors the detection result of the tilt rotation angle of the tilt rotation unit 53 outputted from the encoder (detection means) in the tilt drive unit 74.

[0066] In step S102, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the optical axis is unlocked (unlocked) from the output signal supplied from the detection switch 63. If the CPU 71 determines that the optical axis is unlocked, the process proceeds to step S103, and if the CPU 71 determines that the optical axis is not unlocked (locked), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0067] In step S104, the CPU 71 sets the holding current to the magnitude at the start of energization. If the holding current is already at the magnitude at the start of energization, the CPU 71 maintains the magnitude at the start of energization.

[0068] Here, the magnitude of the tilt rotation at the start of energization is a first value that is common throughout the entire range of tilt rotation. Note that the magnitude of the pan rotation at the start of energization is common throughout the entire range of pan rotation, and is the same whether the optical axis is locked or not. After step S104, the CPU 71 returns to step S102.

[0069] In step S103, the CPU 71 controls the value of the holding current to a second value within a predetermined angle range in the tilt direction, and controls the value of the holding current to a first value in other angle ranges. Here, the second value is smaller than the first value. As described above, in the optical axis locked state, the value of the holding current is the first value over the entire rotation range including the predetermined angle range. Therefore, when comparing the holding currents in the predetermined angle range, the holding current in the non-optical axis locked state (second value) is smaller than the holding current in the optical axis locked state (first value).

[0070] After step S103, the CPU 71 proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the optical axis is not released (optical axis locked state) from the output signal supplied from the detection switch 63. If the CPU 71 determines that the optical axis is not locked, the CPU 71 returns to step S103. If the CPU 71 determines that the optical axis is locked in step S105, the CPU 71 returns to step S102.

[0071] Therefore, in the non-optical axis locked state, manual tilt rotation is lighter only in a specified angle range compared to other angle ranges, making balance adjustment easier. Also, within this specified angle range, there is an angle position where the optical axis direction is horizontal. Therefore, the user can use the range where tilt rotation is light as a guide for the adjustment position, which also makes adjustment easier. Also, in the optical axis locked state, a holding force in the tilt direction acts over the entire tilt rotation range, allowing for a smooth transition to shooting, etc.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the CPU 71 controls the holding current flowing to the tilt drive unit 74 depending on whether the optical axis is locked or unlocked. For example, in the unlocked state, the value of the holding current is smaller only in a specific angle range than in other angle ranges, making manual tilt rotation easier. This provides the same effect as the first embodiment in facilitating manual balance adjustment work.

[0073] In addition, in the optical axis locked state, it is not essential to set the value of the holding current to a uniform first value over the entire range of tilt rotation, and the value of the holding current may be different between a specified angle range and other angle ranges.

[0074] Although the tilt rotation angle of the tilt rotation unit 53 is detected by the encoder included in the tilt drive unit 74, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an independent sensor that detects the tilt rotation angle may be provided.

[0075] In each of the above-described embodiments, the imaging unit is not limited to a lens-exchangeable configuration, and may be an imaging device with an integrated lens.

[0076] In each of the above embodiments, the imaging unit is detachable from the imaging unit support device, but this is not limited to this. That is, an integrated imaging unit and imaging unit support device (i.e., imaging device system 100) may be called the imaging unit support device of the present invention or the imaging device.

[0077] In each of the above-described embodiments, accessories other than the imaging unit may be detachably attached to the imaging unit support device of the present invention.

[0078] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a non-transitory storage medium, and having one or more processors of a computer in the system or device read and execute the program. The above program and the storage medium that stores the above program constitute the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0080] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations (and methods). (Configuration 1) a support section that supports the imaging section so as to be movable in an optical axis direction and rotatable in a tilt direction; a locking unit capable of switching a state of the imaging unit between a locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted; a limiting means for making a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the unlocked state smaller than a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the locked state. (Configuration 2) the limiting means includes a first portion fixed to the support portion and a second portion tilt-rotating integrally with the imaging portion, The imaging unit support device described in configuration 1, characterized in that in the unlocked state, the first part and the second part engage with each other, thereby limiting the rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction to a predetermined angle range. (Configuration 3) 3. The imaging unit support device according to configuration 2, wherein the first portion includes a groove. (Configuration 4) The imaging unit support device of configuration 3, characterized in that within the angle range in which the second portion can be tilted within the groove portion in the first portion, there is an angle position in which the optical axis direction is horizontal. (Configuration 5) the locking means includes a lock operation unit that switches between the locked state and the unlocked state when operated, 5. The imaging unit support device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, wherein the second portion is a part of the lock operation portion. (Configuration 6) the locking means includes a lock operation unit that switches between the locked state and the unlocked state when operated, a displacement member that is a member separate from the lock operation portion and displaces in conjunction with the operation of the lock operation portion, 5. The imaging unit support device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, wherein the second portion is a part of the displacement member. (Configuration 7) 7. The imaging unit support device according to any one of configurations 2 to 6, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion has an elastic portion. (Configuration 8) the locking means includes a sliding portion that is slidable in the optical axis direction relative to the support portion, and a fastening member; The imaging unit support device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the imaging unit is placed in the locked state by fastening the sliding part to the lens of the imaging unit with the fastening member, and the imaging unit is placed in the unlocked state by releasing the fastening of the sliding part to the lens with the fastening member. (Configuration 9) the sliding portion is fastened to the lens by the fastening member via the displacement member, 9. The imaging unit support device according to configuration 8, wherein in the unlocked state, the displacement member engages with the support portion, thereby limiting a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction. (Configuration 10) a support section that supports the imaging section so as to be movable in an optical axis direction and rotatable in a tilt direction; a locking unit capable of switching a state of the imaging unit between a locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted; A drive unit that rotates the imaging unit in the tilt direction; and a control unit that controls a holding current to be passed to the drive unit depending on whether the imaging unit is in the locked state or the unlocked state. (Configuration 11) The imaging unit support device described in configuration 10, characterized in that, in the unlocked state, the control means makes the value of the holding current in a predetermined angle range in the tilt direction smaller than the value of the holding current in other angle ranges. (Configuration 12) The imaging unit support device described in configuration 10, wherein the control means makes the value of the holding current in a predetermined angle range in the locked state larger than the value of the holding current in the predetermined angle range in the unlocked state. (Configuration 13) 13. The imaging unit support device according to configuration 11 or 12, wherein within the predetermined angle range, there exists an angle position at which the optical axis direction is horizontal. (Configuration 14) 14. The imaging unit support device according to any one of configurations 10 to 13, further comprising a determination unit for determining whether the imaging unit is in the locked state or the unlocked state. (Configuration 15) 15. The imaging unit support device according to any one of configurations 10 to 14, further comprising a detection means for detecting an angular position of the imaging unit in the tilt direction. (Method 1) A control method for an imaging unit support device having a support section that supports an imaging unit so as to be movable in an optical axis direction and rotatable in a tilt direction, a locking unit that can switch a state of the imaging unit between a locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted, and a driving section that drives the imaging unit to rotate it in the tilt direction, A control method for an imaging unit support device, comprising: controlling a holding current to be passed to the drive unit depending on whether the imaging unit support device is in the locked state or the unlocked state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Lens 2 Camera body 3 Tilt rotation section 5 Pedestal 8 Camera support 9 Camera lock section 12 Lock lever part 17 Lever engagement part

Claims

1. a support section that supports the imaging section so as to be movable in an optical axis direction and rotatable in a tilt direction; a locking unit capable of switching a state of the imaging unit between a locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted; a limiting means for making a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the unlocked state smaller than a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction in the locked state.

2. the limiting means includes a first portion fixed to the support portion and a second portion tilt-rotating integrally with the imaging portion, 2. The imaging unit support device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are engaged with each other in the unlocked state, thereby limiting a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction to a predetermined angle range.

3. The imaging unit support device according to claim 2 , wherein the first portion includes a groove.

4. 4. The imaging unit support device according to claim 3, wherein an angular range in which the second portion can be tilted within the groove in the first portion includes an angular position in which the optical axis direction is horizontal.

5. the locking means includes a lock operation unit that switches between the locked state and the unlocked state when operated, 3. The imaging unit support device according to claim 2, wherein the second portion is a part of the lock operation portion.

6. the locking means includes a lock operation unit that switches between the locked state and the unlocked state when operated, a displacement member that is a member separate from the lock operation portion and displaces in conjunction with the operation of the lock operation portion, 3. The imaging unit support device according to claim 2, wherein the second portion is a part of the displacement member.

7. 3. The imaging unit support device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion has an elastic portion.

8. the locking means includes a sliding portion that is slidable in the optical axis direction relative to the support portion, and a fastening member; The imaging unit support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging unit is placed in the locked state by fastening the sliding portion to the lens of the imaging unit with the fastening member, and the imaging unit is placed in the unlocked state by releasing the fastening of the sliding portion to the lens with the fastening member.

9. the sliding portion is fastened to the lens by the fastening member via the displacement member, 9. The imaging unit support device according to claim 8, wherein in the unlocked state, the displacement member engages with the support portion, thereby limiting a rotation range of the imaging unit in the tilt direction.

10. a support section that supports the imaging section so as to be movable in an optical axis direction and rotatable in a tilt direction; a locking unit capable of switching a state of the imaging unit between a locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted; A drive unit that rotates the imaging unit in the tilt direction; and a control unit that controls a holding current to be passed to the drive unit depending on whether the imaging unit is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

11. 11. The imaging unit support device according to claim 10, wherein the control means, in the unlocked state, makes the value of the holding current in a predetermined angle range in the tilt direction smaller than the value of the holding current in other angle ranges.

12. 11. The imaging unit support device according to claim 10, wherein the control means makes the value of the holding current in the predetermined angle range in the locked state larger than the value of the holding current in the predetermined angle range in the unlocked state.

13. 12. The imaging unit support device according to claim 11, wherein an angular position where the optical axis direction is horizontal exists within the predetermined angular range.

14. 11. The imaging unit support device according to claim 10, further comprising a determination unit for determining whether the imaging unit is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

15. 11. The imaging unit support device according to claim 10, further comprising a detection unit for detecting an angular position of the imaging unit in the tilt direction.

16. A control method for an imaging unit support device having a support section that supports an imaging unit so as to be movable in an optical axis direction and rotatable in a tilt direction, a locking unit that can switch a state of the imaging unit between a locked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which movement of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction is not restricted, and a driving section that drives the imaging unit to rotate it in the tilt direction, A control method for an imaging unit support device, comprising: controlling a holding current to be passed to the drive unit depending on whether the imaging unit support device is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

Images