Protective cover and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a protective cover that prevents rainwater from flowing into an imaging range of a camera that images a lower part thereof to allow imaging of good images.SOLUTION: A protective cover is formed of a transparent material, has a substantially symmetrical shape around an axis directed substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, and has a first range corresponding to an imaging range of a bottom face camera unit and a second range corresponding to a non-imaging range of the bottom face camera unit. Projections projecting from an outer surface of a bottom face part are provided along a circumferential direction in the second range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, multi-lens surveillance cameras equipped with multiple camera units that can monitor multiple directions have become commercially available. These devices are often used to monitor a wide area, and their aim is to obtain wide-area, high-resolution images by stitching together images from multiple cameras through image processing, which is a resolution limitation of conventional omnidirectional cameras that use fisheye lenses.

[0003] In recent years, multi-lens cameras have become commercially available, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, which allow users to set the orientation of each of the multiple camera units. Such multi-lens cameras equipped with multiple camera units are often installed at high altitudes for the purpose of wide-area surveillance, and some have protective covers to protect the camera heads from physical impacts, dust, rain, etc. The protective covers used in such multi-lens cameras have a smoothly curved shape within the imaging range that takes into account camera movement so as to prevent distortion of the images from each camera unit. Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, there are also multi-lens surveillance cameras that have dedicated camera units for imaging downward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6363678 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0191059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while the conventional technologies disclosed in the above-mentioned patent documents can protect the camera unit from water damage during rainfall, rainwater on the side of the protective cover tends to flow around and adhere to the bottom of the protective cover. With the protective cover shape of Patent Document 1, the bottom of the camera is the lowest point of the cross section of the protective cover for all cameras, raising concerns that water droplets will collect in front of the camera when facing downward. Even with the protective cover shape of Patent Document 2, water that flows down from the outer periphery of the protective cover and adheres to the bottom surface has nowhere to flow, forming a wide water film and potentially degrading the image quality of a camera placed on the bottom surface for downward imaging. The present invention aims to provide a protective cover and an imaging device that prevent water flowing down from the side of the protective cover from entering the imaging range of a camera that captures images downward, enabling the capture of high-quality images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention provides a protective cover for an imaging device that is formed from a transparent material, has a shape that is approximately symmetrical around an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and includes a side camera unit that captures images to the side and a bottom camera unit that captures images below, and has a side portion corresponding to the side camera unit and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom camera unit, and the bottom portion further has a first range that corresponds to the imaging range of the bottom camera unit and a second range that corresponds to the non-imaging range of the bottom camera unit, and the second range has at least one or more convex portions that protrude outward from the outer surface of the bottom portion, and the convex portions are arranged along the circumferential direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by preventing rainwater from flowing into the first range of the protective cover of the imaging device, it is possible to prevent degradation of image quality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 1 taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Embodiment 1> Examples of a protective cover and an imaging device will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a first embodiment. The imaging device 1 houses multiple camera units in a protective cover 301 made of a transparent material, is installed via a support member 104, and is capable of capturing images of a wide range at once. The multiple camera units have a bottom camera 202 on an axis S1 and at least one side camera around it. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which four side camera units, side camera a 201a to side camera d 201d, are arranged.

[0010] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the protective cover and imaging device of embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, a bottom camera unit is provided at the center of the imaging device. The bottom camera 202 is fixed so as to be rotatable in the direction indicated by the rotation direction R202 around the axis S1. The positions of the side cameras a201a to d201d can be adjusted in the circumferential directions indicated by the position adjustment directions S201a to S201d around the axis S1, and they are fixed facing the desired imaging direction.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of Fig. 1 cut along line AA in Fig. 2. The configuration of the imaging device will be described in further detail using Fig. 3. The camera units of bottom camera 202 and side cameras a 201a to d 201d of imaging device 1 are housed in a housing formed by case 101 and protective cover 301, and are fixed on chassis 102 so that their positions can be adjusted in the directions of the arrows shown in Fig. 2. In addition, a circuit board 103 is provided between chassis 102 and case 101, and it is possible to process data captured by the camera units and transmit it to the outside.

[0012] The bottom camera 202 can capture images within a range of a bottom camera angle of view 212, and the side camera a 201a and the side camera b 201b can capture images within a range of a side camera a angle of view 211a and a side camera b angle of view 211b, respectively. Because the bottom camera 202 often captures images closer than the side camera a 201a and the side camera b 201b, the bottom camera angle of view 212 has an angle of view that is equal to or wider than the side camera a angle of view 211a and the side camera b angle of view 211b.

[0013] The bottom camera 202 can also tilt and rotate about a tilt axis T202, allowing the direction of the bottom camera angle of view 212 to be adjusted in the tilt rotation direction. Similarly, the side camera a 201a and the side camera b 201b can also tilt and rotate about tilt axes T201a and T201b, allowing the side camera a angle of view 211a and the side camera b angle of view 211b to be adjusted in the tilt rotation direction.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the protective cover 301 and the imaging device 1 taken along a plane including the axis S1, with the downward direction in the figure being the direction of gravity. The shape of the protective cover will be explained using FIG. 4. The protective cover 301 is a protective cover for the imaging device equipped with a bottom camera 202 that captures images downward and a side camera that captures images to the side. The protective cover 301 is made of a transparent material, and by covering the camera unit, it prevents the camera unit from getting wet or dirty due to rain or wind, and allows images to be taken through the protective cover. The protective cover 301 can be molded from, for example, highly impact-resistant polycarbonate, and is capable of not only preventing dirt but also protecting the camera unit from external impacts.

[0015] The protective cover 301 has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about an axis S1 that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity. The portion of the protective cover 301 that corresponds to the side camera unit is referred to as a side portion 320. The portion of the protective cover 301 that corresponds to the bottom camera 202 is referred to as a bottom portion 310.

[0016] The bottom surface portion 310 is further composed of a first range 311 and a second range 312. The first range 311 is a portion of the bottom surface portion 310 that corresponds to the imaging range that can be captured by the bottom surface camera 202 when the bottom surface camera 202 rotates, tilts, or the like. The second range 312 is a portion of the bottom surface portion 310 that corresponds to the non-imaging range, which is a range outside the imaging range. The bottom surface portion 310 is composed of the first range 311 located near the center of the axis S1 and the second range 312 that is arranged outside the first range 311 so as to surround the first range 311.

[0017] The side surface portion 320 further has a third range 321, a fourth range 323 below the third range 321, and a fifth range 322 above the third range 321. Here, the third range 321 is a range of the side surface portion 320 that corresponds to the imaging range that can be captured by the side surface camera unit when the side surface cameras 201a, 201b, etc. are changed in fixed position or tilted. The fourth range 323 and the fifth range 322 are ranges of the side surface portion 320 that correspond to non-imaging ranges that are ranges other than the imaging range.

[0018] The protective cover 301 covers the side cameras 201a, 201b, etc., which capture images of the sides, and the bottom camera unit, which captures images of the bottom. The protective cover 301 has a substantially symmetrical shape around the axis S1 within a rotation angle α so that the optical characteristics are similar regardless of the direction of the image. In this embodiment, the rotation angle α is 360 degrees. Furthermore, when the imaging device 1 is in use, the axis S1 is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. The side portion 320 has a curved shape in which the cross section of a circular arc is rotated downward by an angle β around the axis S1, the curve being perpendicular to the axis S1 and located at a distance R from the axis S1. The curved shape of the side portion 320 slopes downward toward the bottom portion 310. Therefore, water adhering to side surface portion 320 flows downward due to gravity, preventing water from accumulating on side surface portion 320, allowing side cameras 201a, 201b, etc. to capture good images. Note that although the position of axis S2 in Fig. 4 differs from the position of tilt axis T202, the position of axis S2 may be the same as the position of tilt axis T202.

[0019] 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the protective cover 301 and the imaging device 1, in which a convex portion 330 is provided in the second region 312, with the downward direction in the figure being the direction of gravity. In FIG. 5, the second region 312 is provided with a convex portion 330 that protrudes outward. Note that, although the configuration in FIG. 5 has one convex portion 330, a configuration in which the convex portion 330 is provided in at least one or more locations may also be used. Furthermore, the protective cover has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about the axis S1, and the convex portion is provided along the circumferential direction and has a rib shape. Furthermore, the first region 311 has a flat shape.

[0020] The first effect of arranging the convex portions 330 in the second region 312 is as follows. Because the convex portions 330 are arranged along the circumferential direction and form ridges, the curvature of the tips of the convex portions 330 is greater in two directions perpendicular to the circumferential direction compared to a case where the convex portions 330 are only flat. As a result, water near the convex portions 330 tends to separate into droplets at the tips of the convex portions 330, increasing the amount of water droplets that fall due to gravity. In other words, water that flows down from the side surface portion 320 to the bottom surface portion 310 tends to form droplets at the tips of the convex portions 330, increasing the amount of water that falls. This makes it possible to prevent water from flowing into the first region 311, enabling the capture of a good image. Note that "flowing in" also includes water moving in droplet form across the surface and entering a predetermined location.

[0021] 5, an inclined surface 341 is provided that slopes upward from the tip of the convex portion 330 in the second region 312 toward the first region 311. The inclined surface 341 is provided along the circumferential direction.

[0022] 5 in the second area 312 is as follows: Water cannot move up the inclined surface 341 and cannot flow into the first area 311. This prevents water from flowing into the first area 311, allowing a good image to be captured. The position of the convex portion 330 can be set within a range that can prevent water from flowing into the first range 311 and does not interfere with the image, but it is also desirable to set it in a position that takes into account the optical characteristics of the protective cover 301 and that does not cause reflected light by the convex portion 330 to produce ghost images.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the protective cover 301 and the imaging device 1, in which a convex portion 330 is provided near the boundary between the second area 312 and the side surface 320. The downward direction in the figure corresponds to the direction of gravity. In FIG. 6, the second area 312 is provided with a convex portion 330 that protrudes outward. The configuration in FIG. 6 is the same as the configuration in FIG. 5 except for the location of the convex portion 330. The second area 312 is provided with an inclined surface 341. In FIG. 5, the convex portion 330 is located in the middle of the second area 312. However, considering the optical characteristics of the protective cover and the relationship with the light reflected by the convex portion 330, the convex portion 330 may be located near the boundary between the second area 312 and the side surface 320, as shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, while the first area 311 in FIGS. 5 and 6 has a flat shape, it may also have a curved surface suitable for the lens shape of the bottom camera 202 or tilt operation. Furthermore, the bottom surface 310, and particularly the first area 311, may be coated with a water-repellent coating. Even if water droplets get around to the first area 311 side of the convex portion 330 due to wind or the like, the water droplets are more likely to fall from the first area 311, and a good image can be captured.

[0024] Furthermore, providing the protrusion 330 on the bottom surface portion 310 is expected to have the following secondary effects. The first secondary effect is that it is possible to prevent damage to the imaging area when the camera is dropped or placed on the ground during installation. The second secondary effect is that the second moment of area of the bottom surface portion 310 is increased, thereby improving the rigidity of the bottom surface portion 310. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of deformation during static pressure and vandal tests, thereby providing better protection for the internal camera unit.

[0025] Furthermore, there is a concern that scratches on the convex portion 330 may cause diffuse reflection at the scratches, resulting in ghost images when capturing an image. Therefore, a protective member (not shown) may be provided to cover the convex portion 330. Furthermore, the convex portion 330 may be made of a separate member from the other portions. The protective member or separate member may be made of, for example, a resin material or an elastomer material.

[0026] <Embodiment 2> The protective cover and imaging device of embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The difference from embodiment 1 is the shape of protective cover 301, but the shape of the imaging device, the arrangement and configuration of the camera unit, etc. are the same as those of embodiment 1, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the protective cover and imaging device of the second embodiment, with the downward direction in the figure representing the direction of gravity. In FIG. 7, an inclined surface 342 is provided in the second region 312, and the convex portion 332 is provided at a position where the side surface portion 320 and the inclined surface 342 connect. The second region 312 is provided with an inclined surface 342 that slopes upward as it approaches the first region. The protective cover has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about the axis S1, and the inclined surface 342 is provided along the circumferential direction. The first region 311 has a flat shape. Note that, although the configuration in FIG. 7 has one inclined surface 342, a configuration in which the inclined surface 342 is provided in multiple locations may also be used. By providing the inclined surfaces 342 in multiple locations, water can be more reliably prevented from flowing into the first region 311.

[0028] 7 prevents water from climbing up the inclined surface 342, thereby preventing water from flowing into the first range 311 and enabling good images to be captured. Furthermore, due to the shape of the convex portion 332 in Fig. 7, water near the convex portion 332 is more likely to form droplets at the tip of the convex portion 332, increasing the amount of water droplets that fall due to gravity. Therefore, water can be prevented from flowing into the first range 311, enabling good images to be captured.

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a modified example of the configuration in Figure 7, with the downward direction in the figure being the direction of gravity. Bottom surface 310 of protective cover 301 in Figure 8 has an upwardly convex shape. As with the configuration in Figure 7, in the configuration in Figure 8, second area 312 is provided with inclined surface 342 that slopes upward as it approaches first area 311, and convex portion 332 is provided at the position where side surface portion 320 and inclined surface 342 connect.

[0030] With the configuration of FIG. 8 , water cannot move up the inclined surface 342 and cannot flow into the first area 311. This prevents water from flowing into the first area 311, allowing a good image to be captured. Furthermore, due to the shape of the convex portion 332 of FIG. 8 , water near the convex portion 332 is more likely to form droplets at the tip of the convex portion 332, increasing the amount of water droplets that fall. This prevents water from flowing into the first area 311, allowing a good image to be captured. Furthermore, with the configuration of FIG. 8 , the bottom surface portion 310 has an upwardly convex shape even in the first area 311, so that water droplets that are blown into the first area 311 by, for example, a crosswind, are pulled by gravity toward the second area 312, preventing the water droplets from remaining in the first area 311.

[0031] <Embodiment 3> A protective cover and an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11. The shape of the device, the arrangement and configuration of the camera unit, etc. are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the protective cover and imaging device of the third embodiment, with the downward direction in the drawing corresponding to the direction of gravity. In the configuration of FIG. 9 , an inclined surface 343 and a downwardly concave recess 353 continuing from the inclined surface 343 are provided in the second region 312. That is, the second region 312 in FIG. 9 is provided with an inclined surface 343 that slopes upward as it approaches the first region 311. Note that while the configuration of FIG. 9 has one inclined surface 343, a configuration in which multiple inclined surfaces 343 are provided may also be used. Providing multiple inclined surfaces 343 more reliably prevents water from flowing into the first region 311. Furthermore, since the protective cover has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about the axis S1, the inclined surface 343 is provided along the circumferential direction and forms part of a groove along the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the first region 311 is flat. Furthermore, in the configuration of FIG. 9 , a convex portion 333 is provided in the second region 312 at a position where the side surface portion 320 and the inclined surface 343 connect.

[0033] The configuration of inclined surface 343 in Fig. 9 prevents water from moving up inclined surface 343 and prevents it from flowing into first area 311. This prevents water from flowing into first area 311, allowing a good image to be captured. Furthermore, the shape of convex portion 333 in Fig. 9 makes it easier for water near convex portion 333 to turn into droplets at the tip of convex portion 333, increasing the amount of water droplets that fall. This prevents water from flowing into first area 311 and allows a good image to be captured.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the protective cover and imaging device of the third embodiment, with the downward direction in the drawing corresponding to the direction of gravity. In the configuration of FIG. 10, the second region 312 is provided with an inclined surface 343 that slopes upward as it approaches the first region. In the configuration of FIG. 10, there is one inclined surface 343, but a configuration in which multiple inclined surfaces 343 are provided may also be used. By providing multiple inclined surfaces 343, water can be more reliably prevented from flowing into the first region 311. In addition, the protective cover has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about the axis S1, and the inclined surface 343 is provided along the circumferential direction. In addition, the first region 311 has a flat shape. In addition, in the configuration of FIG. 10, a convex portion 333 is provided in the second region 312, at a position where the side surface portion 320 and the inclined surface 343 connect.

[0035] The configuration of the inclined surface 343 in Fig. 10 prevents water from climbing up the inclined surface 343. This prevents water from flowing into the first range 311, allowing a good image to be captured. Furthermore, the shape of the convex portion 333 in Fig. 10 makes it easier for water near the convex portion 333 to turn into droplets at the tip of the convex portion 333, increasing the amount of water droplets that fall. This prevents water from flowing into the first range 311, allowing a good image to be captured.

[0036] 10, the first range 311 is located below the lower end of the convex portion 333. This configuration is effective, for example, when the bottom camera 202 is large. That is, even if the first range 311 is located below the lower end of the convex portion 333 to expand the storage space, the configuration of the inclined surface 343 and the convex portion 333 can prevent water from flowing into the first range 311.

[0037] 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the protective cover and the imaging device of embodiment 3, with the downward direction in the drawing being the direction of gravity. The configuration of FIG. 11 is the same as the configuration of FIG. 10 in the shapes of the inclined surface 343 and the convex portion 333, but differs in that the bottom surface portion 310 has a downwardly convex shape in a part of the first range 311 and the second range 312.

[0038] 11, as with the configuration of FIG. 10, water cannot move up the inclined surface 343 and cannot flow into the first area 311. Therefore, water can be prevented from flowing into the first area 311, allowing a good image to be captured. Also, as with the configuration of FIG. 10, the shape of the convex portion 333 makes it easier for water near the convex portion 333 to form droplets at the tip of the convex portion 333, increasing the amount of water droplets that fall due to gravity. Therefore, water can be prevented from flowing into the first area 311, allowing a good image to be captured. Also, with the configuration of FIG. 11, even when the tilt angle of the bottom camera 202 is changed, there is little change in the distance from the bottom camera 202 to the first area 311, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing image distortion.

[0039] <Embodiment 4> A protective cover and an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 12. The shape of the device, the arrangement and configuration of the camera unit, etc. are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a protective cover and an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment, with the downward direction in the drawing being the direction of gravity. The protective cover 301 shown in FIG. 12 has a convex portion 330 that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the side surface portion 320 in a fourth region 323 of the side surface portion 320. The side surface portion 320 has a curved shape that slopes downward toward the bottom surface portion 310. Therefore, even if water is present above the convex portion 330 on the side surface portion 320, it is prevented from accumulating. While the configuration in FIG. 12 has one convex portion 330, a configuration in which multiple convex portions 330 are provided is also possible. The protective cover 301 has a substantially symmetrical shape around the axis S1, and the convex portion 330 is provided along the circumferential direction. The convex portion 330 has a rib shape.

[0041] 12, water near the convex portion 330 tends to turn into droplets at the tip of the convex portion 330, increasing the amount of water droplets that fall due to gravity. That is, water that has flowed from the side portion 320 into the bottom portion 310 tends to turn into droplets at the tip of the convex portion 330, increasing the amount of water that falls, making it possible to prevent water from flowing into the first range 311 and capturing a good image.

[0042] 12, an inclined surface 341 is provided along the circumferential direction, sloping upward from the tip of the convex portion 330 toward the bottom surface portion 310. Therefore, water cannot move up the inclined surface 341 and cannot flow into the first range 311. Therefore, water can be prevented from flowing into the first range 311, and a good image can be captured.

[0043] 12 and 5, bottom surface 310 has a flat shape, but in the configuration of Fig. 12, the height of the lower end of convex portion 330 can be made the same as that of bottom surface 310. This is advantageous in that convex portion 330 is less likely to be scratched if dropped or placed on the ground during installation, and there is less risk of diffuse reflection or ghosting at the scratched portion.

[0044] <Other embodiments> To facilitate the dropping of water, such as rainwater, blown into the first area 311 by wind or other factors, the bottom surface 310, and particularly the first area 311, may be coated with a water-repellent coating. The side surface 320 may be shaped like a cone formed by rotating a line segment around the axis S1. The height of the convex portions provided along the circumferential direction may be set to, for example, two levels, with high and low convex portions alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. This configuration forms many independent convex portions in the circumferential direction compared to a configuration in which convex portions are formed at a uniform height in the circumferential direction. This increases the amount of water droplets that drop downward, thereby more efficiently preventing water from flowing into the first area 311. The protective cover 301 may also be configured to include a portion that is approximately asymmetrical.

[0045] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A protective cover for an imaging device, which is made of a transparent material, has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and includes a side camera unit that captures images to the side and a bottom camera unit that captures images below, a side portion corresponding to the side camera unit and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom camera unit, the bottom surface portion further has a first range corresponding to an imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit and a second range corresponding to a non-imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit; A protective cover characterized in that the second area has at least one or more convex portions that protrude outward from the outer surface of the bottom portion, and the convex portions are arranged along the circumferential direction. (Configuration 2) 2. The protective cover according to claim 1, wherein the side surface portion has a curved shape that slopes downward toward the bottom surface portion. (Configuration 3) 3. The protective cover for an imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is ribbed. (Configuration 4) The protective cover according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion is provided with a protective member that covers the protrusion. (Configuration 5) 4. The protective cover according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion is formed of a material separate from other portions. (Configuration 6) 6. The protective cover of any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the first area is planar. (Configuration 7) 7. The protective cover of any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the first area is coated with a water-repellent coating. (Configuration 8) A protective cover for an imaging device, which is made of a transparent material, has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and includes a side camera unit that captures images to the side and a bottom camera unit that captures images below, a side portion corresponding to the side camera unit and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom camera unit, the bottom surface portion further has a first range corresponding to an imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit and a second range corresponding to a non-imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit; A protective cover characterized in that the second area has at least one inclined surface that slopes upward as it approaches the first area, and the inclined surface is provided along the circumferential direction. (Configuration 9) 9. The protective cover according to claim 8, wherein the side surface portion has a curved shape that slopes downward toward the bottom surface portion. (Configuration 10) 10. The protective cover of claim 8 or 9, wherein the inclined surface forms part of a circumferentially extending groove. (Configuration 11) 11. The protective cover of any one of configurations 8 to 10, wherein the first area has a planar shape. (Configuration 12) The protective cover of any one of Configurations 8 to 10, wherein the second area further includes at least one protrusion protruding outward from the outer surface of the bottom portion along the circumferential direction, and the first area is located below a lower end of the protrusion. (Configuration 13) 11. The protective cover of any one of configurations 8 to 10, wherein the first area has an upwardly convex shape. (Configuration 14) 11. The protective cover of any one of configurations 8 to 10, wherein the first area has a downwardly convex shape. (Configuration 15) 15. The protective cover of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the first area is coated with a water-repellent coating. (Configuration 16) A protective cover for an imaging device, which is made of a transparent material, has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and includes a side camera unit that captures images to the side and a bottom camera unit that captures images below, a side portion corresponding to the side camera unit and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom camera unit, the side surface portion further has a third range corresponding to an imaging range of the side surface camera unit, and a fourth range corresponding to a non-imaging range of the side surface camera unit and located below the third range, A protective cover characterized in that the fourth range has at least one protrusion protruding outward from the outer surface of the side portion, and the protrusion is arranged along the circumferential direction. (Configuration 17) 17. The protective cover according to claim 16, wherein the side surface portion has a curved shape that slopes downward toward the bottom surface portion. (Configuration 18) An imaging device comprising: a side camera unit; a bottom camera unit; and the protective cover according to any one of configurations 1 to 17.

[0046] The present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible based on the gist of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1: imaging device, 202: bottom camera, T202: tilt axis, S1: axis, S2: axis, 201a: side camera a, 201b: side camera b, 201d: side camera d, T201a: tilt axis, T201b: tilt axis, 211a: side camera a angle of view, 211b: side camera b angle of view, 212: bottom camera angle of view, 301: protective cover, 320: side portion, 310: bottom portion, 311: first range, 312: second range, 321: third range, 323: fourth range, 330: convex portion, 332: convex portion, 333: convex portion, 341: inclined surface, 342: inclined surface, 343: inclined surface, 353: recessed portion

Claims

1. A protective cover for an imaging device, which is made of a transparent material, has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and includes a side camera unit that captures images to the side and a bottom camera unit that captures images below, a side portion corresponding to the side camera unit and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom camera unit, the bottom surface portion further has a first range corresponding to an imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit and a second range corresponding to a non-imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit; A protective cover characterized in that the second range has at least one or more convex portions protruding outward from the outer surface of the bottom portion, and the convex portions are arranged along the circumferential direction.

2. The protective cover according to claim 1 , wherein the side surface portion has a curved shape that slopes downward toward the bottom surface portion.

3. The protective cover according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is rib-shaped.

4. The protective cover according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is provided with a protective member that covers the protrusion.

5. The protective cover according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is formed of a material separate from other portions.

6. The protective cover according to claim 1 , wherein the first area has a planar shape.

7. The protective cover according to claim 1 , wherein the first area is coated with a water-repellent coating.

8. A protective cover for an imaging device, which is made of a transparent material, has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and includes a side camera unit that captures images to the side and a bottom camera unit that captures images below, a side portion corresponding to the side camera unit and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom camera unit, the bottom surface portion further has a first range corresponding to an imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit and a second range corresponding to a non-imaging range of the bottom surface camera unit; A protective cover characterized in that the second range has at least one inclined surface that slopes upward as it approaches the first range, and the inclined surface is provided along the circumferential direction.

9. The protective cover according to claim 8 , wherein the side surface portion has a curved shape that slopes downward toward the bottom surface portion.

10. The protective cover of claim 8 , wherein the inclined surface forms part of a circumferentially extending groove.

11. The protective cover according to claim 8 , wherein the first area has a planar shape.

12. The protective cover according to claim 8, characterized in that the second area further includes at least one protrusion protruding outward from the outer surface of the bottom portion along the circumferential direction, and the first area is located below the lower end of the protrusion.

13. The protective cover according to claim 8 , wherein the first area has an upwardly convex shape.

14. The protective cover according to claim 8 , wherein the first area has a downwardly convex shape.

15. The protective cover according to claim 8 , wherein the first area is coated with a water-repellent coating.

16. A protective cover for an imaging device, which is made of a transparent material, has a shape that is approximately symmetrical about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and includes a side camera unit that captures images to the side and a bottom camera unit that captures images below, a side portion corresponding to the side camera unit and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom camera unit, the side surface portion further has a third range corresponding to an imaging range of the side surface camera unit, and a fourth range corresponding to a non-imaging range of the side surface camera unit and located below the third range, A protective cover characterized in that the fourth range has at least one protrusion protruding outward from the outer surface of the side portion, and the protrusion is arranged along the circumferential direction.

17. The protective cover according to claim 16, wherein the side surface portion has a curved shape that slopes downward toward the bottom surface portion.

18. An imaging device comprising: a side camera unit; a bottom camera unit; and the protective cover according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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