Joint mechanism, and, warning device

Abstract

To provide technique which integrates a first module materializing a first function and a second module materializing a second function, and which enables the relative orientation and elevation angle of the first and second modules to be freely adjusted.SOLUTION: A joint mechanism is provided, which connects a first module materializing a first function and a second module materializing a second function, the joint mechanism comprises: a movable portion having a first spherical surface forming portion which forms a first spherical surface and a first support portion which supports the first module; a pedestal portion having a second spherical surface forming portion which forms a second spherical surface, a least a part of which engages with the first spherical surface and a second support portion which supports the second module; and a fixing portion which fixes the movable portion and the pedestal portion while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint mechanism and an attention-calling device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for mounting a camera on a ceiling or wall. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a monitoring device that includes a mounting base that is mounted on a ceiling, a main body case attached to the mounting base, a monitoring camera installed in the main body case, and a control unit that projects an image of a monitored object captured by the monitoring camera to the outside. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a device that includes a mounting member that can be mounted at a desired position on a ceiling or wall, and a TV camera unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-138347 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-147647 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By combining a warning device with the detection device described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, an attention-warning device can be configured that detects objects and warns pedestrians and vehicles with light and sound. However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not consider how to combine a warning device with a detection device. In this regard, if a warning device is further built into the detection device described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the relative orientation and elevation angle between the detection unit of the detection device and the warning unit of the warning device become fixed, resulting in a problem of reduced effectiveness. Note that this problem is not limited to attention-warning devices that combine a detection device and a warning device, but is common to all devices that combine a first module that realizes an arbitrary first function with a second module that realizes an arbitrary second function.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology that integrates a first module that realizes a first function with a second module that realizes a second function, and that makes it possible to freely adjust the relative orientation and elevation angle of the first and second modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following aspects.

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joint mechanism for connecting a first module realizing a first function and a second module realizing a second function, the joint mechanism including: a movable part having a first spherical surface forming part that forms a first spherical surface and a first support part that supports the first module; a base part having a second spherical surface forming part that forms a second spherical surface at least a portion of which engages with the first spherical surface and a second support part that supports the second module; and a fixing part that fixes the movable part and the base part while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface.

[0008] According to this configuration, the joint mechanism supports the first module with the first support portion of the movable portion and the second module with the second support portion of the base, thereby integrating the first module and the second module. Furthermore, the joint mechanism can adjust the relative orientation and elevation angle of the first module and the second module by fixing the movable portion and the base while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface with the fixing portion after adjusting the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface. As a result, the first module can be oriented and angle of elevation appropriate for achieving the first function, thereby improving the effectiveness of the device.

[0009] (2) In the joint mechanism of the above form, the movable part may have a first through hole that penetrates the inside of the first spherical surface forming part and the first support part, and the base part may have a second through hole that penetrates the inside of the second spherical surface forming part and the second support part and is connected to the first through hole. With this configuration, since there are the first and second through holes that penetrate from the first support part to the second support part, a connecting member that electrically connects the first module and the second module can be placed in the first and second through holes. As a result, compared to when the connecting member is placed outside the joint mechanism, the aesthetic appearance of the device can be improved and the connecting member can be protected from sunlight, wind, and rain.

[0010] (3) The joint mechanism of the above embodiment may further include a first connector arranged inside the first through hole, a second connector arranged inside the second through hole, and a cable arranged inside the first through hole and the second through hole, electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector. According to this configuration, the first connector, the second connector, and the cable are disposed inside the first through hole and the second through hole. Therefore, by electrically connecting the first module to the first connector and the second module to the second connector, the first module and the second module can be electrically connected without passing a separate connecting member through the first and second through holes. As a result, the convenience of the joint mechanism can be further improved.

[0011] (4) In the joint mechanism of the above form, the fixed part may have a motor, and the fixed part may fix the movable part and the base part by driving the motor while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface. According to this configuration, the movable part and the base part can be fixed together while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface by an electromagnetic lock using a motor.

[0012] (5) The joint mechanism of the above form may further include an adjustment unit that automatically changes the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface, and the adjustment unit may acquire an image from either the first module or the second module, perform image analysis on the acquired image, and drive the motor according to the results of the image analysis. With this configuration, the adjustment unit automatically changes the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface by analyzing an image acquired from either the first module or the second module. As a result, the adjustment unit can automatically adjust the orientation and elevation angle of the first module to an orientation and elevation angle suitable for achieving the first function, further improving the effectiveness of the device.

[0013] (6) In the joint mechanism of the above form, the first spherical surface forming portion may form a recessed first spherical surface, the second spherical surface forming portion may form a protruding second spherical surface, and the base portion may be arranged vertically below the movable portion. According to this configuration, the first spherical surface forming portion forms a recessed first spherical surface, the second spherical surface forming portion forms a protruding second spherical surface, and the base portion is disposed vertically below the movable portion, which prevents rainwater from accumulating inside the joint mechanism and improves the weather resistance of the joint mechanism.

[0014] (7) In the joint mechanism of the above aspect, the first spherical surface forming portion may be integrally molded. According to this configuration, the first spherical surface forming portion is integrally formed, which makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and improve the rigidity of the first spherical surface forming portion.

[0015] (8) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attention-attracting device, comprising: the joint mechanism of the above aspect; the first module having a detection unit that detects an object; and the second module having a warning unit that generates at least one of a plurality of types of warning means to alert a target person. According to this configuration, an attention warning device can be configured that has a detection unit that detects objects as a first module and a warning unit as a second module, integrating these and making it possible to adjust the relative orientation and elevation angle of these.

[0016] The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a joint mechanism, an attention-warning device including a joint mechanism, any device including a joint mechanism, a manufacturing method thereof, a system including these devices, a control method for these devices and systems, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an attention calling device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a joint mechanism. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of an attention-attracting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of an attention-attracting device. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating adjustment of the orientation and elevation angle by a joint mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an outside scene image captured by a first detection module. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating connections between joint mechanisms. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a joint mechanism according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an attention warning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The attention warning device 1 is configured by combining a first module that realizes a first function and a second module that realizes an optional second function via a joint mechanism 60. In this embodiment, the first function is exemplified as a function of detecting an arbitrary object from an external scene image captured by a camera. The external scene image may be a still image or a video. The arbitrary object may be a pedestrian or a vehicle such as a bicycle or automobile. The second function is exemplified as a function of warning an object by emitting at least one of light and sound. The attention warning device 1 is installed, for example, on a passageway or at an intersection with poor visibility, and prevents accidents by warning pedestrians and drivers of approaching pedestrians or vehicles. Note that the first and second functions are merely examples and may be changed as desired.

[0019] 1, the attention calling device 1 includes a first detection module 10, a second detection module 20, a first warning module 30, a second warning module 40, a support 50, a lid 55, and a joint mechanism 60. In the example of FIG. 1, the components are stacked vertically in the following order from the installation surface 9 side: second warning module 40, second detection module 20, first warning module 30, joint mechanism 60, first detection module 10, and lid 55.

[0020] The first detection module 10 is equipped with a camera 13 and is a detection device that captures an image of the outside scene (still image or video). Details of the first detection module 10 will be described later. The second detection module 20 is equipped with a camera 23 and is a detection device that captures an image of the outside scene (still image or video). The second detection module 20 has the same configuration as the first detection module 10, except for its arrangement in the attention warning device 1.

[0021] The first warning module 30 is equipped with a light-emitting unit 35, and is a warning device that alerts pedestrians and vehicle drivers by lighting up or flashing the light-emitting unit 35. Details of the first warning module 30 will be described later. The second warning module 40 is equipped with a light-emitting unit 45, and is a warning device that alerts pedestrians and vehicle drivers by lighting up or flashing the light-emitting unit 35. The second warning module 40 has the same configuration as the first warning module 30, except for the arrangement in the attention-attention device 1.

[0022] In Fig. 1, the two modules integrated by the joint mechanism 60 correspond to the "first module" and the "second module." Specifically, the first detection module 10 supported by the movable part 61 (Fig. 2) of the joint mechanism 60 corresponds to the "first module." The first warning module 30 supported by the base part 62 of the joint mechanism 60 corresponds to the "second module."

[0023] The support pillars 50 are columns that support the above-mentioned modules 10, 20, 30, 40 so that they are positioned at a predetermined height from the installation surface 9. The lid 55 is a cover that covers the top of the first detection module 10, which is positioned at the top in the vertical direction, and prevents wind and rain from entering.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an external configuration of the joint mechanism 60. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the joint mechanism 60. The joint mechanism 60 is a member that connects two different modules (in the example of FIG. 1, the first detection module 10 and the first warning module 30). As shown in FIG. 2, the joint mechanism 60 has a movable part 61, a base part 62, and a connecting member 63. The movable part 61 is disposed vertically above the base part 62. The movable part 61 is supported by the base part 62 in a state in which it can move relatively in the horizontal direction D1 and the vertical direction D2. The base part 62 is disposed vertically below the movable part 61 and supports the movable part 61. The movable part 61 can rotate, for example, 360 degrees in the horizontal direction D1 relative to the base part 62. Hereinafter, the horizontal direction D1 will also be referred to as the "orientation." Movable portion 61 can move, for example, ±10 degrees in vertical direction D2 relative to base portion 62. Hereinafter, vertical direction D2 will also be referred to as the "elevation angle." The specific values ​​of the direction and elevation angle are merely examples and may be changed as desired.

[0025] The movable portion 61 has a first support portion 611 and a first spherical surface forming portion 612. The first support portion 611 is a cylindrical portion located vertically above the first spherical surface forming portion 612. The first spherical surface forming portion 612 is located vertically below the first support portion 611. The first spherical surface forming portion 612 has an outer diameter larger than that of the first support portion 611. As shown in FIG. 3 , a first spherical surface 612a, which is a recessed spherical surface, is formed inside the first spherical surface forming portion 612. A step portion 613 extending horizontally is formed between the first support portion 611 and the first spherical surface forming portion 612. Two through holes (a first screw hole 616 and a second screw hole 617) are formed in the first spherical surface forming portion 612 at positions corresponding to the center of the first spherical surface 612a in the height direction. The first screw hole 616 and the second screw hole 617 function as a "fixing portion" together with the screw 68 shown in Fig. 2. A first through hole 61L is formed in the movable portion 61, passing vertically through the first support portion 611 and the first spherical surface forming portion 612. The opening of the first through hole 61L on the first support portion 611 side (upper side) is also referred to as an upper opening 615.

[0026] The base 62 has a second support portion 621 and a second spherical surface forming portion 623. The second support portion 621 is a cylindrical portion located vertically below the second spherical surface forming portion 623. A horizontally extending step portion 622 is formed on the upper surface of the second support portion 621. The surface opposite the step portion 622 is also referred to as step portion 626. The second spherical surface forming portion 623 is located vertically above the second support portion 621. The second spherical surface forming portion 623 has a substantially spherical outer shape with flat surfaces at the upper and lower ends. As shown in FIG. 3, a second spherical surface 623a, which is a protruding spherical surface, is formed on the outer side of the second spherical surface forming portion 623. The second spherical surface forming portion 623 is fixed onto the step portion 622 by a cylindrical pillar 624. A second through-hole 62L is formed in the base portion 62, passing vertically through the second support portion 621 and the second spherical surface forming portion 623. The opening of the second through-hole 62L on the second support portion 621 side (lower side) is also referred to as a lower opening 625.

[0027] The joint mechanism 60 can be fabricated by integrating the movable part 61 and the base part 62 with the second spherical surface forming part 623 housed in the internal space of the first spherical surface forming part 612 and the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a engaged with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a are engaged with each other entirely except for their upper and lower ends. As shown in FIG. 3, the first through-hole 61L of the movable part 61 and the second through-hole 62L of the base part 62 communicate with each other, forming a single through-hole that runs from the upper opening 615 to the lower opening 625 of the joint mechanism 60. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first spherical surface forming part 612 is integrally molded and cannot be separated. This joint mechanism 60 can be fabricated by simultaneously forming the base part 62 and the movable part 61 using a 3D printer.

[0028] A connection member 63 is disposed within the through hole of the joint mechanism 60. The connection member 63 includes a first connector 631, a cable 632, and a second connector 633. The first connector 631 and the second connector 633 are connection terminals for electrically connecting connectors of other modules. The first connector 631 is fixed to the inside of the first through hole 61L, i.e., at the edge of the upper opening 615 in the example of FIG. 3. The second connector 633 is fixed to the inside of the second through hole 62L, i.e., near the stepped portion 626 in the example of FIG. 3. The cable 632 is a connection line electrically connected to the first connector 631 and the second connector 633 and is a connection line for transmitting power and data to a device. The cable 632 may be at least one of a connection line for transmitting power and a connection line for transmitting data. The cable 632 is disposed within the first through hole 61L and the second through hole 62L.

[0029] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the attention-attracting device 1. Fig. 4 shows a cross section from the lid 55 to a part of the joint mechanism 60. The lid 55 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom and a recess 551.

[0030] The first detection module 10, which serves as the first module, has a camera 13, a control unit 14, a connection member 19, and a communication unit and a power receiving unit (not shown) arranged inside a housing. The camera 13 is arranged in a position where it can capture an image of the outside scene through a window provided in the housing. The camera 13 transmits the captured image of the outside scene to the control unit 14. The communication unit controls communication by the control unit 14. The power receiving unit receives power transmitted from an external power source wirelessly or via the connection member 19, and supplies it to the camera 13 and the control unit 14.

[0031] The control unit 14 is an information processing device fixed inside the housing of the first detection module 10. The control unit 14 can be configured with an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a computer. The computer is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and memory. The control unit 14 performs image analysis of the outside scene image received from the camera 13. Through image analysis, the control unit 14 detects whether the outside scene image contains an object to be detected (a pedestrian or a vehicle), the size of the object in the outside scene image, and the like. The control unit 14 transmits the object detection result to the first warning module 30 via the communication unit.

[0032] The housing of the first detection module 10 has an upper support portion 111, a main body portion 112, and a lower support portion 116. The upper support portion 111 is a cylindrical portion located vertically above the main body portion 112. The outer diameter of the upper support portion 111 is sized to fit inside the recess 551 of the lid 55. The main body portion 112 is a cylindrical portion located vertically between the upper support portion 111 and the lower support portion 116. A step portion 113 extending horizontally is formed between the upper support portion 111 and the main body portion 112. The lid 55 is placed on the step portion 113. The lower support portion 116 is a cylindrical portion located vertically below the main body portion 112. The outer diameter of the lower support portion 116 is the same as the outer diameter of the main body portion 112. The inner diameter of the lower support portion 116 is sized to fit onto the outside of the first support portion 611 of the joint mechanism 60. A horizontally extending step portion 117 is formed on the inner surface between the lower support portion 116 and the main body portion 112. A through-hole 10L is formed in the housing of the first detection module 10, passing vertically through the interior of the housing. The upper opening of the through-hole 10L is also referred to as an upper opening 115. The lower opening of the through-hole 10L is also referred to as a lower opening 118.

[0033] A connection member 19 is disposed in the through-hole 10L of the first detection module 10. The connection member 19 has a connector 191, a cable 192, and a connector 193. The connectors 191 and 193 are connection terminals for electrically connecting connectors of other modules. The connector 191 is fixed to the edge of the upper opening 115. The connector 193 is fixed near the stepped portion 117. The cable 192 is a connection line electrically connected to the connectors 191 and 193, and is a connection line for transmitting power and data to a device. The control unit 14 and the camera 13 are connected to the cable 192.

[0034] When assembling the attention warning device 1, the worker connects the first connector 631 of the connection member 63 to the connector 193 of the connection member 19, as shown in Fig. 4, and then fits the first detection module 10 onto the joint mechanism 60. Then, the first support portion 611 of the joint mechanism 60 fits into a recess in the lower support portion 116 of the first detection module 10, and the first detection module 10 is supported by the stepped portion 613. In this state, the worker may fix the first detection module 10 and the joint mechanism 60 together with adhesive, screws, or the like.

[0035] 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the attention calling device 1. FIG. 5 shows a cross section from a part of the joint mechanism 60 to a part of the second detection module 20.

[0036] The first warning module 30, which serves as the second module, has a housing in which a light-emitting unit 35, a control unit 34, a connection member 39, and a communication unit and power receiving unit (not shown) are arranged. The light-emitting unit 35 is a light-emitting module attached to the outer surface of the housing and has a 3-in-1 type white LED. The light-emitting unit 35 emits light in response to commands from the control unit 34. The communication unit controls communication by the control unit 34. The power receiving unit receives power transmitted from an external power source via wireless transmission or the connection member 39, and supplies it to the light-emitting unit 35 and the power receiving unit 36.

[0037] The control unit 34 is an information processing device fixed inside the housing of the first warning module 30. The control unit 34 can be configured with an ASIC or a computer. The control unit 34 determines whether the light-emitting unit 35 emits light and the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting unit 35 according to the object detection result received from the control unit 34. The light-emitting pattern is a combination of lighting, blinking, and the duration of these, and can be set appropriately according to the detection result. The control unit 34 sends a light-emitting command to the light-emitting unit 35 in the determined pattern.

[0038] The housing of the first warning module 30 has an upper support portion 311, a main body portion 312, and a lower support portion 316. The upper support portion 311 is a cylindrical portion located vertically above the main body portion 312. The outer diameter of the upper support portion 311 is large enough to fit inside the second support portion 621 of the joint mechanism 60. The main body portion 312 is a cylindrical portion located vertically between the upper support portion 311 and the lower support portion 316. A step portion 313 extending horizontally is formed between the upper support portion 311 and the main body portion 312. The joint mechanism 60 is placed on the step portion 313. The lower support portion 316 is a cylindrical portion located vertically below the main body portion 312. The outer diameter of the lower support portion 316 is the same as the outer diameter of the main body portion 312. The inner diameter of the lower support part 316 is sized to fit onto the outside of the upper support part 111 of the second detection module 20. A horizontally extending step part 317 is formed on the inner surface between the lower support part 316 and the main body part 312. A through-hole 30L is formed in the housing of the first warning module 30, passing vertically through the interior of the housing. The upper opening of the through-hole 30L is also referred to as an upper opening 315. The lower opening of the through-hole 30L is also referred to as a lower opening 318.

[0039] A connection member 39 is disposed in the through-hole 30L of the first warning module 30. The connection member 39 has a connector 391, a cable 392, and a connector 393. The connectors 391 and 393 are connection terminals for electrically connecting connectors of other modules. The connector 391 is fixed to the edge of the upper opening 315. The connector 393 is fixed near the stepped portion 317. The cable 392 is a connection line electrically connected to the connectors 391 and 393, and is a connection line for transmitting power and data to a device. The control unit 34 and the light-emitting unit 35 are connected to the cable 392.

[0040] The second detection module 20 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration similar to that of the first detection module 10 described in FIG. 4, except that it includes a camera 23 instead of the camera 13 and a control unit 24 instead of the control unit 14. The cameras 13 and 23 have the same functions, and the control units 14 and 24 have the same functions, except that the detection results are output to the first warning module 30 for the control unit 14 and the second warning module 40 for the control unit 24. The second warning module 40 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration similar to that of the first warning module 30 described in FIG. 5, except that it includes a light-emitting unit 45 instead of the light-emitting unit 35 and a control unit 44 instead of the control unit 34. The light-emitting units 35 and 45 have the same functions, and the control units 34 and 44 have the same functions.

[0041] When assembling the attention warning device 1, the worker connects the second connector 633 of the connecting member 63 to the connector 391 of the connecting member 39, as shown in Fig. 5 , and then fits the first warning module 30 under the joint mechanism 60. Then, the upper support portion 311 of the first warning module 30 fits into the recess in the second support portion 621 of the joint mechanism 60, and the joint mechanism 60 is supported by the stepped portion 313. In this state, the worker may fix the first warning module 30 and the joint mechanism 60 together with adhesive, screws, or the like.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating adjustment of the orientation and elevation angle by the joint mechanism 60. As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the joint mechanism 60 is configured by accommodating the second spherical surface forming portion 623 in the internal space of the first spherical surface forming portion 612 and integrating the movable portion 61 and the base portion 62 with the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a engaged. Therefore, in the joint mechanism 60, the first spherical surface 612a is slidably moved on the second spherical surface 623a, thereby allowing the movable portion 61 to rotate in the horizontal direction D1 and move in the vertical direction D2. That is, after installing the attention alert device 1, the worker can adjust the orientation of the first detection module 10 (first module) by rotating the movable portion 61 in the horizontal direction D1. Furthermore, after installing the attention alert device 1, the worker can adjust the elevation angle of the first detection module 10 (first module) by moving the movable portion 61 in the vertical direction D2. After adjusting the orientation and elevation angle of the first detection module 10, the worker fixes the movable part 61 by fitting screws 68 into the first screw holes 616 and the second screw holes 617. Fixing the movable part 61 maintains (fixes) the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a. In other words, fixing the movable part 61 maintains (fixes) the orientation and elevation angle of the first detection module 10 (first module) adjusted by the worker.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outside scene image captured by the first detection module 10. FIG. 7(A) shows an outside scene image IM1 obtained by the first detection module 10 before adjusting the orientation and elevation angle. FIG. 7(B) shows an outside scene image IM2 obtained by the first detection module 10 after adjusting the orientation and elevation angle. As shown in FIG. 7(A), in the initial state of FIG. 1, the orientation and elevation angle of the first detection module 10 are inappropriate, and the outside scene image obtained by the camera 13 may not correctly include the road or intersection to be monitored. In such a case, the joint mechanism 60 of this embodiment can easily adjust the orientation and elevation angle of the first detection module 10. As a result, the first detection module 10 after the adjustment can obtain an outside scene image that correctly includes the road or intersection to be monitored, as shown in FIG. 7(B).

[0044] 1 and 6 are merely examples and can be modified as desired. For example, a joint mechanism 60 may be inserted between the first warning module 30 and the second detection module 20. This allows the orientation and elevation angle of the first warning module 30 to be adjusted. For example, a joint mechanism 60 may be inserted between each of the modules 10, 20, 30, and 40. This allows the orientation and elevation angle of each of the modules 10, 20, 30, and 40 to be adjusted.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the joint mechanisms 60. As shown in FIG. 8, two or more joint mechanisms 60 may be stacked vertically adjacent to each other. Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, one joint mechanism 60 will be referred to as joint mechanism 60a, and the other joint mechanism 60 will be referred to as joint mechanism 60b. The worker connects the second connector 633 of the connecting member 63 of the joint mechanism 60a to the first connector 631 of the connecting member 63 of the joint mechanism 60b, and then fits the joint mechanism 60b under the joint mechanism 60a. Then, the first support portion 611 of the joint mechanism 60b fits into the recess in the second support portion 621 of the joint mechanism 60a, and the step portion 613 of the joint mechanism 60b supports the joint mechanism 60a. In this state, the worker may fix the joint mechanisms 60a and 60b with adhesive, screws, or the like. In this way, the height of the first module can be easily changed by adding more joint mechanisms 60 without changing the height of the support columns 50. Although FIG. 8 shows an example in which two joint mechanisms 60 are stacked vertically, three or more joint mechanisms 60 may be stacked vertically.

[0046] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the joint mechanism 60 supports the first module (first detection module 10) with the first support portion 611 of the movable portion 61, and supports the second module (first warning module 30) with the second support portion 621 of the base portion 62, thereby integrating the first module 10 and the second module 30. Furthermore, the joint mechanism 60 can adjust the relative orientation and elevation angle of the first module 10 and the second module 30 by fixing the movable portion 61 and the base portion 62 while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a with the fixing portions 616, 617, and 68. As a result, the first module 10 can be oriented and oriented at an elevation angle suitable for realizing the first function, thereby improving the effectiveness of the attention-attracting device 1.

[0047] Furthermore, the joint mechanism 60 of the first embodiment has the first through-hole 61L and the second through-hole 62L that penetrate from the first support portion 611 to the second support portion 621, and therefore the connecting member 63 that electrically connects the first module 10 and the second module 30 can be disposed in the first and second through-holes 61L and 62L. As a result, compared to a case in which the connecting member 63 is disposed outside the joint mechanism 60, the aesthetic appearance of the joint mechanism 60 and the attention warning device 1 can be improved, and the connecting member 63 can be protected from sunlight, wind, and rain.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the joint mechanism 60 of the first embodiment, the first connector 631, the second connector 633, and the cable 632 are arranged inside the first through-hole 61L and the second through-hole 62L. Therefore, by electrically connecting the first module 10 to the first connector 631 and electrically connecting the second module 30 to the second connector 633, the first module 10 and the second module 30 can be electrically connected without passing a separate connecting member through the first and second through-holes 61L and 62L. As a result, the convenience of the joint mechanism 60 can be further improved.

[0049] 4 and 5, connecting members 19, 29, and 39 are also disposed inside the housings of the modules 10, 20, 30, and 40, respectively. Therefore, even when changing the relative positions of the modules 10, 20, 30, and 40 and the joint mechanism 60, the worker only needs to disconnect the connectors, rearrange the modules 10, 20, 30, and 40 and the joint mechanism 60, and then reconnect the connectors. In other words, compared to when one wire is shared by the modules 10, 20, 30, and 40, the effort required for wiring work associated with changing the relative positions can be significantly reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the joint mechanism 60 of the first embodiment, the first spherical surface forming portion 612 forms a recessed first spherical surface 612a, the second spherical surface forming portion 623 forms a protruding second spherical surface 623a, and the base portion 62 is disposed vertically below the movable portion 61. Therefore, compared to a case in which the vertical positional relationship between the movable portion 61 and the base portion 62 is reversed, rainwater can be prevented from accumulating inside the joint mechanism 60, improving the weather resistance of the joint mechanism 60. Furthermore, because the first spherical surface forming portion 612 is formed as a single unit, the number of parts can be reduced and the rigidity of the first spherical surface forming portion 612 can be improved.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the joint mechanism 60 of the first embodiment, an attention warning device 1 can be configured in which the first module 10 has detection units 13 and 14 that detect objects, and the second module 30 has warning units 34 and 35, which are integrated together and whose relative orientations and elevation angles are adjustable.

[0052] Second Embodiment Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism 60A of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the fixing means using the fixing part is different from that of the first embodiment, and a configuration will be described in which the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a is automatically adjusted. The attention calling device 1 of the second embodiment includes a joint mechanism 60A shown in Fig. 9 instead of the joint mechanism 60. The joint mechanism 60A includes a movable part 61A instead of the movable part 61 in the configuration described in the first embodiment, and further includes an adjustment part 65 and a fixing part 66.

[0053] The movable part 61A includes a first spherical surface forming part 612A instead of the first spherical surface forming part 612. The first spherical surface forming part 612A does not include the first screw hole 616 and the second screw hole 617 described in the first embodiment. The fixed part 66 is a motor built into the housing of the first spherical surface forming part 612A. The motor is driven by power supply and functions as a "fixed part" that fixes the movable part 61A and the base part 62 while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a by maintaining the orientation of the first spherical surface forming part 612A. In other words, the fixed part 66 maintains the orientation of the first spherical surface forming part 612A using a mechanism similar to that of an electromagnetic brake.

[0054] Adjustment unit 65 automatically changes the relative positional relationship between first spherical surface 612a and second spherical surface 623a. Adjustment unit 65 can automatically adjust the positional relationship, for example, by the following steps a1 to a6. (a1) The adjustment unit 65 acquires an outside scene image from the first module connected to the joint mechanism 60 (specifically, the first detection module 10). (a2) The adjustment unit 65 performs image analysis on the external scene image acquired in step a1 to determine whether the external scene image acquired in step a1 includes the entire monitored object (for example, the entire road or intersection). (a3) If the adjustment unit 65 determines in step a2 that the entire monitoring target is included in the external diameter image, it determines that the current positional relationship should be maintained. (a4) If it is determined in step a2 that the external image does not include the entire monitoring target, the adjustment unit 65 calculates a preferred orientation and elevation angle for the first module (first detection module 10). The preferred orientation and elevation angle refer to an orientation and elevation angle that allow acquisition of an external image that includes the entire monitoring target. (a5) The adjustment unit 65 calculates the attitude of the first spherical surface forming unit 612A to obtain the orientation and elevation angle of the first module (first detection module 10) calculated in step a4. (a6) The adjustment unit 65 transmits a drive instruction to the fixing unit 66 to change the attitude of the first spherical surface forming unit 612A to the attitude calculated in step a5. The fixing unit 66 drives the motor in accordance with the drive instruction to change the attitude of the first spherical surface forming unit 612A.

[0055] 9, similarly to the first embodiment, the movable part 61A is disposed on the upper side in the vertical direction, and the first detection module 10 as the first module is connected to the movable part 61. However, if the vertical relationship between the movable part 61A and the base part 62 in the joint mechanism 60 is reversed, that is, if the base part 62 is disposed on the upper side in the vertical direction and the movable part 61A is disposed on the lower side in the vertical direction, the first detection module 10 becomes the second module supported by the base part 62. In this configuration, the "first module (first detection module 10)" in steps a1 to a6 can be read as the "second module (first detection module 10)." In this configuration, the first module supported by the movable part 61A does not move, and the orientation and elevation angle of the second module supported by the base part 62 are adjusted.

[0056] As described above, the configuration of joint mechanism 60A can be modified in various ways, and the fixing unit may be realized by means other than a screw hole and a screw. Also, the joint mechanism may further include an adjustment unit 65 that automatically adjusts the relative positional relationship between first spherical surface 612a and second spherical surface 623a. In the second embodiment, the joint mechanism 60A includes both a motor-based fixing unit 66 and an adjustment unit 65. However, in the second embodiment, the adjustment unit 65 may be omitted.

[0057] The joint mechanism 60A of the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the joint mechanism 60A of the second embodiment, the fixed unit 66 can fix the movable unit 61A and the base unit 62 by electromagnetic locking using a motor while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a. Furthermore, according to the joint mechanism 60A of the second embodiment, the adjustment unit 65 automatically changes the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface 612a and the second spherical surface 623a by image analysis of an outside scene image acquired from either the first module or the second module. As a result, the adjustment unit 65 can automatically adjust the orientation and elevation angle of the first module (first detection module 10) to an orientation and elevation angle suitable for realizing the first function, thereby further improving the effectiveness of the attention warning device 1.

[0058] <Third embodiment> Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism 60B of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, an example in which a connecting member is not built-in will be described. The attention warning device 1 of the third embodiment includes a joint mechanism 60B shown in Fig. 10 instead of the joint mechanism 60. The joint mechanism 60B does not include the connecting member 63 in the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0059] As described above, the configuration of the joint mechanism 60B can be modified in various ways, and the joint mechanism 60B does not need to include the connecting member 63. The joint mechanism 60B can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment by inserting the connecting member 19 of the first detection module 10 and the connecting member 39 of the first warning module 30 into the first through-hole 61L and the second through-hole 62L and connecting the connecting members 19, 39 inside the through-holes 61L, 62L. According to the joint mechanism 60B of the third embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the joint mechanism 60B.

[0060] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism 60C of the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the joint mechanism 60C does not have a through-hole that communicates with the joint mechanism 60C. The attention warning device 1 of the fourth embodiment includes a joint mechanism 60C shown in FIG. 11 instead of the joint mechanism 60. The joint mechanism 60C includes a pedestal portion 62C instead of the pedestal portion 62 in the configuration described in the third embodiment. The pedestal portion 62C has a second spherical surface forming portion 623C instead of the second spherical surface forming portion 623. The second through-hole 62L described in the first embodiment is not formed in the second spherical surface forming portion 623.

[0061] As described above, the configuration of the joint mechanism 60C can be modified in various ways, and the joint mechanism 60C does not necessarily have to have a through hole connecting the upper opening 615 and the lower opening 625 in addition to the connecting member 63. The joint mechanism 60C can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment by arranging the connecting member 19 of the first detection module 10 and the connecting member 39 of the first warning module 30 outside the housing of the joint mechanism 60C and connecting the connecting members 19 and 39. According to the joint mechanism 60C of the fourth embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the joint mechanism 60C.

[0062] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a joint mechanism 60D of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, an example in which the shape of the second spherical surface forming portion is different will be described. The attention warning device 1 of the fifth embodiment includes a joint mechanism 60D shown in Fig. 12 instead of the joint mechanism 60. The joint mechanism 60D includes a base portion 62D instead of the base portion 62 in the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0063] In the configuration described in the first embodiment, base portion 62D has second spherical surface forming portion 623D instead of second spherical surface forming portion 623. Second spherical surface forming portion 623D has a donut-shaped outer shape. As shown in Fig. 12, second spherical surface 623a, which is a protruding spherical surface, is formed on the outer side of second spherical surface forming portion 623D.

[0064] As described above, the configuration of the joint mechanism 60D can be modified in various ways, and the second spherical surface forming portion 623D can have a different shape from that of the first embodiment. The shape of the second spherical surface forming portion 623D can be modified in various ways as long as it has the second spherical surface 623a on the outside. While a doughnut shape is shown as an example in FIG. 12, any shape, such as a hemisphere or a polygon, can be used. The joint mechanism 60D of the fifth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0065] Sixth Embodiment FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an external configuration of a joint mechanism 60E of a sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, an example in which the configuration of a movable part 61E is different will be described. The attention warning device 1 of the sixth embodiment includes a joint mechanism 60E shown in FIG. 13 instead of the joint mechanism 60. The joint mechanism 60E has a movable part 61E instead of the movable part 61 in the configuration described in the first embodiment. The movable part 61E has a first spherical surface forming part 612E instead of the first spherical surface forming part 612 in the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0066] First spherical surface forming portion 612E has the same shape as first spherical surface forming portion 612, but is composed of an upper housing 6121 and a lower housing 6122. Upper housing 6121 and lower housing 6122 are formed separately using any method such as injection molding. Upper housing 6121 and lower housing 6122 are fixed together using any method such as screws, adhesive, etc.

[0067] As described above, the configuration of joint mechanism 60E can be modified in various ways, and first spherical surface forming portion 612E may be formed by combining upper housing 6121 and lower housing 6122 formed as separate bodies. The joint mechanism 60E of the sixth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to joint mechanism 60E of the sixth embodiment, first spherical surface forming portion 612E can be formed by a widely used method such as injection molding.

[0068] <Modification of this embodiment> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0069] [Variation 1] The above embodiment has shown an example of the configuration of the attention calling device 1. However, the configuration of the attention calling device 1 can be modified in various ways. For example, the attention calling device 1 may omit at least some of the above-described modules 10, 20, 30, and 40. For example, the attention calling device 1 may be configured to include other modules not described above.

[0070] For example, the first detection module 10 and the second detection module 20 detect an object by acquiring an outer diameter image using the cameras 13 and 23 and analyzing the captured image using the control units 14 and 24. The method by which the attention warning device 1 detects an object is not limited to this, and laser radar, infrared rays, sound waves, etc. may also be used.

[0071] For example, the first warning module 30 and the second warning module 40 issue a warning by emitting light from LEDs in the light-emitting units 35, 45. However, the warning means in the first warning module 30 and the second warning module 40 is not limited to this. For example, sound may be emitted using a speaker, or light and sound may be used in combination.

[0072] For example, the first module may be configured by integrating the first detection module 10 and the first warning module 30, and the second module may be configured by integrating the second detection module 20 and the second warning module 40. Even in this case, by using the joint mechanism 60, the first module can be oriented in an orientation and at an elevation angle suitable for realizing the first function.

[0073] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, one example of the configuration of the joint mechanisms 60, 60A to 60E, 60a, and 60b is shown. However, various modifications are possible to the configuration of the joint mechanisms 60, 60A to 60E, 60a, and 60b. For example, some of the components of the joint mechanisms described above may be omitted. For example, the joint mechanisms may be configured to include other components not described above.

[0074] For example, at least one of the first spherical surface 612a of the first spherical surface forming portion 612 and the second spherical surface 623a of the second spherical surface forming portion 623 does not have to be a perfect sphere. In this embodiment, the "spherical surface" includes the outer surface of a polyhedron that approximates a sphere.

[0075] For example, the vertical relationship between the movable part 61 and the base part 62 may be reversed. That is, the base part 62 may be disposed on the vertically upper side, and the movable part 61 may be disposed on the vertically lower side. In this case, the first module supported by the movable part 61 does not move, and the second module supported by the base part 62 moves, thereby adjusting the orientation and elevation angle of the second module. When the vertical relationship between the movable part 61 and the base part 62 is reversed, the member with reference numeral 61 disposed on the vertically lower side may be referred to as the "first part," and the member with reference numeral 62 disposed on the vertically upper side may be referred to as the "second part."

[0076] For example, the inside of the housing of first spherical surface forming portion 612 may be hollow. In other words, in first spherical surface forming portion 612, an internal space may be formed between the outer surface of first spherical surface forming portion 612 and first spherical surface 612a. For example, the inside of the housing of second spherical surface forming portion 623 may be hollow. In other words, in second spherical surface forming portion 623, an internal space may be formed between the inner surface of second spherical surface forming portion 623 and second spherical surface 623a. For example, the outer diameters and inner diameters of first support portion 611, first spherical surface forming portion 612, and second support portion 621 can be changed as desired and are not limited to the size relationships shown in the drawings.

[0077] For example, the column 624 may be omitted. For example, although the connecting members 63, 19, 29, and 39 have male connectors on the upper side in the vertical direction and female connectors on the lower side in the vertical direction, these may be reversed.

[0078] [Variation 3] The configurations of the joint mechanisms 60, 60A to 60E, 60a, and 60b of the first to sixth embodiments and the configurations of the joint mechanisms 60, 60A to 60E, 60a, and 60b of the first and second modifications may be combined as appropriate. For example, the joint mechanisms of the third to sixth embodiments may be configured to include the adjustment unit 65 and the fixed unit 66 described in the second embodiment. For example, the joint mechanisms of the third to fifth embodiments may be configured to include the movable unit 61E made up of multiple parts described in the sixth embodiment. For example, the joint mechanism of the fifth embodiment may be configured without the through-hole described in the fourth embodiment.

[0079] This aspect has been described above based on embodiments and modifications. However, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of this aspect and are not intended to limit this aspect. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in this aspect. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate.

[0080] The present invention can also be realized in the following forms. [Application example 1] A joint mechanism that connects a first module that realizes a first function and a second module that realizes a second function, a movable section having a first spherical surface forming section that forms a first spherical surface and a first support section that supports the first module; a base portion having a second spherical surface forming portion that forms a second spherical surface at least a portion of which engages with the first spherical surface, and a second support portion that supports the second module; a fixing portion that fixes the movable portion and the base portion while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface; A joint mechanism comprising: [Application example 2] The joint mechanism according to Application Example 1, the movable portion has a first through-hole that penetrates through the first spherical surface forming portion and the first support portion, A joint mechanism in which the base portion has a second through hole that penetrates the second spherical surface forming portion and the second support portion and communicates with the first through hole. [Application example 3] The joint mechanism according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, further comprising: a first connector disposed inside the first through hole; a second connector disposed inside the second through hole; a cable disposed inside the first through hole and the second through hole, the cable electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector. [Application example 4] The joint mechanism according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 3, the fixed portion has a motor, a joint mechanism in which the fixing portion fixes the movable portion and the base portion while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface by driving the motor. [Application example 5] The joint mechanism according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, further comprising: an adjustment unit that automatically changes the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface; The adjustment unit acquiring an image from one of the first module and the second module; The acquired image is subjected to image analysis; A joint mechanism that drives the motor in accordance with the result of the image analysis. [Application Example 6] The joint mechanism according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, the first spherical surface forming portion forms the first spherical surface that is recessed, the second spherical surface forming portion forms the protruding second spherical surface, The base portion is disposed vertically below the movable portion, in the joint mechanism. [Application Example 7] The joint mechanism according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, The first spherical surface forming portion is integrally molded as a joint mechanism. [Application Example 8] An attention-calling device, The joint mechanism according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 7, the first module having a detection unit for detecting an object; the second module having a warning unit that generates at least one of a plurality of types of warning means for alerting a subject; An attention warning device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1…Attention device 10...First detection module 13...Camera 14...Control unit 19...Connecting member 20...Second detection module 23...Camera 24...Control unit 30...1st warning module 34...Control unit 35...Light emitting part 39...Connecting member 40...Second warning module 44...Control unit 45...Light emitting part 50...post 55…Lid 60, 60A~60E, 60a, 60b...Joint mechanism 61,61A,61E…Movable part 62, 62C, 62D...Base 63...Connecting member 65...Adjustment section 66…Fixed part 111...Upper support part 112...Main body 113...Step 115...Upper opening 116...Lower support part 117...Step 118...Lower opening 191...Connector 192…Cable 193...Connector 311...Upper support part 312...Main body 313...Step 315...Upper opening 316…Lower support part 317...Step 318...Lower opening 391...Connector 392…Cable 393...Connector 551...recess 611...First support part 612,612A,612E...First spherical surface forming part 612a...first spherical surface 613...Step 615...Upper opening 616…Fixed part 616,617…holes 621…Second support part 622...Step 623,623C,623D…Second spherical surface forming part 623a…Second spherical surface 624...pillar 625...Lower opening 626...Step 631...First connector 632…Cable 633...Second connector 6121...Upper housing 6122...Lower housing

Claims

1. A joint mechanism for connecting a first module that realizes a first function and a second module that realizes a second function, a movable section including a first spherical surface forming section that forms a first spherical surface and a first support section that supports the first module; a base portion including a second spherical surface forming portion that forms a second spherical surface at least a portion of which engages with the first spherical surface, and a second support portion that supports the second module; a fixing portion that fixes the movable portion and the base portion while maintaining a relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface; A joint mechanism comprising:

2. 2. The joint mechanism according to claim 1, the movable portion has a first through-hole that penetrates through the first spherical surface forming portion and the first support portion, a second through hole that penetrates the second spherical surface forming portion and the second support portion and communicates with the first through hole;

3. 3. The joint mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising: a first connector disposed inside the first through hole; a second connector disposed inside the second through hole; a cable disposed inside the first through hole and the second through hole, the cable electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector.

4. 4. The joint mechanism according to claim 3, the fixed portion has a motor, a joint mechanism in which the fixing portion fixes the movable portion and the base portion while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface by driving the motor.

5. The joint mechanism according to claim 4, further comprising: an adjustment unit that automatically changes a relative positional relationship between the first spherical surface and the second spherical surface; The adjustment unit acquiring an image from one of the first module and the second module; The acquired image is subjected to image analysis; A joint mechanism that drives the motor in accordance with the result of the image analysis.

6. The joint mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the first spherical surface forming portion forms the first spherical surface that is recessed, the second spherical surface forming portion forms the protruding second spherical surface, The base portion is disposed vertically below the movable portion, in the joint mechanism.

7. 7. The joint mechanism according to claim 6, The first spherical surface forming portion is integrally molded.

8. An attention-calling device, The joint mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5; the first module having a detection unit for detecting an object; the second module having a warning unit that generates at least one of a plurality of types of warning means for alerting a subject; An attention warning device comprising:

Images