Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To perform proper photographing in each of a plurality of directions with a simple configuration, in an imaging apparatus installed in the plurality of directions and used.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes: an imaging part; a camera support unit 120 for supporting the imaging part to be driven in a first direction; and a base unit 130 for supporting the camera support unit 120 to be driven in a second direction different from the first direction. The camera support unit 120 includes: a first fixing part 1211 for fixing the camera support unit 120 with first fixing force with respect to the second direction by a fixing member 140 when the fixing member 140 is arranged in a first position 600; and a second fixing part 1212 for fixing the camera support unit 120 with second fixing force different from the first fixing force with respect to the second direction by the fixing member 140 when the fixing member 140 is arranged in a second position different from the first position 600.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, with the widespread use of smartphones, a type of imaging device, opportunities to shoot videos with a vertical screen have increased. While smartphones are often used to shoot such vertical screens, the growing demand for vertical videos has led to an increase in the use of imaging devices for video production. While portable professional video cameras are typically used as imaging devices for video production, there is also a growing need for cameras that can be remotely controlled to pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ cameras) in response to increasing demand for labor-saving on-site shooting.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes that when a PTZ camera is installed horizontally, a tilt stopper is provided to restrict the movement of the PTZ camera in the tilt direction, and a pan stopper is provided to restrict the movement of the PTZ camera in the pan direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-101388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the PTZ camera described in Patent Document 1, when the PTZ camera is installed vertically, the relationship between the tilt direction and the pan direction is reversed compared to when the PTZ camera is installed horizontally. For example, the pan direction when the PTZ camera is installed horizontally is the tilt direction when the PTZ camera is installed vertically. Therefore, for example, the pan stopper described in Patent Document 1 functions as a stopper for restricting the movement of the PTZ camera in the tilt direction when the PTZ camera is installed vertically. Here, it is expected that the force restricting the movement of the tilt direction when the PTZ camera is installed vertically will be greater than the force restricting the movement of the pan direction when the PTZ camera is installed horizontally due to moment loads against gravity, etc. Considering this point, the pan stopper described in Patent Document 1 may be able to restrict the movement of the pan direction when the PTZ camera is installed horizontally, but may not be able to restrict the movement of the tilt direction when the PTZ camera is installed vertically. Furthermore, if tilt movement cannot be restricted when the PTZ camera is installed vertically, the position of the PTZ camera cannot be fixed, making it difficult to take proper pictures when the PTZ camera is installed vertically.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide an imaging device that is installed and used in multiple directions, which is capable of taking appropriate photographs in each of the multiple directions with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The imaging device of the present invention has an imaging unit, a first support unit that supports the imaging unit so that it can be driven in a first direction, and a second support unit that supports the first support unit so that it can be driven in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the first support unit comprises: a first fixing unit that fixes the first support unit with a first fixing force in the second direction by the fixing member when the fixing member is placed at a first position; and a second fixing unit that fixes the first support unit with a second fixing force in the second direction by the fixing member when the fixing member is placed at a second position different from the first position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in an imaging device that is installed and used in a plurality of directions, it is possible to perform appropriate imaging in each of the plurality of directions with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention when installed horizontally. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention when installed in a vertical direction. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration for restricting the rotational drive of the camera support unit and fixing the position of the camera support unit in the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the fixing member shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a first example of an internal configuration of a notch in a camera support unit and an engagement state with a rotation restricting portion of a fixed member in an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a second example of the internal configuration of the notch of the camera support unit and the engagement state with the rotation restricting portion of the fixing member in the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a microswitch that detects insertion of a fixing member into a notch in a camera support unit in an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in a control method for an initialization operation when power is turned on in an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an image capturing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is installed horizontally. The image capturing device 100 is, for example, a PTZ camera capable of pan-tilt-zoom operations.

[0012] 1, the imaging device 100 has a camera unit 110, a camera support unit 120, and a base unit 130. In the imaging device 100 shown in Fig. 1, the fixing surface of the base unit 130 is attached and fixed horizontally to the horizontal installation surface of a pan head 300 attached to a tripod 200. The base unit 130 is also provided with a tripod female screw (not shown) for fixing to the pan head 300, and the imaging device 100 is fixed to the pan head 300 via the base unit 130.

[0013] The camera unit 110 is an imaging section that incorporates optical members and captures an image of a subject using these optical members. The camera support unit 120 shown in FIG. 1 is a first support section that supports the camera unit 110 so that it can be rotated in a tilt direction 101 of the imaging device 100 around a horizontal central axis Y as the center of rotation. The base unit 130 shown in FIG. 1 is a second support section that supports the camera support unit 120 so that it can be rotated in a pan direction 102 of the imaging device 100 around a central axis X that passes through approximately the center of the base unit 130 as the center of rotation. When the camera support unit 120 rotates in the pan direction 102 of the imaging device 100, the camera support unit 120 and the camera unit 110 rotate together.

[0014] The pan head 300 is configured to be rotatable, and the imaging device 100 can be installed either horizontally as shown in FIG. 1 or vertically as shown in FIG.

[0015] Next, the loads imposed by rotational driving in the tilt direction 101 and the pan direction 102 when the imaging device 100 is installed horizontally as shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0016] 1, the load when imaging device 100 is rotated in tilt direction 101 (hereinafter referred to as "tilt drive") while installed horizontally is a load for tilting camera unit 110 and its associated parts (not shown). Specifically, the main loads are considered to be the load when accelerating and decelerating, and the moment load for moving against gravity resulting from the amount of deviation between the rotation center of the tilt drive and the center of gravity of the structure including camera unit 110 and its associated parts (not shown).

[0017] Furthermore, the load when the imaging device 100 is rotated in the pan direction 102 (hereinafter referred to as "pan driving") while installed horizontally as shown in FIG. 1 is as follows. The load when panning is the load caused by the camera unit 110 and its associated components (not shown) described above, as well as the load caused by panning a structure including the camera support unit 120 that supports the camera unit 110 for rotation. Specifically, the load caused by acceleration and deceleration is considered to be the main load. In the case of panning, unlike the case of tilt driving described above, there is no moment load caused by moving against gravity, so the moment load caused by moving against gravity that was considered in tilt driving does not need to be considered. Therefore, when the imaging device 100 is installed horizontally as shown in FIG. 1, the load caused by tilt driving is often greater than the load caused by pan driving.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention when installed in a vertical direction. In Fig. 2, the same components as those shown in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Installation of imaging device 100 shown in Fig. 2 in a vertical direction can be achieved, for example, by rotating the installation surface of camera platform 300 by 90° from the state shown in Fig. 1 to make it a vertical installation surface, and attaching the fixing surface of base unit 130 in a vertical direction to this vertical installation surface.

[0019] The camera support unit 120 shown in FIG. 2 is a first support unit that supports the camera unit 110 so that it can rotate in the pan direction 103 of the imaging device 100 around a vertical central axis Y. The base unit 130 shown in FIG. 2 is a second support unit that supports the camera support unit 120 so that it can rotate in the tilt direction 104 of the imaging device 100 around a central axis X that passes through approximately the center of the base unit 130. Note that when the camera support unit 120 rotates in the tilt direction 104 of the imaging device 100, the camera support unit 120 and the camera unit 110 rotate together. Note that when the imaging device 100 is installed vertically as shown in FIG. 2, the position of the tilt direction 104 can be manually determined to determine the angle of view desired for capturing with the camera unit 110. At this time, the power supply of the camera unit 110 may be either energized or de-energized. Also, in FIG. 2, the optical axis of the camera unit 110 is illustrated as axis Z.

[0020] Next, the loads imposed by rotational driving in the pan direction 103 and tilt direction 104 when the imaging device 100 is installed in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

[0021] The drive unit that drives the imaging device 100 shown in Fig. 2 in the pan direction 103 when the imaging device 100 is installed in the vertical direction is the same as the drive unit that drives the imaging device 100 shown in Fig. 1 in the tilt direction 101 when the imaging device 100 is installed in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the load when the imaging device 100 is rotated in the pan direction 103 when the imaging device 100 is installed in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 2 is the load for panning the structure including the camera unit 110 and its associated parts (not shown). Specifically, the load when accelerating and decelerating is the main load.

[0022] The drive unit that drives the imaging device 100 shown in Fig. 2 in the tilt direction 104 when the imaging device 100 is installed in the vertical direction is the same as the drive unit that drives the imaging device 100 shown in Fig. 1 in the pan direction 102 when the imaging device 100 is installed in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the imaging device 100 is rotated in the tilt direction 104 when installed in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 2, the load described below is applied in addition to the load caused by the camera unit 110 and its associated parts (not shown). Specifically, the main loads applied include a load generated when accelerating and decelerating when tilting a structure including the camera support unit 120 that rotationally supports the camera unit 110, and a moment load generated by moving against gravity due to the amount of misalignment between the rotation center axis and the center of gravity.

[0023] Here, the load when tilting the imaging device 100 when it is installed in the horizontal direction as shown in Fig. 1 is compared with the load when tilting the imaging device 100 when it is installed in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the load when tilting the imaging device 100 when it is installed in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 2 is larger than the load when tilting the imaging device 100 when it is installed in the horizontal direction as shown in Fig. 1 by the amount of the moment load for moving the camera support unit 120 against gravity.

[0024] Next, a configuration for restricting the rotational drive of the camera support unit 120 and fixing the position of the camera support unit 120 will be described.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for restricting the rotational drive of the camera support unit 120 and fixing the position of the camera support unit 120 in the imaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 3, the same components as those shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] The imaging device 100 has a fixing member 140 shown in FIG. 3 . The camera support unit 120 has a notch 121 at an end near the base unit 130. In this embodiment, by inserting the fixing member 140 into the notch 121 provided in the camera support unit 120, the rotational drive of the camera support unit 120 can be restricted and the position of the camera support unit 120 can be fixed. For example, when the imaging device 100 is installed horizontally as shown in FIG. 1 , by inserting the fixing member 140 into the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120, the rotational drive of the camera support unit 120 in the pan direction 102 can be restricted and the position can be fixed. For example, when the imaging device 100 is installed vertically as shown in FIG. 2 , by inserting the fixing member 140 into the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120, the rotational drive of the camera support unit 120 in the tilt direction 104 can be restricted and the position can be fixed.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the fixing member 140 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing member 140 has a user operation portion 141 that is operated by the user, and a rotation restriction portion 142 that is engaged with the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the control system of the imaging device 100 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 5, the same components as those shown in Figs. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] 5, the image capturing device 100 has, as its control system, a CPU 160, a ROM 161, a RAM 162, a storage unit 163, an input unit 164, an output unit 165, and a camera unit 110. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the image capturing device 100 has, as its control system, a camera unit rotation motor 166, a camera support unit rotation motor 167, a microswitch 150, another motor 168, and a detection unit 169.

[0030] The CPU 160 comprehensively controls the operation of the imaging device 100 and performs various processes. The ROM 161 stores programs and various information required for the CPU 160 to perform various controls and processes. The RAM 162 functions as, for example, a work memory for the CPU 160. The storage unit 163 stores programs and various information required for the CPU 160 to perform various controls and processes as needed, and also stores various information obtained by the CPU 160 performing various controls and processes. The input unit 164 inputs information input by a user or information transmitted from an external device to the CPU 160, etc. The output unit 165 outputs (for example, displays) various images and information based on the control of the CPU 160.

[0031] The camera unit rotation motor 166 is included in the camera support unit 120, for example, and is a first drive unit that drives the camera unit 110 in a first direction (tilt direction 101 in FIG. 1, pan direction 103 in FIG. 2).

[0032] Camera support unit rotation motor 167 is included in, for example, base unit 130, and is a second drive unit that drives camera support unit 120 in a second direction (pan direction 102 in FIG. 1, tilt direction 104 in FIG. 2). Here, the second direction in which camera support unit 120 is driven is different from the first direction in which camera unit 110 is driven.

[0033] The microswitch 150 is a detection unit that detects that the fixing member 140 shown in FIG.

[0034] Other motors 168 are motors provided in imaging device 100 other than camera unit rotation motor 166 and camera support unit rotation motor 167. For example, other motors 168 include a motor that drives an optical member (such as an optical lens) of camera unit 110. Detector 169 includes, for example, a detector that detects the position of the optical member of camera unit 110, a detector that detects the direction in which imaging device 100 is installed, and the like.

[0035] 5 may be a stepping motor, a DC brushless motor, or other types of motors. Furthermore, the drive transmission means that transmits drive from each motor may be a reduction mechanism that combines multiple gears, or a direct drive mechanism that does not use a reduction mechanism.

[0036] Next, the internal structure of the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120 and the engagement state between the notch 121 and the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140 will be described in detail.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of an internal configuration of notch 121 of camera support unit 120 and an engagement state with rotation restricting portion 142 of fixing member 140 in imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of an internal configuration of notch 121 of camera support unit 120 and an engagement state with rotation restricting portion 142 of fixing member 140 in imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 6 and 7, the same components as those shown in Figs. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] The rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is configured to have a convex portion equipped with a resin spring structure that can generate a biasing force by elastically deforming resin.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120 is provided with a first fixing portion 1211 and a second fixing portion 1212 for engaging with the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140.

[0040] The user can insert the fixing member 140 from the outside of the camera support unit 120. Specifically, the user inserts the fixing member 140 between the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120 and the base unit 130.

[0041] The state in which the first fixing portion 1211 provided in the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120 and the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140 are engaged will be described with reference to FIG. The first fixing portion 1211 engages with the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140 when the user operation portion 141 of the fixing member 140 is placed at the first position 600 shown in FIG. 6 . Specifically, the first fixing portion 1211 has a recess (first recess) that engages with a protrusion in the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140. In the state shown in FIG. 6 , the first fixing portion 1211 fixes the camera support unit 120 with a first fixing force in the second direction (the pan direction 102 in FIG. 1 and the tilt direction 104 in FIG. 2 ) by the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 6 , the first fixing portion 1211 fixes the camera support unit 120 with the first fixing force due to the biasing force of a resin spring structure provided in the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140. At this time, the biasing force (first fixing force) of the resin spring structure provided in the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140 generates a force greater than the force that can fix the tilt load when the imaging device 100 is installed in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 2. More specifically, in the state of Fig. 6, the resin spring structure provided in the rotation restricting portion 142 presses the camera support unit 120, and the camera support unit 120 that supports the camera unit 110 by this frictional force is fixed in position without rotating downward due to its own weight.

[0042] The state in which second fixing portion 1212 provided in notch 121 of camera support unit 120 and rotation restricting portion 142 of fixing member 140 are engaged will be described with reference to FIG. The second fixing portion 1212 engages with the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140 when the user operation portion 141 of the fixing member 140 is placed at the second position 700 shown in FIG. 7 (a position different from the first position 600 shown in FIG. 6). Specifically, the second fixing portion 1212 has a recess (second recess) that engages with a protrusion in the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the second fixing portion 1212 fixes the camera support unit 120 with a second fixing force in the second direction (the pan direction 102 in FIG. 1 and the tilt direction 104 in FIG. 2) by the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the second fixing portion 1212 fixes the camera support unit 120 with the second fixing force due to the biasing force of a resin spring structure provided in the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140.

[0043] Here, we will explain the first fixing force generated by the engagement between the rotation regulating portion 142 of the fixing member 140 shown in Figure 6 and the first fixing portion 1211, and the second fixing force generated by the engagement between the rotation regulating portion 142 of the fixing member 140 shown in Figure 7 and the second fixing portion 1212. In this embodiment, the first fixing force generated in the engagement state shown in FIG. 6 is different from the second fixing force generated in the engagement state shown in FIG. 7. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second fixing force generated in the engagement state shown in FIG. 7 is greater than the first fixing force generated in the engagement state shown in FIG. 6. This is because the shape of the recess (second recess) of the second fixing portion 1212 causes greater elastic deformation of the resin spring structure of the rotation restricting portion 142 when engaged with the rotation restricting portion 142 of the fixing member 140 than the shape of the recess (first recess) of the first fixing portion 1211. More specifically, the recess (second recess) of the second fixing portion 1212 protrudes more in a direction approaching the rotation restricting portion 142 than the recess (first recess) of the first fixing portion 1211, and as a result, the second fixing force is greater than the first fixing force. 6 is a force that is greater than the force that moves the camera unit 110 and the camera support unit 120 together in the second direction (tilt direction 104) due to their weight when the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is installed vertically. The first fixing force that is generated in the engagement state shown in FIG. 6 is a force that allows the camera support unit rotation motor 167 to move the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 2 in the tilt direction 104 from that state when the imaging device 100 is installed vertically. In other words, the first fixing force that is generated in the engagement state shown in FIG. 6 is smaller than the driving force when the camera support unit rotation motor 167 drives. The second fixing force that is generated in the engagement state shown in FIG. 7 is greater than the first fixing force, and is therefore a force that is greater than the force that moves the camera unit 110 and the camera support unit 120 together in the second direction (tilt direction 104) due to their weight. 7 can be a force that makes it impossible for the camera support unit rotation motor 167 to move the imaging device 100 shown in Fig. 2 in the tilt direction 104 when the imaging device 100 is installed vertically, for example. In other words, in this case, the second fixing force that is generated in the engagement state shown in Fig. 7 is greater than the driving force when the camera support unit rotation motor 167 is driven.

[0044] For example, when the imaging device 100 is installed in an environment with vibration, it is desirable to fix the camera support unit 120 with a large fixing force, so it is desirable to adopt the engagement state shown in Fig. 7. Also, when the imaging device 100 is installed in an environment without vibration, and it is desirable to take pictures while driving the camera support unit rotation motor 167 to operate the camera support unit 120, it is desirable to adopt the engagement state shown in Fig. 6.

[0045] While the present embodiment illustrates a case where the fixing member 140 is a push-in type, it may alternatively be configured to have a sliding fixing member with a first position 600 and a second position 700 in the sliding direction, and to change the fixing force due to the biasing force depending on the position. Alternatively, it may alternatively be configured to have a rotary dial type fixing member with a first position 600 and a second position 700 in the rotation direction, and to change the fixing force due to the biasing force depending on the position using a cam shape.

[0046] Furthermore, although the fixing of the tilt direction 104 when the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is installed vertically has been described above, a fixing member 140 may also be used to fix the pan direction 102 or tilt direction 101 when the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is installed horizontally.

[0047] Next, a configuration for detecting insertion of the fixing member 140 into the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120 will be described.

[0048] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a microswitch 150 that detects insertion of the fixing member 140 into the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120 in the imaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 8, the same components as those shown in Figs. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] Microswitch 150 is a detection unit that detects when fixing member 140 is inserted into notch 121 of camera support unit 120. Specifically, microswitch 150 is arranged near notch 121 of camera support unit 120, and when fixing member 140 is inserted into notch 121 of camera support unit 120, microswitch 150 switches and detects the insertion. In this embodiment, because first fixing portion 1211 is located closer to the user than second fixing portion 1212 in notch 121, microswitch 150 detects when rotation restricting portion 142 of fixing member 140 is inserted into at least first fixing portion 1211. For example, if the second fixing portion 1212 is a notch located closer to the user than the first fixing portion 1211, the microswitch 150 may be configured to detect when the rotation regulating portion 142 of the fixing member 140 is inserted into at least the second fixing portion 1212.

[0050] Next, a method for controlling an initialization operation when the power is turned on in the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in a method for controlling an initialization operation when the power is turned on in the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 160 executing a program expanded in the RAM 162.

[0051] First, in step S101 of FIG. 9, the CPU 160 determines whether or not the microswitch 150 has detected that the fixing member 140 has been inserted into the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120.

[0052] 9, if CPU 160 determines that microswitch 150 has not detected that fixing member 140 has been inserted into notch 121 of camera support unit 120 (S801 / NO), the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102 of Fig. 9, CPU 160 performs control to execute pan drive and tilt drive. Specifically, in step S102, CPU 160 performs control to execute drive of camera unit rotation motor 166 and camera support unit rotation motor 167.

[0053] Subsequently, in step S103 of FIG. 9, the CPU 160 checks whether pan driving and tilt driving, that is, driving of the camera unit rotation motor 166 and the camera support unit rotation motor 167, has been properly performed.

[0054] 9, if the CPU 160 determines that the microswitch 150 has detected that the fixing member 140 has been inserted into the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120 (S801 / YES), the process proceeds to step S104. When the process proceeds to step S104 in FIG. 9, the CPU 160 performs control not to execute pan driving and tilt driving. Specifically, in step S104, the CPU 160 performs control not to execute driving of the camera unit rotation motor 166 and the camera support unit rotation motor 167. As described above, tilt driving when the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is installed vertically increases the load, and therefore, even if an initialization operation is attempted, it may not operate correctly. If the initialization operation is performed in this state, an error may occur during the initialization operation, making it impossible to continue shooting. Therefore, in step S104, the CPU 160 performs control not to execute pan driving and tilt driving.

[0055] In this embodiment, the CPU 160 that performs the control in steps S102 and S104 in FIG. 9 constitutes a control unit.

[0056] When the process of step S103 in Fig. 9 is completed, or when the process of step S104 in Fig. 9 is completed, the process proceeds to step S105. When the process proceeds to step S105 in Fig. 9, the CPU 160 checks whether the driving of the other motors 168 has been properly executed.

[0057] Next, in step S106 of FIG. 9, the CPU 160 checks whether the operation of the detection unit 169 has been properly executed.

[0058] When the process of step S106 in FIG. 9 is completed, the process of the flowchart in the initialization operation control method in FIG. 9 is completed.

[0059] After the processing of the flowchart in the initialization operation control method of FIG. 9 is completed, it is possible to take photographs as usual, and the user can use the imaging device 100 as in normal photographing.

[0060] In this embodiment, a mechanical microswitch 150 is used as a detector that detects that the fixing member 140 has been inserted into the notch 121 of the camera support unit 120, but other detectors such as an optical photointerrupter may also be used. Also, in steps S102 and S104 of Fig. 9, an example has been shown in which the same control is performed for the pan drive and the tilt drive, but a configuration in which the pan drive and the tilt drive are controlled separately may also be used.

[0061] The imaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above includes a camera unit 110 serving as an imaging section, and a camera support unit 120 serving as a first support section that supports the camera unit 110 so that the camera unit 110 can be driven in a first direction. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a base unit 130 serving as a second support section that supports the camera support unit 120 so that the camera support unit 120 can be driven in a second direction different from the first direction. The camera support unit 120 is provided with a first fixing section 1211 and a second fixing section 1212 for engaging with the rotation restricting section 142 of the fixing member 140. Specifically, when the fixing member 140 is disposed at the first position 600, the first fixing section 1211 fixes the camera support unit 120 with a first fixing force in the second direction by the fixing member 140. Furthermore, when the fixing member 140 is placed at a second position 700 different from the first position 600, the second fixing portion 1212 fixes the camera support unit 120 in the second direction described above with a second fixing force different from the first fixing force described above by the fixing member 140. According to this configuration, the imaging device 100, which is installed and used in a plurality of directions, can take appropriate images in each of the plurality of directions with a simple configuration.

[0062] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0063] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. [Configuration 1] An imaging unit; a first support portion that supports the imaging portion so as to be drivable in a first direction; a second support portion that supports the first support portion so as to be drivable in a second direction different from the first direction; and The first support portion includes: a first fixing portion that fixes the first support portion with a first fixing force in the second direction by the fixing member when the fixing member is disposed at a first position; a second fixing portion that fixes the first support portion in the second direction by the fixing member with a second fixing force that is different from the first fixing force when the fixing member is disposed at a second position that is different from the first position; and An imaging device comprising: [Configuration 2] The fixing member has a spring structure, the first fixing portion fixes the first support portion with the first fixing force due to the biasing force of the spring structure when the fixing member is disposed at the first position; When the fixing member is disposed at the second position, the second fixing portion fixes the first support portion with the second fixing force due to the biasing force of the spring structure. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, [Configuration 3] the fixing member has a protrusion provided with the spring structure, the first fixing portion has a first recess that engages with the protrusion when the fixing member is placed at the first position; The second fixing portion has a second recess that engages with the protrusion when the fixing member is placed at the second position. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 2. [Configuration 4] The second direction is the pan direction when the imaging device is installed horizontally, and is the tilt direction when the imaging device is installed vertically. 4. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. [Configuration 5] The first direction is a tilt direction when the imaging device is installed in a horizontal direction, and is a pan direction when the imaging device is installed in a vertical direction. 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. [Configuration 6] The second fixing force is greater than the first fixing force. 6. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Configuration 7] The first fixing force is a force that is greater than a force that moves the imaging unit and the first support unit together in the second direction due to their weight when the imaging device is installed in a vertical direction. 7. The imaging device according to configuration 6, [Configuration 8] a drive unit that drives the first support unit in the second direction, the first fixing force is smaller than the driving force when the driving unit performs the driving; The second fixing force is greater than the driving force. 8. The imaging device according to configuration 6 or 7, [Configuration 9] a first drive unit that drives the imaging unit in the first direction; a second driving unit that drives the first support unit in the second direction; a detection unit that detects that the fixing member is placed at least in one of the first position and the second position; When performing the initialization operation of the imaging device, a control unit that performs control to drive the first drive unit and the second drive unit when the detection unit has not made the detection, and that performs control not to drive the first drive unit and the second drive unit when the detection unit has made the detection; 9. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100: imaging device, 101: tilt direction, 102: pan direction, 103: pan direction, 104: tilt direction, 110: camera unit, 120: camera support unit, 121: notch, 1211: first fixing part, 1212: second fixing part, 130: base unit, 140: fixing member, 141: user operation part, 142: rotation regulating part, 150: microswitch, 160: CPU, 161: ROM, 162: RAM, 163: storage part, 164: input part, 165: output part, 166: camera unit rotation motor, 167: camera support unit rotation motor, 168: other motor, 169: detection part, 200: tripod, 300: platform, 600: first position, 700: second position

Claims

1. An imaging unit; a first support portion that supports the imaging portion so as to be drivable in a first direction; a second support portion that supports the first support portion so as to be drivable in a second direction different from the first direction; and The first support portion includes: a first fixing portion that fixes the first support portion with a first fixing force in the second direction by the fixing member when the fixing member is disposed at a first position; a second fixing portion that fixes the first support portion in the second direction by the fixing member with a second fixing force that is different from the first fixing force when the fixing member is disposed at a second position that is different from the first position; and An imaging device comprising:

2. The fixing member has a spring structure, the first fixing portion fixes the first support portion with the first fixing force due to the biasing force of the spring structure when the fixing member is disposed at the first position; When the fixing member is disposed at the second position, the second fixing portion fixes the first support portion with the second fixing force due to the biasing force of the spring structure.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. the fixing member has a protrusion provided with the spring structure, the first fixing portion has a first recess that engages with the protrusion when the fixing member is disposed at the first position; The second fixing portion has a second recess that engages with the protrusion when the fixing member is placed at the second position.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2.

4. The second direction is a pan direction when the imaging device is installed horizontally, and is a tilt direction when the imaging device is installed vertically.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

5. The first direction is a tilt direction when the imaging device is installed in a horizontal direction, and is a pan direction when the imaging device is installed in a vertical direction.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

6. The second fixing force is greater than the first fixing force.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

7. The first fixing force is a force that is greater than a force that moves the imaging unit and the first support unit together in the second direction due to their weight when the imaging device is installed in a vertical direction.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6.

8. a drive unit that drives the first support unit in the second direction, the first fixing force is smaller than the driving force when the driving unit performs the driving; The second fixing force is greater than the driving force.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6.

9. a first driving unit that drives the imaging unit in the first direction; a second driving unit that drives the first support unit in the second direction; a detection unit that detects when the fixing member is placed at least in one of the first position and the second position; a control unit that, when performing an initialization operation of the imaging device, performs control to drive the first drive unit and the second drive unit if the detection unit has not made the detection, and performs control not to drive the first drive unit and the second drive unit if the detection unit has made the detection; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images