Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can acquire clear images regardless of the tilt angle of an imaging unit, in the imaging apparatus equipped with an illumination unit.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit whose tilt angle is changeable, a first illumination unit that irradiates light toward an imaging range of the imaging unit and is arranged to irradiate light in a first direction, and a second illumination unit that irradiates light toward the imaging range of the imaging unit and is arranged to irradiate light in a second direction different from the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device equipped with an illumination unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some imaging devices are equipped with a lighting unit to capture clear images even in the dark. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a lighting unit is attached to an imaging device main body that is equipped with multiple pan-tilt imaging units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,118,514 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, depending on the tilt angle of the imaging section, the light emitted from the lighting unit may not sufficiently reach the imaging range, which may result in an unclear image.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device equipped with an illumination unit that can obtain clear images regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an imaging unit capable of changing the tilt angle; a first illumination unit that irradiates light onto an imaging range of the imaging unit, the first illumination unit being arranged to irradiate light in a first direction; and a second illumination unit that irradiates light onto an imaging range of the imaging unit, the second illumination unit being arranged to irradiate light in a second direction different from the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] It is possible to provide an imaging device equipped with an illumination unit that can obtain clear images regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic side view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of a rotation drive unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of a torsion drive unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of the imaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 shows an example of the arrangement of lighting modules according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining light leakage according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram in which a light blocking plate is arranged in the state of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10A is a configuration diagram of an illumination unit of an imaging device according to a third embodiment, FIG. 10B is a configuration diagram of an illumination unit of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10C is a configuration diagram of an illumination unit of an imaging device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of a vertical lighting module according to a sixth embodiment, in which the lighting module is disposed on a fixing part. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing adjacent imaging units according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a case where imaging units according to the seventh embodiment are adjacent to each other and have different tilt angles. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control process according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, identical or similar components are designated by reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment <Imaging system> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging system according to the first embodiment. The imaging system is composed of an imaging device 100 and a client device 200. The imaging device 100 is connected to the client device 200 via a network 170. Fig. 1 shows an example of the client device 200, a desktop computer, and a monitor (display unit), but the client device 200 and the display unit 203 may be integrated into a laptop computer, tablet, or the like.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of the imaging system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The imaging device 100 includes a first imaging section 110, a second imaging section 120, a third imaging section 130, and a fourth imaging section 140. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 includes illumination sections 301, 302, 303, and 304, a first driving section 113, a second driving section 123, a third driving section 133, and a fourth driving section 143. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 includes an image processing section (processing section) 151, a control section 152, a communication section 153, and a recording section 154.

[0013] In the imaging system, an imaging device 100 is connected to a client device 200 via a network 170. The imaging device 100 can transmit acquired image data to the client device 200 and receive control signals for the imaging device 100 from the client device 200.

[0014] Hereinafter, for the sake of brevity, the overlapping content between the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140 will be described in terms of the first imaging unit 110, and descriptions of the other imaging units 120, 130, and 140 will be omitted. Similarly, for the driving units 113, 123, 133, and 143, descriptions will be given in terms of the first driving unit 113, and descriptions of the other driving units 123, 133, and 143 will be omitted.

[0015] <Image capture unit> The imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140 each have an imaging optical system (lens) 111, 121, 131, and 141 and a solid-state imaging element 112, 122, 132, and 142. Light transmitted through the imaging optical systems 111, 121, 131, and 141 forms an image on the solid-state imaging elements 112, 122, 132, and 142, and is converted into an electrical signal, which is output as image data through processing in an image processing unit 151. The driving and signal readout of each of the solid-state imaging elements 112, 122, 132, and 142 are controlled by a control unit 152. The imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140 are each capable of pan rotation, tilt rotation, rotational rotation, and twisting rotation. In other words, the pan angle, tilt angle, rotation angle, and twist angle of each of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140 are changeable.

[0016] Pan rotation is rotation in the circumferential direction around axis 101 (FIG. 3). Tilt rotation is rotation around axis 103 (FIG. 4). Rotation rotation is rotation around axis 107 (FIG. 5). Twist rotation is rotation around axis 108 (FIG. 6).

[0017] The imaging optical systems (lenses) 111, 121, 131, and 141 of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140 each have a zoom lens that can be driven in the optical axis direction. The control unit 15 controls the first zoom driving unit 115, the second zoom driving unit 125, the third zoom driving unit 135, and the fourth zoom driving unit 145, thereby being able to control the shooting range (angle of view) of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0018] The imaging optical systems (lenses) 111, 121, 131, and 141 of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140 each have a focus lens that can be driven in the optical axis direction. The control unit 152 controls the first focus driving unit 118, the second focus driving unit 128, the third focus driving unit 138, and the fourth focus driving unit 148, thereby controlling the focus of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0019] <Lighting Department> Illumination units 301, 302, 303, and 304 emit visible light or near-infrared light. Illumination units 301, 302, 303, and 304 emit light toward the imaging ranges captured by imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140. Illumination unit 301 corresponds to imaging unit 110, illumination unit 302 corresponds to imaging unit 120, illumination unit 303 corresponds to imaging unit 130, and illumination unit 304 corresponds to imaging unit 140. Illumination units 301, 302, 303, and 304 are rotationally driven in conjunction with pan driving of the imaging units by the pan driving unit. Furthermore, they are independent of the other driving units.

[0020] Illumination units 301, 302, 303, and 304 are configured with two illumination modules (first illumination unit and second illumination unit) that illuminate the imaging range at different tilt angles of the imaging unit. Each illumination module is configured with an LED (light-emitting diode), peripheral circuitry, and a board. The two illumination modules are an illumination module (first illumination unit) for the horizontal direction (first direction) and an illumination module (second illumination unit) for the vertical direction (second direction). The illumination module for the horizontal direction is primarily intended to illuminate the imaging range when the tilt angle of the imaging unit is from 0 degrees to +60 degrees. The illumination module for the vertical direction is primarily intended to illuminate the imaging range when the tilt angle of the imaging unit is greater than +60 degrees and up to +90 degrees. The illumination module for the horizontal direction (first illumination unit) is positioned to emit light in a first direction, and the illumination module for the vertical direction (second illumination unit) is positioned to emit light in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0021] However, the present invention is not limited to this value, and any illumination range may be used as long as it varies depending on the tilt angle of the imaging unit. In the first embodiment, a tilt angle of 60 degrees is set as the threshold value for switching illumination.

[0022] <Pan / tilt drive unit> The driving units 113, 123, 133, and 143 each have a pan driving unit and a tilt driving unit. The pan driving unit and the tilt driving unit are driving units for changing the shooting direction. The first driving unit 113, the second driving unit 123, the third driving unit 133, and the fourth driving unit 143 each have a first pan driving unit 114, a second pan driving unit 124, a third pan driving unit 134, and a fourth pan driving unit 144, respectively. Similarly, the first driving unit 113, the second driving unit 123, the third driving unit 133, and the fourth driving unit 143 each have a first tilt driving unit 116, a second tilt driving unit 126, a third tilt driving unit 136, and a fourth tilt driving unit 146, respectively.

[0023] The first pan driver 114, the second pan driver 124, the third pan driver 134, and the fourth pan driver 144 rotate the imaging units in the circumferential direction around the same rotation axis. The dotted line 102 indicates a common circumferential portion along which the imaging units can be driven with the axis 101 as the rotation axis.

[0024] The rotation of the imaging unit will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the imaging device 100 as viewed from above (from the +Z axis side).

[0025] Each pan drive unit includes a motor and gears, and controls the power that drives the motor to drive each imaging unit. The pan drive unit rotates each imaging unit around the axis 101. The power that drives the motor is controlled by the control unit 152. The imaging device 100 can independently drive each imaging unit 110, 120, 130, and 140, and can simultaneously drive one or more pan drive units independently. Because all imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140 move along a common circumferential portion, the relative positions of the imaging units are not interchanged. Figure 3 also shows the drive end 106 of the pan drive unit. Each imaging unit cannot be operated beyond the drive end 106 of the pan drive unit. The drive end 106 may be a physical drive end defined by hardware, or it may be a drive end that cannot be specified by the user via software. In the following description, the clockwise direction is defined as the + direction, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the - direction. The pan drive unit drives the imaging unit along a circumferential portion that does not include the drive end 106.

[0026] The tilt driver will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the side (negative X-axis side). The first tilt driver 116 includes a motor and gears, and drives the first imaging unit 110 by controlling the power that drives the motor. The first tilt driver 116 is configured to be rotatable around an axis 103. The power that drives the motor is controlled by a control unit 152. The imaging device 100 is capable of independently driving each of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140, and can simultaneously drive one or more tilt drivers independently. Unlike the pan driver, the tilt driver does not physically interfere with the imaging units. Similarly, the zoom driver, focus driver, and rotation driver do not physically interfere with each other. In the following description, the upward direction is designated as the positive direction and the downward direction is designated as the negative direction. Furthermore, first tilt driver 116 can drive within a driving range of 0 degrees to +90 degrees, with the horizontal direction being the reference angle of 0 degrees. Furthermore, the positions of the pan driver and tilt driver can be acquired using a photointerrupter, a Hall element, or the like. Second tilt driver 126, third tilt driver 136, and fourth tilt driver 146 have the same configuration as first tilt driver 116.

[0027] 3, the imaging unit is covered by a dome 104. The dome 104 is made of a transparent material such as plastic or glass, and enables the imaging unit to capture an image of the outer periphery of the imaging device 100. The fixed unit 105 is a fixed member that can be attached to a ceiling, floor, or wall.

[0028] <Zoom drive unit / Focus drive unit> Each zoom driving unit includes a motor and gears, and by controlling the power that drives the motor, it is possible to drive the zoom lens of each imaging optical system. Furthermore, the position of the zoom lens can be obtained using a photointerrupter, a Hall element, or the like. The angle of view (zoom magnification) can be changed by driving the zoom driving unit. The power that drives the motor is controlled by the control unit 152. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 can independently drive each of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140, and can simultaneously drive one or more zoom driving units. Furthermore, in the following description, the telephoto end direction is designated as the + direction, and the wide-angle end direction is designated as the - direction.

[0029] Each focus driver includes a motor and gears, and can drive the focus lens of each imaging optical system by controlling the power that drives the motor. Furthermore, the position of the focus lens can be obtained using a photointerrupter, a Hall element, or the like. The focus position (in-focus position) can be changed by driving the focus driver. The power that drives the motor is controlled by the control unit 152. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 can independently drive each of the imaging units 110, 120, 130, and 140, and can simultaneously drive one or more focus drivers. Furthermore, the following description will be given with the far direction being the + direction and the near direction being the - direction.

[0030] <Rotation drive unit> The rotation drive unit includes a first rotation drive unit 117, a second rotation drive unit 127, a third rotation drive unit 137, and a fourth rotation drive unit 147.

[0031] Each rotation drive unit is equipped with a motor and gears, and can be controlled independently for each imaging unit by controlling the power that drives the motor. The rotation drive unit tilts the imaging element by 90 degrees around the optical axis direction, thereby changing the imaging area from a landscape aspect ratio to a portrait aspect ratio. The rotation drive unit is not limited to 90 degrees, but can rotate between -180 degrees and +180 degrees. 0 degrees will be used as the reference, and the state where 0 degrees represents the landscape aspect ratio will be described. Clockwise rotation will be the + direction, and counterclockwise rotation will be the - direction. The position of the rotation drive unit can be obtained using a photointerrupter, hall element, etc.

[0032] The rotation drive unit will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of the rotation drive unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of the first imaging unit 110, with the lenses of the imaging optical system 111 and the solid-state imaging element 112 overlapping (see-through) for illustrative purposes. The rotation axis of the rotation drive unit is preferably at the center of the optical axis, and is illustrated as rotation axis 107. The rotation drive unit can rotate the solid-state imaging element 112. While the solid-state imaging element 112 has been described as being rotated here, the imaging unit 110 itself may also be rotated. Even in this case, the image appears to rotate from the fixed unit 105, allowing the angle of view to be rotated. The control unit 152 can control the imaging angle of the imaging unit by controlling the first rotation drive unit 117, the second rotation drive unit 127, the third rotation drive unit 137, and the fourth rotation drive unit 147.

[0033] <Torsion (independent rotation axis pan for each imaging unit) drive unit> Each torsion drive unit (pan with an independent rotation axis for each imaging unit) is equipped with a motor and gears, and can be controlled independently for each imaging unit by controlling the power that drives the motor. Like the pan drive unit, the torsion drive unit is a drive unit that can change the shooting angle of view in the horizontal direction. The difference from the pan drive unit is the rotation axis. The pan drive unit is located on a common rotation axis 101 at the center (or its periphery) of the imaging device 100, and each imaging unit moves around the circumference. In contrast, the torsion drive unit has an independent rotation axis for each imaging unit.

[0034] The torsional drive unit will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of the torsional drive unit according to the first embodiment. Like FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of the imaging device 100 as seen from above (the +Z axis side), with the tilt angle set to 0 degrees. The rotation axis of the torsional drive unit of the imaging unit 110 is indicated as rotation axis 161. Similarly, the rotation axes of the torsional drive units of the imaging units 120, 130, and 140 are indicated as rotation axis 162, rotation axis 163, and rotation axis 164, respectively. The torsional drive unit is driven about the rotation axis of the torsional drive unit corresponding to each imaging unit. In the description of the torsional drive unit, clockwise is the + direction and counterclockwise is the - direction. Furthermore, the torsional drive unit can be driven in a range of -30 degrees to 30 degrees, with the front (dotted line 108) being 0 degrees.

[0035] The pan drive unit has a rotation axis common to all the imaging units, whereas the tilt drive unit, twist drive unit, rotation drive unit, zoom drive unit, and focus drive unit each have an independent rotation axis for each imaging unit.

[0036] <Image processing unit> The image processing unit 151 (processing unit) develops (calculates) the image data (captured images) captured by each image capture unit in accordance with the display format. For example, if there are four image capture units and you want to display four images simultaneously, the image data is arranged in a square or horizontal line to generate a single output image.

[0037] The image processing unit 151 also includes a detection unit 161. The detection unit 161 analyzes the acquired captured images through image processing. For example, when detecting a moving object, the difference in brightness between frames is calculated, and if there is a change in brightness, it is determined that a moving object has been detected. The user can instruct what to detect via the instruction unit 204. The image processing unit 151 can also display (overlap) an OSD (On-Screen Display) on the captured image data. The overlaid OSD display is a graphical user interface that can be operated by the user. In addition to the OSD display, a GUI for operating each drive unit or a GUI showing the positional relationship of each drive unit of each image capture unit can also be displayed in an area other than the captured image data. The image processing unit 151 can also overlay symbols (icons) showing the drive status (drive position) of each image capture unit on the output image. Some of the functions may also be included in the client device.

[0038] <Control unit> The control unit 152 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each imaging unit, each drive unit, image processing unit 151, and communication unit 153, and performs overall control of the imaging device 100. The control unit 152 controls a lighting module (first lighting unit) for the horizontal direction (first direction) and a lighting module (second lighting unit) for the vertical direction (second direction). Specifically, the control unit 152 controls the lighting module for the horizontal direction and the lighting module for the vertical direction so that at least one of the lighting module for the horizontal direction and the lighting module for the vertical direction is illuminated according to the tilt angle of the imaging unit.

[0039] <Communications Department> The communication unit 153 transfers the image sent from the image processing unit 151 to the client device 200 via a wired or wireless network 170. The communication unit 153 also receives instructions from the client device 200.

[0040] <Recording Department> The recording unit 154 is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and temporarily stores computer programs and stores programs for the control unit 152 to control the imaging device 100.

[0041] <Client device> The client device 200 is configured with a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, a display unit 203, an instruction unit 204, and a storage unit 205. The communication unit 201 of the client device 200 can communicate with the imaging device 100 via the network 170. The display unit 203 is a display device such as a display, and can display a display image transmitted from the imaging device 100. The instruction unit 204 has a user interface (UI), accepts mouse (pointing device) and keyboard operations performed by the user, and generates control signals for controlling the imaging device 100 via the control unit 202. The control signals are used to control, for example, each driving unit. That is, the user can control the pan / tilt driving units and zoom magnification of each imaging unit from the client device 200 via the network 170. Furthermore, the user can control the imaging device as described above by selecting a graphical user interface (GUI) within the displayed image using a mouse. While a mouse is used as an example here, other means, such as touch panel operation, may also be used.

[0042] The client device 200 is, for example, a device such as a personal computer, and the network 170 is configured by a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, etc. Also, the image capturing device 100 may be configured to be supplied with power via the network.

[0043] The control unit 202 includes the functions of a CPU and performs overall control of the client device 200. The recording unit 205 is configured with RAM and ROM, and temporarily stores computer programs and stores programs used by the control unit 202 to control the client device 200.

[0044] The configuration diagram of the imaging system will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows the configuration diagram of the imaging system according to the first embodiment. The imaging device 100 includes imaging units, driving units, a network I / F 183, a CPU 180, a RAM 181, and a ROM 182.

[0045] The CPU 152 (control unit 152) is a central processing unit that performs overall control of the imaging device 100. The CPU 152 also controls the image processing unit 151 and the communication unit 153.

[0046] The RAM 181 temporarily stores computer programs executed by the CPU 152. The RAM 181 also provides a work area used when the CPU 152 executes processing. The RAM 181 also functions as a frame memory and a buffer memory.

[0047] The ROM 182 stores a program for the CPU 152 to control the image capturing system 100 and the like.

[0048] The network I / F 183 transmits the image data to the client device 200 via the network 170. The image data acquired by each imaging unit may be stored in an internal storage device such as a RAM 181 or a ROM 182, or in a removable storage medium (not shown) such as an SD card.

[0049] The client device 200 is an information processing device having a CPU 202 (control unit 202), a RAM 281, a ROM 282, an input I / F 284, an output I / F 285, and a network I / F 283. The CPU 202 is a central processing unit that controls the client device 200.

[0050] The RAM 281 provides a work area used when the CPU 202 executes data processing. The RAM 281 also functions as a frame memory and a buffer memory. The ROM 282 stores programs and the like used by the CPU 202 to control the client device 200.

[0051] The input I / F 284 is an interface that is connected to the instruction unit 204 and that accepts operations for the client device 200 input from the user via the instruction unit 204. Operation information for the imaging device 100 can also be accepted by the input I / F 284. Drive instructions for the tilt drive unit and illumination instructions for the illumination unit can be issued via the input I / F 284.

[0052] The output I / F 285 is an interface that is connected to the display unit 203 and causes the image data output from the imaging device 100 to be displayed on the display unit 203 .

[0053] The network I / F 283 is connected to the imaging device 100 via the network 170. The network I / F 283 is an interface for inputting operation information for the imaging device 100 input via the input I / F 284 to the imaging device 100, and for accepting image data output from the imaging device 100.

[0054] The structure of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of the imaging device viewed from above, with FIG. 8(a) showing a state in which the dome 104 is attached. FIG. 8(b) shows a state in which the dome 104 has been removed for clarity of explanation. In FIG. 8(b), there is a lighting unit (two lighting modules) for every four imaging units. An LED is mounted in the lighting module, and although an example in which a single LED is shown here, multiple LEDs may be mounted.

[0055] The arrangement of the lighting modules will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows an example of the arrangement of lighting modules according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, there are a horizontal lighting module 311 and a vertical lighting module 312, which are arranged to emit light in different directions. The horizontal lighting module 311 has an LED 701 mounted on a printed circuit board 801, and emits light in a horizontal direction. The vertical lighting module 312 has an LED 702 mounted on a printed circuit board 802, and emits light in a vertical direction. The vertical lighting module 312 is arranged below the horizontal lighting module 311. The horizontal lighting module 311 and the vertical lighting module 312 are fixed to a support unit 1000 that supports the imaging unit. The support unit 1000 moves in the pan direction in conjunction with the movement of the imaging unit in the pan direction.

[0056] Whether vertical direction lighting module 312 or horizontal direction lighting module 311 is turned on is determined by the tilt angle of the imaging unit. When the tilt angle of the imaging unit is equal to or smaller than a threshold value (60 degrees), control unit 152 controls horizontal direction lighting module 311 so that light is emitted by horizontal direction lighting module 311. When the tilt angle of the imaging unit is greater than the threshold value (60 degrees), control unit 152 controls vertical direction lighting module 312 so that light is emitted by vertical direction lighting module 312.

[0057] Next, a description will be given of the light shielding plate 401. The light shielding plate 401 is intended to prevent light from the horizontal illumination module 311 from entering the lens of the imaging unit 110. The light shielding plate 401 is arranged on the circumference of the dome 104, as shown in FIG.

[0058] The light blocking plate 401 is placed on the optical path so as to block part of the light from the LEDs 701 of the horizontal illumination module 311. The light blocking plate 401 is also placed in a position so as not to block the light from the vertical illumination module 312. In FIG. 9, the light blocking plate 401 is placed outside the dome 104 and fixed on the circumference of the imaging device 100.

[0059] The light shielding plate 401 is made of a material such as resin that blocks the light emitted by the lighting unit. Since the wavelength varies depending on the lighting unit, a material that attenuates the appropriate wavelength is used. For example, for a visible light lighting unit, a material that attenuates wavelengths from about 360 nm to 830 nm is used. For a near-infrared light lighting unit, a material that attenuates the wavelength band to be used between 800 nm and 2500 nm is used.

[0060] In the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which the light blocking plate 401 is disposed outside the dome 104 and fixed on the circumference of the imaging device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. The light blocking plate may be disposed inside the dome 104. Moreover, it is not necessary to dispose it on the circumference.

[0061] Leakage of light into the imaging unit will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining leakage of light into the imaging unit according to the first embodiment. Leakage of light refers to a state in which light directly enters the imaging unit from the illumination unit.

[0062] In FIG. 10, the horizontal illumination module 311 of the illumination unit is illustrated as a point light source 601. Similarly, the lenses of the imaging unit are illustrated as points (points 602 and 603) for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, to clarify the change in tilt angle, the imaging unit 110 viewed from the side is simulated as a rectangle. Point 602 indicates when the tilt angle of the imaging unit is 0 degrees, and point 603 indicates when the tilt angle of the imaging unit is 60 degrees. Light path 604 indicates the path from point light source 601 to point 602, and light path 605 indicates the path from point light source 601 to point 603. In FIG. 10(a), light path 604 shows how direct light leaks directly into the lens of the imaging unit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10(b), a light shielding plate 401 is placed in a position where light does not leak in (between the lens of the imaging unit and the illumination unit).

[0063] Furthermore, while direct light has been described here for clarity, there is also indirect light reflected inside the dome, and in such cases the placement of the light shield, lighting unit, and imaging unit must be determined taking into account the effects of indirect light. Similarly, it is desirable to determine the threshold value taking into account indirect light as well. When taking indirect light into account, the effects of the structure and materials must also be taken into account, and the amount of light must be measured by simulation or actual measurement, and the tilt angle at which the light is below the allowable value must be determined as the threshold value for switching the lighting.

[0064] 9 shows an example in which the vertical direction illumination module 312 is arranged to illuminate in the vertical direction, but this is not necessarily the case. The vertical direction illumination module 312 may be arranged so as to illuminate an imaging range when the tilt angle of the imaging unit is larger than that of the horizontal direction illumination module 311.

[0065] Furthermore, since the vertical illumination module 312 has a tendency for light to leak into adjacent imaging units, it is desirable to reduce the light intensity compared to the horizontal illumination module 311 to suppress the effects of this leakage. Similarly, since the vertical illumination module 312 has a tendency for light to leak into adjacent imaging units, it is desirable to reduce the illumination range compared to the horizontal illumination module 311 to suppress the effects of this leakage. The light intensity and illumination range may be changed by changing the LED elements. The light intensity may also be changed by controlling the power. The illumination range may also be limited by the structure.

[0066] In the above example, only one of the horizontal illumination module 311 and the vertical illumination module 312 is used to illuminate the image capture unit at a tilt angle threshold (60 degrees), but this is not limiting. The illumination ratio between the horizontal illumination module 311 and the vertical illumination module 312 may be changed in stages depending on the tilt angle. This makes it possible to suppress uneven illumination of the illuminated light. Uneven illumination is illumination that is brightest at the center of illumination and dark around the periphery.

[0067] Although the lighting switching threshold has been explained based on the tilt angle of the imaging unit, it is desirable to set the threshold taking the rotation angle into consideration. When shooting with a portrait aspect ratio, the increased vertical length makes light more likely to leak in. Therefore, the range of light collected due to the rotation angle is also calculated when determining the threshold. In other words, when the image becomes portrait due to rotation drive, the angle is set to a smaller angle than the threshold (60 degrees) set for landscape. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress light leakage even when the way light leaks in changes due to rotation drive.

[0068] Next, the control processing of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart relating to the control processing of the first embodiment. When a control signal transmitted from client device 200 includes an instruction to turn on the illumination unit and an instruction to change the tilt angle of the imaging unit, control unit 152 performs the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 16. This flowchart is realized by CPU 152 executing a program expanded in RAM 181.

[0069] In step S501, control unit 152 determines whether the tilt angle of the imaging unit is equal to or less than a threshold. If control unit 152 determines that the tilt angle of the imaging unit is equal to or less than the threshold, the process proceeds to S502. If control unit 152 determines that the tilt angle of the imaging unit exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to S503.

[0070] In S502, the control unit 152 controls the horizontal lighting modules so that the horizontal lighting modules emit light.

[0071] In S503, the control unit 152 controls the lighting module for the vertical direction so that the lighting module for the vertical direction emits light.

[0072] When the tilt angle of the imaging unit is changed, the flow chart of FIG. 15 is executed again to change (update) the illumination unit again.

[0073] As described above, by configuring the illumination section using two illumination modules, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can acquire clear images regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging section.

[0074] <Second embodiment> Next, the control processing of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart relating to the control processing of the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the start conditions of the control processing flow and the control of the illumination unit. When an instruction to change the tilt angle of the imaging unit is included in a control signal transmitted from client device 200 while the illumination unit is turned on, control unit 152 performs the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 16. This flowchart is realized by CPU 152 executing a program expanded in RAM 181.

[0075] In step S601, the control unit 152 determines whether the tilt angle of the imaging unit is equal to or less than a threshold value. If the control unit 152 determines that the tilt angle is equal to or less than the threshold value of the imaging unit, the process proceeds to S502. If the control unit 152 determines that the tilt angle exceeds the threshold value, the process proceeds to S503.

[0076] In S602, the control unit 152 controls the horizontal lighting modules so that the horizontal lighting modules emit light. Also, the control unit 152 stops (does not emit light) the vertical lighting modules if they are emitting light.

[0077] In S603, the control unit 152 controls the vertical direction lighting modules so that the vertical direction lighting modules emit light. Also, the control unit 152 stops (does not emit light) the horizontal direction lighting modules if they are emitting light.

[0078] When the tilt angle of the imaging unit is changed, the flow chart of FIG. 16 is executed again to change (update) the illumination unit again.

[0079] Here, we have shown an example of illuminating only one of the horizontal and vertical lighting modules, but the horizontal lighting module does not leak light due to the light shielding plate, so it can continue to illuminate regardless of the tilt angle.

[0080] As described above, by configuring the illumination section using two illumination modules, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can acquire clear images regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging section.

[0081] <Third embodiment> In the third embodiment, an example of the arrangement of the lighting modules and the light shielding plate will be described with reference to Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(a) is a configuration diagram of the lighting unit of the imaging device 100 according to the third embodiment. The light shielding plate 401 shown in Fig. 9 is also shown, but is not essential. The light shielding plate 401 can be arranged in a place where it does not significantly interfere with the illumination of the vertical lighting module 312 onto the imaging area.

[0082] The vertical lighting module 312 is disposed below the horizontal lighting module 311, as in the first embodiment. The light blocking plate 401 is disposed outside the dome 404, and the light blocking plate 402 is disposed inside the dome 104.

[0083] The light blocking plates 401 and 402 are arranged on the optical path so as to block part of the light from the LEDs 701 of the horizontal lighting module 311. The light blocking plates 401 and 402 are also arranged in positions so as not to block the light from the vertical lighting module 312.

[0084] The light shielding plate 402 is made of a material such as resin that blocks the light emitted by the lighting unit. Since the wavelength varies depending on the lighting unit, a material that attenuates the appropriate wavelength is used. For example, for a visible light lighting unit, a material that attenuates wavelengths from about 360 nm to 830 nm is used. For a near-infrared light lighting unit, a material that attenuates the wavelength band to be used between 800 nm and 2500 nm is used.

[0085] As described above, by configuring the illumination section using two illumination modules, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can acquire clear images regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging section.

[0086] <Fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, an example of the arrangement of the lighting module and the light blocking plate will be described with reference to Fig. 11(b). Fig. 11(b) is a configuration diagram of the lighting unit of the imaging device 100 according to the fourth embodiment. The light blocking plate 401 shown in Fig. 9 is also shown, but is not essential.

[0087] The vertical lighting module 312 is disposed above the horizontal lighting module 311. The light blocking plate 401 is disposed on the outside of the dome 404, and the light blocking plate 402 is disposed on the inside of the dome 104.

[0088] In the fourth embodiment, the light blocking plate 402 is formed by the printed circuit board 802 of the vertical lighting module 312. In other words, a part of the vertical lighting module 312 is configured to block a part of the light emitted from the horizontal lighting module 312.

[0089] As described above, by configuring the illumination section using two illumination modules, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can acquire clear images regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging section.

[0090] <Fifth embodiment> In the fifth embodiment, an example of the arrangement of the lighting module and the light blocking plate will be described with reference to Fig. 11(c). Fig. 11(c) is a configuration diagram of the lighting unit of the imaging device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. The light blocking plate 401 shown in Fig. 9 is also shown, but is not essential.

[0091] The vertical lighting module 312 is located above the horizontal lighting module 311. The light blocking plate 401 is disposed on the outside of the dome 404, and the light blocking plate 402 is disposed on the inside of the dome 104.

[0092] In the fifth embodiment, the light shielding plate 402 has a slit 403. The vertical illumination module 312 can irradiate in the vertical direction through the slit 403. Furthermore, leakage from the horizontal illumination module 311 can be suppressed by increasing the thickness of the light shielding plate 402 or by filling the gap between the light shielding plate 402 and the printed circuit board 802 with a light shielding material. Note that the configuration in which the light shielding plate has a slit, as shown in FIG. 11(c), can also be applied to FIG. 9.

[0093] As described above, by configuring the illumination section using two illumination modules, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can acquire clear images regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging section.

[0094] Sixth Embodiment In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which two lighting modules of the lighting unit moved in conjunction with the pan drive of the imaging unit. In the sixth embodiment, with reference to FIG. 12, a configuration will be described in which only a horizontal lighting module 311 moves in conjunction with the pan drive of the imaging unit 110. FIG. 12 is a structural diagram in which a vertical lighting module 312 according to the sixth embodiment is disposed on a fixed unit 105. In FIG. 12, as in FIG. 9, the horizontal lighting module 311 is attached to a movable unit that moves in conjunction with the pan drive unit of the imaging unit 110. In contrast, the vertical lighting module 312 is disposed on the fixed unit 105. In this case, it is desirable to dispose a plurality of vertical lighting modules at equal intervals around the circumference of the imaging device 100.

[0095] Seventh Embodiment In the seventh embodiment, control of lighting modules when imaging units are located close to each other will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of imaging units according to the seventh embodiment adjacent to each other. Like FIG. 4, FIG. 13 is a front view of the imaging unit 110, showing how the imaging unit 110 and imaging unit 120 are located close to each other due to driving of the pan driving unit of the imaging unit 120. The horizontal direction lighting module 311 and the horizontal direction lighting module 321 each have three LEDs (LED 501, LED 502, LED 503 and LED 504, LED 505, LED 506) arranged side by side. The vertical direction lighting module 312 and the vertical direction lighting module 322 each have three LEDs (LED 511, LED 512, LED 513 and LED 514, LED 515, LED 516) arranged side by side. For clarity of explanation, they are illustrated on the same plane, but as shown in the first and second embodiments, the horizontal and vertical lighting modules are arranged to emit light at different tilt angles. In Figure 13, the image capture 110 and the image capture unit 120 are capturing images in the horizontal direction, and all of the LEDs in the horizontal lighting modules are illuminated. The illuminated LEDs are shown with diagonal lines.

[0096] With reference to FIG. 14, a case where one of the imaging units is driven from the state shown in FIG. 13 until the tilt angle exceeds a threshold will be described. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of adjacent imaging units according to the seventh embodiment with different tilt angles. FIG. 14 illustrates a state where the tilt angle of one of the imaging units (imaging unit 110) exceeds the threshold. Also, assume that the tilt angle of the other imaging unit (imaging unit 120) is equal to or less than the threshold. At this time, illumination by the horizontal illumination module 311 is stopped, and illumination by the vertical illumination module 312 is started instead. At this time, among the LEDs emitted by the vertical illumination module 312, the LED (LED 513) closest to the imaging unit 120 is not illuminated. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of light from the vertical illumination module 312 into the imaging unit 120.

[0097] The control processing will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart relating to the control processing of the seventh embodiment. When all the illumination units are turned on and a control signal transmitted from client device 200 includes an instruction to change the tilt angle of one of the two imaging units, control unit 152 performs the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 17. This flowchart is realized by CPU 152 executing a program expanded in RAM 181.

[0098] In step S701, the control unit 152 determines whether the distance between the image capturing units is equal to or less than a threshold. If the control unit 152 determines that the distance between the image capturing units is equal to or less than the threshold, the process proceeds to S702. If the control unit 152 determines that the distance exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to S703.

[0099] In S702, the control unit 152 controls the vertical direction lighting modules (LEDs 513) so as to turn off the lighting module (LEDs 513) on the adjacent imaging unit side among the vertical direction lighting modules, and also controls the vertical direction lighting modules so as to illuminate the other lighting modules.

[0100] In S703, the control unit 152 controls the vertical direction lighting modules so that all the vertical direction lighting modules emit light.

[0101] Here, the example is such that the LED 513 does not emit light, but the LED 512 may also not emit light. Also, although the description has been given of the LED 513 not emitting light, the light intensity may be set to a value smaller than that of the LED 511.

[0102] 13 shows a state in which all the LEDs of the horizontal illumination modules are illuminated, but when adjacent LEDs are illuminated, the amount of light emitted by the LEDs may be excessive. Therefore, when the imaging units are adjacent to each other, the amount of light emitted by the LEDs (LEDs 503 and 504) on the adjacent sides of the horizontal illumination module 311 and the horizontal illumination module 321 may be set to a value smaller than that of the other LEDs. This makes it possible to suppress excessive power consumption.

[0103] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100 Imaging device 110, 120, 130, 140 Imaging unit 113, 123, 133, 143 Drive unit 114, 124, 134, 144 Pan drive unit 115, 125, 135, 145 Zoom drive unit 116, 126, 136, 146 Tilt drive unit 117, 127, 137, 147 Rotation drive unit 118, 128, 138, 148 Focus drive unit 119, 129, 139, 149 Torsion drive 151 Image processing unit (processing unit) 152 Control Unit 153, 201 Communications Department 154, 205 Recording section 200 Client Device 203 Display section 204 Instruction section 301, 302, 303, 304 Lighting section 311 Horizontal Lighting Module 312 Vertical Lighting Module 401, 402 Shade

Claims

1. an imaging unit whose tilt angle is changeable; a first illumination unit that irradiates light onto an imaging range of the imaging unit and is arranged to irradiate light in a first direction; an imaging device comprising: a second illumination unit that irradiates light onto an imaging range of the imaging unit, the second illumination unit being arranged to irradiate light in a second direction different from the first direction.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction.

3. a control unit for controlling the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit, 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit so that at least one of the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit is illuminated in accordance with a tilt angle of the imaging unit.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the first illumination unit so that light is emitted by the first illumination unit when the tilt angle of the imaging unit is equal to or smaller than a threshold value, and controls the second illumination unit so that light is emitted by the second illumination unit when the tilt angle of the imaging unit is greater than the threshold value.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit changes a ratio of illumination from the first illumination unit to the second illumination unit in accordance with a tilt angle of the imaging unit.

6. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit so that the amount of light of the second illumination unit is smaller than the amount of light of the first illumination unit.

7. Further provided is a support portion that supports the imaging portion, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit are supported by the support unit.

8. the imaging unit is rotatable in a circumferential direction, the first illumination unit is disposed on a support unit that supports the imaging unit and rotates together with the imaging unit in the circumferential direction; 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the second illumination unit is disposed on a fixed unit that does not move in the circumferential direction.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a light blocking section that blocks a part of the light emitted from the first illumination section.

10. 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein a part of the second illumination unit blocks light emitted from the first illumination unit.

11. 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the light blocking section has a slit, and the second illumination section emits light from the slit.

12. The imaging device includes a plurality of imaging units, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit are provided for each imaging unit.

Images