Imaging apparatus, system, and the like

Abstract

To provide a technology with an improved function, for example, to provide a technology that allows a user to easily adjust the imaging direction of an imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 200 includes a housing 201 in which a photographing unit is provided, and is configured such that the photographing direction of the photographing unit can be adjusted with the housing 201 attached to a predetermined mounting portion, and displays an indicator 220 which is information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drive recorder that can be attached to the windshield of a vehicle using a bracket. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-105530 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology with improved functionality compared to conventional technology, for example, to provide a technology that allows a user to easily adjust the shooting direction of a shooting device.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to achieve the effects achieved by the components disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, the specification discloses problems in which the phrase "can be" is read as "the problem is to...". Each problem is described as an independent problem, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that solve each problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include part of the configuration described in the specification in the scope of the patent claim through amendments or divisional applications. The applicant also discloses configurations that solve problems that combine these independent problems, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) Provided is a photographing device having a housing with a photographing unit provided therein, configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit when the housing is attached to a predetermined attachment location, and displaying information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction.

[0007] In this way, when attaching a housing equipped with a camera unit to a predetermined attachment location, the user can adjust the shooting direction using the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the camera unit. For example, even if the user cannot or has difficulty directly viewing the camera unit during attachment, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction by visually checking the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the camera unit and using it as a guide. If the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the camera unit is displayed in a position that is visible to the user attaching the housing, the user can adjust the shooting direction while visually checking the information. The camera unit may be configured to change the shooting direction as the user changes the orientation of the housing. For example, the housing may be attached to a predetermined attachment location using an attachment member, and may be configured to accept an operation by the user to change the orientation of the housing while attached. The display method will be described in detail below. Furthermore, the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the camera unit may be displayed by the camera device itself, but may also be displayed on a device other than the camera device or in another location. Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the shooting unit may be done in any way that makes the information visible to the user, such as by printing or engraving (or carving) on ​​the housing, by attaching an adhesive member that displays the information to the housing, by forming a hole, or by displaying image information on a display device.

[0008] (2) It is preferable that information serving as a guide for the shooting direction be displayed on the housing.

[0009] In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction while visually checking both the housing and the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, making the adjustment easier.

[0010] (3) The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction may be information serving as a guide for the direction in which the imaging lens of the photographing unit faces.

[0011] In this way, even if the user cannot or has difficulty seeing the imaging lens, the direction in which the imaging lens is facing can be adjusted using information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction as a clue.

[0012] (4) The specified mounting location may be a location inside the vehicle cabin, and the information indicating the shooting direction may be displayed in a position where the imaging lens cannot be seen when a user inside the vehicle cabin visually views the information.

[0013] In this way, even if the user cannot see the imaging lens when visually checking the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, the user can use the information as a clue to adjust the direction in which the imaging lens faces.

[0014] (5) The specified mounting location is a location inside the vehicle's cabin, and the information serving as an indication of the shooting direction may be displayed at a position on the housing facing the vehicle's width direction when the housing is mounted at the specified mounting location.

[0015] In this way, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the housing of the imaging device at a position facing the vehicle width direction, so that the user inside the vehicle can adjust the shooting direction while easily viewing this information.

[0016] (6) The information indicating the direction in which the imaging unit faces may include information indicating the imaging direction.

[0017] This allows the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the information indicating the shooting direction, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction.

[0018] (7) The information serving as a guide for the imaging direction may include a line extending along the imaging direction.

[0019] In this way, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction from the line extending along the shooting direction of the shooting unit, and can easily adjust the shooting direction. For example, it is preferable to use a line extending horizontally as information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction to set the shooting direction to horizontal.

[0020] (8) The information serving as a guide for the imaging direction may include a first line extending along the imaging direction and a second line intersecting the first line.

[0021] In this way, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction from the first line extending along the shooting direction of the shooting unit and the second line intersecting therewith, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction to make the shooting direction horizontal may be such that the first line, serving as a guide for the direction in which the shooting direction is facing, extends horizontally and the second line extends vertically.

[0022] (9) The information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may include characters, figures, or symbols that indicate the top-bottom direction.

[0023] In this way, it becomes easier for the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the top-to-bottom direction of the characters, figures, or symbols, and it becomes easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, it is preferable that the shooting direction is adjusted to a desired predetermined shooting direction in the shooting device by aligning the top-to-bottom direction of the characters, figures, or symbols with the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

[0024] (10) The information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed at a position on the housing facing the imaging lens of the shooting unit.

[0025] In this way, the user can intuitively understand that the imaging lens is located opposite the information indicating the shooting direction displayed on the housing without having to visually check the imaging lens itself, which makes it easier for the user to adjust the shooting direction. Displaying the information indicating the shooting direction at a position on the housing opposite the imaging lens only requires that at least a portion of the information be displayed at the position opposite the imaging lens, but the entire information may also be displayed there. Furthermore, the position on the housing opposite the imaging lens may be located on the opposite side of the housing from the imaging lens.

[0026] (11) The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction may include a graphic representing the photographing lens displayed on the housing at a position facing the photographing lens of the photographing unit.

[0027] In this way, the user can easily intuitively understand that the imaging lens is located opposite the image displayed on the housing without having to look at the imaging lens itself, and the imaging direction can be easily adjusted. For example, it is preferable that the imaging device is configured to adjust to a desired imaging direction when the image displayed on the housing is pointed toward the user in the vehicle.

[0028] (12) The information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may include a character string displayed on the housing at a position facing the imaging lens of the shooting unit.

[0029] In this way, the user can intuitively understand that the imaging lens is positioned opposite the character string displayed on the housing without visually checking the imaging lens itself, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction. The character string may be composed of characters, figures, symbols, or a combination thereof. For example, the character string may be configured so that its length is horizontal, or the top-bottom direction of each character is aligned vertically, thereby allowing the imaging device to adjust to a desired predetermined imaging direction.

[0030] (13) The character string may indicate the name of a company that manufactures or sells the selfie camera, or the type of selfie camera.

[0031] In this way, character strings that are often displayed on the photographing device for purposes such as advertising, product identification, and the like, such as the name of the business that manufactures or sells the photographing device or the type of photographing device, can also function as information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction.

[0032] (14) The display of the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be achieved by opening a hole as the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction in a position on the housing opposite the imaging lens of the shooting unit.

[0033] In this way, the hole formed at the position opposite the imaging lens of the imaging unit can also function as information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction.

[0034] (15) The hole is configured so that a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction can be inserted therein, and the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be configured by the hole and the member inserted into the hole.

[0035] In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction by inserting a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction into the hole and applying force to the member, and can also grasp the direction in which the member extends as a guide for the shooting direction.

[0036] (16) The holes may also be used as heat dissipation holes opened in the housing.

[0037] In this way, the holes provided in the housing as guides for the shooting direction can also function as heat dissipation holes.

[0038] (17) The holes may be formed in a direction intersecting the imaging direction.

[0039] In this way, a user who sees a hole drilled in a direction intersecting the shooting direction can use the hole as a clue to adjust the shooting direction. For example, it is preferable that the shooting direction of the shooting device is adjusted to a desired predetermined shooting direction when the direction of the hole is aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0040] (18) Displaying the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may include forming the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction on the housing by printing or engraving.

[0041] In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction using the information that is printed or engraved on the housing in advance as a guide for the shooting direction. For example, since the manufacturing process of the imaging device may include a process of printing or engraving on the housing, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing process from becoming complicated.

[0042] (19) Displaying the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may include attaching an adhesive member on which the information is formed to the housing.

[0043] In this way, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction can be attached later using an adhesive member that is attached to the housing of the image capturing device. For example, if a user needs to adjust the shooting direction, the adhesive member can be left attached to the housing, and after the adjustment, the adhesive member can be removed, thereby ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the image capturing device.

[0044] (20) The housing may include a flat surface on its outer circumferential surface, and the attachment member may include a straight edge, and may be attached to the housing so that the straight edge is parallel to the flat surface.

[0045] In this way, when attaching the adhesive member to the housing, the user only needs to ensure that the straight edges of the adhesive member are parallel to the flat surface provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, making it easier to properly attach the adhesive member to the housing.

[0046] (21) Displaying the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may include attaching a protective sheet having a handle portion as the information to the imaging lens of the shooting unit.

[0047] In this way, the handle part connected to the protective sheet attached to the imaging lens also functions as information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction, so it is possible to ensure the function of protecting the imaging lens and eliminate the need to separately display information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction.

[0048] (22) Displaying the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may include displaying the information on a spirit level provided on the housing.

[0049] In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction using the level provided in the photographing device as a clue, and it is not necessary to separately display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. For example, if a commercially available level can be used as the level, it is not necessary to manufacture a level specifically for the photographing device.

[0050] (23) Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may include displaying the image information as the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction on a display unit that displays image information.

[0051] In this way, it is possible to display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction on the display unit when necessary, and not display the information when unnecessary. Also, since the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction does not need to be displayed by printing, engraving, etc., it is possible to easily implement a function that displays information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, and also to ensure the aesthetic appearance of the shooting device.

[0052] (24) The image information may include an image of a line indicating the direction of the image capture.

[0053] In this way, by visually viewing the image of the line indicating the shooting direction, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction and easily adjust the shooting direction. For example, if the shooting direction is horizontal, the image of the line may be configured to extend horizontally, so that the shooting direction can be adjusted to a desired predetermined shooting direction in the shooting device. Furthermore, for example, the line may be configured to be displayed so that it tilts depending on the tilt of the shooting direction.

[0054] (25) The display unit may be provided on a device that is provided at a position different from the housing.

[0055] In this way, the user can visually check the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction using a display unit of the device provided at a position different from the housing. The device provided at a position different from the housing may be a device separate from the shooting device. For example, even if the shooting device does not have a display unit, the user can visually check the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction displayed on the display unit. For example, if the shooting device is an in-vehicle device (e.g., a rear camera) located at the rear of a vehicle, another shooting device (e.g., a front camera) having a display unit may be installed in the same vehicle, and the display unit of that device may be used to display the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction.

[0056] (26) The information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed when the self-photography device is started up, when the power is turned off, when the vehicle is stopped, or when battery backup operation is started.

[0057] In this way, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed at times when it is thought that the user is likely to look at the display unit, such as when the shooting device is started up, when the power is turned off, when the vehicle is stopped, or when battery backup operation begins, so the user can use the display as a clue to adjust the shooting direction.

[0058] (27) The photographing unit is a first photographing unit, and the housing has a first part in which the first photographing unit is provided and a second part in which a second photographing unit is provided, and is configured so that the photographing direction of the first photographing unit can be adjusted by changing the relative attitude of the first part and the second part, and information serving as a guide for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit may include a first indicator displayed on the first part.

[0059] In this way, in an imaging device in which the housing has a first section in which a first imaging unit is provided and a second section in which a second imaging unit is provided, and in which the imaging direction of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit can be adjusted individually, the user can visually check the first indicator displayed on the first section and use this as a clue to adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit.

[0060] (28) The first portion may be provided with an imaging lens of the first imaging unit, and the first indicator may be information that indicates the direction in which the imaging lens of the second imaging unit is located, thereby enabling adjustment of the imaging direction of the first imaging unit.

[0061] In this way, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction of the first imaging unit because all the user has to do is adjust the direction indicated by the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the first imaging unit so that it is the direction of the imaging lens of the second imaging unit. For example, the first imaging unit may be a unit that captures images of the outside of the vehicle, and the second imaging unit may be a unit that captures images of the inside of the vehicle cabin. In this way, the user can easily visually check the imaging lens of the second imaging unit, and use this as a clue to easily adjust the shooting direction of the first imaging unit.

[0062] (29) A scale indicated by the first indicator and serving as a guide for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit may be displayed at the boundary between the first region and the second region.

[0063] In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction of the first shooting unit by adjusting the first index so that it points to a predetermined scale. Even if the shooting device is expected to be installed in various types of vehicles and the inclination of the installation part is different, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction because the scale to be adjusted is already known.

[0064] (30) The information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the first shooting unit may include a second index displayed on the second portion, and may be configured so that the first index and the second index point to each other, thereby making it possible to adjust the shooting direction of the first shooting unit.

[0065] In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction of the first shooting unit by adjusting the first index and the second index so that they point to each other, and the adjustment content is easy for the user to understand.

[0066] (31) The second portion may be provided with an imaging lens of the second imaging unit, and information indicating the imaging direction of the first imaging unit may be displayed at a position facing the portion of the first portion where the imaging lens of the first imaging unit is provided.

[0067] In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction using the direction in which the imaging lens of the second imaging unit and the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the first imaging unit as clues, making the adjustment easier. For example, when the user adjusts the shooting direction so that the imaging lens of the second imaging unit and the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the first imaging unit are oriented in the same direction, the imaging device can be configured to adjust to a desired predetermined shooting direction.

[0068] (32) It is preferable to have a drive unit capable of changing the imaging direction, and a control unit that specifies the imaging direction and controls the drive unit so that the specified direction becomes a predetermined imaging direction.

[0069] In this way, the camera can be autonomously controlled to achieve a predetermined shooting direction without the user having to manually adjust the shooting direction.

[0070] (33) The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction may be information for directing the photographing direction in the horizontal direction.

[0071] This allows the user to easily adjust the shooting direction so that it faces horizontally. For example, if the shooting device is attached to the rear of a vehicle, the user may want to shoot a vehicle behind that is tailgating or otherwise driving dangerously, and this makes it easy to make the necessary adjustments for such shooting.

[0072] (34) The housing may be cylindrical, and the imaging lens of the photographing unit may be provided on the peripheral surface of the housing, and the direction of the photographing may be adjustable by rotating the housing around the axis of the cylinder.

[0073] In this way, in an imaging device in which the housing is cylindrical, the imaging lens of the imaging unit is provided on the peripheral surface of the housing, and the direction in which the imaging lens faces can be adjusted by rotating the housing around the axis of the cylinder, information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction of the imaging unit is displayed in a position that is visible to the user, making it easier for the user to adjust the imaging direction.

[0074] (35) A system may be provided that includes any of the above-described photographing devices that use an adhesive member, and a document that describes how to attach the adhesive member to the housing.

[0075] This makes it easier for the user to correctly understand how to attach the attachment member to the housing of the photographing device.

[0076] The inventions described in (1) to (35) above can be combined in any way. For example, it is desirable to combine all or part of the configuration of the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items. In particular, it is desirable to combine the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items. It is also possible to extract any configuration from the inventions described in (1) to (35) and combine the extracted configurations. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions including these configurations. Furthermore, even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration limited to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations other than those cases or times. Furthermore, parts described in order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them. [Effects of the Invention]

[0077] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology with improved functionality compared to conventional technology, for example, to provide a technology that allows a user to easily adjust the shooting direction of a shooting device.

[0078] The effects of the present invention are not limited to these, and effects achieved by the components disclosed in the present specification and drawings, etc., are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the components that achieve these effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, statements such as "can..." clearly state the effects that are achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate the effects even without the statement "can...". Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the components even without such statements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0079] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration of a bracket according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the photographing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of the bracket according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the photographing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a first configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a housing of an image capturing device according to the first configuration example of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a first configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a second configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a third configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a fourth configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a fifth configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a sixth configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to Configuration Example 7 of the embodiment, and diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of a protective film. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to Configuration Example 8 of the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a ninth configuration example of the embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a tenth configuration example of the same embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a twelfth configuration example of the same embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a thirteenth configuration example of the same embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a fifteenth configuration example of the same embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the external configuration of the imaging device of the fifteenth configuration example of the same embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an imaging device according to a sixteenth configuration example of the same embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing image information in configuration example 16 of the same embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing image information in configuration example 17 of the same embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a guide screen in configuration example 20 of the same embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a guide screen in configuration example 21 of the same embodiment. [Figure 29] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for autonomously adjusting the imaging direction in configuration example 30 of the same embodiment. FIG. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 31 of the same embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 32 of the same embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 32 of the same embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 33 of the same embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing indicators applicable to the imaging device of configuration example 33 of the same embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to Configuration Example 34 of the same embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to Configuration Example 35 of the same embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to Configuration Example 36 of the same embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in the present embodiments, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated with the same or similar symbols (symbols consisting of a number followed by A, B, etc.), and repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, in each of the drawings referred to in the following description, the scale may be different from the actual scale in order to make each component, region, etc. recognizable.

[0081] [1. Overall system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle 400. The system 1 includes an image capturing device 100 as a first image capturing device and an image capturing device 200 as a second image capturing device, both of which are disposed in the vehicle 400. The vehicle 400 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine vehicle having an engine as a drive source, a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a traction motor as a drive source, or an electric vehicle having a traction motor as a drive source. The vehicle 400 may be, for example, a four-wheeled automobile, but may also be any vehicle capable of accommodating the image capturing device 100 and the image capturing device 200. The vehicle may be, for example, a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels, such as a car, bus, or truck, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or bicycle, or any other vehicle. The vehicle may also be, for example, a public transport vehicle, such as a train, monorail, or linear motor car.

[0082] The image capturing device 100 is a front camera disposed on the front side of the vehicle 400. For example, the image capturing device 100 is attached to a predetermined position on the front side of the cabin of the vehicle 400, and captures an image of the front of the vehicle 400 through the windshield. The image capturing device 100 is a drive recorder. Specifically, the image capturing device 100 has a function of capturing an image, a function of recording image data representing the captured image, and a function of recording image data acquired from the image capturing device 200.

[0083] Image capturing device 200 is a rear camera disposed at the rear of vehicle 400. Image capturing device 200 is attached, for example, to a predetermined position at the rear of the cabin of vehicle 400, and captures an image of the rear of the vehicle through the rear window. Image capturing device 200 has a function of capturing an image and a function of outputting image data representing the captured image to image capturing device 100.

[0084] The photographing apparatus 100 and the photographing apparatus 200 are connected via a cable 300. The cable 300 is a wired communication path connecting the photographing apparatus 100 and the photographing apparatus 200. The cable 300 has, for example, a power line for supplying operating power from the photographing apparatus 100 to the photographing apparatus 200 and a signal line for transmitting various signals between the photographing apparatus 100 and the photographing apparatus 200. The photographing apparatus 200 operates by receiving power supplied from the photographing apparatus 100 via the cable 300. Note that the photographing apparatus 100 and the photographing apparatus 200 may be connected via a wireless communication path such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or another standard, instead of a wired communication path. The photographing apparatus 100 may also be used without being connected to the photographing apparatus 200 via communication.

[0085] 2. External Configuration of the Imaging Device 100 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the image capturing device 100. FIG. 2(A) is a view of the image capturing device 100 as seen from the front diagonally upward right direction. FIG. 2(B) is a view of the image capturing device 100 as seen from the rear diagonally upward right direction. The front side of the image capturing device 100 faces the front of the vehicle 400, and the rear side of the image capturing device 100 faces the rear of the vehicle 400. The image capturing device 100 has a housing 101. The housing 101 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction and has a relatively small thickness. The housing 101 has a top surface 1011 that faces upward when attached to the vehicle 400, a first side surface 1012, a second side surface 1013, a third side surface 1014 located opposite the second side surface 1013, and a fourth side surface 1015 located opposite the first side surface 1012.

[0086] The top surface 1011 is provided with a joint rail 102 and a camera jack 191. The joint rail 102 is detachable with a bracket (for example, a bracket 600 described below) for attaching the image capturing device 100 to a predetermined attachment location on the vehicle 400. The attachment location may be, for example, the windshield of the vehicle 400 (for example, near the top edge of the windshield), the rearview mirror of the vehicle 400, or the ceiling of the passenger compartment. When the image capturing device 100 is attached to the vehicle 400, the first side surface 1012 faces the front side of the vehicle 400. In this case, the second side surface 1013 faces the right side when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 400. The third side surface 1014 faces the left side when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 400. The fourth side surface 1015 faces the rear side of the vehicle 400.

[0087] The camera jack 191 is a terminal to which one end of the cable 300 is connected. The camera jack 191 is compatible with the USB Type C standard, for example, and may be a terminal through which the image capturing device 100 communicates with the image capturing device 200 according to the Ethernet standard.

[0088] The first side surface 1012 is provided with an imaging lens 151, a sound output hole 103, and a microphone hole 104. The imaging lens 151 is a lens for collecting light that is included in an imaging unit (an imaging unit 15 described later) included in the imaging device 100. The sound output hole 103 is provided above the imaging lens 151 and is a hole that transmits sound output from an audio output unit (an audio output unit 14 described later) included in the imaging device 100 from the inside to the outside of the housing 101. The microphone hole 104 is provided below the imaging lens 151 and is a hole that transmits sound from the outside to the inside of the housing 101. The sound that has transmitted into the inside of the housing 101 is input to a microphone (a microphone 121 described later) included in the imaging device 100.

[0089] An event recording button 122 is provided on the second side surface 1013. The event recording button 122 is an operating means for instructing the start or end of recording (video recording) of images captured by the image capturing unit 15. When the user operates the event recording button 122 while event recording is not being performed, the image capturing device 100 starts event recording. Event recording will be described in detail later. The event recording button 122 is provided on the second side surface 1013 facing the driver's seat so that it can be easily operated by a driver of a right-hand drive vehicle 400.

[0090] A terminal 192 and a storage medium insertion port 181 are provided on the third side surface 1014. The terminal 192 is a terminal for receiving a supply of power from an external device. The terminal 192 is, for example, a DC jack. A connector on one end of a power cord (for example, a cigarette lighter plug cord) is connected to the terminal 192. The connector on the other end of the power cord is connected to a power supply terminal (for example, a cigarette lighter socket) provided on the vehicle 400 side, for example.

[0091] The terminal 192 may be connected to an OBDII adapter that can be connected to an OBDII ("II" is the Roman numeral for "2") connector of the vehicle 400. The OBDII connector is also called a diagnostic connector, and is connected to the vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit) and outputs various types of vehicle information at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 0.5 seconds). By connecting the terminal 192 to the OBDII connector using the OBDII adapter, the image capturing device 100 can receive power for operation and acquire vehicle information.

[0092] The vehicle information is information relating to the state of the vehicle 400. The vehicle information may be at least one of the following: the speed of the vehicle 400 (vehicle speed), engine speed, engine load factor, throttle degree, ignition timing, percentage of remaining fuel, intake manifold pressure, intake air flow rate (MAF), injection open time, engine coolant temperature (coolant temperature), temperature of air taken into the engine (intake temperature), air temperature outside the vehicle (outside air temperature), amount of remaining fuel in the fuel tank (remaining fuel amount), fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator opening, turn signal information (operation of left and right turn signals (ON / OFF)), brake opening, steering wheel rotation angle, gear position, and door open / close state information.

[0093] Storage medium insertion slot 181 is an insertion slot for inserting storage medium 500, which serves as external storage means, into image capturing device 100. Storage medium 500 is a storage medium, such as an SD card, on which images captured by image capturing device 100 or image capturing device 200 are recorded. SD cards include any of various shapes, such as an SD memory card, a miniSD card, and a microSD card. Storage medium 500 may further store a viewer (for example, a dedicated viewer) program for playing back stored images on an information display terminal such as a personal computer.

[0094] An operation unit 123, a display surface 131, and a light-emitting unit 21 are provided on the fourth side surface 1015. The operation unit 123 has a first button 1231, a second button 1232, a third button 1233, and a fourth button 1234. The first button 1231, the second button 1232, the third button 1233, and the fourth button 1234 are arranged vertically along one side of the right side of the display surface 131. The functions assigned to each of these buttons include, for example, the following functions.

[0095] The first button 1231 functions as a button for switching images when pressed and held, and functions as a button for instructing formatting of the storage medium 500 when pressed and held. The image displayed on the display surface 131 is, for example, one or both of an image currently being captured by the image capturing device 100 and an image currently being captured by the image capturing device 200. Formatting the storage medium 500 is to initialize the storage medium 500, and can be understood as, for example, at least one of erasing data such as images stored in the storage medium 500, writing setting information indicating the contents of operation settings to the storage medium 500 so that the image capturing device 100 can use the storage medium 500 (for example, so that images can be recorded and read), and putting the storage medium 500 into a specific file state.

[0096] The second button 1232 is a button for displaying a selection screen for selecting an image to be played back by the image capturing device 100. The third button 1233 is a button for displaying a menu related to settings of the image capturing device 100 and the image capturing device 200. The fourth button 1234 is a button for instructing the start and stop of image recording. For example, if the fourth button 1234 is pressed briefly during recording using the continuous recording function described below, the recording is paused. If the fourth button 1234 is pressed briefly during this pause, the recording of images using the continuous recording function is resumed. If the fourth button 1234 is pressed for a long time, the frame rate at which images are recorded can be changed.

[0097] The display surface 131 is an area where an image is displayed by a display unit (display unit 13 described later) of the imaging device 100. The display surface 131 is, for example, a rectangular or square area. A touch sensor 124 is provided on top of the display surface 131 to detect a touch operation by the user.

[0098] The light emitting unit 21 is provided above the first button 1231 and emits light in a predetermined color.

[0099] The image capturing device 200 may also have a function as a drive recorder, and may have, for example, the same configuration as the image capturing device 100. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the image capturing device 200, one or more image capturing devices capturing images in other directions may be used as image capturing devices connected to the image capturing device 100 via communication. Examples of other directions include the right rear, left rear, and width directions (sideways) of the vehicle 400.

[0100] [3. Bracket configuration] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the bracket 600. Fig. 3A is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed from the upper right diagonal direction on the front side. Fig. 3B is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed from the side. Fig. 3C is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed from the lower right diagonal direction on the front side. The bracket 600 is an example of a mounting member for mounting the image capturing device 100 to the vehicle 400.

[0101] Bracket 600 is a mounting member that uses a ball joint mechanism. In bracket 600, flat base portion 610 has mounting surface 611 that is attached to the windshield of vehicle 400. Base portion 610 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the support of ball stud 620. An adhesive member such as double-sided tape is attached to mounting surface 611, and bracket 600 is attached to the windshield or the like of vehicle 400 via the adhesive member.

[0102] The ball stud 620 is a portion of the base portion 610 that stands up from the surface opposite the mounting surface 611. The ball portion 621 of the ball stud 620 is attached to the socket portion 630. The nut 640 is detachably attached to the periphery of the socket portion 630. A thread groove is formed on the outer periphery of the socket portion 630. The nut 640 that fits into the thread groove is attached to the outer periphery of the socket portion 630. With the ball portion 621 of the ball stud 620 attached in the socket portion 630, before the nut 640 is tightened, the socket portion 630 can rotate in a desired direction along the circumferential surface of the ball portion 621, thereby changing the position of the base portion 650. When the nut 640 is tightened, the position of the base portion 650 is fixed.

[0103] The base portion 650 is a part that is formed as a pair with the socket portion 630 and is used for mounting on the imaging device 100. The base portion 650 has a pair of guide rails 651 on its underside. The pair of guide rails 651 are configured to be slidable along the joint rails 102 of the imaging device 100. A claw-shaped tip portion 652 is provided at the tip of the base portion 650. The tip portion 652 is hooked onto the joint rails 102 near the end of the front side of the imaging device 100, thereby mounting the bracket 600 to the imaging device 100.

[0104] 4. Electrical Configuration of the Imaging Device 100 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the photographing device 100. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the photographing device 100. The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including a processor 111 and a memory 112. The processor 111 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The memory 112 is, for example, a main storage device including a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The processor 111 temporarily stores a program read from the ROM of the memory 112 in the RAM. The RAM of the memory 112 provides a working area for the processor 111. The processor 111 performs various controls by temporarily storing data generated during program execution in the RAM and performing arithmetic processing. The control unit 11 further includes a clock unit 113 that keeps track of time. The clock unit 113 is, for example, a real-time clock. The clock unit 113 may be mounted on the motherboard of the processor 111 or may be external to the processor 111 .

[0105] The input unit 12 accepts information input from a user. The input unit 12 includes, for example, the above-described microphone 121, event recording button 122, operation unit 123, and touch sensor 124. The microphone 121 converts sound incident via the microphone hole 104 or the like into an electrical signal. The microphone 121 is, for example, a condenser microphone. The touch sensor 124 detects a position on the display surface 131 touched by the user. The touch sensor 124 is, for example, of a capacitance type.

[0106] Display unit 13 displays an image on display surface 131. Display unit 13 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0107] The audio output unit 14 outputs audio. Examples of the audio include notification sounds, background music, audio messages, etc. The audio output unit 14 includes, for example, an audio processing circuit and a speaker.

[0108] The photographing unit 15 photographs and generates image data obtained by photographing. The photographing unit 15 has, for example, an imaging lens 151 and an imaging element that photographs light collected by the imaging lens 151. The imaging element is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary MOS) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The photographing unit 15 generates a color (multi-color) image consisting of, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components.

[0109] The communication unit 16 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 16 has a communication circuit for wirelessly communicating with the external device, for example, by Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication or short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 16 may have a communication circuit for performing communication in compliance with standards of mobile communication systems such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, and 5G.

[0110] The sensor unit 17 has various sensors. The sensor unit 17 has, for example, at least one of an acceleration sensor (e.g., G sensor), a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The acceleration sensor is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle in the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions. The gyro sensor is a sensor that detects the tilt of the image capture device 100. The acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor may be used to estimate the position of the vehicle 400 by autonomous navigation, for example, when signals from GNSS satellites cannot be received. The air pressure sensor measures air pressure. The air pressure sensor is used, for example, to detect differences in elevation and determine whether the vehicle is on a highway or an ordinary road. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects illuminance, which indicates the brightness inside the vehicle cabin, which is the area around the image capture device 100. The illuminance sensor is used, for example, to adjust the display brightness of the display unit 13.

[0111] The reader / writer 18 functions as a medium holding unit that holds the storage medium 500 inserted into the image capturing device 100 through the storage medium insertion slot 181. The reader / writer 18 writes data to the storage medium 500 and reads data from the storage medium 500. The reader / writer 18 may hold only one storage medium 500, but may also be configured to be able to hold two or more storage media 500 simultaneously.

[0112] The terminal unit 19 has a terminal for electrically connecting to an external device. The terminal unit 19 has the camera jack 191 and the terminal 192 described above. An external battery may be used as a device connected to the terminal unit 19 so that the image capturing device 100 and the image capturing device 200 can operate without power supply from the vehicle 400. The device connected to the terminal unit 19 may be, for example, a device having a function to assist the user in safe driving. Examples of such devices include a device that captures an image of the driver (e.g., the face) and detects and notifies the driver's state, such as distracted driving and drowsy driving, and a device that detects and notifies an obstacle around the vehicle 400 (e.g., a device used for vehicle detection for a forward vehicle collision warning system (FCWS)). The device connected to the terminal unit 19 may also be an in-vehicle device such as a radar detector, a laser detector, a car navigation device, or a display device.

[0113] The position information acquisition unit 20 acquires position information indicating the position (more specifically, the current position) of the image capture device 100. The position of the image capture device 100 can be considered to be the same as the position of the vehicle 400 in which the image capture device 100 is installed, the position of the image capture device 200 installed in the vehicle 400, and the position of the driver and other people riding in the vehicle 400. The position information acquisition unit 20 acquires position information (latitude information and longitude information) of the image capture device 100 based on a signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System), which is one of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). The position information acquisition unit 20 may also use Michibiki as a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System).

[0114] The light emitting unit 21 emits light in a predetermined color and includes, for example, a light emitting diode.

[0115] The power supply control unit 22 controls the supply of power to each unit of the photographing device 100 and the photographing device 200. The power supply control unit 22 has, for example, a power switch and a power supply control circuit. The power supply control unit 22 supplies power supplied from the vehicle 400 via the terminal unit 19 to each unit of the photographing device 100 and the photographing device 200. The power supply control unit 22 may further have a secondary battery, a button battery, or an electric double layer capacitor (also called a supercapacitor) as a power storage means.

[0116] The image capturing device 100 may further include an auxiliary storage device, such as a flash memory (e.g., eMMC or SSD), as an internal storage means. As the auxiliary storage device, various storage media, such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media, can be used.

[0117] 5. Image Recording Function of the Imaging Device 100 The image capturing device 100 has one or more of the following image recording functions: The image recording function is a function for recording images captured by the image capturing device 100 as image data in a predetermined file format. The image data may be in a moving image format, such as an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (e.g., MPEG2, MPEG4), AVI, MOV, WMV, etc.

[0118] <5-1. Continuous recording function> The continuous recording function (also referred to as the continuous video recording function) is a function that continuously (i.e., constantly) records images captured by one or both of the image capturing devices 100 and 200 while the image capturing device 100 is in operation. When the control unit 11 is executing the continuous recording function, it records captured images for the period from when the drive source of the vehicle 400 is started or the accessory power is turned on until the drive source is stopped or the accessory power is turned off.

[0119] <5-2. Event recording function> The event recording function is a function for recording images captured by one or both of the image capturing devices 100 and 200 in response to the occurrence of a specific event. The event is an occurrence for which images captured by the image capturing device 100 or 200 should be recorded, such as when the user suddenly steers or brakes while the vehicle 400 is traveling, or when the vehicle 400 collides with another object. The control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred, for example, based on a measurement value obtained by the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred when the measurement value obtained by the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or when the measurement value indicates a predetermined change over time. The conditions for determining the occurrence of an event are not limited to these. The control unit 11 may also determine that an event has occurred based on vehicle information, for example, when the state of the vehicle 400, such as the vehicle speed or steering state, satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit 11 may analyze an image captured by the image capturing unit 15 or the image capturing device 200, and determine that an event has occurred when dangerous driving (for example, tailgating, approaching, or abnormal approach) of the vehicle 400 or another vehicle is detected. The control unit 11 also determines that an event has occurred when the event record button 122 is operated.

[0120] When the control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred, it records images captured during a predetermined period before and after the event (hereinafter referred to as the "event recording period") in the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 may temporarily record images captured by the image capturing unit 15 and the image capturing device 200 in the memory 112 (e.g., RAM), and when it determines that an event has occurred, it may record images during the event recording period read from the memory 112 in the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 may create a single file containing images for a total of 40 seconds, for example, 20 seconds before the event occurred and 20 seconds after the event occurred. The event recording period is an example and may vary depending on the type of event or may be changeable by the user. The control unit 11 may record images consisting of multiple files for each event occurrence in the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 may further associate values ​​measured by the sensor unit 17 during the event recording period (e.g., acceleration in each of the three axes) and location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 with the images and record them in the storage medium 500.

[0121] <5-3. Parking monitoring function> The parking monitoring function is a function for recording images captured by one or both of the image capturing devices 100 and 200 while the vehicle 400 is parked. The parking monitoring function is a function for monitoring the interior of the parked vehicle 400 or the exterior surrounding the vehicle 400. When the engine of the vehicle 400 is off, the control unit 11 receives power from an external battery and records images in the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle 400 is parked based on one or more of the following: the accessory power source is turned off; the drive source is stopped; power supply from the external battery has started; the vehicle speed is 0 km / h or a predetermined speed or less; and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 is predetermined location information (for example, location information of the home, workplace, or parking lot).

[0122] The parking monitoring function may include a time lapse mode and a motion detection mode. Specifically, when the user selects the time lapse mode, the control unit 11 records images at a frame rate lower than that of other image recording functions, such as the continuous recording function and the event recording function. For example, the frame rate of the other image recording functions is 20 to 30 frames per second, while the frame rate of the time lapse mode is 1 frame per second. The motion detection mode is a mode in which images are recorded in response to the detection of a moving object. Specifically, when the user selects the motion detection mode and the control unit 11 detects a moving object based on a change in the images captured by the image capturing device 100 and the image capturing device 200, the control unit 11 records images captured within a predetermined period before and after the detection in the storage medium 500. The frame rate may be the same as that of the continuous recording function, the event recording function, etc.

[0123] 6. External Configuration of the Imaging Device 200 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the image capturing device 200. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the front side obliquely upward to the right. FIG. 5(B) is a diagram of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the rear side obliquely upward to the right. The front side of the image capturing device 200 faces the rear of the vehicle 400, and the rear side of the image capturing device 200 faces the front of the vehicle 400. The image capturing device 200 has a housing 201. The housing 201 is cylindrical (or may also be called columnar). The housing 201 can be divided into two parts along its axial direction, with the front side being a first part 201A and the rear side being a second part 201B. The outer periphery of the housing 201 is roughly divided into a peripheral surface part 2011, a side surface 2012, and a side surface 2013. The peripheral surface part 2011 is the peripheral (curved) part of the housing 201 and corresponds to the side surface of the cylinder. An imaging lens 2031 is provided on the front side of the peripheral surface portion 2011. The imaging lens 2031 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes slightly further toward the front than other portions of the peripheral surface portion 2011. The optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031 coincides with the front-to-rear direction of the imaging device 200. A plurality of ventilation holes 2014 are formed in the peripheral surface portion 2011. The ventilation holes 2014 are holes that allow communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201 and release heat generated inside the housing 201 to the outside. The longitudinal direction of the ventilation holes 2014 is along the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 2011, and a plurality of ventilation holes 2014 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the cylinder.

[0124] The side surface 2012 and the side surface 2013 are side surfaces of the housing 201 and are each circular. The side surface 2012 and the side surface 2013 correspond to the bottom surface of a cylinder. When the housing 201 is placed on the vehicle 400 with the imaging lens 2031 facing the rear of the vehicle 400, the side surface 2012 is located on the left side (i.e., the right side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 400), and the side surface 2013 is located on the right side (i.e., the left side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 400). A camera jack 2021 is provided on the side surface 2013. The camera jack 2021 is a terminal to which the other end of the cable 300 is connected. Here, the camera jack 2021 is a cylindrical hole, but it may also be compatible with the USB Type-C standard, for example, and be a terminal for the image capturing device 200 to communicate with the image capturing device 100 according to the Ethernet standard.

[0125] The photographing device 200 is configured so that the photographing direction of the photographing device 200 (which may be read as photographing unit 203, described later) changes as the user changes the attitude of the housing 201. To achieve this, the photographing device 200 has a bracket 210 for fixing the housing 201 to a predetermined attachment site. The housing 201 is attached to the predetermined attachment site using the bracket 210. In this attached state, the housing 201, attached to the rear window using the bracket 210, receives an operation from the user and rotates the housing 201 in a direction around the axis 1.

[0126] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the bracket 210. In this embodiment, the mounting location of the imaging device 200 is a location inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 400, which is the rear window of the vehicle 400. The bracket 210 is an example of a mounting member. The bracket 210 has a ring portion 2101, a fixing plate 2102, and a connecting portion 2103. The ring portion 2101 and the fixing plate 2102 are connected via the connecting portion 2103 that stands on the outer circumferential surface of the ring portion 2101.

[0127] Housing 201 fits inside ring portion 2101. As shown in FIG. 6(A), a portion of housing 201 that faces ring portion 2101 has a slightly smaller radial dimension than the other portions of housing 201. The inner circumferential surface of ring portion 2101 has a radial dimension that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the radial dimension of the portion that faces ring portion 2101. Ring portion 2101 receives a force around the axis from the user (i.e., an operating force) and is rotatable around the axis relative to housing 201 while fitted in housing 201.

[0128] An adhesive member 2104 such as double-sided tape is affixed to the upper surface of the fixing plate 2102. The housing 201 is attached to the rear glass by adhering the fixing plate 2102 to the rear glass. When attaching the housing 201, the user brings the upper surface of the fixing plate 2102 into contact with the rear glass to fix it, as shown in FIG. 6(B). With the housing 201 attached to the rear glass, the user adjusts the attitude of the housing 201 by rotating the housing 201 along the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion 2101. The shooting direction changes as the attitude of the housing 201 changes, and the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces (in this embodiment, the optical axis direction) becomes the shooting direction. Because the housing 201 is cylindrical (in this embodiment, cylindrical), the rotation direction of the housing 201 is the direction around the axis of this cylinder. As shown in FIG. 6(C), the user rotates the housing 201 to adjust the imaging lens 2031 to face the desired shooting direction, and releases the housing 201 when the adjustment is complete. In this embodiment, the desired direction may be a predetermined imaging direction desirable for the imaging device 200, and may be the horizontal direction toward the rear (e.g., directly behind) of the vehicle 400 (see FIG. 6(C)). The imaging device 200 may include a mechanism (e.g., a locking mechanism) or a member (e.g., a fastener) for fixing the imaging lens 2031 in the adjusted orientation.

[0129] 7. Electrical Configuration of the Imaging Device 200 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the photographing device 200. The control unit 206 controls each unit of the photographing device 200. The control unit 206 may have the same hardware configuration as the control unit 11. The terminal unit 202 has a terminal for electrically connecting to an external device. The terminal unit 202 has the camera jack 2021 described above. The terminal unit 202 is a terminal for outputting image data of an image photographed by the photographing unit 203 to the photographing device 100 and for receiving operating power from the photographing device 100.

[0130] The photographing unit 203 photographs and generates image data obtained by photographing. The photographing unit 203 has, for example, an imaging lens 2031 and an imaging element that captures light collected by the imaging lens 2031. The imaging element is, for example, a CMOS or CCD. The photographing unit 203 generates a color (multi-color) image consisting of, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components.

[0131] The power supply control unit 204 controls the supply of power to each unit of the photographing device 200. The power supply control unit 204 includes, for example, a power supply control circuit. The power supply control unit 204 supplies the power supplied from the photographing device 100 to each unit of the photographing device 200.

[0132] The image capturing device 200 may further include an auxiliary storage device, such as a flash memory (e.g., eMMC or SSD), as an internal storage means. As the auxiliary storage device, various storage media, such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media, can be used.

[0133] Note that image capturing devices 100 and 200 may be image capturing devices that capture spherical images such as a full celestial sphere or a hemisphere. Image capturing device 100 may be an image capturing device that does not have a display unit 13. Image capturing device 200 may be an image capturing device that has various sensors and a display unit. The housing of image capturing device 100 does not have to be rectangular parallelepiped, and may be, for example, a cylindrical image capturing device. The housing of image capturing device 200 does not have to be cylindrical, and may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped image capturing device.

[0134] [7. Installation of the imaging device] The inventors discovered the following problem when installing an image capture device in a vehicle cabin. When installing a front camera such as image capture device 100 or a rear camera such as image capture device 200, the image capture lens (also referred to as a camera lens) is located on the opposite side of the vehicle from the user, making it difficult or impossible for the user to directly see the image capture lens. As a result, it can be difficult for the user to install the image capture lens facing the desired direction. Therefore, the inventors conceived of configuring an image capture device to display information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction to help the user adjust the image capture direction. The inventors believed that information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction can also serve as a guide for the user when adjusting the image capture direction, making the adjustment easier. The information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction of the image capture unit is displayed as information that the user can visually grasp and can be displayed in various ways. A specific configuration will be described later. While it is preferable for the image capture device to display the information on its own device, it may also be displayed on a device other than the image capture device or in another location. Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the shooting unit can be done in any way that makes the information visible to the user, and methods that can be used include, for example, printing or engraving on the housing, attaching an adhesive member that displays the information to the housing, or displaying image information on a display device.

[0135] Unless otherwise specified, each configuration described below can be applied to both rear and front cameras, but the following mainly describes the installation of the imaging device 200 corresponding to the rear camera. In particular, since the imaging device 200 does not have its own display unit, it cannot display the image being captured on its display unit. This is because the user cannot adjust the orientation of the imaging lens 2031 while looking at the display, which may make adjusting the orientation of the imaging lens more difficult.

[0136] <7-1> Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is preferably done in a position that is visible to the user who installs the housing 201, and is particularly preferably configured to be displayed on the housing 201. For example, the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is preferably displayed in a position on the housing 201 that faces the width direction of the vehicle 400. Such a position is, for example, the side surface 2012 or the side surface 2013.

[0137] <7-1-1> Configuration example 1 8, 9, and 10 are diagrams showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of Configuration Example 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the image capturing device 200 as seen from the front side diagonally upward to the right.

[0138] As shown in Fig. 8, an index 220 is displayed on the side surface 2012. The index 220 is an example of information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. The index 220 is information that indicates the shooting direction, and is information that indicates the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing. The index 220 is represented by a triangular shape ("△"), and each of the three vertices is positioned so as to indicate the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing.

[0139] 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of the configuration of the housing 201 when viewed from the side surface 2012 and when viewed from above the peripheral surface portion 2011. In Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the first portion 201A and the second portion 201B are shown in a separated state.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 9 , the index 220 may be formed, for example, by engraving, as a convex portion that protrudes outward in the axial direction of the axis l relative to other portions of the side surface 2012. In this case, the index 220 is a triangular prism-shaped portion. This makes it easy for a user to see the index 220 even when the user is on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031. For example, the user can see the index 220 from a position on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, or can go around to the side surface 2012 to see the index 220. Even if the user cannot see the imaging lens 2031 itself, the user can see the index 220 and use it as a clue to rotate the housing 201.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 10 , the index 220 may be formed, for example, by engraving, in a recess that is recessed inward in the axial direction of the axis l relative to other portions of the side surface 2012. In this case, the index 220 is a triangular prism-shaped portion. The user can easily see the index 220 even when standing on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031. For example, the user can see the index 220 from a position on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, or can go around to the side surface 2012 to see the index 220. Even if the user cannot see the imaging lens 2031 itself, the user can see the index 220 and use it as a clue to rotate the housing 201.

[0142] It is desirable that the indicator 220 be a different color from the other parts of the housing 201, as this makes it easier for the user to see. This also applies to the indicators in each of the configuration examples described below. The indicator 220 may be represented by, for example, an arrow, and it is advisable to use information such as a graphic that can point to a specific direction. In this way, the user can intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing as the shooting direction, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction.

[0143] <7-1-2>Configuration example 2 Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of configuration example 2. Fig. 11 is a diagram of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the upper right diagonal direction on the rear side. As shown in Fig. 11, an index 230 is displayed on the side surface 2013. The index 230 is an example of information that serves as a guide for the image capturing direction. The index 230 is information that indicates the image capturing direction, and is information that indicates the direction in which the image capturing lens 2031 is facing. The index 230 is represented by a triangular shape ("△"), and each of the three vertices is arranged to indicate the direction in which the image capturing lens 2031 is facing.

[0144] The indicator 230 is formed on the side surface 2013 by, for example, printing (e.g., silk printing). Therefore, the indicator 230 forms approximately the same plane as the side surface 2013. The indicator 230 is displayed on the first portion 201A side of the side surface 2013, but may also be displayed on the second portion 201B side. The indicator 230 may be represented by, for example, an arrow, or information such as a graphic that can point to a specific direction may be used. The user can easily see the indicator 230 even when located on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031. For example, the user can see the indicator 230 from the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, or can go around to the side surface 2013 to see the indicator 230. The user can see the indicator 230 without seeing the imaging lens 2031 itself, and use this as a clue to rotate the housing 201. This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing, and makes it easier to adjust the imaging direction.

[0145] Furthermore, rear cameras manufactured and sold by the applicant may have a "CAM" printed near the camera jack to indicate that it is a terminal for connecting a camera cable (however, this may differ from the printing shown in Figure 11). For example, by utilizing this printing process, it is possible to print the indicator 230 on the same side surface 2013 without increasing costs or by suppressing such an increase. Alternatively, when creating a new mold, the indicator 230 may be engraved (stamped) on the side surface 2012. Since the current mold also has a sliding mechanism on the side surface 2013, engraving can be performed at the same mold cost. While printing may make the indicator easier for users to see than engraving, engraving may also make the indicator 230 easier to see even after the cable 300 is attached.

[0146] <7-1-3>Configuration example 3 FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of Configuration Example 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the diagonally upper right direction on the front side. As shown in FIG. 12, an index 241 is displayed on the side surface 2012. The index 241 is a line extending along the image capturing direction. The index 241 is displayed by printing on a sticker 240A. The sticker is an example of an adhesive member that is attached to a housing. The sticker 240A is used by being attached to the housing 201. The sticker 240A is sold attached to the image capturing device 200 (for example, packaged). When the image capturing device 200 is installed, the sticker 240A is attached to the side surface 2012 so that the extending direction of the index 241 coincides with the image capturing direction of the imaging lens 2031. The sticker 240A may be attached by a user or may be attached when the image capturing device 200 is shipped. If the configuration is such that the user attaches the seal member 240A, it is preferable that the photographing device 200 be sold with an instruction manual or the like (for example, a paper or electronic data instruction manual for the photographing device 200) describing how to attach the seal member 240A.

[0147] In this way, the user can rotate the housing 201 with the direction in which the indicator 241 extends as the shooting direction, without having to visually check the imaging lens 2031 itself. By visually checking the indicator 241, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction and easily adjust the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces. For example, if the shooting direction is horizontal, the user can adjust the shooting direction so that the indicator 241 extends horizontally. The indicator 241 may be a different color from the side surface 2012 to make it easier for the user to visually check. Furthermore, the seal member 240A may have the same shape and dimensions as the indicator 241.

[0148] Furthermore, since indicator 241 is displayed on seal member 240A, information serving as a guide for the shooting direction can be later attached to housing 201. For example, if the configuration allows the user to later attach it, seal member 240A can be left affixed to housing 201 when necessary to adjust the shooting direction, and seal member 240A can be peeled off after the adjustment, thereby ensuring the aesthetic appearance of imaging device 200.

[0149] <7-1-4> Configuration example 4 FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of Configuration Example 4. FIG. 13 is a view of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the upper right diagonal direction on the front side. As shown in FIG. 13, indices 242 and 243 are displayed on the side surface 2012. The indices 242 are a line (an example of a first line) that extends along the image capturing direction displayed on the seal member 240B. The purpose and function of the indices 242 may be the same as the purpose and function of the indices 241. The indices 243 are a line (an example of a second line) that is displayed on the seal member 240B and that extends intersecting with the indices 242. In this embodiment, the indices 242 and 243 are perpendicular to each other and form a cross shape. The seal member 240B is used by being attached to the housing 201, similar to the seal member 240A. The seal member 240B is sold attached to the image capturing device 200 (for example, packaged).

[0150] When attaching the imaging device 200, the user can intuitively understand the imaging direction by visually checking the index 242 extending along the imaging direction and the index 243 intersecting the index 242, without visually checking the imaging lens 2031 itself. This makes it easier to adjust the imaging direction. For example, if the imaging direction is horizontal, the user can adjust the imaging direction so that the index 242 extends horizontally and the index 243 extends vertically. If the seal member 240B is attached to the side surface 2012 so that the index 243 is aligned with the boundary between the first portion 201A and the second portion 201B, the user can easily attach the seal member 240B appropriately. If the indexes 242 and 243 are a different color from the side surface 2012, the user can easily visually check them. In addition, Configuration Example 4 achieves the same effects as Configuration Example 3.

[0151] <7-1-5>Configuration example 5 When an adhesive member is used as described in <7-1-3> and <7-1-4>, a configuration may be adopted that makes it easier to attach the adhesive member by utilizing the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201. The following describes a case in which the sealing member 240B is attached, but the same applies when another adhesive member such as the sealing member 240A is used. Furthermore, the following describes a case in which the sealing member is attached to the side surface 2013, but the sealing member may also be attached to the side surface 2012.

[0152] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 5. FIG. 14 is a view of the imaging device 200 as seen from the side surface 2013. Here, a flat surface 201C is provided on a portion of the peripheral surface 2011 of the housing 201. In Configuration Example 5, the flat surface 201C is used to assist in attaching the adhesive member. As shown in FIG. 14, when the housing 201 is viewed from the side surface 2013, the outline of the side surface 2013 has a linear portion resulting from the flat surface 201C. This linear portion is parallel to the imaging direction of the imaging unit 203 (i.e., the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031). On the other hand, the seal member 240B is a rectangular seal member and has linear sides. Therefore, the seal member 240B is attached so that its linear sides are parallel to the linear portion resulting from the flat surface 201C. Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging device 200 be sold with an instruction manual describing how to attach the seal member 240B. In this way, when attaching the sealing member 240B to the housing 201, the user only needs to ensure that the straight sides of the sealing member 240B are parallel to the flat surface 201C provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201, making it easier to attach the sealing member 240B to the housing 201 appropriately.

[0153] In configuration example 5, the linear portion resulting from the flat surface 201C is parallel to the shooting direction of the shooting unit 203 (i.e., the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031), but if the flat surface 201C is perpendicular to the shooting direction of the shooting unit 203, it is preferable to attach the sticker material bearing the index so that the linear side is perpendicular to (i.e., perpendicular to) this flat surface.

[0154] In addition, in configuration example 5, a flat surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201, and this is parallel to the linear sides of the attachment member, thereby facilitating attachment. Furthermore, if the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 and the shape of the sides of the sealing member are the same, it is thought that attachment of the attachment member can be facilitated by making them conform to each other. For example, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 and the shape of the sides of the sealing member may be the same curve (for example, curves with the same curvature).

[0155] <7-1-6>Configuration example 6 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of Configuration Example 6. FIG. 15 is a view of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the side 2013. An index 250, which is the character string "CAM," is displayed near the camera jack 2021 of the current image capturing device. These letters "C," "A," and "M" each have a vertical orientation. The index 250 is a character string that explains the function of the camera jack 2021, and more specifically, is a character string that explains that the camera jack 2021 is a terminal for connecting a camera cable. In Configuration Example 6, the index 250 is used as information that serves as a guide for the image capturing direction. The vertical orientation of the characters in the index 250 coincides with the vertical direction, and the longitudinal direction of the index 250, in which the characters are arranged, coincides with the image capturing direction (here, the horizontal direction). In this case, since the image capturing direction is horizontal, the vertical orientation of each character that constitutes the index 250 coincides with the vertical direction. Therefore, if the housing 201 is attached upside down, the character string "CAM" will be upside down, making it easy for the user to see that it is attached incorrectly. The user can intuitively understand the shooting direction from the orientation of the characters that make up the index 250, and can easily adjust the shooting direction. In the case of configuration example 6, the user can rotate the housing 201 so that the orientation of the characters of the index 250 matches the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the index 250 is horizontal.

[0156] In configuration example 6, the character string "CAM" is used as the indicator 250, but the same effect can be achieved by using at least characters, figures, or symbols that have a vertical orientation. The number of characters that make up the indicator 250 may be further reduced or increased. In particular, if the indicator 250 also functions as a character string related to the functions of the imaging device 200, such as the character string "CAM," the number of characters, figures, symbols, etc. that need to be displayed on the housing 201 can be reduced, which is also desirable in terms of ensuring an aesthetic appearance.

[0157] <7-1-7>Configuration example 7 Information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction that can be viewed from the vehicle width direction side of the vehicle 400 (for example, the side of the side 2012 or 2013) may be displayed on the peripheral surface part 2011. Note that, although the following describes a case where the information can be viewed from the side of the side 2012, it may also be configured so that the information can be viewed from the side of the side 2013.

[0158] In configuration example 7, information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is configured by a member attached to the imaging lens 2031. Such a member may be a protective sheet 260 for protecting the lens as shown in FIG. 16, which may be attached to (for example, packaged with) the imaging device 200 and sold, for example. FIG. 16(A) is a diagram showing the protective sheet 260 attached to the imaging lens 2031. FIG. 16(B) is a diagram showing the protective sheet 260 as viewed from the front before being attached to the imaging lens 2031.

[0159] The protective sheet 260 is composed of a protective film portion 261 and a handle portion 262. The protective film portion 261 is a portion that covers the lens portion of the imaging lens 2031. The protective film portion 261 is configured to match the shape and size of the lens portion of the imaging lens 2031, and is, for example, colorless and transparent. The surface of the protective film portion 261 facing the lens portion of the imaging lens 2031 has adhesive properties. In this sense, the protective sheet 260 may be understood as an example of an adhesive member. The handle portion 262 is connected to an end of the protective film portion 261. The handle portion 262 is preferably configured to be easily visible to the user, and may be colored, for example, red. The handle portion 262 may not have adhesive properties. When peeling the protective sheet 260 from the mount or from the imaging lens 2031, the user pinches the handle portion 262 with their fingers. The protective sheet 260 is attached so that the handle portion 262 is positioned on the horizontal side (here, on the side of the side surface 2012) of the imaging lens 2031. Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging device 200 be sold with an instruction manual attached thereto that describes how to attach the protective sheet 260, in particular, how to set the position of the handle portion 262.

[0160] In this way, the handle portion for making protective sheet 260 easier to handle also functions as information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, so it is possible to ensure the function of protecting imaging lens 2031 while eliminating the need to separately display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. Also, even if the user is positioned on the opposite side of imaging lens 2031, handle portion 262 is easy to see, and it is preferable to use handle portion 262 as a clue to rotate housing 201.

[0161] <7-2> It is preferable to display information serving as a guide for the shooting direction on the peripheral portion 2011. When attaching the rear camera, it is considered unlikely that a user would make the mistake of "pointing the lens backward." Therefore, it is considered that a user can roughly point the imaging lens backward without any information serving as a guide for the shooting direction, and that fine adjustments such as pointing it horizontally are difficult. For this reason, when the bracket 210 is attached to the imaging device 200 and integrated, if there is some kind of mark (e.g., a logo, lettering, or sticker) on the opposite side (back) of the imaging lens 2031, the user will likely notice it. For this reason, the inventors considered that the back side of the imaging lens in the housing 201 would be easier for users to see and more effective.

[0162] Next, a configuration example will be described in which information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the peripheral unit 2011. The imaging lens 2031 of the imaging device 200 is often located on the side opposite the user's location. Therefore, if information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the peripheral unit 2011 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031, the information is easy for the user in the vehicle cabin to see and can be used as a clue to easily adjust the shooting direction. When displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 on the housing 201, at least a portion of the information may be displayed at the facing position, but the entire information may also be displayed. Furthermore, the position facing the imaging lens 2031 on the housing 201 may be on the opposite side of the housing 201 from the imaging lens 2031. In the imaging device 200, the position on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031 may be, for example, a position on the housing 201 rotated 180 degrees around the axis 1 from the position of the imaging lens 2031. In such a case, if the imaging lens 2031 is configured to be positioned opposite information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction when the user looks at that information horizontally (for example, when facing the camera head-on), the user can easily identify the position of the imaging lens 2031 and easily adjust the imaging lens 2031 to face the desired direction. An example configuration will be described below.

[0163] <7-2-1> Configuration example 8 FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 8. FIG. 17 is a diagram of the imaging device 200 as seen from the upper right diagonal direction on the rear side. As shown in FIG. 17, an index 270 may be displayed on the peripheral surface 2011 of the housing 201 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031. In FIG. 17, the index 270 is shown as a black circle, but this is not intended to be limited to displaying a black circle, and it means that information is displayed in some manner. The index 270 functions not only as information indicating the imaging direction but also as information indicating the position of the imaging lens 2031 on the housing 201. For example, a user visually checking the index 270 can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located at a position facing the index 270 on the peripheral surface 2011, and can adjust the imaging direction by rotating the housing 201 using the index 270 as a clue. For example, the user may adjust the target shooting direction to a desired direction by aligning the target 270 so that it faces the user directly or by orienting the target 270 horizontally.

[0164] <7-2-2>Configuration example 9 FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 9. In configuration example 9, the indicator 270 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed as an indicator 271. The indicator 271 is a graphic that resembles the imaging lens 2031, and is a lens mark in this case. When a user sees the indicator 271, the user can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located opposite the indicator 271 and that the imaging lens 2031 faces away from the indicator 271, which makes it easier to adjust the imaging direction. For example, the user may rotate the housing 201 so that the indicator 271 faces horizontally and points toward the user.

[0165] <7-2-3>Configuration example 10 FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 10. In Configuration Example 10, the index 270 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed as an index 272. Here, the index 272 is a character string "ABCDEFGH." A user visually checking the index 272 can easily intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is positioned opposite the index 272, which is the character string displayed on the housing 201, and that the imaging lens 2031 is facing the index 272, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction. The character string may be composed of characters, figures, symbols, or a combination of these. For example, the character string may have its length in the horizontal direction, and the imaging direction may be adjusted to a desired direction by aligning the top-bottom direction of each character with the vertical direction.

[0166] <7-2-4> Configuration example 11 The indicator 272 described in <7-2-3> can be any character string, but it is preferable to indicate the name of the manufacturer or seller of the camera 200 or the type of camera 209 (for example, a character string identifying the model of the camera 200, such as a model number or product number). In this way, character strings such as the name of the manufacturer or seller of the camera or the type of camera, which are often displayed on camera for advertising, product identification, or other purposes, can also function as information to guide the shooting direction. For example, in commercially available camera devices, character strings indicating the name of the manufacturer or seller of the camera or the type of camera are sometimes attached to the side where the imaging lens is located. If this character string also functions as the indicator 272, the amount of character string to be displayed on the housing 201 can be reduced, which is also desirable in terms of ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the camera 200.

[0167] <7-3> Information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is constructed using holes. To display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, a hole that serves as information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may be opened in the housing 201 at a position that faces the imaging lens 2031. In this way, the hole that is opened in the housing 201 at a position that faces the imaging lens 2031 may also function as information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. Specifically, for example, the following configuration may be adopted.

[0168] <7-3-1> Configuration example 12 FIG. 20 is a view of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 12, viewed from the rear, diagonally upward right. As shown in FIG. 20 , a heat dissipation hole 280 is formed in the housing 201 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031. The heat dissipation hole 280 is a hole drilled along the axial direction of the cylindrical axis l at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 in the housing 201, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201. The heat dissipation hole 280 also serves as information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction. The heat dissipation hole 280 may be formed, for example, by forming a horizontal line using a mold, and may also function as a heat dissipation hole. Because the imaging device 200 contains electronic circuits and other components that serve as heat sources, the increased heat dissipation effect provided by the heat dissipation hole 280 offers significant benefits. Furthermore, when a user visually checks the heat dissipation holes 280, the user can easily intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located at a position on the peripheral surface 2011 opposite the heat dissipation holes 280 and that the imaging lens 2031 faces away from the heat dissipation holes 280, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, the user can adjust the shooting direction to a desired direction by aligning the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation holes 280 with the horizontal direction.

[0169] <7-3-2> Configuration example 13 FIG. 21 is a view of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 13, viewed from the upper right on the rear side. FIG. 21(A) is a view of the imaging device 200, viewed from the upper right on the rear side. FIG. 21(B) is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 200 cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 21 , the hole 281 is configured to allow insertion of a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction. The member having a longitudinal direction may be a member having at least a portion that protrudes outward when inserted into the hole 281. The hole 281 is configured to allow insertion of, for example, a screwdriver 282, which is an example of a tool, as a member having a longitudinal direction. A user can rotate the housing 201 by directly touching the housing 201 with their hand, or can rotate the housing 201 by inserting the screwdriver 282 into the hole 281, gripping the screwdriver 282, and applying a force in the rotational direction. In this way, because the metal portion and handle portion of driver 282 are configured in a rod shape, the user can easily rotate housing 201, and the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction by visually checking driver 282 (for example, it is easy to check whether it is level), and it is also easy to adjust the shooting direction. In this way, hole 281 and driver 282 configure information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

[0170] When the shooting direction is set to the horizontal direction, the user can rotate the housing 201 so that the screwdriver 282 extends horizontally. Since the housing 201 (main body) and the rear glass are close to each other, it may be difficult for the user to rotate it by hand. However, if the user can rotate the housing 201 by holding the screwdriver 282, it becomes easier for the user to rotate the housing 201. Also, although it has a secondary effect, the tip of the screwdriver 282 can hold the shield case 283 inside the housing 201, thereby preventing the shield case 283 from coming off. Note that the member inserted into the hole 281 is not limited to a screwdriver, and a tool other than a screwdriver may be used, or a plastic rod or other member having a longitudinal direction may be used.

[0171] <7-4>Configuration example 14 It is preferable to display information serving as a guide for the shooting direction on the bracket 210. For example, if only the rotatable bracket 210 is attached to the rear glass first and then the imaging lens 2031 is inserted into the ring portion 2101, there is a high possibility that the installation of the imaging device 200 will fail. Therefore, if an indicator such as a mark indicating the upward direction is displayed on the bracket 210 as information serving as a guide for the shooting direction, it will be easier for the user to understand the shooting direction.

[0172] <7-5> The level provided on the housing 201 displays information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. The display of information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be realized by a level provided on the housing 201. For example, a level may be attached to the image capture device 200, or the image capture device 200 may be sold with a level attached. The housing 201 may be provided with a level beforehand, or may be configured to allow an external level to be attached and detached. This level may be, for example, a commercially available level. To allow the level to be attached and detached, a mounting portion for mounting the level may be provided on the side surface 2012, 2013, or the peripheral surface 2011 of the housing 201. The mounting portion may be, for example, a convex portion or a concave portion. The level is configured to be attachable to the mounting portion, and may be provided with, for example, a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion of the housing 201, or a convex portion corresponding to the concave portion of the housing 201. Alternatively, the level may be attached to the housing 201 using an adhesive member such as double-sided tape, or the level may be integrally provided on the housing 201.

[0173] <7-5-1> Configuration example 15 FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of Configuration Example 15. FIG. 22(A) is a view of the vicinity of a side surface 2012 of the image capturing device 200 as viewed from the upper right. FIG. 22(B) is a view of the vicinity of the side surface 2012 as viewed in a direction intersecting the axial direction of axis 1. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), a level 290 is provided on the side surface 2012 of the housing 201. The level 290 is provided near the boundary between the first section 201A and the second section 201B. The user can rotate the housing 201 while looking at the level 290 to grasp the horizontal and vertical directions. In FIG. 22(A), an index 291 indicating a line that is horizontal when the imaging lens 2031 is oriented horizontally and an inverted "T"-shaped index 292 consisting of portions extending in both the horizontal and vertical directions when the imaging lens 2031 is oriented horizontally are further displayed on the side surface 2012. In this way, by displaying a plurality of pieces of information that serve as a guide for the shooting direction, the user can easily adjust the imaging lens 2031 so that it faces horizontally.

[0174] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 15. As shown in Fig. 23, instead of the inverted "T" shaped indicator 292 described in Fig. 22, a configuration may be adopted in which an indicator 293 that is a portion extending in the vertical direction is displayed.

[0175] As described above, if the image capture device 200 is configured with the level 290, the user can adjust the image capture direction while visually checking the level 290, eliminating the need to separately display information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction. For example, if a commercially available level is used as the level 290, there is no need to manufacture a level specifically for the image capture device.

[0176] <7-6> Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is to display image information that includes information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. The display of information serving as a guide for the photographing direction may be performed by displaying image information including information serving as a guide for the photographing direction on a display unit that displays the image.

[0177] <7-6-1> Configuration example 16 FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image capture device 200 of configuration example 16. In addition to the configuration described in FIG. 7, the image capture device 200 has an acceleration sensor 205. The acceleration sensor 205 is a sensor for detecting the direction of gravity (i.e., the direction in which Earth's gravity acts) and may be, for example, called a G sensor. The acceleration sensor 205 may be, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the image capture device 200 in the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions. The control unit 206 outputs the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205 to the image capture device 100 via the terminal unit 202. In this way, the control unit 206 has a function of using the image capture device 100 to display image information including information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction.

[0178] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of image information displayed on the display unit 13 of the image capturing device 100. The control unit 11 of the image capturing device 100 may have a function of displaying a line image L indicating a horizon on the display unit 13 (e.g., a main body LCD) based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. The line image L is an example of information that serves as a guide for the image capturing direction. For example, the control unit 11 measures a downward vector using the Earth's gravity based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205, and displays the line image L. For example, when the imaging lens 2031 of the image capturing device 200 is facing horizontally and its orientation is appropriately adjusted, the control unit 11 displays the line image L indicating the horizon so as to extend in the horizontal direction from the vertical center of the display area of ​​the display unit 13, as shown in FIG. 25. On the other hand, when the imaging lens 2031 is facing slightly upward, the control unit 11 may display the line image L tilted by an amount corresponding to the degree of upward orientation, or may display it above the vertical center of the display area. When the imaging lens 2031 is facing slightly downward, the control unit 11 may display the line image L downward by an amount corresponding to the degree of downward facing, or may display the line image L below the center of the display area in the vertical direction. The user may visually check how the line image L is displayed and perform an operation to rotate the housing 201 using the inclination or position of the line image L as a clue. The control unit 11 may display the line image L when a predetermined setting is made, such as during installation of the imaging device 200. The control unit 11 may display the line image L together with the image being captured by the imaging device 200.

[0179] In this way, the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is composed of image information displayed on the display unit 13 of the photographing device 100, so that the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction can be displayed when necessary and not displayed when unnecessary. Furthermore, since the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction does not need to be formed by printing, engraving, etc., it is possible to easily implement a function for displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction.

[0180] Furthermore, if the image information includes an image of a line indicating the facing direction of the imaging lens 2031, the user can intuitively understand the facing direction of the imaging lens 2031 and easily adjust the imaging direction. For example, if the imaging lens 2031 is facing horizontally, the image of the line should extend horizontally.

[0181] Furthermore, the display unit 13 is included in the imaging device 100, which is a device provided at a position different from the housing 201 of the imaging device 200. In this way, even if the imaging device 200 does not have a display unit, the user can visually check information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction using the display unit. For example, the imaging device 200 is an in-vehicle device (e.g., a rear camera) provided at the rear of the vehicle 400, but another imaging device 100 (e.g., a front camera) having a display unit may be mounted on the same vehicle 400, and the display unit 13 of that other imaging device 100 can display information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction. Note that the device provided at a position different from the housing 201 may be a device separate from the imaging device 100, and it is preferable that the device have at least a display function.

[0182] The control unit 206 may generate image information to be displayed on the display unit 13 and output the generated image information to the photographing device 100, thereby displaying information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction.

[0183] <7-6-2> Configuration example 17 Under the configuration of <7-6-1>, an image representing a level (hereinafter referred to as an "electronic level") may be displayed on the display unit 13. In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 displays the electronic level on the display unit 13 (for example, a main body LCD) based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. The electronic level 700 shown in FIG. 26 includes a circular area 701, a line image 702 indicating the horizon, a vertical direction indicator image 703, and a horizontal direction indicator image 704. The circular area 701 is an area for displaying the tilt of the imaging lens 2031. The circular area 701 may have a scale indicating the magnitude of the tilt with respect to the horizontal direction, marked at predetermined angle intervals (for example, 5-degree intervals). The line image 702 indicates the tilt with respect to the horizontal direction, which is displayed based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. Similar to the above-described line image L, the line image 702 may be displayed tilted in accordance with the tilt of the imaging lens 2031 (for example, tilted at the same angle as the imaging lens 2031). The user may visually view the line image 702 and rotate the housing 201 so that the line image 702 extends horizontally.

[0184] The vertical direction index image 703 indicates the tilt in the up-down direction of the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing. With a reference line 7031 as the base, the greater the number of scales 7032, the greater the tilt with respect to the horizontal direction. If the imaging lens 2031 is tilted upward, the scales 7032 will pile up upward, and if the imaging lens 2031 is tilted downward, the scales 7032 will pile up downward. The horizontal direction index image 704 indicates the tilt in the left-right direction of the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing. With a reference line 7041 as the base, the greater the number of scales 7042, the greater the tilt with respect to the horizontal direction. If the imaging lens 2031 is tilted to the right, the scales 7042 will pile up to the right, and if the imaging lens 2031 is tilted to the left, the scales 7042 will pile up to the left.

[0185] When the imaging lens 2031 is directed horizontally (in this case, in a state with no tilt), the control unit 11 may change the color of predetermined display elements such as the reference lines 7031 and 7041.

[0186] <7-6-3>Configuration example 18 An instruction manual or the like attached to the image capturing device 200 may include an explanation that first temporarily connects the power supplies of the image capturing devices 100, 200, then brings both image capturing devices 100, 200 to the rear of the vehicle, and then attaches the image capturing device 200 while looking at the display (for example, the line image L or an electronic level) on the display unit 13 of the image capturing device 100. In this way, the user can easily attach the image capturing device 200 without making any mistakes while looking at the display on the image capturing device 100.

[0187] <7-6-4> Configuration example 19 As an extension of configuration examples 16 to 18 described in <7-6-1> to <7-6-3>, an event recording trigger may be generated by the acceleration sensor 205 of the rear-side image capturing device 200. Because the acceleration acting on the front-side image capturing device 100 and the acceleration acting on the rear-side image capturing device 100 are strictly different, an event recording trigger is generated by both. The control unit 11 may determine that a specific event has occurred based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205 in the event recording function. The determination condition may be the same as when the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 is used. For example, the control unit 11 may record an image captured by the image capturing device 200 when it determines that an event has occurred based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205, or may record images captured by the image capturing device 100 and the image capturing device 200 when it determines that an event has occurred by at least one of the acceleration sensors of the sensor unit 17 and the acceleration sensor 205. This configuration is expected to have the effect of enabling more appropriate recording of images when a specific event has occurred.

[0188] <7-6-5>Configuration example 20 In the image capturing device 100, the control unit 11 may display on the display unit 13 information that serves as a guide for the direction in which the imaging lens 151 of the image capturing device 100 is facing. With an image capturing device, even a slight tilt can appear as a large tilt in the recorded image. Installing a camera in a large window so that it is horizontally and vertically straight without any reference points is actually difficult and requires knowledge and technique. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical tilt angles may be measured using an acceleration sensor mounted on the image capturing device 100 and displayed on a guide screen. Displaying the horizontal and vertical levels on the display unit 13 is effective as a guide for installing the camera in a straight position.

[0189] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen. The guide screen 710 shown in FIG. 27(A) includes a container image 711, a liquid image 712, bubble images 713 and 714, and angle values ​​715 and 716. The container image 711 is an image that resembles a colorless, transparent container formed in a cross shape. The liquid image 712 is an image that resembles a liquid contained in the container represented by the container image 711. The bubble images 713 and 714 are images that resemble bubbles contained in the liquid represented by the liquid image 712. The bubble image 713 indicates the degree of tilt in the front-to-back direction (front-to-back tilt angle) depending on its position. When the bubble image 713 is located at the center of the container image 711 in the up-down direction, this indicates that the imaging device 100 is not tilted in the front-to-back direction and the imaging lens 151 is facing horizontally. When the bubble image 713 is located above the center of the container image 711 in the vertical direction, it indicates that the image capturing device 100 is tilted forward, and the higher it is located, the greater the tilt. When the bubble image 713 is located below the center of the container image 711 in the vertical direction, it indicates that the image capturing device 100 is tilted backward, and the lower it is located, the greater the tilt. The bubble image 714 displays the degree of tilt in the left-right direction (forward-backward tilt) depending on its position. When the bubble image 714 is located at the center of the container image 711 in the horizontal direction, it indicates that the image capturing device 100 is not tilted left-right and the imaging lens 151 is facing horizontally. When the bubble image 714 is located to the right of the center of the container image 711 in the horizontal direction, it indicates that the image capturing device 100 is tilted to the right, and the further right it is located, the greater the tilt. When the bubble image 714 is located to the left of the center in the horizontal direction of the container image 711, it indicates that the image capturing device 100 is tilted to the left, and the further to the left it is, the greater the tilt. The angle value 715 is a numerical value representing the degree of tilt in the front-to-back direction (front-to-back tilt angle). The angle value 716 is a numerical value representing the degree of tilt in the left-to-right direction (front-to-back tilt angle). In this way, the guide screen 710 displays the tilt of the image capturing device 100 using a bubble level. The user can easily install the image capturing device 100 horizontally and vertically by visually checking the guide screen 710 and adjusting it so that the front-to-back, left-to-right bubble images 713 and 714 are centered like a spirit level, as shown in FIG. 27(B).In this way, the user can correctly attach the photographing device 100 and also obtain visual interest from the guide screen 710. When the photographing direction becomes horizontal (no tilt), the control unit 11 may change the color of a predetermined display element such as the liquid image 712.

[0190] <7-6-6>Configuration example 21 The guide screen is not limited to the guide screen 710 shown in FIG. 27. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, images 720 and 730 simulating a circular spirit level may be displayed instead of a cross-shaped image, or the display may be switchable between the guide screen 710 and the image 720. The image 720 is an image simulating a circular container containing liquid and bubbles, and the tilt of the image capturing device 100 is displayed as a bubble level. The top and bottom of the image 720 indicate the vertical tilt, and the left and right indicate the horizontal tilt. By adjusting the front, back, left, and right bubbles so that they are centered like a spirit level, the device can be easily installed horizontally and vertically. The image 730 is an image simulating a spirit level using a circle within a circular area. The user can adjust the circle so that it is centered in the circular area.

[0191] <7-6-7>Configuration example 22 In a configuration in which information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the display unit 13 of the image capturing device 100 as described in configuration examples 16 to 21 in <7-6-1> to <7-6-6>, the control unit 11 may display the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction for a predetermined period of time at predetermined timings, such as when the image capturing device 100 is started, when the accessory power is turned off (ACC OFF), when the vehicle 400 is stopped, or when battery backup operation begins. The control unit 11 may then terminate the display when a predetermined time has elapsed, when the image recording function is ready to operate (for example, video recording), or when image recording (video recording) has started. For example, after the control unit 11 terminates the display of the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction, it may switch the display to an image captured by one or both of the image capturing devices 100, 200 (i.e., camera footage).

[0192] <7-6-8>Configuration example 23 In the configuration of configuration example 22, the control unit 11 may have a function to not display information serving as a guide for the shooting direction when the vehicle 400 is traveling or when the vehicle 400 is parked at an angle on a slope or the like, or to display information so that the user can understand that the information is unreliable (i.e., the reliability is reduced). For example, such display may be displayed in gray, and in color in other cases.

[0193] <7-6-9>Configuration example 24 In the configuration of configuration example 22, the control unit 11 may display an object (e.g., a soft button) to be operated to adjust the installation state of the image capturing device on the display screen at a predetermined timing, such as when the image capturing device 100 is started, when the accessory power is turned off (ACC OFF), when the vehicle 400 is stopped, or when battery backup operation starts, and when this object is operated (e.g., pressed), the display of information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction may continue without transitioning to a recording state. After the object for adjusting the installation state of the image capturing device 100 is operated, an object for terminating the display may be provided on the screen displaying the information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction, and the control unit 11 may start the recording process after the object is pressed to terminate the display.

[0194] <7-6-10>Configuration example 25 When starting recording using the continuous recording function of the image capturing device 100, the screen display of information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may be recorded for a predetermined period of time, such as a few seconds.

[0195] <7-6-11> Configuration example 26 The control unit 11 of the photographing device 100 may be configured to display a display screen for information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction, and to switch the display of information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction of multiple cameras connected to the photographing device 100.

[0196] <7-6-12>Configuration example 27 It is preferable that the control unit 11 composes information serving as a guide for the shooting direction for at least two of the connected cameras on one screen. This information serving as a guide for the shooting direction should be displayed together with information that allows the user (e.g., the adjuster) to identify the camera, such as the name of the camera or the name of the input port.

[0197] <7-6-13>Configuration example 28 A setup wizard may be provided for setting up the imaging device 100, and the setup wizard may include a period during which information serving as a guide for the imaging direction of one or both of the imaging devices 100, 200 is displayed on the screen.

[0198] <7-6-14>Configuration example 29 It is preferable to provide a function for displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction in a program executed on a device other than the shooting device, such as a PC viewer or a smartphone app. In particular, it is preferable to provide a function equivalent to the function for not displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction when the vehicle 400 is traveling or when the vehicle 400 is parked at an angle on a slope, etc., as described above, or for displaying information that lets the user know that the information is unreliable (i.e., the reliability is reduced).

[0199] <7-7>Configuration example 30 The image capturing device 100 may have a mechanism for automatically adjusting the image capturing direction (i.e., the direction in which the imaging lens 151 faces). The image capturing device 100 has a drive unit that can change the image capturing direction. The drive unit has a drive mechanism, such as a gear or a motor, and can change the orientation of the imaging lens 151 up and down and left and right. The control unit 11 may identify the orientation of the casing 101 using an acceleration sensor in the sensor unit 17, and control the drive unit to orient the imaging lens 151 in a predetermined direction (e.g., horizontally) under that orientation. In this way, the image capturing device 100 can autonomously change the orientation of the imaging lens 151 to be horizontally oriented, even if the user does not adjust the orientation of the imaging lens 151.

[0200] For example, in the photographing device 100, the control unit 11 first displays an image photographed by the device itself and accepts a setting operation from the user to align the guide lines with the horizon of the road, as shown in Fig. 29. Second, the control unit 11 determines the camera position. Third, the control unit 11 detects the horizontality of the road based on this setting, and if it determines that the road is tilted, it autonomously changes (adjusts) the direction in which the photographing lens faces to keep it horizontal with respect to the road.

[0201] <7-8>Other functions Although unrelated to the function of displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, a camera having the following function may be provided. In the following description, the camera 100 is described as having the function described below, but this function may also be implemented in a camera that does not have the function of displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

[0202] <7-8-1> It is preferable to provide a function for recording the setup wizard screen of the imaging device 100. <7-8-2> It is preferable to provide a function for displaying the setting status of the image capturing device 100 as a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or other coded image. <7-8-3> It is preferable to have a function for recording the setting state of the image capturing device 100 as video data of an encoded image. For example, this recording may be performed at the beginning of the video. For example, if a file is created every minute, an encoded image may be recorded from, for example, three seconds before. It is particularly preferable to attach the setting state to the beginning or end of the video file. <7-8-4> It is preferable to provide a function for recording by inserting a screen showing the setting status into the video recorded by the image capturing device 100. For example, when starting to record the video of the image capturing device 100, it is preferable to insert an image of a setting screen showing information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, such as the status of an electronic level. It is a good idea to include both <7-8-5>, <7-8-3> and <7-8-4> screens. <7-8-6> In trigger recording such as event recording, the image capturing device 100 should insert an image other than the first image as the first frame (an image that will become a thumbnail image on a PC, etc.). In particular, in the case of a G-sensor, it should be an image just before a collision, and in the case of a switch, it should be an image when the switch is pressed or an image a predetermined time before the switch is pressed. <7-8-7> The photographing device 100 may record a combination of the images <7-8-3> to <7-8-6>.

[0203] <7-9> Configuration Example 31 (Application to a wide-angle camera) FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an image capturing device 800 according to configuration example 31. The image capturing device 800 is an example of a wide-angle camera. FIG. 30 shows the image capturing device 800 as viewed from the side. The image capturing device 800 is attached to a predetermined mounting location on a vehicle using a bracket 810. The bracket 810 allows the image capturing direction of the image capturing unit to be adjusted with the housing 816 attached to the predetermined mounting location. The mounting location may be similar to that of the image capturing device 100 or 200. In the state shown in FIG. 30, the image capturing device 800 is in a normal position. The normal position is an orientation in which the image capturing direction of the image capturing device 800 includes a horizontal direction 820H1. The operation surface 820 is a flat surface on which an operation unit that accepts user operations is provided. The operation surface 820 faces the side where the user is located inside the vehicle. In this example, the normal line of the flat surface of the operation surface 820 faces a horizontal direction 820H2. The imaging lens 814 is tilted at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a vertically downward direction 820V on the side opposite to the side on which the operation surface 820 exists.

[0204] The imaging device 800 includes a housing 816. The housing 816 is provided with an imaging lens 814. When the housing 816 is attached to the rear window of a vehicle, the optical axis 814A is tilted by a predetermined angle θ toward the rear side where the rear window of the vehicle is located with respect to a downward vertical direction 820V. The angle of view X1° is the angle of view on the side where the operation surface 820 is located with respect to the downward vertical direction 820V when the housing 816 is in the normal position, and the angle of view X2° is the angle of view on the side opposite to the side where the operation surface 820 is located with respect to the downward vertical direction 820V when the housing 816 is in the normal position. The angle of view X°, the angle of view X1°, and the angle of view X2° satisfy the relationship X° = X1° + X2°. For example, the angle θ may satisfy the relationship θ = ((X - 200) × 0.5)° with respect to the angle of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114. In this way, the optical axis 814A of the imaging lens 814 of the imaging device 800 is tilted by ((X-200)×0.5)° relative to the downward vertical direction 820V toward the side opposite the side where the operation surface 820 is located, and the imaging device 800 can capture a wide area both vertically and horizontally, including an area of ​​(X-190)° above the horizontal direction 820H2. For example, when the angle of view X° of the imaging lens 814 is 240°, the predetermined angle θ is 20°, the angle of view X1° is 100°, and the angle of view X2° is 140°, and the imaging device 800 can capture an area of ​​50° above the horizontal direction 820H2. In this way, for example, the imaging device 800 can capture an image of a traffic light located above the horizontal direction 820H1.

[0205] It is preferable that such image capturing device 800 displays information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 30 , an index 830 may be used as information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction. The index 830 indicates the horizontal direction when image capturing device 800 is in the normal position. Although the index 830 does not indicate the direction in which imaging lens 814 faces (the direction in which optical axis 814A extends), if the index 830 faces the horizontal direction, a user who visually sees the index 830 can point to the housing 816 and adjust its position after understanding that the image capturing direction of image capturing device 800 faces the desired direction, which includes the horizontal direction. The information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction that can be employed in image capturing device 800 is not limited to this, and any of the above-described information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction can be employed as appropriate.

[0206] <7-10> Application to imaging devices with multiple imaging units An image capturing device having a function for displaying information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may include multiple image capturing units, and at least some of the image capturing units may have a function for displaying information serving as a guide for the shooting direction. For example, if an image capturing device includes a first image capturing unit that captures the outside of the vehicle (e.g., the rear) and a second image capturing unit that captures the inside of the vehicle cabin (e.g., a camera that captures the cabin from the rear), the image capturing device may have a function for displaying information serving as a guide for the shooting direction for the first image capturing unit. In this case, if the imaging lens of the second image capturing unit is facing the inside of the vehicle cabin and the imaging lens itself is visible to the user, there is no problem even if the function for displaying information serving as a guide for the shooting direction of the second image capturing unit is not provided. Below, an example configuration of an image capturing device 900 having a first image capturing unit and a second image capturing unit in a single housing is described.

[0207] <7-10-1> Configuration example 32 31 and 32 are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of configuration example 32. FIGS. 31 and 32 show the imaging device 900 attached to the rear window of the vehicle 400. FIG. 31(A) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as seen from the upper right direction on the cabin side. FIG. 31(B) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as seen from the upper right direction on the rear side of the vehicle 400. FIG. 32(A) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as seen horizontally from the cabin side. FIG. 32(B) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as seen horizontally from the rear side of the vehicle 400. In FIGS. 32(A) and 32(B), when the imaging lenses 930 and 940 are shown with dashed lines, this is done to make the positions of these imaging lenses 930 and 940 easier to understand, and actually means that they are located on opposite sides of the housing 910. 32 to 37 (except for FIG. 34), mainly characteristic parts are shown, such as the omission of the heat dissipation holes shown in FIG. 31.

[0208] The imaging device 900 has a housing 910. The housing 910 is cylindrical (or may be referred to as columnar). The housing 910 is longer in the axial direction l than the housing 201. The housing 910 is attached to the rear window using a bracket 920. The bracket 920 has a configuration similar to that of the bracket 210, and includes a ring portion 921, a fixing plate 922, and a connecting portion 923. The ring portion 921 and the fixing plate 922 are connected via the connecting portion 923 that stands on the outer circumferential surface of the ring portion 921. The fixing plate 922 has an upper surface to which double-sided tape or other adhesive member (not shown) is affixed, and is fixed to an attachment portion of the vehicle 400. The housing 910 is configured to be rotatable about the axis l while attached to the rear window using the bracket 920. In particular, the housing 910 is coupled to the bracket 920 at a center position in the axial direction along the axis l.

[0209] An imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit and an imaging lens 940 of the second imaging unit are provided on the peripheral surface of the housing 910. The first imaging unit and the second imaging unit may each have a configuration similar to that of the imaging unit 203. The imaging lenses 930 and 940 are arranged on one side and the other side of a bracket 920 (more specifically, a ring portion 921). The housing 910 has a first part 911 on which the first imaging unit having the imaging lens 930 is located, and a second part 912 on which the second imaging unit having the imaging lens 940 is located. The housing 910 is configured so that the imaging direction of the first imaging unit can be adjusted by changing the relative attitude of the first part 911 and the second part 912. In configuration example 32, the imaging direction of the second imaging unit can also be adjusted. With this configuration, the housing 910 can independently adjust the facing direction of the imaging lens 930 and the facing direction of the imaging lens 940. The first imaging unit is used to capture images behind vehicle 400, and imaging lens 930 is adjusted to face horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle. The second imaging unit is used to capture images inside the cabin of vehicle 400, and imaging lens 940 is adjusted to face horizontally toward the cabin. In configuration example 32, the desired imaging direction is when imaging lens 930 and imaging lens 940 face in horizontal directions that are directly opposite each other, that is, when they face directions rotated 180 degrees around axis 1. A camera jack similar to camera jack 2021 is provided on the side surface (bottom surface of the cylinder) of housing 910.

[0210] An index 950 (an example of a first index) is displayed on the peripheral surface of the housing 910. The index 950 is information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the first imaging unit. The shooting direction of the first imaging unit is the direction in which the imaging lens 930 faces, which is the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 930 in this case. The index 950 is displayed on a portion of the first part 911 that faces the imaging lens 940 (for example, a portion that faces in the direction directly opposite the imaging lens 940). The index 950 may be displayed using any of the methods described above, such as printing, engraving, or using an adhesive member. The index 950 is represented by a triangular shape ("△") with the inside filled in black, but may also be a shape that points in a specific direction, such as an arrow. The index 950 has three vertices that are arranged to point in the direction in which the second part 912 is located.

[0211] Next, the adjustments made by the user when attaching the imaging device 900 will be described. First, the user adjusts the orientation of the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit. The user rotates the second part 912 of the housing 910 around the axis l to orient the imaging lens 940 of the second imaging unit horizontally toward the vehicle interior. Since the user is inside the vehicle, the user can adjust the orientation while visually observing the imaging lens 940. Next, the user aims the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle 400. At this time, the user cannot or has difficulty visually observing the imaging lens 930. Therefore, the user can rotate the second part 912 around the axis l to adjust the indicator 950 so that it points in the direction of the imaging lens 940. In this way, the imaging lens 930 will be oriented horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle 400. This adjustment is easy for the user to make because the user can visually check the index 950 and the imaging lens 930. After this adjustment, the imaging device 900 assumes the position explained in Figures 32(A) and (B).

[0212] The imaging device 900 having the above configuration may be modified to the following configuration examples.

[0213] <7-10-2> Configuration example 33 FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of Configuration Example 33. An index 960 (an example of a first index) displayed on the first part 911 may be used as information providing a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. The index 960 is displayed on the peripheral surface of the housing 910 at a position facing the imaging lens 940, and preferably within a range of the first part 911 facing the area where the imaging lens 930 is located. The index 960 may be, for example, a graphic resembling an imaging lens (similar to the index 271 described in FIG. 18 ). In particular, the index 960 may be arranged so that a first region 961 facing the area where the imaging lens 930 is located overlaps with a second region 962. The first region 961 and the second region 962 each serve as an index providing information providing a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. The first region 961 may be circular, and preferably overlaps the outer edge of the imaging lens 940. Preferably, the optical axis position should be an opposing position included in the first region 961 (for example, a position where there is overlap between at least one of the second region 962 and the index 950), and more preferably, the center position of the first region 961 or the center of gravity position of the second region 962 should be the optical axis position.

[0214] The indicator 960 also provides information that serves as a guide for the position of the imaging lens 930 in the first part 911. When the user visually checks the indicator 960, the user can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 930 is on the opposite side, and by rotating the first part 911 so that the indicator 960 faces horizontally toward the interior of the vehicle, the imaging direction of the first imaging unit can be adjusted.

[0215] Since indicator 960 is not a graphic or the like that indicates a specific direction, it is possible to avoid misunderstanding by the user that it is information that indicates the direction in which bracket 920 is located. Indicator 950 is located close to ring portion 921 of bracket 920, and although indicator 950 may appear to be pointing in the direction in which ring portion 921 is located, this reduces the likelihood that such an intention will confuse the user.

[0216] The following indices may be used as modified examples of the indices displayed by the imaging device 900. The indices described below may be used instead of the indices 960 or the second region 962. For example, the indices may be an indices 962A represented by the shape shown in Fig. 34(A), and the indices 962A may be displayed so that the center of gravity of the shape overlaps (faces) the optical axis position. The indices 962A are represented by a right-angled triangle with a right-angled interior vertex located at the lower right and line segments of equal length extending upward and to the left from the vertex.

[0217] Alternatively, it is more preferable that the indicator has at least one of the upper and lower sides, and that the sides overlap (for example, face each other) so as to pass through the optical axis position when viewed horizontally from the vehicle interior side. In this way, the user can easily understand that the optical axis position is on the side of the figure.

[0218] The index may be a figure having a second side perpendicular to the first side. In this case, the lower side of the first and second sides may be placed at a position where it intersects with the optical axis. The intersection of the lower side and the right side may be aligned with the optical axis. For example, in the case of the index 962A shown in FIG. 34(A), the intersection of the lower side and the right side of the figure representing the index 962A (the vertex at the lower right) may be aligned with the optical axis.

[0219] The indicator is not limited to a right-angled triangle like indicator 962A, but may be other characters, figures, symbols, or combinations thereof. For example, indicators 962B, 962C, and 962D, which are represented by cross-shaped figures, may be used as shown in FIGS. 34(B), (C), and (D). In particular, the indicator may be a cross-shaped figure within a circle. For example, any of indicators 962B, 962C, and 962D may be placed inside the first region 961. The cross-shaped figure may be positioned within the circle in a non-tangential or tangential position, but may also be drawn so as to extend outside the circle. The indicator may have sides, and the sides may be aligned with the horizontal or vertical direction of the first imaging unit. This allows the user to instantly determine the horizontal and vertical state of the imaging direction of the first imaging unit by simply looking at the indicator, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction.

[0220] Desirable indices have been described above for configuration example 33, but the indices for the other configuration examples described so far may also be adopted.

[0221] <7-10-3>Configuration Example 34 FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of configuration example 34. An index displayed on the imaging device 900 may be photographed by a camera of the information processing terminal T, and the index may be recognized from the photographed image. The information processing terminal T may be a mobile terminal device equipped with a camera such as a smartphone, or may be a separate in-vehicle camera. The information processing terminal T may then identify the direction in which the first imaging unit (e.g., a rear camera) is facing based on the recognized index and display that direction, for example, on a viewer (an example of a program). For example, the information processing terminal T may display a 3D object (an example of a first object) of a car on a viewer app, and based on the result of image recognition of the index, may display a pyramidal CG (an example of a second object) showing the range being photographed from the position of the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit. The same may be done for cameras other than the rear camera. When the imaging lens is visible to the user, the imaging lens itself may be image-recognized as an index, but an index may also be displayed on the side from which the imaging lens is visible.

[0222] In FIG. 35, the index M1 is an index having a shape with a vertex on the right side and a position to point to (for example, the right vertex of the index M1). It is preferable to display other indices M2 and M3 at the position pointed to by the index M1. In this way, image recognition by the information processing terminal T becomes easier, and the angle of the shooting direction of the second imaging unit can be recognized more precisely. A program that causes the information processing terminal T to realize such a function is preferably stored in a storage device such as a flash memory built into the information processing terminal T. The program is preferably read into a storage area such as a RAM of the information processing terminal T by an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU of the information processing terminal T and executed, thereby realizing the function of the program.

[0223] <7-10-4>Configuration example 35 FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the image capturing device 900 of Configuration Example 35. A scale 924 is displayed on a ring portion 921 of a bracket 920 of the image capturing device 900. The scale 924 may be printed, for example, or engraved. The scale 924 is located at the boundary between the first portion 911 and the second portion 912. The scale 924 is formed at a predetermined distance along the outer circumferential surface of the ring portion 921. The scale 924 is formed at the end of the ring portion 921 on the index 950 side in the axial direction. Because the inclination of the mounting portion of the rear window or the like varies depending on the vehicle model, the user may find out in advance which scale to adjust depending on the vehicle model of the vehicle 400 and align the index 950 with that scale. For example, the image capturing device 900 may be sold with an instruction manual (e.g., an instruction manual for the image capturing device 900) describing the relationship between the vehicle model and the scale to adjust. Alternatively, the user may measure the angle of the mounting location (e.g., the rear window) and determine the position of the scale (i.e., the horizontal position scale) for adjusting the shooting direction of the first imaging unit to the horizontal direction. In this case, the instruction manual or the like may describe the relationship between the angle of the mounting location and the scale to be adjusted. When the scale 924 is displayed in this way, the user feels that it is easy to adjust the shooting direction of the first imaging unit to the desired direction (here, rearward horizontal), making the adjustment easier. Note that the bracket 920 is more likely to be adjusted easier if a predetermined sensation, such as a clicking sensation, is felt each time the first part 911 is rotated by the scale 924.

[0224] <7-10-5>Configuration Example 36 FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the image capturing device 900 of configuration example 36. The image capturing device 900 may have a second image capturing unit (for example, a camera inside the vehicle) and may have an index 970 (an example of a second index) on a second portion 912 that rotates around axis 1. The index 970 is information that serves as a guide for the image capturing direction of the first image capturing unit, and although it is a triangular index in this case, it may be information that indicates a specific direction. The index 970 is displayed on the peripheral surface of the housing 910 at a position facing the image capturing lens 940, and indicates the direction in which the first portion 911 is located. The index 970 is displayed on the second portion 912 by any of the methods described above, such as printing, engraving, or using an adhesive member.

[0225] Next, the user's adjustments when attaching the image capturing device 900 will be described. First, the user orients the imaging lens 930 of the first image capturing unit in the horizontal direction toward the interior of the vehicle. Next, the user orients the imaging lens 930 of the first image capturing unit in the horizontal direction toward the rear of the vehicle 400. At this time, the user rotates the first part 911 around the axis l so that the direction indicated by the indicator 950 points toward the indicator 970, and the indicators 950 and 970 point toward each other. Here, the user orients the indicators 950 and 970 so that their vertices on the ring portion 921 side face each other. In this way, the image capturing device 900 is in the state shown in FIG. 37, and the imaging lens 930 is adjusted to face the horizontal direction toward the rear of the vehicle. This adjustment is easy for the user because they can visually observe both the indicators 950 and 970.

[0226] <7-10-6>Configuration example 37 In configuration examples 32 to 36 described in <7-10-1> to <7-10-5>, the photographing device 900 may be implemented as a photographing device in which the housing 910 is connected to the bracket 920 at a position near the end in the axial direction of the axis l.

[0227] <7-11> Variations in display method for information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction In the configurations described above, methods for displaying information serving as a guide for the shooting direction have been described, such as printing or engraving on the housing, attaching an adhesive member displaying the information to the housing, forming holes, and displaying image information on a display device. However, the methods described in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with other methods. For example, the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction that is displayed by printing, engraving, or attaching an adhesive member may be implemented as a display of image information. Furthermore, a photographing device may be provided that displays two or more pieces of information serving as a guide for the shooting direction among the above-described pieces of information serving as a guide for the shooting direction. In this way, a user may select and use information serving as a guide for the shooting direction that is most convenient for them. For example, information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed on both the side and peripheral surface of the housing of the photographing device. Furthermore, the description that a sticker member, a protective sheet, or the like is attached to the photographing device 200 may be interpreted as being sold separately from the photographing device 200 or distributed free of charge.

[0228] <7-12> The photographing devices 100 and 200 are configured so that the photographing direction changes when the housing is rotated, but the present invention may also be applied to photographing devices configured so that the posture changes by means other than rotation, and to photographing devices equipped with a mechanism (for example, a movable mechanism for the imaging lens) that allows the photographing direction to be changed while the posture of the housing remains the same.

[0229] <7-13> Methods of displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the shooting unit may include methods that appeal to the user's senses, such as the user's hearing (for example, a specific sound is output when the desired shooting direction is adjusted) or the user's sense of touch (for example, a clicking sensation).

[0230] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0231] Some of the configurations and operations described in the above-described embodiments may be omitted or modified.

[0232] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the structures explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. The structures of the present invention that are sought to be patented are specified in the appended claims, but it is the intention of the present inventors to claim structures disclosed in this specification in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

[0233] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention also intends to obtain rights to these configurations through amendments or divisional applications of the present application. Even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration limited to that case or time. Configurations that are not limited to those cases or times are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them.

[0234] Furthermore, we intend to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design by converting the application to a design registration. The drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, but they also include partial designs claimed for parts of the device. For example, a partial design can be a partial design for a part of the device, or a part of that part. A partial design can be a part of the device, or a part of that part. We intend to obtain rights not only for the overall design, but also for partial designs in which any part of the solid line portion of the drawing is drawn as a broken line. Furthermore, the modules, components, and parts inside the device's casing, all of which are shown in the drawings, are subject to independent commerce, and we intend to similarly obtain rights by converting the application to a design registration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0235] 1: System 11: Control section 12: Input section 13: Display section 14: Audio output section 15: Photography Department 16: Communications Department 17: Sensor section 18: Reader / writer 19:Terminal section 20: Location information acquisition section 21: Light-emitting part 22: Power supply control unit 100: Imaging device 101: Housing 102: Joint rail 103: Sound emission hole 104: Microphone hole 111: Processor 112: Memory 113: Timing section 114: Wide-angle lens 121: Microphone 122: Event recording button 123:Operation unit 124: Touch sensor 131:Display surface 151: Imaging lens 181: Storage medium insertion slot 191: Camera Jack 192: Terminal 200: Imaging device 201: Housing 201A: Part 1 201B: 2nd part 201C: Flat surface 202:Terminal section 203: Photography Department 204: Power supply control unit 205: Acceleration sensor 206: Control unit 209: Imaging equipment 210: Bracket 220 :Indicator 230 :Indicator 240A: Sealing material 240B: Sealing material 241 :Indicator 242 :Indicator 243 :Indicator 250: String 260: Protective sheet 261: Protective film section 262: Handle part 270 :Indicator 271 :Indicator 272 :Indicator 280: Heat radiation hole 281: Hole 282: Driver 283: Shield case 290: Level 291 :Indicator 292 :Indicator 300: Cable 400: Vehicle 500:Storage medium 600: Bracket 610: Base part 611: Mounting surface 620: Ball stud 621: Ball part 630: Socket part 640: Nut 650: Base 651: Guide rail 652:Tip 700: Electronic level 701: Circular area 702: Line image 703: Vertical index image 704: Horizontal index image 710: Guide screen 711: Container image 712: Liquid image 713: Bubble image 714: Bubble image 715: Angle value 716: Angle value 720:Image 730:Image 800: Imaging device 810: Bracket 814: Imaging lens 814A: Optical axis 816: Housing 820: Operation surface 820H1 :Horizontal direction 820H2 :Horizontal direction 820V: Vertical downward direction 830 :Indicator 900: Imaging device 910: Housing 911: Part 1 912 :Second part 920: Bracket 921: Ring section 922: Fixed plate 923 :Connection part 924: Scale 930: Imaging lens 940: Imaging lens 950 :Indicator 960 :Indicator 961 :1st area 962:Second area 962A :Indicator 962B :Indicator 962C :Indicator 962D :Indicator 970 :Indicator 1011:Top surface 1012: First aspect 1013: Second Aspect 1014: The Third Aspect 1015: The Fourth Aspect 1231: First button 1232: Second button 1233: Third button 1234: 4th button 2011: Peripheral part 2012: Side 2013: Side 2014: Ventilation holes 2021: Camera Jack 2031: Imaging lens 2101: Ring section 2102: Fixed plate 2103:Connection part 7031: Reference line 7032: Scale 7041: Reference line 7042: Scale

Claims

1. The camera has a housing in which a photographing unit is provided, and is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit while the housing is attached to a predetermined attachment portion, and is configured to display information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction. Filming equipment.

2. Information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the housing. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is information serving as a guide for the direction in which the photographing lens of the photographing unit is facing.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1.

4. the predetermined mounting location is a location inside the vehicle cabin, The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is displayed at a position where the photographing lens cannot be seen when the user inside the vehicle visually checks the information. The imaging device according to claim 3 .

5. the predetermined mounting location is a location inside the vehicle cabin, The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is displayed at a position on the housing that faces the vehicle width direction when the housing is attached to the predetermined attachment portion. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

6. The information indicating the direction in which the imaging unit faces includes information indicating the imaging direction. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The information serving as a guide for the imaging direction includes a line extending along the imaging direction. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

8. The information serving as a guide for the imaging direction includes a first line extending along the imaging direction and a second line intersecting the first line. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The information serving as a guide for the shooting direction includes characters, figures, or symbols having a top-bottom direction. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is displayed at a position on the housing facing the imaging lens of the photographing unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction includes a figure imitating the photographing lens, which is displayed in a position on the housing facing the photographing lens of the photographing unit. The imaging device according to claim 10.

12. The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction includes a character string displayed on the housing at a position facing the imaging lens of the photographing unit. The imaging device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The character string indicates a company that manufactures or sells the selfie photography device, or a type of the selfie photography device. The imaging device according to claim 12.

14. The display of the information serving as a guide for the photographing direction means that a hole serving as the information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is opened in the housing at a position facing the imaging lens of the photographing unit. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

15. A member having a predetermined longitudinal direction can be inserted into the insertion hole. The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is composed of the hole and the member inserted into the hole. The imaging device according to claim 14.

16. The holes are also used as heat dissipation holes opened in the housing.

16. The imaging device according to claim 14 or 15.

17. The holes are formed along a direction intersecting the imaging direction. The imaging device according to claim 16.

18. Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction includes forming the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction on the housing by printing or engraving. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

19. Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction includes attaching an adhesive member on which the information is formed to the housing. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

20. the housing includes a flat surface on its outer periphery; The attachment member includes a straight side, and is attached to the housing so that the straight side is parallel to the flat surface.

20. The imaging device according to claim 19.

21. Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction includes attaching a protective sheet having a handle portion as the information to the imaging lens of the imaging unit.

20. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. The display of the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed by a level provided on the housing. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction includes displaying the image information as the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction on a display unit that displays image information.

23. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The image information includes an image of a line indicating the shooting direction. The imaging device according to claim 23.

25. The display unit is provided in a device disposed at a position different from the housing.

25. The imaging device according to claim 23 or 24.

26. Displaying the information serving as a guide for the photographing direction means displaying the image information when the self-photographing device is started, when the power is turned off, when the vehicle is stopped, or when battery backup operation is started.

26. The imaging device according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

27. the imaging unit is a first imaging unit, the housing has a first section in which the first photographing section is provided and a second section in which a second photographing section is provided, and is configured so that the photographing direction of the first photographing section can be adjusted by changing the relative attitude of the first section and the second section; The information serving as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit includes a first index displayed on the first part.

27. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. an imaging lens of the first imaging unit is provided in the first portion; The first index is information that indicates the direction in which the imaging lens of the second imaging unit is located, thereby enabling adjustment of the imaging direction of the first imaging unit.

28. The imaging device according to claim 27.

29. A scale indicated by the first indicator and serving as a guide for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit is displayed at the boundary between the first region and the second region.

29. The imaging device according to claim 28.

30. the information serving as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit includes a second index displayed on the second portion; The first index and the second index are configured to point to each other, thereby making it possible to adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit.

30. The imaging device according to claim 28 or 29.

31. an imaging lens of the first imaging unit is provided in the first portion; an imaging lens of the second imaging unit is provided in the second portion; Information serving as a guide for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit is displayed at a position of the first part facing the photographing lens of the first photographing unit. The imaging device according to claim 30.

32. a driving unit capable of changing the imaging direction; a control unit that specifies the imaging direction and controls the drive unit so that the specified direction is a predetermined imaging direction; 32. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising:

33. The information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is information for directing the photographing direction in the horizontal direction.

33. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, comprising:

34. The housing is cylindrical, an imaging lens of the imaging unit is provided on a peripheral surface of the housing; The imaging direction can be adjusted by rotating the housing around the axis of the cylinder.

34. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

35. 21. A system comprising: the photographing device according to claim 19 or 20; and a document describing a method for attaching the adhesive member to the housing.

Images