Imaging apparatus, method of controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To enable determination of the orientation of an imaging unit suitable for the installation state of an imaging apparatus in a case of indicating a standby mode with the orientation of the imaging unit.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 that allows change of orientation of an imaging unit 101 comprises: acquisition means 202 which acquires information on an installation state of the imaging apparatus; and determination means 202 which determines the orientation of the imaging unit 101 when imaging is stopped by using information on the orientation of the imaging unit 101 during imaging recorded in a storage unit 208 and information on the installation state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit is changeable, and a control method and program for the same. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image capture devices used for streaming distribution and the like are equipped with a mechanism for setting the image capture device to a predetermined state when in a standby mode in which image capture is stopped. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for dealing with the situation when it is detected that the camera has been moved by an external force while the camera is in standby mode. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for dealing with the situation when the pan / tilt position of the camera platform is not set to the home position when the power is turned off. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-175055 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-239607 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an imaging device in which the orientation of the imaging unit is changeable so that the shooting direction can be changed, it is conceivable to indicate to the user that the device is in standby mode by the orientation of the imaging unit. On the other hand, depending on the orientation of the imaging unit, power is required to hold it, and the load when holding the imaging unit depends on the installation state of the imaging device. Therefore, when the orientation of the imaging unit indicates that the imaging device is in standby mode, it is preferable to be able to determine the orientation of the imaging unit that is appropriate for the installation state of the imaging device. The techniques in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not determine the orientation of the imaging unit that is appropriate for the installation state of the imaging device when the orientation of the imaging unit indicates that the imaging device is in standby mode.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to make it possible to determine the orientation of the imaging unit that is appropriate for the installation state of the imaging device when the orientation of the imaging unit indicates that the imaging device is in standby mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The imaging device of the present invention is an imaging device in which the orientation of the imaging unit is changeable, and is characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring information on the installation state of the imaging device, and a determination means for determining the orientation of the imaging unit when shooting is stopped using information on the orientation of the imaging unit during shooting recorded in a memory unit and information on the installation state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when the orientation of the imaging unit indicates that the imaging device is in standby mode, it is possible to determine the orientation of the imaging unit that is suitable for the installation state of the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a process for determining the orientation of the camera unit in standby mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a process for determining the orientation of the camera unit in standby mode. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a process for determining the orientation of the camera unit in standby mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device 100. As shown in FIG. The imaging device 100 is an imaging device that can be installed on a desired fixed surface (an upward-facing surface such as a floor, a ceiling, or a wall) and can perform pan and tilt operations (hereinafter referred to as pan-tilt operations). The imaging device 100 includes a camera unit 101, a support unit 102, a base unit 103, a video output terminal 104, and a communication terminal 105.

[0010] The camera unit 101 incorporates an imaging section 200, which will be described later, and captures an image of a subject. In this embodiment, the camera unit 101 incorporating the imaging section 200 corresponds to the imaging section of the present invention, and its orientation is changeable. The support portion 102 supports the camera unit 101 so that the camera unit 101 can rotate in the tilt direction. The base unit 103 supports the support part 102 so that the support part 102 can rotate in the pan direction. When installing the imaging device 100, the base unit 103 is fixed to a desired fixing surface.

[0011] The video output terminal 104 is a terminal for outputting image data captured by the camera unit 101. The video output terminal 104 complies with standards such as SDI and HDMI (registered trademark). The communication terminal 105 is a terminal for communicating with other imaging devices and control devices (external devices) within the network by sending and receiving control signals and instruction commands. The communication terminal 105 is used, for example, when operating the imaging device 100 or when configuring the settings of the imaging device 100. The communication terminal 105 complies with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging device 100. As shown in FIG. The imaging device 100 includes an imaging unit 200, an image processing unit 201, an arithmetic processing unit 202, a drive control unit 203, a pan driving unit 204, a tilt driving unit 205, a communication unit 206, a video output unit 207, a memory unit 208, and an acceleration sensor 209.

[0013] The imaging section 200 is configured to include a lens section for forming an image, an imaging element that converts the imaged light into an analog signal, and a conversion section that converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and is housed inside the lens barrel of the camera unit 101. The imaging section 200 images a subject, generates a digital signal, and transmits it to the image processing section 201. The image processing unit 201 is configured to include an image processing engine and its peripheral devices, etc. The image processing unit 201 performs image processing such as noise removal and gamma correction on the digital signal received from the imaging unit 200, generates image data, and transmits it to the arithmetic processing unit 202.

[0014] The arithmetic processing unit 202 is composed of one or more processors such as a CPU or an MPU, memories such as a RAM or a ROM, and drivers for each I / F. The arithmetic processing unit 202 transmits image data received from the image processing unit 201 to the communication unit 206 or the video output unit 207 depending on the device connected to the imaging device 100. The arithmetic processing unit 202 also calculates pan / tilt drive setting values ​​based on information about the shooting direction instructed by the user via the communication unit 206, and transmits the calculated values ​​to the drive control unit 203. The arithmetic processing unit 202 also transmits and stores the pan / tilt drive setting values ​​to the storage unit 208 in order to record information about the orientation of the camera unit 101 during shooting. The arithmetic processing unit 202 also obtains information about the installation state of the imaging device 100 (hereinafter referred to as installation information) based on gravitational acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor 209. In this embodiment, the installation information is information indicating whether the installation pattern corresponds to a normal installation pattern in which the image capture device 100 is installed on an upward-facing surface such as a floor, a wall installation pattern in which the image capture device 100 is installed on a wall, or a ceiling installation pattern in which the image capture device 100 is installed on a ceiling. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the arithmetic processing unit 202 determines the orientation of the camera unit 101 when image capture stops, i.e., the orientation of the camera unit 101 in standby mode, using the pan / tilt drive setting values ​​stored in the storage unit 208 and the installation information. The arithmetic processing unit 202 then moves the camera unit 101 so that the orientation of the camera unit 101 in standby mode is determined. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 202 functions as an acquisition means, a determination means, and a movement control means as defined in the present invention.

[0015] The drive control unit 203 includes a motor driver and its peripheral devices, etc. The drive control unit 203 generates control signals for controlling each motor based on the pan / tilt drive setting values ​​received from the arithmetic processing unit 202. The pan driving unit 204 includes a motor that serves as a driving source for rotation in the pan direction, a transmission member for transmitting the rotation, and the like, and is provided in the base unit 103. The pan driving unit 204 operates in response to a control signal received from the drive control unit 203, and rotates the support unit 102 in the pan direction. Tilt driving unit 205 includes a motor that serves as a drive source for rotation in the tilt direction, a transmission member for transmitting the motor, and the like, and is provided on support unit 102. Tilt driving unit 205 operates in response to a control signal received from drive control unit 203, and rotates camera unit 101 in the tilt direction.

[0016] The communication unit 206 includes an Ethernet PHY and a LAN connector. The communication unit 206 converts the image signal received from the arithmetic processing unit 202 into an Ethernet protocol and distributes it to the user via the network. The communication unit 206 also transmits instruction commands from the user to the imaging device 100 to the arithmetic processing unit 202. The video output unit 207 is configured to include an HDMI driver, an SDI driver, and their respective connectors. The video output unit 207 converts image data received from the arithmetic processing unit 202 into the respective protocols and transmits the converted data to the display device. When outputting images in synchronization with an external device, the video output unit 207 outputs the image data in synchronization with a synchronization signal received from the external device.

[0017] The storage unit 208 includes a memory such as a RAM or a ROM, or a storage medium such as an SD or a USB. Although the storage unit 208 is shown in FIG. 2 as being configured separately from the arithmetic processing unit 202, it may be configured as being included within the arithmetic processing unit 202. The storage unit 208 records the setting values ​​for pan / tilt drive received from the arithmetic processing unit 202.

[0018] The acceleration sensor 209 detects gravitational acceleration and transmits it to the arithmetic processing unit 202. In this embodiment, the installation information is calculated based on the gravitational acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 209, but the present invention is not limited to this and it is sufficient if the installation information can be acquired by the arithmetic processing unit 202.

[0019] Next, processing executed by the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the imaging device 100. This flowchart starts when the imaging device 100 starts capturing images. In step S301, the arithmetic processing unit 202 records information about the orientation of the camera unit 101 during image capture in the storage unit 208. That is, the image capture direction, which is the direction in which image capture is taking place during image capture, is recorded in the storage unit 208. Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 202 calculates setting values ​​for pan / tilt drive based on information about the image capture direction specified by the user, and transmits the calculated values ​​to the drive control unit 203. At that time, the arithmetic processing unit 202 transmits the setting values ​​for pan / tilt drive to the storage unit 208 and records them.

[0020] In step S302, when the user issues an instruction to transition to standby mode, the arithmetic processing unit 202 stops or minimizes the power supply to the image capture unit 200, and proceeds to the processing of step S303 and subsequent steps. Note that the processing of step S301 continues until an instruction to transition to standby mode is issued.

[0021] In step S303, the calculation processing unit 202 checks whether the installation information has been updated. If the installation information has been updated, the process proceeds to step S304, and if the installation information has not been updated, the process proceeds to step S305. For example, the installation information may be updated when the imaging device 100 transitions to standby mode for the first time after startup or when the installation location of the imaging device 100 is changed. Note that if the installation information has not been updated, the previous installation information is used.

[0022] In step S304, the calculation processing unit 202 obtains installation information based on the gravitational acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 209. In this embodiment, the installation information is information indicating whether the installation pattern corresponds to a normal installation pattern in which the image capture device 100 is installed on an upward-facing surface such as a floor, a wall installation pattern in which the image capture device 100 is installed on a wall surface, or a ceiling installation pattern in which the image capture device 100 is installed on a ceiling surface.

[0023] In step S305, the calculation processing unit 202 acquires the information on the orientation of the camera unit 101 during shooting that was recorded in the memory unit 208 in step S301, and determines the unshooting direction, which is the direction that was not shot during shooting, from the difference with the range that can be set by the imaging device 100.

[0024] In step S306, the calculation processing unit 202 determines whether the non-image capturing directions include an orientation suitable for holding the camera unit 101 (hereinafter referred to as the holding direction), which is determined depending on the installation state of the imaging device 100. Details of the holding direction will be described later. If the non-image capturing directions include the holding direction, proceed to step S307, and if the non-image capturing directions do not include the holding direction, proceed to step S308.

[0025] In step S307, the processing unit 202 selects the holding direction as the orientation of the camera unit 101 in standby mode.

[0026] In step S308, the calculation processing unit 202 selects, as the orientation of the camera unit 101 in standby mode, the orientation of the camera unit 101 from among the non-image capturing orientations in which the power required to hold the camera unit 101 is minimized. Hereinafter, the power required to hold the camera unit 101 will be referred to as "holding power." Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, for example, using a calculation formula prepared in advance, the orientation of the camera unit 101 is determined from the gravitational acceleration, the weight and center of gravity of the camera unit 101, etc., so that the force applied in the tilt rotation direction is minimized.

[0027] In step S309, the calculation processing unit 202 calculates a setting value for pan / tilt drive so that the camera unit 101 faces the direction determined in step S307 or S308 (hereinafter referred to as the optimum direction), and transmits the setting value to the drive control unit 203. As a result, the camera unit 101 moves so that it faces the optimum direction determined in step S307 or S308.

[0028] In step S310, the calculation processing unit 202 supplies the holding power of the camera unit 101, which was moved in the optimal direction in step S309, to the pan driving unit 204 and tilt driving unit 205 via the driving control unit 203, and transitions to standby mode.

[0029] In step S311, the processing unit 202 returns to normal shooting when the user instructs it to shoot again, but continues in standby mode until it receives an instruction to shoot again.

[0030] Here, the process of determining the orientation of the camera unit 101 in standby mode will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of determining the orientation of the camera unit 101 in standby mode. In this embodiment, the installation state of the imaging device 100 is classified into three patterns, and as described above, a normal installation pattern, a wall installation pattern, and a ceiling installation pattern are defined. Note that in consideration of the actual usage environment, even finer installation angles may be taken into account as installation information.

[0031] For each installation pattern, the optimal direction is determined from viewpoint 1, which is whether the user can easily recognize that the camera is in standby mode (a state in which shooting is stopped), and viewpoint 2, which is about the holding power. In terms of viewpoint 1, a direction in which no shooting is taking place or a direction in which shooting is not taking place is effective. Viewpoint 1 has a high priority, and if viewpoints 1 and 2 cannot have something in common, in step S308, the direction in which the holding power is the smallest among the directions in which no shooting is taking place is selected. The holding power increases when trying to hold the camera unit 101 against gravity.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4(a), the optimal orientation in the normal installation pattern will be described. In the normal installation pattern, the base unit 103 is positioned below the camera unit 101. In the normal installation pattern, any direction can be captured. In viewpoint 1, a non-capturing direction is an orientation suitable for indicating standby mode. In viewpoint 2, orientation 400 or 401 is the holding orientation. In orientation 400, the support part 102 and the camera unit 101 face vertically upward, allowing the orientation of the camera unit 101 to be maintained without power input. In orientation 401, the camera unit 101 faces diagonally downward at a predetermined angle, and the gravity acting on the camera unit 101 is received by the mechanical end, allowing the orientation of the camera unit 101 to be maintained without power input. The mechanical end refers to the end of the range in which the pan / tilt can be driven due to the mechanical configuration of the imaging device 100. In an actual usage environment, it is rare for the imaging device 100 to be installed on a horizontal surface, so orientation 401 can be determined as the holding orientation. Therefore, if the orientation 401 is included in the unphotographed direction, the orientation 401 becomes the optimal orientation. It should be noted that there may be multiple holding directions, and when multiple holding directions are included in the non-photographed direction, for example, the holding direction farthest from the photographed direction recorded in the storage unit 208 may be selected as the optimal direction. From the viewpoint 1, this is because the farther away from the photographed direction the holding direction is, the easier it is for the user to recognize that the device is in standby mode.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 4(b), the optimal orientation for the wall-mounted pattern will be described. In the wall-mounted pattern, the base unit 103 is positioned to the side of the camera unit 101. In the wall-mounted pattern, images are captured in a downward direction. Therefore, from viewpoint 1, an orientation above the horizontal direction, where no image capture occurs, is suitable for indicating that the camera is in standby mode. Furthermore, from viewpoint 2, orientation 402 or 403 is the holding orientation. In orientation 402, the camera unit 101 faces downward in the vertical direction, and the orientation of the camera unit 101 can be maintained without power input. In orientation 403, the camera unit 101 faces diagonally upward at a predetermined angle. Since the gravity acting on the camera unit 101 is received by the mechanical end, the orientation of the camera unit 101 can be maintained without power input. However, since orientation 402 deviates from viewpoint 1, orientation 403 is the optimal orientation. Note that, in the wall-mounted pattern as well, an orientation not capturing images can be used as a suitable orientation for indicating that the camera is in standby mode, as in the normal installation pattern.

[0034] The optimal orientation for the ceiling installation pattern will be described with reference to FIG. 4(c). In the ceiling installation pattern, the base unit 103 is positioned above the camera unit 101. In the ceiling installation pattern, images are captured in the downward direction and below. Therefore, from viewpoint 1, an orientation above the horizontal direction, where no image capture occurs, is an orientation suitable for indicating standby mode. Also, from viewpoint 2, orientation 404 is the holding orientation. In orientation 404, the camera unit 101 faces vertically downward, allowing the orientation of the camera unit 101 to be maintained without power input. However, since orientation 404 deviates from viewpoint 1, in step S308, the orientation that minimizes the holding power is selected, and orientation 405, where the force in the tilt rotation direction caused by gravity is minimized, is the optimal orientation. Note that, in the ceiling installation pattern as well, an orientation where no image capture occurs may be an orientation suitable for indicating standby mode, as in the normal installation pattern.

[0035] As described above, the orientation of camera unit 101 in standby mode is determined based on an orientation suitable for indicating that the device is in standby mode and an orientation suitable for holding camera unit 101, which orientation is determined according to the installation state of image capture device 100. This makes it easier for the user to recognize that the device is in standby mode, and makes it possible to reduce holding power. In this way, when the orientation of camera unit 101 indicates that the device is in standby mode, it is possible to determine an orientation of camera unit 101 suitable for the installation state of image capture device 100.

[0036] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the following, a description of the points in common with the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described. The external configuration of the imaging device 500 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an imaging device 500 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the process of determining the orientation of the camera unit 101 in standby mode.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging device 500 includes an optical filter section 501 and a filter driving section 502 in addition to the configuration of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. The optical filter section 501 is configured to include a filter such as an ND filter (neutral density filter) or an IR cut filter (infrared cut filter) that attenuates all light or light of a specific wavelength that is taken into the camera unit 101. The optical filter section 501 may be a single filter, or may be a combination or selection of multiple filters that are used. The filter driving unit 502 includes a motor that serves as a driving source for inserting and removing the optical filter unit 501, a transmission member for transmitting the power, etc. The filter driving unit 502 inserts and removes and holds the optical filter unit 501 based on a control signal received from the drive control unit 203 under the control of the arithmetic processing unit 202.

[0038] As shown in the left diagrams of FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the optical filter unit 501 moves within a drive range 600 between an insertion position located toward the center of the optical axis and a removal position shifted from the center. In the left diagram of FIG. 6(a), the optical filter unit 501 is in the insertion position, which is located lower than the removal position. In this state, the force of gravity acting on the optical filter unit 501 is received by the mechanical end, so no holding power is required. On the other hand, in the left diagram of FIG. 6(b), the optical filter unit 501 is in the removal position, which is located higher than the insertion position. In this state, the optical filter unit 501 needs to be held against gravity, so holding power is required. As described above, in the imaging device 500, the camera unit 101 has a built-in optical filter unit 501, which is a positionally variable component, and power is required to maintain the optical filter unit 501. In this embodiment, when determining the optimal direction, not only the angle of the camera unit 101 but also the vertical relationship of the camera unit 101 is taken into consideration. Note that in Fig. 6, black lines are added to make the vertical relationship of the camera unit 101 easier to understand.

[0039] The processing executed by the imaging device 500 is basically the same as that in the flowchart of Fig. 3, but the processing for determining the optimum direction is different. Hereinafter, the processing for determining the optimum direction in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. From viewpoint 1 and viewpoint 2, it is assumed that it is preferable for the camera unit 101 to be at a predetermined angle pointing diagonally downward, as shown in the right diagrams of FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b).

[0040] In this case, as shown in the left diagram of Fig. 6(a), when the optical filter section 501 is in the insertion position and the insertion position is lower than the removal position, the optimal direction is to keep the insertion position lower than the removal position and set the camera unit 101 at a predetermined angle, as shown in the right diagram of Fig. 6(a). This is because the gravity acting on the optical filter section 501 can be supported by the mechanical end at the insertion position. When moving the camera unit 101 from the state shown in the left diagram of Fig. 6(a) in the optimal direction, as shown by arrows P and T, the camera unit 101 is driven 180 degrees in the pan direction and tilted to a predetermined angle facing diagonally downward.

[0041] On the other hand, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 6(b), when the optical filter unit 501 is in the removal position and the removal position is located above the insertion position, the optimal direction is to position the removal position below the insertion position and set the camera unit 101 at a predetermined angle, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 6(b). This is because the gravity acting on the optical filter unit 501 can be supported by the mechanical end at the removal position. When moving the camera unit 101 from the state shown in the left diagram of FIG. 6(b) to the optimal direction, the camera unit 101 is tilted to a predetermined angle facing diagonally downward, as indicated by arrow T. In this way, even when it is desired to keep the optical filter unit 501 in the removal position during standby mode, it is possible to reduce the power required for holding the optical filter unit 501.

[0042] As described above, when determining the orientation of camera unit 101 in standby mode, information about the position of optical filter section 501 is further used. As a result, even in image capture device 500 equipped with optical filter section 501, when the orientation of camera unit 101 indicates that the image capture device is in standby mode, it becomes possible to determine the orientation of camera unit 101 that is appropriate for the installation state of image capture device 500.

[0043] In addition to the above-described embodiments, the following points can be added depending on the installation state of the imaging device. For example, in the ceiling installation pattern shown in FIG. 4(c), when the imaging device is installed near a wall, the camera unit 101 may be determined to face the wall in standby mode. In the explanation of FIG. 4(c) above, it was stated that in the ceiling installation pattern, a direction above the horizontal direction, where no image capture occurs, is a suitable orientation for indicating standby mode. However, when the imaging device is installed near a wall, since there are no subjects in the direction of the wall, it can also be said that facing the wall is a suitable orientation for indicating standby mode. If orientation 700, in which the camera unit 101 is oriented downward toward the wall as shown in FIG. 7(b), reduces the holding power compared to orientation 405 shown in FIG. 7(a), then orientation 700 is determined as the optimal orientation rather than orientation 405. In particular, when the base unit 103 is tall, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the range in which the camera unit 101 can be driven upward is narrowed, and the holding power is high in orientation 405, so it is preferable to also make orientation 700 selectable.

[0044] Also, for example, the user may be able to specify in advance that the direction of the camera unit 101 in standby mode will be within a certain range. In this case, it is preferable to give the user-specified range a higher priority than viewpoints 1 and 2.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the above embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features. (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0046] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit is changeable, an acquisition means for acquiring information on the installation state of the imaging device; An imaging device characterized by comprising a determination means for determining the orientation of the imaging unit when shooting is stopped using information on the orientation of the imaging unit during shooting recorded in a memory unit and information on the installation state. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the determining means determines an unphotographed direction, which is a direction in which no image was captured during the shooting, from information about the orientation of the imaging unit recorded in the storage unit. (Configuration 3) The imaging device described in configuration 2 is characterized in that, when the non-image-capturing direction includes an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit, which is determined depending on the installation state of the imaging device, the determination means sets the orientation of the imaging unit when imaging is stopped to an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein, when the non-image-capturing directions do not include an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit, which is determined according to an installation state of the imaging device, the determination unit sets the orientation of the imaging unit when stopping imaging to a direction among the non-image-capturing directions in which the power required to hold the imaging unit is minimized. (Configuration 5) The imaging unit has a built-in member whose position is variable, 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the determining unit further uses information about the position of the member when determining the orientation of the imaging unit at the time of stopping imaging. (Configuration 6) 6. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a movement control means for moving the imaging unit so that the imaging unit is oriented in the direction determined by the determination means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 100, 500: imaging device, 101: camera unit, 102: support section, 103: base unit, 200: imaging section, 201: image processing section, 202: calculation processing section, 203: drive control section, 204: pan driving section, 205: tilt driving section, 208: storage section, 209: acceleration sensor, 501: optical filter section, 502: filter driving section

Claims

1. An imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit is changeable, an acquisition means for acquiring information on the installation state of the imaging device; An imaging device characterized by comprising a determination means for determining the orientation of the imaging unit when shooting is stopped using information on the orientation of the imaging unit during shooting recorded in a memory unit and information on the installation state.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines an unphotographed direction, which is a direction in which no image was captured during the photographing, from the information on the orientation of the imaging unit recorded in the storage unit.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the non-photographing direction includes an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit, which is determined according to the installation state of the imaging device, the determination means sets the orientation of the imaging unit when photographing is stopped to an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit.

4. The imaging device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, when the non-photographing direction does not include an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit, which is determined according to the installation state of the imaging device, the determination means sets the orientation of the imaging unit when stopping photography to a direction among the non-photographing directions that minimizes the power required to hold the imaging unit.

5. The imaging unit has a built-in member whose position is variable, 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit further uses information about the position of the member when determining the orientation of the imaging unit at the time of stopping imaging.

6. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a movement control unit that moves the imaging unit so that the imaging unit is oriented in the direction determined by the determination unit.

7. An imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit is changeable, an acquisition means for acquiring information on the installation state of the imaging device; an imaging device comprising a determination means for determining the orientation of the imaging unit when imaging is stopped based on an orientation suitable for indicating that imaging has stopped and an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit, which is determined depending on the installation state of the imaging device.

8. A control method for controlling an imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit can be changed, comprising: acquiring information about the installation state of the imaging device; A control method for an imaging device, comprising a step of determining the orientation of the imaging unit when shooting is stopped using information on the orientation of the imaging unit during shooting recorded in a storage unit and information on the installation state.

9. A control method for controlling an imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit can be changed, comprising: acquiring information about the installation state of the imaging device; a step of determining the orientation of the imaging unit when stopping imaging based on an orientation suitable for indicating that imaging has stopped and an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit, the orientation being determined according to an installation state of the imaging device.

10. A program for controlling an imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit is changeable, A process of acquiring information about the installation state of the imaging device; A program for causing a computer to execute a process of determining the orientation of the imaging unit when shooting is stopped using information on the orientation of the imaging unit during shooting, which is recorded in a memory unit, and information on the installation state.

11. A program for controlling an imaging device in which the orientation of an imaging unit is changeable, A process of acquiring information about the installation state of the imaging device; A program for causing a computer to execute a process of determining the orientation of the imaging unit when shooting is stopped based on an orientation suitable for indicating that shooting has stopped and an orientation suitable for holding the imaging unit, which is determined depending on the installation state of the imaging device.

Images