Imaging device

Abstract

To enhance user convenience and provide a low-cost, power-efficient gimbal-integrated camera. [Solution] When a trigger is issued to indicate the end of shooting, the drive unit is controlled to move to a first position. After that, the image unit is maintained in the first position, and when it is determined that it is no longer in use, a power-off trigger is issued to turn off the power to the drive unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a gimbal-integrated camera that drives a camera unit rotatably, the camera unit is supported by a plurality of support portions that connect a plurality of drive devices. When the power of such a gimbal-integrated camera is turned off, each drive device is not energized, so the plurality of support portions and the camera unit connected to the grip portion are not fixed and are unstable. In addition, if the camera unit or the support portion protrudes from the grip portion, it is not suitable for carrying. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of driving the gimbal to the folded position when an instruction to turn off the power is generated, maintaining that position for a certain period of time, and then turning off the power.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if it is not necessary to be in the folded state, power is continuously supplied until a certain period of time elapses, so power saving is not achieved. Also, when the user wants to maintain the folded position, power is turned off after a certain period of time elapses, and the folded position cannot be maintained. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is user-friendly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the imaging device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a main body; an imaging unit; a support unit for supporting the imaging unit; a drive unit for driving the imaging unit to rotate relative to the main body; a determination unit for determining whether or not the imaging unit is in use; and a control unit that drives the drive unit so that the imaging unit is in a first position when the end of shooting is instructed, and controls the device to turn off the power when the determination unit determines that the imaging unit is in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gimbal-integrated camera that is easy for users to use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of a gimbal-integrated camera, which is an example of an imaging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing a part of the gimbal-integrated camera in an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the three drive devices in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the storage position of the gimbal-integrated camera in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the gimbal-integrated camera in the example, housed in its case. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the flow of the power-off process in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the flow of the non-use state determination process in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the gimbal-integrated camera in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the flow of the power-off process in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] (Example 1) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a gimbal-integrated camera, which is an example of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The configuration of the gimbal-integrated camera of Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0010] The gimbal-integrated camera 1 consists of a main unit 2 and an anti-vibration mechanism 3. The main unit 2 consists of a housing 21, which also serves as a grip for the user to hold during shooting, and is equipped with a first operation unit 22a, a second operation unit 22b, and a display unit 23. The housing 21 is further equipped with multiple input units (not shown), an external media slot, a tripod mount, a strap, external input / output terminals, a power terminal, a tally lamp, a microphone, and a speaker.

[0011] The vibration isolation mechanism 3 consists of a first drive unit 31, a first support member 32, a second drive unit 33, a second support member 34, and a third drive unit 35. The first support member 32 is rotatably connected to the housing 21 of the main body 2 via the first drive unit 31, and the second support member 34 is rotatably connected to the first support member 32 via the second drive unit 33. In addition, the camera unit 36 ​​is rotatably connected to the second support member 34 via the third drive unit 35.

[0012] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the first drive unit 31 is defined as YAW, the rotation axis of the second drive unit 33 as ROLL, and the rotation axis of the third drive unit 35 as PITCH. Furthermore, the angle of each rotation axis when the vibration isolation mechanism 3 is in the state shown in Figure 1 is defined as 0°, and the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation are expressed using the plus and minus signs shown in Figure 1.

[0013] The first support member 32 is fixed to the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 33 respectively with screws not shown. Also, the second support member 34 is fixed to the second drive unit 33 and the third drive unit 35 with screws not shown. Note that the fixing method of each drive unit may be adhesion. Also, a cable path not shown is formed between each movable part and the support member, and it is assumed that a power supply cable passes through the inside thereof.

[0014] In this embodiment, the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are outer-type three-phase brushless motors, and each is composed of a rotor unit 40 and a stator unit 41. Note that in this embodiment, the rotor units 40 and stator units 41 of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 have the same configuration, but each motor may have a different configuration or size. Also, the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 may be inner-type or axial-gap motors.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the system of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in this embodiment. Inside the main body 2, there are a control unit 210, a motor control unit 211, and a motor drive unit 212 for controlling the gimbal-integrated camera 1. The control unit 210 generates various trigger events by the first detection unit 24a, the second detection unit 24b, the non-use state determination unit 25, and other detections.

[0016] The first detection unit 24a detects that the first operation unit 22a has been pressed by the user and notifies the control unit 210. Also, the second detection unit 24b detects that the second operation unit 22b has been pressed by the user and notifies the control unit 210.

[0017] In this embodiment, the display unit 23 uses a capacitive touch panel. The display unit 23 is connected to the control unit 210 and can display the video captured by the camera unit 36, as well as the settings and status of the gimbal-integrated camera 1. Further, the third detection unit 24c detects that the display unit 23 has been touched, and based on the detection signal of the third detection unit 24c, the control unit 210 can generate various trigger events.

[0018] The non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the user is not using the gimbal-integrated camera 1 and notifies the control unit 210. The power-off instruction unit 26 generates a power-off trigger for turning off the power supply to the motors of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 based on the determination conditions described later and notifies the control unit 210.

[0019] The motor control unit 211 generates a switching signal based on the absolute angle information of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 input to the control unit 210. The motor drive unit 212 is an inverter circuit and has six switching elements (not shown) for each motor. Then, the motor drive unit 212 switches based on the switching signal generated by the motor control unit 211 to generate three-phase AC power. The generated AC power is supplied to the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 via cables (not shown).

[0020] The camera unit 36 includes an imaging unit 361 and an IMU 362. The imaging unit 361 includes an imaging element (not shown), an optical element, an AF mechanism, an aperture mechanism, an ND mechanism, etc. The video and images captured by the camera unit 36 are sent to the control unit 210, converted into video data and image data, and stored in a video recording device 213 composed of a memory or the like. The IMU 362 includes an angular velocity sensor (not shown) capable of detecting angular acceleration in three axial directions and an acceleration sensor (not shown) capable of detecting acceleration in three axial directions.

[0021] The control unit 210 calculates the amount of vibration based on the detected value from the IMU 362, and performs vibration isolation by driving the camera unit 36 ​​in the YAW, ROLL, and PITCH directions using the first drive unit 31, second drive unit 33, and third drive unit 35 based on the calculated amount of vibration. In addition to vibration isolation, the control unit 210 can also drive and control the first drive unit 31, second drive unit 33, and third drive unit 35 to intentionally change the shooting angle of the camera unit 36.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the rotor unit 40 and stator unit 41 that make up the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35.

[0023] The rotor unit 40 includes a yoke 401, a drive magnet 402, a rotating shaft 403, and a detection magnet 404. The rotating shaft 403 is a hollow shaft, allowing a cable (not shown) to pass through it. In this embodiment, the detection magnet 404 is magnetized with two poles in the radial direction, but it may also be magnetized with two or more poles.

[0024] The stator unit 41 consists of a base 412, a core 413, a coil 414, a bearing 415, an electronic circuit board 416, and an angle sensor 417. The electronic circuit board 416 has the angle sensor 417. The electronic circuit board 416 is electrically connected to the control unit 210. In this embodiment, the angle sensor 417 has two Hall elements (not shown), an angle calculation unit, and a communication unit in a single package.

[0025] The angle sensor 417 can detect the leakage flux of the detection magnet 404, specifically the radial flux Br and the tangential flux Bt. Ideally, the detected flux will be a sine wave and a cosine wave, and based on this, the angle calculation unit calculates the arctangent value to obtain the absolute angle, which is then transmitted to the control unit 210. The angle sensor 417 may be a sensor that does not have an angle calculation unit or a communication unit, and multiple Hall elements or linear Hall sensors may be used. Alternatively, the angle sensor 417 may be configured to detect the leakage flux of the drive magnet 402 without using the detection magnet 404.

[0026] The posture and range of motion of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in this embodiment will now be described. As described above, the control unit 210 can change the posture of the camera unit 36 ​​by controlling the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 of the vibration damping mechanism 3.

[0027] Here, as shown in Figure 1, the state in which the angles of the rotation axes of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are 0° is defined as the positive position. The positive position is the orientation of the camera unit 36 ​​used by the user, who is the photographer, during normal shooting. Normally, the user holds the camera so that the display unit 23 faces the photographer, as they are checking the image displayed on the display unit 23 while shooting. In this state, when photographing landscapes, etc., the lens surface 361a of the camera unit 36 ​​is facing away from the user.

[0028] First, the rotation axis angles of the motors of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are adjusted to 0°. This 0° adjustment is performed based on the attitude information of the camera unit 36 ​​and the captured images. The control ranges of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are set by drive control and mechanical limitations.

[0029] Specifically, the drive control range of the first drive unit 31 is set to -70° to +230°, the drive control range of the second drive unit 33 is set to -45° to +45°, and the drive control range of the third drive unit 35 is set to -50° to +100°. In addition, the mechanical movable range of the first drive unit 31 is limited to -90° to +250°, the mechanical movable range of the second drive unit 33 is limited to -90° to +90°, and the mechanical movable range of the third drive unit 35 is limited to -90° to +180°.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the storage position in which the gimbal-integrated camera 1 can be stored in the storage case 5. In this embodiment, the storage position is as shown in Figure 4, with the first drive unit 31 rotated +90°, the second drive unit 33 rotated +90°, and the third drive unit 35 rotated +180° from the positive position. Note that the storage position is not limited to these angles; for example, the first drive unit 31 may be rotated -90° and the third drive unit 35 may be rotated 0°.

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the gimbal-integrated camera 1 stored in the storage case 5 by the user. The storage case 5 is made of a resin material that is easily deformable. The inner wall surface of the storage case 5 is shaped to correspond to the outer shape of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 and is structured to fit with a part of the gimbal-integrated camera 1. Furthermore, the inside of the storage case 5 is shaped to cover at least the area around the vibration damping mechanism 3 of the gimbal-integrated camera 1, thereby protecting the device from damage or scratches when carrying the gimbal-integrated camera 1.

[0032] Next, using Figure 6, we will explain the process that occurs when the user finishes shooting and turns off the power to the gimbal-integrated camera 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process of turning off the power to the gimbal-integrated camera 1. The flowchart in Figure 6 is executed by the control unit 210.

[0033] In step S701, it is determined whether a shooting end trigger has occurred. If the user operates the first operation unit 22a to end the shooting operation with the gimbal-integrated camera 1, the first detection unit 24a notifies the control unit 210. Alternatively, if the user operates the display unit 23 to end the shooting operation, the third detection unit 24c notifies the control unit 210.

[0034] If any of the above notifications is received, the control unit 210 generates a shooting end trigger. Note that the shooting end trigger may be generated by an operation other than the first operation unit 22a or the display unit 23. If it is determined that a shooting end trigger has been generated, the process proceeds to step S702. If it is determined that a shooting end trigger has not been generated, the determination in step S701 is repeated.

[0035] In step S702, the motors of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are driven and controlled until the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in the first position, which is the stored position shown in Figure 4, and then the process proceeds to step S703.

[0036] In step S703, the non-use status determination unit 25 determines whether the user is using the gimbal-integrated camera 1 (i.e., it is in use). If it determines that the user is not using the gimbal-integrated camera 1 (i.e., it is in non-use), the process proceeds to step S706. If it determines that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in use, the process proceeds to step S704.

[0037] In step S704, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the shooting completion trigger occurred. This determination process is to determine whether the user is in the preparation stage for use. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the shooting completion trigger occurred, the process returns to step S703. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the shooting completion trigger occurred, it is determined that the user is in the preparation stage for use, and the process proceeds to step S705.

[0038] In step S705, the motors of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35 are driven and controlled until the gimbal-integrated camera 1 shown in Figure 1 is in the third position, which is the correct position (the position used by the user during normal shooting), and then the process proceeds to step S706.

[0039] In step S706, the power-off instruction unit 26 generates a power-off trigger to turn off the power supply to the motors of the first drive unit 31, the second drive unit 33, and the third drive unit 35, and the process proceeds to step S707.

[0040] In step S707, power to each motor is turned off, and the process ends.

[0041] Furthermore, even if the system determines in step S704 that the user is in the preparation stage for use, and the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is placed in the upright position in step S705, the power supply is turned off because continuing to supply power to the motor would consume unnecessary power. Therefore, the system waits for a predetermined time and controls the system to turn off the power supply to the motor even when the device is in the standby position for use.

[0042] Next, using Figure 7, we will explain the process of determining that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state in step S703 of Figure 6 described above.

[0043] In step S801, the motors of the first drive unit 31, second drive unit 33, and third drive unit 35 are energized until the gimbal-integrated camera 1 reaches the first position, which is the stored position shown in Figure 4. During this time, the non-use state determination unit 25 acquires motor angle values ​​from the angle sensors 417 provided in each of the first drive unit 31, second drive unit 33, and third drive unit 35.

[0044] In step S802, it is determined whether the amount of deviation between the motor angle value obtained in step S801 and the first position is less than or equal to a first threshold. If the obtained motor angle value is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that each drive unit of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a controllable state, and the process returns to step S801.

[0045] This first threshold should preferably be set to a value slightly larger than the stopping error that may occur in the vibration damping mechanism 3 when no particularly large external force or disturbance is acting on it. After the user turns off the power, if the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is placed in the storage case 5 or on a desk, an external force is applied to the vibration damping mechanism 3, and it becomes uncontrollable. Therefore, if each drive unit of the vibration damping mechanism 3 is controllable to the first position, it is determined that the user is holding and continuing to use the housing 21 of the gimbal-integrated camera 1.

[0046] If the acquired motor angle value is greater than the first threshold, the system determines that control of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 has become impossible due to an external force being applied to the vibration damping mechanism 3, such as the gimbal-integrated camera 1 being placed in the storage case 5, and proceeds to step S803. At this time, the vibration damping mechanism 3 is assumed to be in the second position. For example, the angle sensors 417 detect that the motor angle value of the first drive unit 31 is +87°, the motor angle value of the second drive unit 33 is +88°, and the motor angle value of the third drive unit 35 is +177°.

[0047] In step S803, the motor angle values ​​detected by each angle sensor 417 are stored as P1, and the process proceeds to step S804.

[0048] In step S804, the motor angle values ​​are acquired again by each angle sensor 417, and the process proceeds to step S805.

[0049] In step S805, it is determined whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state, such as when the user has stored the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in the storage case 5 and released it for an extended period. To do this, it is determined whether the difference between the newly acquired motor angle value and the stored motor angle value P1 is less than or equal to a second threshold. If it is determined that the difference is less than or equal to the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S806 after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is desirable to set the second threshold to a very small value (specifically, ±0.5 degrees or less).

[0050] In step S806, the non-use status determination unit 25 sets the non-use status flag, and then terminates the series of processes.

[0051] The flowchart from steps S801 to S806 in Figure 7, as described above, details the process of determining whether the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in step S703 of Figure 6 is in an unused state.

[0052] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state without providing any special mechanical mechanism. Furthermore, until it is determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state, it is controlled to maintain a storage position that allows it to be stored in the storage case 5. With this control, the user can immediately store the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in the storage case 5. In addition, power consumption can be reduced by cutting off the power supply to the motors of each drive unit when it is determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state.

[0053] (Example 2) The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to Example 2 will now be described. Since the basic configuration of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is the same as in Example 1, the explanation of the same configuration as in Example 1 will be omitted.

[0054] In Example 2, the method for determining the non-use state in step S703 of Figure 6 differs from that in Example 1. Specifically, the determination of whether or not the device is in a non-use state is made based on the operation status of the first operation unit 22a or the second operation unit 22b. More precisely, in step S701, if the second detection unit 24b detects that the user has operated the first operation unit 22a and then the second operation unit 22b to end the shooting operation, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the device is in a non-use state.

[0055] Furthermore, if the user performs a second operation of the first operation unit 22a after the first operation of the first operation unit 22a to end the shooting operation, it may be determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state. Alternatively, if the user operates the display unit 23 after operating the first operation unit 22a to end the shooting operation, it may be determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state.

[0056] The above-described embodiment 2 illustrates an example in which the user performs an operation that clearly indicates the camera is not in use following the instruction to end the shooting operation. This makes it possible to clearly distinguish whether the user may resume the shooting operation after ending it, or whether they will stop using the gimbal-integrated camera 1, and to choose whether or not to maintain the stored position of the gimbal-integrated camera 1.

[0057] (Example 3) The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to Embodiment 3 will now be described. In this embodiment as well, the basic configuration of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0058] In Example 3, the method for determining the non-use state in step S703 of Figure 6 differs from that of Example 1. Specifically, in step S701, the first detection unit 24a detects that the user has performed the first operation of pressing the first operation unit 22a to end the shooting operation. Subsequently, the first detection unit 24a detects that the user has performed the second operation of releasing their hand and ending the pressing of the first operation unit 22a. In this case, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the device is in a non-use state.

[0059] In other words, if the user wants to keep the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in the stored position, they can maintain this position by pressing and holding the second control unit 22a to energize each motor. Subsequently, when the user places the gimbal-integrated camera 1 in the storage case 5 or otherwise stops pressing the first control unit 22a, it is determined that the camera is not in use, and the power to each motor is stopped.

[0060] Furthermore, if the user terminates the shooting operation by operating the second operation unit 22b or the display unit 23, the non-use state determination unit 25 may determine that the device is in a non-use state when it detects that the second operation unit 22b or the display unit 23 is no longer being pressed.

[0061] According to Embodiment 3 described above, similar to Embodiment 2, the user can choose whether or not to maintain the stored position of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 after giving an instruction to end the shooting operation.

[0062] (Example 4) The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 according to Embodiment 4 will now be described. Since the basic configuration of the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1, the explanation of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0063] In the power-off control shown in Figure 6, the method for determining the non-use state in step S703 differs from that in Embodiment 1. Specifically, the non-use state determination unit 25 determines that the camera is in a non-use state based on information acquired by the image sensor of the imaging unit 361. More precisely, in relation to the imaging state by the image sensor at the time the shooting end trigger is issued in step S701, the unit detects changes in brightness information and acquired images acquired by the image sensor when the user places the gimbal-integrated camera 1 into the storage case.

[0064] According to the above-described embodiment 4, it is possible to determine whether or not the gimbal-integrated camera 1 is in a non-use state using the information acquired by the image sensor after the end of shooting.

[0065] (Example 5) The control of the gimbal-integrated camera 101 according to Embodiment 5 will now be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the storage position of the gimbal-integrated camera 101 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the gimbal-integrated camera 101 stored in the storage case 105.

[0066] Since the basic configuration of the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is the same as in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in Embodiment 1, and their respective descriptions are omitted. The difference from the gimbal-integrated camera 1 of Embodiment 1 is that a magnetic detection device 37 is provided inside the first support member 32 as a non-use state determination unit 25.

[0067] The storage case 105 is used when carrying the gimbal-integrated camera 101. The storage case 105 is equipped with a magnet 105a in a position facing the magnetic detection device 37 when the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is stored inside. When the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is stored inside the storage case 105, the magnetic detection device 37, which is the non-use state determination unit 25, approaches the magnet 105a, causing a change in the magnetic field, and this change in the magnetic field can be detected. Then, the determination of the non-use state is performed in step S703 of Figure 6.

[0068] If the magnetic detection device 37 on the gimbal-integrated camera 101 continues to detect a change in the magnetic field as it approaches the magnet 105a on the storage case 105, it is determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is stored in the storage case 105. Then, it is determined that the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is in a non-use state, and the non-use state flag is set.

[0069] Furthermore, the method for detecting that the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is stored in the storage case 105 is not limited to a magnetic detection device and a magnet. For example, detection may be performed using a combination of a photointerrupter and a shielding member, or by detecting changes in brightness. Various such detection methods are applicable.

[0070] Furthermore, the magnetic detection device 37 in the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is not limited to the structure of the vibration damping mechanism 103, but may also be placed in the main body 102 or the camera unit 36. It may be placed anywhere as long as the magnetic detection device 37 can detect the location when the gimbal-integrated camera 101 is stored in the storage case 105.

[0071] According to the embodiment 5 described above, the gimbal-integrated camera 101 maintains its storage position until it is placed in the storage case 105, and reliably detects that it has been placed in the storage case 105. Subsequently, by cutting off the power supply to the motor, it is possible to provide a gimbal-integrated camera that has a simple configuration while further reducing power consumption.

[0072] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0073] This embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0074] (Composition 1) The main body and Imaging unit, A support portion that supports the imaging unit, A drive unit that drives the imaging unit to rotate relative to the main body, A determination unit that determines whether or not the imaging unit is in a non-use state, A control unit that drives the drive unit so that the imaging unit is in a first position when the end of shooting is instructed, and controls the power to turn off when the determination unit determines that the imaging unit is not in use, An imaging device characterized by having the following features.

[0075] (Configuration 2) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether the imaging unit is in a non-use state by detecting whether the imaging unit is in a second position different from the first position for a predetermined period of time.

[0076] (Composition 3) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit drives the drive unit so that the imaging unit moves to a third position different from the first position when the determination unit does not detect that it is in a non-use state.

[0077] (Composition 4) Furthermore, it has an operating section that is operated by the user, The imaging apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether or not the imaging unit is in a non-use state according to the operating state of the operation unit by the user.

[0078] (Composition 5) The imaging device according to configuration 4, characterized in that when a second operation is performed after a first operation of the operation unit for the user to instruct the end of shooting, the determination unit determines that the imaging device is in a non-use state.

[0079] (Composition 6) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized in that the first operation is the first operation of the operation unit, and the second operation is the second operation of the operation unit.

[0080] (Composition 7) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized in that the first operation is an operation of the first operation unit, and the second operation is an operation of the second operation unit.

[0081] (Composition 8) The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether or not the imaging unit is in a non-use state based on information acquired by the image sensor of the imaging unit.

[0082] (Composition 9) The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines that the imaging unit is in a non-use state by detecting that the imaging device is stored in the storage case. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1.101 Gimbal-integrated camera 2 Main body 3. Vibration isolation mechanism 5,105 Storage Case 22a 1st operation section 22b 2nd operation section 23 Display section 25 Non-use status determination unit 31 First drive unit 32 First support member 33 Second drive unit 34 Second support member 35 Third drive unit 36 Camera Section 210 Control Unit 361 Imaging Unit

Claims

1. The main body and Imaging unit, A support portion that supports the imaging unit, A drive unit that drives the imaging unit to rotate relative to the main body, A determination unit that determines whether or not the imaging unit is in a non-use state, A control unit controls the drive unit to move the imaging unit to a first position when the end of shooting is instructed, and to turn off the power when the determination unit determines that the imaging unit is not in use. An imaging device characterized by having the following features.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether the imaging unit is in a non-use state by detecting whether the imaging unit is in a second position different from the first position for a predetermined period of time.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit drives the drive unit so that the imaging unit is in a third position different from the first position when the determination unit does not detect that it is in a non-use state.

4. Furthermore, it has an operating section that is operated by the user, The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether or not the imaging unit is in a non-use state according to the operation state of the operation unit by the user.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that when a second operation is performed after a first operation of the operation unit for the user to instruct the end of shooting, the determination unit determines that the imaging device is in a non-use state.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first operation is the first operation of the operation unit, and the second operation is the second operation of the operation unit.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first operation is an operation of the first operation unit, and the second operation is an operation of the second operation unit.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether or not the imaging unit is in a non-use state based on information acquired by the image sensor of the imaging unit.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines that the imaging unit is in a non-use state by detecting that the imaging device is stored in the storage case.

Images