Camera support mechanism and image acquisition system

Abstract

This invention provides a camera support mechanism and image acquisition system that allow for easy adjustment of multiple shooting directions. [Solution] The camera 100 is formed to reflect light from a direction different from the optical axis X towards the lens 110, and is positioned to be included in a part of the field of view of the camera 100 so that the camera 100 can take pictures in both the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B. The camera 100 is supported by a camera support section 240 and a mirror support section 250 that rotatably support the camera 100 and the mirror section 260 around an adjustment axis 232a perpendicular to the optical axis X. The camera support section 240 and the mirror support section 250 are further equipped with a line of sight adjustment section 233 that can adjust the rotational position of the camera 100 and the mirror section 260 around the adjustment axis 232a while maintaining the field of view angle α, and a field of view adjustment section 242 that can adjust the rotational position of at least one of the adjustment axes 232a of the camera 100 and the mirror section 260 so as to change the field of view angle α.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera support mechanism and a video acquisition system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques related to shooting using a camera are known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a monitoring method in which at least one plane mirror is placed within the field of view of a television camera, and the field angle of the television camera is deflected by the plane mirror to monitor two directions with one television camera. In the monitoring method described in Patent Document 1, half of the field of view of the television camera is deflected by the plane mirror.

[0004] The device combining the television camera and the plane mirror described in Patent Document 1 is formed so that the shooting direction can be adjusted by changing the angle between the reflecting surface of the plane mirror and the optical axis of the television camera. When adjusting the shooting direction so that the monitoring target fits into each field of view for the above device, it is assumed that the operation of changing the angle between the reflecting surface of the plane mirror and the optical axis is performed, and it is necessary to check the video captured by the television camera each time the angle of the plane mirror is adjusted. Since the television camera used for monitoring is often arranged at a high place such as the ceiling, it is considered that performing the above adjustment operation on the device installed at a high place places a large burden on the operator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a camera support mechanism and image acquisition system that can easily adjust multiple shooting directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0008] That is, claim 1 provides a camera support mechanism for supporting a camera capable of photographing an object, comprising: a mirror portion formed to reflect light from a direction different from the optical axis of the camera's lens toward the lens side, and positioned to be included in a part of the camera's field of view so as to enable the camera to photograph in both a first field of view based on light along the optical axis and a second field of view based on the reflected light; and a first support portion that rotatably supports the camera and the mirror portion about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the first support portion comprises: a first adjustment portion capable of adjusting the rotational position of the camera and the mirror portion about the first pivot axis while maintaining the angle between the first field of view and the second field of view as viewed in the axial direction of the first pivot axis; and a second adjustment portion capable of adjusting the rotational position of the camera about the first pivot axis so as to change the angle between the first field of view and the second field of view as viewed in the axial direction of the first pivot axis.

[0009] Claim 2 provides a second support portion which supports the first support portion and is formed to be rotatable about a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

[0010] Claim 3 provides a third support portion which supports the second support portion and is formed to be rotatable about a third pivot axis that is perpendicular to the second pivot axis.

[0011] Claim 4 comprises the camera support mechanism described in any one of claims 1 to 3, and the camera. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0013] In this invention, multiple shooting directions can be easily adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an image acquisition system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] An exploded perspective view showing the camera support mechanism and camera. [Figure 3] A plan view showing the camera support mechanism and the camera. [Figure 4] (a) A schematic plan view showing the state of photographing the passageway using the camera support mechanism in the reference direction. (b) A schematic plan cross-sectional view showing the camera support mechanism and camera in the reference direction. [Figure 5] (a) A schematic plan view showing the state of photographing a passageway using a camera support mechanism with an adjusted line of sight. (b) A schematic plan cross-sectional view showing the camera support mechanism and camera with an adjusted line of sight. [Figure 6] (a) A schematic plan view showing the state of photographing a passageway using a camera support mechanism with the direction of each field of view adjusted. (b) A schematic plan cross-sectional view showing the camera support mechanism and camera with the direction of each field of view adjusted. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The following describes an image acquisition system 1 and a camera support mechanism 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions are defined according to the arrows shown in the figure.

[0016] The video acquisition system 1 shown in FIG. 1 acquires the video of the imaging target using the camera 100. In this embodiment, the passage 2 shown in FIG. 4(a) is adopted as the imaging target. The passage 2 is formed in a substantially L-shape in plan view by a first passage 2a and a second passage 2b that are orthogonal to each other. The first passage 2a is formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The second passage 2b is formed to extend rightward from the rear end portion of the first passage 2a.

[0017] The video acquisition system 1 can be used for monitoring the imaging target. Hereinafter, an example of using the video acquisition system 1 for monitoring a pedestrian walking on the passage 2 will be described. The video acquisition system 1 is applicable, for example, to the passage 2 of an elderly facility. When the video acquisition system 1 is applied to an elderly facility, the video captured by the camera 100 can be used for verifying the walking motion of the pedestrian, etc. The video acquisition system 1 includes a camera 100, a camera support mechanism 200, and a video acquisition means 300.

[0018] The camera 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can capture a moving image of the imaging target. As the camera 100, various cameras that can be used for monitoring, such as a non-interlace scan (progressive scan) type camera or an interlace scan type camera, can be adopted. The camera 100 has a lens 110. In this embodiment, an example in which the lens 110 of the camera 100 is directed forward is shown. In FIG. 3, the optical axis X of the lens 110 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0019] The camera support mechanism 200 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 supports the camera 100 so that the first passage 2a and the second passage 2b can be photographed. The camera support mechanism 200 is installed on a predetermined installation target. In the present embodiment, the ceiling of the passage 2 is adopted as the installation target. The camera support mechanism 200 is formed so that the direction in which the lens 110 of the camera 100 faces can be adjusted. Hereinafter, the configuration of the camera support mechanism 200 will be described with reference to the camera support mechanism 200 in a posture (hereinafter referred to as the "reference posture") in which the optical axis X of the lens 110 of the camera 100 is directed in the horizontal direction. The camera support mechanism 200 includes a base plate 210, a pan arm 220, a tilt arm 230, a camera support portion 240, a mirror support portion 250, and a mirror portion 260.

[0020] The base plate 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a portion attached to the installation target (ceiling). The base plate 210 is formed in a substantially plate shape with the plate surface facing in the vertical direction. The base plate 210 has a pan axis 211.

[0021] The pan axis 211 is an axis with its axis directed in the vertical direction. The pan axis 211 is provided so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the base plate 210.

[0022] The pan arm 220 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is connected to the base plate 210 and is also connected to a tilt arm 230, which will be described later. The pan arm 220 is connected to the base plate 210 so as to be rotatable about the pan axis 211. The pan arm 220 is formed in a shape obtained by bending a substantially plate-shaped member into a substantially L shape. The pan arm 220 includes a first portion 221 and a second portion 222. The first portion 221 and the second portion 222 each constitute one piece of the substantially L shape.

[0023] The first portion 221 is a portion connected to the base plate 210. The first portion 221 is formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction. The first portion 221 is arranged such that the plate surface is parallel to the plate surface of the base plate 210. The first portion 221 has a pan adjustment portion 221a.

[0024] The pan adjustment section 221a is capable of adjusting the angle of the pan arm 220 around the pan shaft 211. The pan adjustment section 221a is provided at one end of the first section 221 in the extending direction. The pan adjustment section 221a is formed on the upper surface of the first section 221. The pan adjustment section 221a has a hole through which the pan shaft 211 is inserted.

[0025] The pan adjustment section 221a is formed to allow for the restriction and release of the rotation of the pan arm 220 around the pan shaft 211. The pan adjustment section 221a is provided with an operating section 221b for performing the operation of restricting and releasing the rotation. As the operating section 221b, for example, a screw member that can restrict the rotation of the pan arm 220 by tightening can be used. In this case, the rotation of the pan arm 220 around the pan shaft 211 can be allowed by loosening the operating section 221b. Note that the pan adjustment section 221a is not limited to the example described above, and various mechanisms that can restrict and release rotation can be used.

[0026] The second part 222 is the part to which the tilt arm 230, described later, is connected. The second part 222 is formed to extend downward from the other end of the first part 221 in the extension direction (the end on the side of the anti-pan adjustment part 221a). The plate surface of the second part 222 is positioned perpendicular to the plate surface of the first part 221. The second part 222 has a tilt axis 222a.

[0027] The tilt axis 222a is an axis whose axis is oriented horizontally. The tilt axis 222a is provided so as to protrude horizontally from the inner surface of the second part 222 (the surface facing the center of the camera support mechanism 200 in a plan view).

[0028] The tilt arm 230 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is connected to the pan arm 220, and also to the camera support section 240 and mirror support section 250, which will be described later. The tilt arm 230 is connected to the pan arm 220 so as to be rotatable about the tilt axis 222a. The tilt arm 230 is formed in a shape in which a substantially plate-shaped member is bent into a substantially L-shape. The tilt arm 230 comprises a first section 231, a second section 232, and a line-of-sight adjustment section 233. The first section 231 and the second section 232 each constitute a substantially L-shaped piece.

[0029] The first portion 231 is the part connected to the pan arm 220. The first portion 231 is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the tilt axis 222a (up and down in the reference position). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the reference position, the extension direction of the first portion 231 is the same as the extension direction of the second portion 222 of the pan arm 220. The plate surface of the first portion 231 is positioned parallel to the plate surface of the second portion 222. The first portion 231 has a tilt adjustment section 231a.

[0030] The tilt adjustment section 231a is capable of adjusting the angle of the tilt arm 230 around the tilt axis 222a. The tilt adjustment section 231a is provided at one end (the upper end in the illustrated example) in the extending direction of the first section 231. The tilt adjustment section 231a is provided on the inner surface of the first section 231 (the surface facing the center of the camera support mechanism 200 in a plan view). A hole is formed in the tilt adjustment section 231a through which the tilt axis 222a is inserted.

[0031] The tilt adjustment section 231a is configured to allow restriction and release of the rotation of the tilt arm 230 around the tilt axis 222a. The tilt adjustment section 231a is provided with an operating section 231b for performing the operation of restricting and releasing the rotation. The tilt adjustment section 231a and the operating section 231b can be configured in a manner generally similar to that of the pan adjustment section 221a and the operating section 221b of the pan arm 220.

[0032] The second part 232 is the part to which the camera support part 240 and the mirror support part 250, which will be described later, are connected. The second part 232 is formed to extend horizontally (in the direction of projection of the tilt axis 222a) from the other end (the lower end in the illustrated example) of the first part 231 in the extension direction. The plate surface of the second part 232 is arranged to be perpendicular to the plate surface of the first part 231. The second part 232 has an adjustment axis 232a.

[0033] The adjustment shaft 232a is an axis whose axis is oriented perpendicular to the tilt axis 222a. In the reference position, the adjustment shaft 232a is positioned so that its axis is oriented vertically. The adjustment shaft 232a is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the extension end of the second part 232. The adjustment shaft 232a serves as the center of rotation for the camera support part 240 and the mirror support part 250, which will be described later.

[0034] The line-of-sight adjustment unit 233 is capable of adjusting the rotational position of the camera support unit 240 and the mirror support unit 250 around the adjustment shaft 232a, which will be described later. The line-of-sight adjustment unit 233 can rotate the camera support unit 240 and the mirror support unit 250, which engage with each other, as a single unit. By rotating the camera support unit 240 and the mirror support unit 250 around the adjustment shaft 232a using the line-of-sight adjustment unit 233, the line-of-sight direction of the camera 100, which will be described later, can be adjusted. The adjustment of the line-of-sight direction will be described later. The line-of-sight adjustment unit 233 has a worm holding unit 233a and a worm shaft 233b.

[0035] The worm retaining portion 233a rotatably holds the worm shaft 233b, which will be described later. The worm retaining portion 233a is provided on the upper surface of the second portion 232.

[0036] The worm shaft 233b engages with the gear portion 251a of the worm wheel 251, which will be described later. The worm shaft 233b, together with the worm wheel 251, constitutes a worm gear. The worm shaft 233b is rotatably held relative to the worm holding portion 233a, with its axis oriented horizontally as the center of rotation. The worm shaft 233b has a shaft portion on which screw-shaped teeth are formed to engage with the gear portion 251a. The worm shaft 233b also has a head portion that expands in diameter relative to the shaft portion.

[0037] The camera support unit 240 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is connected to the tilt arm 230 and supports the camera 100. The camera support unit 240 is rotatably connected to the tilt arm 230 around the adjustment shaft 232a. The camera support unit 240 comprises a support unit 241 and a field of view adjustment unit 242.

[0038] The support portion 241 is the part that supports the camera 100. The support portion 241 is positioned on the upper part of the second portion 232 of the tilt arm 230. The support portion 241 comprises a first portion 241a, a second portion 241b, and a third portion 241c. Each of these portions is formed in a roughly plate shape.

[0039] The first portion 241a is the part connected to the tilt arm 230. The first portion 241a is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the adjustment shaft 232a (the front-rear direction in the illustrated example). The plate surface of the first portion 241a is positioned parallel to the plate surface of the second portion 232 of the tilt arm 230. A hole is formed at one end (front end) of the first portion 241a in the extending direction through which the adjustment shaft 232a is inserted.

[0040] The second part 241b is a portion that extends from the other end (rear end) of the first part 241a in the direction of extension, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the first part 241a (upward).

[0041] The third portion 241c is the portion to which the camera 100 is fixed. The third portion 241c is formed to extend horizontally from the leading edge (upper end) of the second portion 241b toward the side opposite the adjustment axis 232a (rear). In this embodiment, the camera 100 is fixed to the upper surface of the third portion 241c.

[0042] The field of view adjustment unit 242 is capable of adjusting the rotational position of the camera support unit 240 around the adjustment shaft 232a. By rotating the camera support unit 240 around the adjustment shaft 232a, the direction of the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B of the camera 100, which will be described later, can be adjusted. The adjustment of each of the above fields of view will be described later. The field of view adjustment unit 242 has a worm holding unit 242a and a worm shaft 242b.

[0043] The worm retaining portion 242a rotatably holds the worm shaft 242b, which will be described later. The worm retaining portion 242a is provided on the upper surface of the first portion 241a. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the worm retaining portion 242a is provided in a recess formed on the upper surface of the first portion 241a so as to be recessed downwards.

[0044] The worm shaft 242b engages with the gear portion 251a of the worm wheel 251, which will be described later. The worm shaft 242b, together with the worm wheel 251, constitutes a worm gear. The worm shaft 242b is rotatably held relative to the worm holding portion 242a, with its axis oriented horizontally as the center of rotation. The worm shaft 242b has a shaft portion on which screw-shaped teeth are formed to engage with the gear portion 251a. The worm shaft 242b also has a head portion that expands in diameter relative to the shaft portion.

[0045] The mirror support section 250 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is connected to the tilt arm 230 and supports the mirror section 260, which will be described later. The mirror support section 250 is positioned on the upper part of the first portion 241a of the camera support section 240. The mirror support section 250 is rotatably connected to the tilt arm 230 about the adjustment shaft 232a. The mirror support section 250 comprises a worm wheel 251 and a support section 252.

[0046] The worm wheel 251 is a part that is rotatably connected to the adjustment shaft 232a. The worm wheel 251 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape (fan shape in plan view) with a portion cut out in plan view. A hole is formed in the center of the worm wheel 251 in plan view through which the adjustment shaft 232a is inserted. The worm wheel 251 is equipped with a gear portion 251a.

[0047] The gear portion 251a is the part that engages with the worm shaft 233b of the line of sight adjustment portion 233 and the worm shaft 242b of the field of view adjustment portion 242. The gear portion 251a constitutes a gear that engages with the screw-shaped teeth of the worm shafts 233b and 242b.

[0048] The support portion 252 is the part that supports the mirror portion 260, which will be described later. The support portion 252 is fixed to the upper surface of the worm wheel 251. The support portion 252 is formed to extend upward.

[0049] The mirror portion 260 shown in Figures 1 to 3 reflects light onto the lens 110 of the camera 100. The mirror portion 260 is formed in a roughly plate shape. The mirror portion 260 is fixed to the support portion 252. The mirror portion 260 is positioned to face the lens of the camera 100.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the mirror portion 260 is positioned so as to be included in a portion of the camera 100's field of view (field of view centered on the optical axis X). More specifically, the mirror portion 260 is positioned so as to be located in the left half (not shown) of the camera 100's field of view in a plan view. In this embodiment, an example is shown where the camera 100's field of view in a plan view is approximately 60°.

[0051] The mirror portion 260 is positioned diagonally with respect to the optical axis X of the lens 110. In the example shown in Figure 3, the optical axis X of the camera 100 is oriented in the front-to-back direction, and the angle in plan view formed by the surface of the mirror portion 260 facing the lens 110 (reflective surface) and the optical axis X of the lens 110 is approximately 45°. In this embodiment, the end of the reflective surface of the mirror portion 260 (the corner on the right end) is positioned to coincide with the point (center O) indicating the center of the adjustment axis 232a in plan view.

[0052] In this embodiment, by arranging the mirror section 260 as described above, the camera 100 can capture images in both the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B. Each field of view will be described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0053] Direct field of view A is a field of view based on light that is incident directly from the front without passing through the mirror section 260. As shown in Figure 3, direct field of view A constitutes the right half of the field of view (field of view centered on the optical axis X) of the camera 100. The angle of direct field of view A in plan view is approximately 30°. Hereinafter, the direction in which the central axis Aa of direct field of view A points will be referred to as the "field of view direction of direct field of view A". In this embodiment, the field of view direction of direct field of view A is the direction in which the optical axis X is tilted approximately 15° clockwise in plan view (diagonally forward in the illustrated example).

[0054] The reflected field of view B is the field of view deflected by the mirror 260 (the field of view based on light from the right reflected by the mirror 260). In the example shown in Figure 3, the reflected field of view B constitutes the region obtained by rotating the direct field of view A approximately 90° clockwise in a planar view. Hereafter, the direction in which the central axis Ba of the reflected field of view B points will be referred to as the "field of view direction of the reflected field of view B".

[0055] In the following, the angle between the central axis Aa of the direct field of view A and the central axis Ba of the reflected field of view B will be referred to as the "field of view angle α". In the example above, the field of view angle α is approximately 90°. In the following, the direction that bisects the field of view angle α in a planar view will be referred to as the "line of sight direction". In Figure 4(b), the line of sight direction is indicated by a dashed-dot arrow.

[0056] The configuration of the camera support mechanism 200 has been described above. Below, the positional relationships of the various parts (pan arm 220, tilt arm 230, camera support section 240, mirror support section 250, etc.) that make up the camera support mechanism 200 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the optical axis X of the lens 110 of the camera 100 passes through the center O in a plan view (perpendicular to the axis of the adjustment axis 232a). Also as shown in Figure 3, the tilt axis 222a is positioned so that its axis (shown by the dashed line) passes through the center O in a plan view. The axis of the pan axis 211 is also positioned so that it passes through the center O. Furthermore, in the reference orientation, the adjustment axis 232a is located approximately coaxially with the pan axis 211 (see Figure 2).

[0057] Furthermore, the camera support mechanism 200 according to this embodiment includes a mechanism that allows adjustment of the line of sight direction and the field of view direction of each field (direct field of view A, reflected field of view B). The mechanism for adjusting the line of sight direction and each field of view consists of a worm wheel 251 of the mirror support section 250, a line of sight adjustment section 233, and a field of view adjustment section 242 (see Figure 1). Specifically, the worm wheel 251, the worm shaft 233b of the line of sight adjustment section 233, and the worm shaft 242b of the field of view adjustment section 242 engage with each other to form a worm gear.

[0058] By rotating the worm shaft 233b of the line-of-sight adjustment unit 233, the camera support unit 240 and the mirror support unit 250 rotate, allowing adjustment of the line-of-sight direction. In other words, when the worm shaft 233b is rotated, the rotational force of the worm shaft 233b is converted into a force that rotates the mirror support unit 250 (worm wheel 251) around the adjustment shaft 232a. Here, the camera support unit 240 is engaged with the worm wheel 251 via the worm shaft 242b, and if the worm shaft 242b is not rotated, the movement of the camera support unit 240 around the adjustment shaft 232a relative to the worm wheel 251 is restricted.

[0059] Therefore, when the worm shaft 233b is rotated, the camera support 240 rotates together with the mirror support 250 around the adjustment shaft 232a (see Figure 5(b)). In this case, the camera 100 and the mirror 260 rotate together while maintaining their relative positions. The example shown in the figure illustrates the camera 100 and the mirror 260 being rotated approximately 15° counterclockwise in a plan view. As described above, when the line of sight adjustment unit 233 is operated, the line of sight direction can be changed without changing the field of view angle α (approximately 90° in the example) between the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B.

[0060] Furthermore, by rotating the worm shaft 242b of the field of view adjustment unit 242, the rotational position of the camera support unit 240 relative to the mirror support unit 250 is changed, allowing adjustment of the field of view direction. In other words, the worm wheel 251 of the mirror support unit 250 is engaged with the worm shaft 233b of the line of sight adjustment unit 233, and if the worm shaft 233b is not rotated, the movement of the mirror support unit 250 around the adjustment shaft 232a is restricted. Therefore, the rotational force of the worm shaft 242b of the field of view adjustment unit 242 is converted into a force that rotates the camera support unit 240 around the adjustment shaft 232a.

[0061] Therefore, when the worm shaft 242b is rotated, the position of the mirror support 250 is maintained while the camera support 240 rotates (see Figure 6(b)). The example shown in the figure illustrates a case where the camera support 240 is rotated approximately 10° clockwise in a plan view. As shown in Figure 6(b), the direct field of view A of the camera 100 is also displaced clockwise in a plan view as the camera support 240 rotates. In addition, the reflected field of view B of the camera 100 is displaced counterclockwise in a plan view as the direct field of view A is displaced. In this case, the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B are displaced in directions that bring them closer together. In the above example, the field of view angle α in a plan view is approximately 70°. As described above, when the field of view adjustment unit 242 is operated, the field of view direction of the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B can be changed without changing the line of sight direction.

[0062] The camera 100 and camera support mechanism 200 described above constitute a camera unit capable of shooting in multiple directions (two directions). The shooting modes using the camera 100 and camera support mechanism 200 will be explained later.

[0063] Next, the video acquisition means 300 will be described using Figure 1. The video acquisition means 300 acquires video of the first passage 2a and the second passage 2b using the camera unit (camera 100 and camera support mechanism 200) as described above. The video acquisition means 300 is configured to communicate with the camera 100.

[0064] The image acquisition means 300 can perform image processing using the images of the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B captured by the camera 100. Here, the image of the reflected field of view B is a mirror image (left-right inverted image). Therefore, the image acquisition means 300 performs image processing to correct the mirror image of the image of the reflected field of view B. The image acquisition means 300 can be formed by a control device (for example, a server or a personal computer) capable of processing various types of information.

[0065] The configuration of the video acquisition system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. The following describes the manner in which the video acquisition system 1 is used for filming. An operator who films the corridor 2 using the video acquisition system 1 first installs the camera unit (camera 100 and camera support mechanism 200). At this time, the operator can adjust the filming direction of the camera 100 (horizontal, vertical, line of sight, and field of view) in order to film the first corridor 2a and the second corridor 2b, which are the subjects of filming. The operator can also change the installation position of the camera unit (camera support mechanism 200) on the ceiling as needed.

[0066] The following section will first explain how to adjust the horizontal and vertical orientation of the camera 100. By operating the pan adjustment unit 221a to release the rotational restriction, the operator can rotate the camera 100 around the pan axis 211. The operator can also fix the orientation of the camera 100 after rotation by operating the pan adjustment unit 221a to restrict the rotation. In this way, the operator can adjust the horizontal orientation of the camera 100.

[0067] Furthermore, the operator can rotate the camera 100 around the tilt axis 222a by operating the tilt adjustment unit 231a to release the rotational restriction. The operator can also fix the orientation of the camera 100 after rotation by operating the tilt adjustment unit 231a to restrict the rotation. In this way, the operator can adjust the vertical orientation of the camera 100.

[0068] Next, the adjustment of the line of sight direction and field of view direction will be explained using Figures 3 to 6. The line of sight direction and field of view direction can be adjusted after the horizontal and vertical orientation of the camera 100 has been adjusted. In the following, an example will be described in which the direction around each axis (pan axis 211, tilt axis 222a, and adjustment axis 232a) of each part constituting the camera support mechanism 200 (pan arm 220, tilt arm 230, camera support part 240, mirror support part 250) is set as the "reference direction" shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0069] In the reference direction camera support mechanism 200, the axis of the tilt axis 222a (shown in Figure 3, a dashed line tilted 45° to the left with respect to the optical axis X) is positioned perpendicular to the plane that bisects the first passage 2a and the second passage 2b (see the dashed line shown in Figures 3 and 4(a)).

[0070] Figure 4(a) shows an example in which the camera support mechanism 200 in the reference direction is positioned slightly forward of the corners (inward corners) of the first passage 2a and the second passage 2b. In the example, blind spots in each field of view are shown by filling them in. In the example shown in Figure 4(a), blind spots are formed on the rear side and diagonally to the front right of the camera support mechanism 200.

[0071] Figure 5 shows the camera support mechanism 200 with the line of sight direction changed from the reference direction described above. In the example shown in Figure 5(b), the camera support unit 240 and the mirror support unit 250 are rotated counterclockwise in a plan view by operating the line of sight adjustment unit 233. In this case, the line of sight direction is changed as the camera support unit 240 and the mirror support unit 250 are rotated.

[0072] Figure 5(a) shows the various fields of view after the above-described changes in the line of sight have been made. In the example shown in Figure 5(a), the camera support mechanism 200 is positioned at the corners of the first passage 2a and the second passage 2b, on the central side of each passage. In the example shown, blind spots are formed on the diagonally rear left and diagonally right front sides of the camera support mechanism 200.

[0073] Figure 6 shows the camera support mechanism 200 with the field of view directions of direct field A and reflected field B changed from the example shown in Figure 5. In the example shown in Figure 6(b), the camera support unit 240 is rotated clockwise in a plan view by operating the field of view adjustment unit 242. In this case, as the camera support unit 240 rotates, the field of view directions of direct field A and reflected field B become closer to each other.

[0074] Figure 6(b) shows the modified direct field of view A and reflected field of view B. The example shown in Figure 6(a) shows the camera support mechanism 200 positioned at the corners (inner corners) of the first passage 2a and the second passage 2b. In the example shown in Figure 6(a), the blind spot is smaller compared to Figures 4(a) and 5(a). Note that the above-described methods for changing the line of sight direction and field of view direction are just examples. The methods for changing the line of sight direction and field of view direction can be appropriately changed from the viewpoint of suitably photographing the target object.

[0075] According to this embodiment, in a camera support mechanism 200 that enables the capture of both a direct field of view A and a reflected field of view B with a single camera 100, the line of sight direction and the respective field of view directions of the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B can be adjusted. According to this embodiment, by pre-determining the amount of rotation of the camera support section 240 and the mirror support section 250 related to the adjustment of the line of sight direction, and the amount of rotation of the camera support section 240 related to the adjustment of each field of view direction, it is possible to determine a suitable shooting direction without actually installing the camera support mechanism 200. As a result, it is not necessary to adjust the field of view direction, etc., while checking the image captured by the camera 100 with the camera support mechanism 200 installed, and the shooting direction can be easily adjusted. With the above configuration, even if the camera support mechanism 200 is installed at a high place, the burden of adjustment work can be reduced.

[0076] The configuration of the camera support mechanism 200 is not limited to the example described above and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the camera support mechanism 200 can be provided with markings that indicate the magnitude of rotation of each part related to adjusting the shooting direction. For example, scales or the like can be used as the markings.

[0077] Specifically, a configuration can be adopted in which the camera support mechanism 200 is provided with markings for adjusting the line of sight. In this case, a scale indicating that the line of sight of the camera 100 is facing a predetermined direction may be provided at a predetermined position on the camera support mechanism 200 (for example, on the worm wheel 251 or tilt arm 230).

[0078] Furthermore, the camera support mechanism 200 can be configured to include markings for adjusting the viewing direction of the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B. In this case, a scale indicating that the viewing angle α is a predetermined angle may be provided at a predetermined position on the camera support mechanism 200 (for example, on the worm wheel 251 or the camera support part 240).

[0079] Furthermore, the camera support mechanism 200 can be configured to include markings for adjusting the vertical angle (angle around the tilt axis 222a) of the camera 100. In this case, a scale indicating that the angle of the tilt arm 230 relative to the pan arm 220 around the tilt axis 222a is a predetermined angle may be provided at a predetermined position on the camera support mechanism 200 (for example, on the pan arm 220 or the tilt arm 230).

[0080] Furthermore, the camera support mechanism 200 can be configured to include markings for adjusting the horizontal angle of the camera 100 (angle around the pan axis 211). In this case, a scale indicating that the angle of the pan arm 220 relative to the base plate 210 around the pan axis 211 is a predetermined angle may be provided at a predetermined position on the camera support mechanism 200 (for example, on the base plate 210 or the pan arm 220).

[0081] The above configuration further reduces the burden of adjusting the shooting direction. In the examples described above, a scale is provided at a predetermined position on the camera support mechanism 200, but the system is not limited to these examples. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which the shooting direction is adjusted using a separate component from the camera support mechanism 200, such as a template that forms a marker indicating the magnitude of the rotation amount of each part.

[0082] As described above, the camera support mechanism 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is A camera support mechanism 200 that supports a camera 100 capable of photographing a passageway 2 (the object to be photographed), A mirror section 260 is formed to reflect light from a direction different from the optical axis X of the lens 110 of the camera 100 towards the lens 110, and is positioned to be included in a part of the field of view of the camera 100 so that the camera 100 can capture images in both a direct field of view A (first field of view) based on light along the optical axis X and a reflected field of view B (second field of view) based on reflected light. A first support section (camera support section 240 and mirror support section 250) rotatably supports the camera 100 and the mirror section 260 around an adjustment axis 232a (first rotation axis) perpendicular to the optical axis X, It is equipped with, The camera support portion 240 and the mirror support portion 250 are, A line-of-sight adjustment unit 233 (first adjustment unit) is provided that allows adjustment of the rotational position of the camera 100 and the mirror unit 260 around the adjustment shaft 232a, while maintaining the field of view angle α (angle) between the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B as viewed in the axial direction of the adjustment shaft 232a. The camera 100 has a field of view adjustment unit 242 (second adjustment unit) that can adjust the rotational position of the camera 100 around the adjustment shaft 232a so as to change the field of view angle α between the direct field of view A and the reflected field of view B as viewed in the axial direction of the adjustment shaft 232a, It is equipped with the following features.

[0083] This configuration allows for easy adjustment of multiple shooting directions. Specifically, by pre-determining the amount of rotation of the camera support section 240 and mirror support section 250 related to the adjustment of the line of sight direction, and the amount of rotation of the camera support section 240 related to the adjustment of each field of view direction, a suitable shooting direction can be determined without actually installing the camera support mechanism 200. This makes it easy to adjust the line of sight direction and the field of view directions of direct field of view A and reflected field of view B.

[0084] Furthermore, the camera support mechanism 200 is The device includes a tilt arm 230 (second support part) that supports the camera support part 240 and the mirror support part 250, and is formed to be rotatable about a tilt axis 222a (second pivot axis) that is perpendicular to the adjustment axis 232a.

[0085] This configuration allows the orientation (vertical direction) of the camera 100 to be adjusted around the tilt axis 222a.

[0086] Furthermore, the camera support mechanism 200 is The system includes a pan arm 220 (third support part) that supports the tilt arm 230 and is rotatable about a pan axis 211 (third pivot axis) perpendicular to the tilt axis 222a.

[0087] This configuration allows for adjustment of the orientation (horizontal orientation) of the camera 100 around the pan axis 211.

[0088] Furthermore, the video acquisition system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is A camera support mechanism 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention, The aforementioned camera 100, It is equipped with the following features.

[0089] This configuration makes it easy to adjust multiple shooting directions.

[0090] In this embodiment, passageway 2 is one form of the object to be photographed according to the present invention. Furthermore, the line-of-sight adjustment unit 233 according to this embodiment is one form of the first adjustment unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the field of view adjustment unit 242 according to this embodiment is one form of the second adjustment unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the adjustment shaft 232a according to this embodiment is one form of the first rotational shaft according to the present invention. Furthermore, the camera support portion 240 and the mirror support portion 250 according to this embodiment are one form of the first support portion according to the present invention. Furthermore, the tilt axis 222a according to this embodiment is one form of the second pivot axis according to the present invention. Furthermore, the tilt arm 230 according to this embodiment is one form of the second support part according to the present invention. Furthermore, the pan shaft 211 according to this embodiment is one form of the third rotational shaft according to the present invention. Furthermore, the pan arm 220 according to this embodiment is one form of the third support part according to the present invention. Furthermore, the direct field of view A according to this embodiment is one form of the first field of view according to the present invention. Furthermore, the reflected field of view B according to this embodiment is one form of the second field of view according to the present invention.

[0091] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0092] Furthermore, in the camera support mechanism 200 according to this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the vertical and horizontal orientation of the camera 100 can be adjusted around the pan axis 211 and the tilt axis 222a, but the invention is not limited to the example described above. For example, the camera support mechanism 200 can also be configured so that one or both of the above axes cannot be adjusted.

[0093] Furthermore, in the camera support mechanism 200 according to this embodiment, an example was shown in which the camera support part 240 is rotated relative to the mirror support part 250 by the field of view adjustment part 242, but the invention is not limited to the example described above. For example, a configuration in which the mirror support part 250 is rotated relative to the camera support part 240 can also be adopted.

[0094] Furthermore, although the camera support mechanism 200 according to this embodiment is shown as having two shooting directions, it is not limited to the above example. For example, it is also possible to form the camera support mechanism 200 to be capable of shooting in three or more directions. In this case, for example, a configuration in which a mirror portion 260 is provided in part of the direct field of view A of the camera 100 can be adopted.

[0095] Furthermore, although this embodiment shows an example of applying the video acquisition system 1 to a facility for the elderly, it is not limited to the example described above. The video acquisition system 1 can be applied to various facilities (buildings). [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Video acquisition system 100 Cameras 200 Camera support mechanism 300 Video acquisition methods

Claims

1. A camera support mechanism that supports a camera capable of photographing a subject, A mirror portion is formed to reflect light from a direction different from the optical axis of the camera lens toward the lens, and is positioned to be included in a part of the camera's field of view so that the camera can capture images in both a first field of view based on light along the optical axis and a second field of view based on the reflected light. A first support portion that rotatably supports the camera and the mirror portion around a first pivot axis perpendicular to the optical axis, It is equipped with, The first support portion is, A first adjustment unit that can adjust the rotational position of the camera and the mirror unit around the first rotation axis while maintaining the angle between the first field of view and the second field of view as viewed in the axial direction of the first rotation axis, A second adjustment unit is provided that can adjust the rotational position of the camera around the first rotation axis so as to change the angle between the first field of view and the second field of view as viewed in the axial direction of the first rotation axis, Equipped with, Camera support mechanism.

2. The system comprises a second support portion that supports the first support portion and is rotatable about a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis, The camera support mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a third support portion that supports the second support portion and is rotatable about a third pivot axis perpendicular to the second pivot axis. The camera support mechanism according to claim 2.

4. A camera support mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned camera, A video acquisition system equipped with the following features.

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