Imaging and monitoring devices

Abstract

To realize an imaging device that suppresses glare caused by reflection of indoor light on window glass. [Solution] The imaging device 10 comprises a camera 13, an illumination unit 14 whose illumination range IA includes at least a portion of the imaging range AOV of the camera 13, a housing 11 having an opening 112 that can be attached opposite the indoor surface 200I of the window 200 and that holds the camera 13 and the illumination unit 14 so that the optical axis 13OA of the camera 13 and the optical axis 14OA of the illumination unit 14 point toward the opening 112, and a shading unit 12 between the camera 13 and the illumination unit 14 that has a surface extending in the direction of the optical axis 13OA of the camera 13, and the shading unit 12 is realized by having one end facing the opening 112.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, window cameras have been proposed that capture images of the outdoors from the indoor surface of a window, as shown in Patent Document 1. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a window camera that includes an imaging unit that captures images of the outdoors from the indoor surface of a window, a housing that has a rectangular mounting surface that faces parallel to the indoor surface and in which the imaging unit is recessed into the mounting surface and the optical axis of the imaging unit is aligned with the intersection of a pair of diagonal lines on the mounting surface, and a light-blocking member that is made of an elastic material, that protrudes from the mounting surface toward the indoor surface, that is formed in a rectangular frame shape that follows the outline of the mounting surface, and that elastically deforms when pressed by the housing to close a gap between the indoor surface and the mounting surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-111812 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a window camera is installed on the indoor side of a window and images of the outdoors are captured from the indoor side of the window, the quality of the images captured by the camera can be reduced due to reflected light caused by light irradiated from indoors being reflected by the window glass, and sunlight entering from outdoors entering the camera.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an imaging device that suppresses glare caused by indoor light being reflected on window glass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An imaging device according to a representative embodiment of the present invention comprises a camera, an illumination unit whose illumination range includes at least a portion of the imaging range of the camera, a housing having an opening that can be attached opposite the indoor surface of a window and that holds the camera and the illumination unit so that the optical axis of the camera and the optical axis of the illumination unit are directed toward the opening, and a shading unit between the camera and the illumination unit and having a surface that extends in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, with one end of the shading unit facing the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an imaging device that suppresses glare caused by reflection of indoor light on window glass. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring device according to an embodiment installed indoors. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the monitoring device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the imaging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the mounting portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the imaging device according to the embodiment when installed indoors. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between an imaging range and an illumination range of the monitoring device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between irradiated light and reflected light in an imaging device without a light-shielding portion. [Figure 8] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between irradiated light, reflected light, and sunlight in the imaging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a camera. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera when an imaging unit board different from the imaging unit board in FIG. 9 is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1. Overview of the embodiment First, a typical embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be outlined. In the following description, for example, reference numerals in the drawings corresponding to components of the invention are written in parentheses.

[0010] [1] An imaging device (10) according to a representative embodiment of the present invention comprises a camera (13), an illumination unit (14) whose illumination range (IA) includes at least a portion of the imaging range (AOV) of the camera (13), a housing (11) having an opening (112) that can be attached opposite the indoor surface (200I) of a window (200) and that holds the camera (13) and the illumination unit (14) so that the optical axis (13OA) of the camera (13) and the optical axis (14OA) of the illumination unit (14) are directed toward the opening (112), and a shading unit (12) between the camera (13) and the illumination unit (14) that has a surface extending in the direction of the optical axis (13OA) of the camera (13), and one end of the shading unit (12) faces the opening (112).

[0011] [2] In the imaging device (10) described in [1] above, the light-shielding portion (12) may be arranged to abut against the indoor surface (200I) when the opening (112) is attached to the indoor surface (200I).

[0012] [3] In the imaging device (10) described in [1] or [2] above, the light-shielding portion (12) may be arranged to abut against the indoor surface (210I) of the window glass (210) of the window (200) when the opening (112) is attached to the indoor surface (200I).

[0013] [4] In the imaging device (10) described in [1] to [3] above, the shading section (12) comprises vertical sections (121V, 122V) formed to extend substantially parallel to the indoor surface (200I, 210I), and horizontal sections (121H, 122H) formed to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical sections (121V, 122V), and the surface (121V) of the vertical sections (121V, 122V) facing the indoor surface (200I, 210I) has a shading material (121), and the horizontal sections (121H, 122H) may be located between the camera (13) and the illumination section (14).

[0014] [5] In the imaging device (10) described in [1] to [4] above, the surface (121H) of the horizontal portion (121H, 122H) facing the side of the camera (13) may have a light-shielding material (121).

[0015] [6] In the imaging device (10) described in [1] to [5] above, the camera (13) is a camera module and includes an imaging unit (131), an imaging range adjustment unit (132) that adjusts the imaging range (AOV) of the imaging unit (131), and a bracket (133) connected to the housing (11), the irradiation unit (14) is a lighting module and includes a light source (141) and an irradiation range adjustment unit (143) that adjusts the irradiation range (IA) of the irradiation unit (14), the bracket (133) connects the imaging range adjustment unit (132), the imaging range adjustment unit (132) connects the imaging unit (131), and the imaging range adjustment unit (132) and the irradiation range adjustment unit (143) may be adjusted independently of each other or in conjunction with each other.

[0016] [7] The imaging device (10) described in [1] to [6] above may include a power supply unit (17) that receives power from an external source and supplies power to the camera (13) and the illumination unit (14), and the power input from the power supply unit (17) to the illumination unit (14) may be 0.5 W or less.

[0017] [8] In the imaging device (10) described in [1] to [7] above, the housing (11) may include a wire insertion portion (113) for inserting a wire.

[0018] [9] The imaging device (10) described in any of [1] to [8] above may further include a communication unit (19) that transmits data captured by the camera (13) to an external information processing device.

[0019]

[10] The imaging device (10) described in [1] to [8] above may include a human presence sensor (181) stored in the housing (11), and a sound generation unit (182) stored in the housing (11) that outputs a warning sound based on information acquired by the human presence sensor (181), and the illumination unit (14) may flash based on the information acquired by the human presence sensor (181).

[0020]

[11] In the imaging device (10) described in

[10] above, the human presence sensor (181) may be a millimeter wave radar sensor.

[0021]

[12] A monitoring device (100) according to a representative embodiment of the present invention comprises an imaging device (10) described in [1] to

[11] above, and an attachment part (20) that can be attached to the window (200), and the attachment part (20) is characterized in that it comprises an attachment / detachment mechanism (23) that attaches and detaches the imaging device (10) by moving the imaging device (10) in a direction parallel to the indoor surface (200I, 210I).

[0022] 2. Specific examples of embodiments Specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components common to each embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from the actual situation. The drawings may also include portions with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0023] First, the environment in which the monitoring device 100 is installed will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring device according to an embodiment installed indoors.

[0024] The monitoring device 100 according to this embodiment is installed inside a building and monitors the outside of the building from inside the building for the purpose of crime prevention. As shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring device 100 is installed on an indoor surface 200I of a window 200.

[0025] In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the direction in which the window 200 and the curtain rail 320 are aligned is defined as the up-down direction (arrow UD). 5, a direction intersecting the up-down direction (arrow UD) is defined as a short-side direction indicated by an arrow IO. In the short-side direction (arrow IO), for example, the side on which the shading device 300 is installed is defined as the indoor side (arrow I), and the side opposite the indoor side is defined as the outdoor side (arrow O).

[0026] The window 200 is a fixture installed in the wall of a building for the purposes of lighting, ventilation, and views. The window 200 may be a double-pane window. An indoor surface 200I of the window 200 faces the interior (indoors) of the building (see FIG. 6). A shading device 300 is installed near the indoor surface 200I of the window 200. The exterior surface 200O of the window 200 faces the exterior (outdoors) of the building (see FIG. 6).

[0027] The window 200 comprises a window glass 210 and a window frame 220. The window glass 210 is a transparent member that is installed in the window 200 for the purposes of lighting, viewing, etc. The window glass 210 is fitted into a window frame 220. The window glass 210 may be single-pane glass, double-pane glass, or triple-pane glass.

[0028] An indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 faces the interior (indoors) of the building (see FIG. 5). A shading device 300 is installed near the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210. The exterior surface 210O of the window glass 210 faces the exterior (outdoors) of the building (see FIG. 5). The window frame 220 is a fixture for attaching the window 200 to a wall. The window glass 210 is fitted into the window frame 220.

[0029] The shading device 300 is a device such as a curtain that adjusts the amount of light and ensures privacy indoors. The shading device 300 includes a curtain 310 and a curtain rail 320 .

[0030] The curtain 310 is a screen that is installed near the indoor surface 200I of the window 200 for the purposes of blocking light, soundproofing, partitioning, preventing peeping, etc. The curtain 310 is attached to a curtain rail 320. The curtain rail 320 is installed above the window 200 (arrow U) and is a fixture for hanging the curtain 310. The curtain 310 unfolds or folds in the direction in which the curtain rail 320 extends.

[0031] The monitoring device 100 may be installed anywhere on the indoor surface 200I of the window 200. However, to improve the aesthetic appearance of the interior, the monitoring device 100 may be positioned between the window 200 and the curtain 310 in the short direction (arrow IO) when the curtain 310 is folded.

[0032] The monitoring device 100 receives power supplied from the outlet 400 via the cable 172 . Outlet 400 is installed, for example, near curtain rail 320. The outlet 400 can supply power simultaneously to the monitoring device 100 and electrical equipment such as an air conditioner (not shown) by connecting a power plug thereto, for example.

[0033] Next, the detailed configuration of the monitoring device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the monitoring device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the imaging device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the attachment portion according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view of the imaging device according to the embodiment when it is installed indoors. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the imaging range and the illumination range of the monitoring device according to the embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 100 includes an imaging device 10 and an attachment unit 20.

[0035] The imaging device 10 is a device for monitoring the outside of a building from inside the building. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the imaging device 10 includes a housing 11, a shading unit 12, a camera 13, an irradiation unit 14, a base unit 15, an angle adjustment unit 16, a power supply unit 17, a monitoring unit 18, and a communication unit 19.

[0036] The housing 11 is a member that holds the light-shielding unit 12, the camera 13, the irradiation unit 14, the base unit 15, the angle adjustment unit 16, the power supply unit 17, the monitoring unit 18, and the communication unit 19. Housing 11 holds camera 13 and irradiation unit 14 such that optical axis 13OA (see FIG. 5) of camera 13 and optical axis 14OA (see FIG. 5) of irradiation unit 14 are directed toward opening 112. The housing 11 includes a main body 111, an opening 112, and a wire insertion portion 113.

[0037] The main body 111 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an opening 112 on the surface facing the outdoors (arrow O). Inside the main body 111, a light blocking unit 12, a camera 13, an irradiation unit 14, a base 15, an angle adjustment unit 16, a monitoring unit 18, and a communication unit 19 are stored. Furthermore, a socket for connecting terminal 171 of power supply unit 17 is provided on the lower side (arrow D) of main body 111.

[0038] The opening 112 is a portion provided on the surface of the main body 111 facing the outdoor side (arrow O), and faces the indoor surface 200I of the window 200.

[0039] The wire insertion portion 113 is a portion provided on the upper side (arrow U) of the main body portion 111 and having a hole for inserting a wire therethrough. The wire inserted through the wire insertion portion 113 is fixed to, for example, a curtain rail 320, to prevent the monitoring device 100 from falling.

[0040] The light blocking portion 12 has an L-shaped flat plate shape in a side view, and includes a light blocking material 121 and a base 122 for the light blocking material.

[0041] The light blocking material 121 is a member for blocking reflected light generated when light emitted by the irradiating unit 14 is reflected by the window glass 210 and sunlight SL (see FIG. 8) from entering the camera 13. The light blocking material 121 includes a vertical portion 121V formed to extend parallel or approximately parallel to the indoor surface 200I, and a horizontal portion 121H formed to extend perpendicular or approximately perpendicular from the vertical portion 121V.

[0042] Horizontal portion 121H is a portion that is located between camera 13 and irradiation unit 14 in the up-down direction (arrow UD) and extends in the direction of optical axis 13OA of camera 13. The horizontal portion 121H has a surface facing the side surface of the camera 13 and is made of a light-shielding material.

[0043] The vertical portion 121V is provided so as to abut against the indoor surface 200I when the opening portion 112 is attached to the indoor surface 200I. The vertical portion 121V is also provided so as to abut against the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 when the opening portion 112 is attached to the indoor surface 200I. The vertical portion 121V has a surface facing the indoor surface 200I and is made of a light-shielding material.

[0044] The light blocking material seat 122 is a member for supporting the light blocking material 121 . The light blocking material base 122 includes a vertical portion 122V formed to extend parallel or approximately parallel to the indoor surface 200I, and a horizontal portion 122H formed to extend vertically or approximately vertically from the vertical portion 122V. Note that the light blocking material base 122 is not limited to the shape shown in this embodiment as long as it can support the light blocking material 121.

[0045] Horizontal portion 122H is a portion that is located between camera 13 and irradiation unit 14 in the up-down direction (arrow UD) and extends in the direction of optical axis 13OA of camera 13. The horizontal portion 122H is located below the horizontal portion 121H (arrow D). The vertical portion 122V is located closer to the indoor side (arrow I) than the vertical portion 121V.

[0046] The camera 13 is a component for monitoring the outside of a building from inside the building. In this embodiment, the camera 13 is a camera module in which an image sensor, a lens, an image processing circuit, and the like are integrally formed. Camera 13 is located above (arrow U) light blocking section 12 in the up-down direction (arrow UD). The camera 13 includes an imaging unit 131 , an imaging range adjustment unit 132 , and a bracket 133 .

[0047] Optical axis 13OA is an optical center axis that passes through the lens and the center of the image circle of imaging unit 131. The direction of optical axis 13OA is adjusted by imaging range adjustment unit 132.

[0048] The imaging unit 131 is a functional unit having an image sensor, a lens, an image processing circuit, etc. The imaging unit 131 is held by a bracket 133 so that the imaging range AOV is directed toward the outdoors (arrow O).

[0049] The imaging range adjustment unit 132 is a functional unit that adjusts the imaging range AOV of the imaging unit 131. The imaging range adjustment unit 132 is connected to the imaging unit 131 via a bracket 133. The imaging range adjustment unit 132 can adjust the imaging range AOV independently, but can also adjust the imaging range AOV in conjunction with the irradiation range adjustment unit 143.

[0050] The bracket 133 is a member that connects the imaging unit 131 and the imaging range adjustment unit 132 together. The bracket 133 is connected to the housing 11 and the angle adjustment unit 16. The bracket 133 connects the imaging range adjustment unit 132.

[0051] The illuminating unit 14 is a member that irradiates the imaging range AOV of the camera 13 and maintains the image quality of the video captured by the camera 13. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit 14 is an illumination module in which a light source 141, a control circuit, and the like are integrally formed. The irradiating section 14 is located below (arrow D) the light blocking section 12 in the up-down direction (arrow UD). The irradiation unit 14 includes a light source 141 , a lens 142 , and an irradiation range adjustment unit 143 .

[0052] Optical axis 14OA is an optical center axis that passes through the center of the light emitted from light source 141. The direction of optical axis 14OA is adjusted by irradiation range adjustment unit 143.

[0053] The light source 141 is a light emitting body that outputs light to irradiate the imaging range AOV of the camera 13. In this embodiment, light source 141 is a visible light LED (light emitting diode), but is not limited to this and may be any light source with a wavelength that easily transmits through glass, such as an OLED (organic light emitting diode), an HID (high intensity discharge) lamp, or a laser light source. Note that infrared light is reflected by glass and is difficult to transmit, so an infrared LED is not preferable.

[0054] The lens 142 is a member that refracts the light output from the light source 141 to adjust the irradiation state.

[0055] The irradiation range adjusting section 143 is a functional section that adjusts the irradiation range IA of the irradiating section 14. The illumination range adjustment unit 143 has a circuit board, and connects the light source 141 and the lens 142 . The illumination range adjustment section 143 can adjust the illumination range IA independently, but can also adjust the illumination range IA in conjunction with the imaging range adjustment section 132. The illumination range IA of the light emitted by the illumination unit 14 includes at least a part of the imaging range AOV of the camera 13, as shown in FIG.

[0056] The base 15 is provided near the opening 112 and is a member for supporting the base 122 for the light blocking material.

[0057] The angle adjustment unit 16 is a member for adjusting the imaging range AOV of the camera 13. The angle adjustment unit 16 includes a link 161 and an angle adjustment lever 162 .

[0058] The link 161 is a member formed to extend in the up-down direction (arrow UD). The link 161 has a protrusion for connecting with the angle adjustment lever 162 in a direction along the opening 112 or the indoor surface 200I of the window 200. The imaging range adjustment unit 132 is connected to the upper side (arrow U) of the link 161 . The irradiation range adjustment unit 143 is connected to the lower side (arrow D) of the link 161.

[0059] The angle adjustment lever 162 is a member formed to extend along the short side direction (arrow IO), and has a long hole formed therein to extend in the short side direction (arrow IO) for connecting the link 161. The angle adjustment lever 162 moves parallel to the short direction (arrow IO) to adjust the angle of the link 161 relative to the opening 112 or the indoor surface 200I of the window 200.

[0060] The power supply unit 17 is a functional unit that receives power from an external source and supplies power to the camera 13 and the irradiation unit 14 . The power supply unit 17 includes a terminal 171 and a cable 172 .

[0061] The power input from power supply unit 17 to irradiation unit 14 is usually adjusted to be 0.5 W or less. However, when the camera 13 or the monitoring unit 18 detects the presence of a person in the imaging range AOV, the monitoring device 100 can increase the power input from the power supply unit 17 to the irradiation unit 14. For example, when the camera 13 or the monitoring unit 18 detects the presence of a person outdoors, the monitoring device 100 can cause the illumination unit 14 to flash by quickly switching the power input from the power supply unit 17 to the illumination unit 14 between a value of 0.5 W or less and a value exceeding 0.5 W.

[0062] The terminal 171 is a member that receives power supplied from the outlet 400 and supplies power to the camera 13 and the irradiation unit 14. In this embodiment, terminal 171 and the socket of main body 111 have shapes that comply with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but are not limited to this and any shape can be adopted.

[0063] The cable 172 is a member for supplying power supplied from the outlet 400 to the camera 13 and the irradiation unit 14. The cable 172 has an adapter (not shown) and is connected to the outlet 400 via the adapter.

[0064] The monitoring unit 18 is a functional unit that detects the presence of a person outdoors and outputs an alarm sound. The monitoring unit 18 includes a human sensor 181 and a sound generating unit 182.

[0065] The human presence sensor 181 is housed in the housing 11 and is a detector that detects people and animals within a detection range using millimeter wave radar or the like. For example, if millimeter wave radar is used for the human presence sensor 181, millimeter waves have a short wavelength, making it suitable for detecting people and animals through the window glass 210. Furthermore, for example, it becomes possible to more reliably detect people and animals without relying on image recognition by the camera 13. The human presence sensor 181 is attached to, for example, a circuit board that the irradiation range adjustment unit 143 has, but can be attached to any position inside or around the housing 11.

[0066] The sound generator 182 is housed in the housing 11 and is a functional unit that outputs a warning sound based on information acquired by the human sensor 181 . The sound generating unit 182 is attached to, for example, a circuit board that the irradiation range adjusting unit 143 has, but can be attached to any position inside or around the housing 11.

[0067] The communication unit 19 is a functional unit that transmits the data captured by the camera 13 to an external information processing device. The communication unit 19 can transmit, for example, data captured by the camera 13 to an external information processing device via wireless communication.

[0068] The attachment unit 20 is a device that is attached to the window 200 and holds the imaging device 10. Specifically, it is attached to the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 and holds the imaging device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting portion 20 includes a mounting bracket 21, double-sided tape 22, and an attachment / detachment mechanism .

[0069] Mounting bracket 21 has a flat, C-shaped plate shape when viewed from behind, and is a resin (e.g., vinyl chloride resin) member having a shape corresponding to opening 112 of housing 11. By using the above-described shape and material, mounting bracket 21 can be easily removed from indoor surface 210I of window glass 210, for example, when moving. In order to connect the housing 11 to the mounting bracket 21 while moving the housing 11 parallel to the upward direction (arrow U), no components are attached to the underside of the mounting bracket 21 (arrow D) in a direction along the indoor surface 200I of the window 200. The mounting bracket 21 has a double-sided tape 22 and a mounting / removal mechanism 23 attached thereto.

[0070] The double-sided tape 22 is a member for attaching the attachment portion 20 to the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210. The double-sided tape 22 can be attached to any location on the outdoor side (arrow O) of the mounting bracket 21. In this embodiment, the double-sided tape 22 is attached to the mounting bracket 21 at one location on the upper side (arrow U) and at two locations on the lower side (arrow D).

[0071] The attachment / detachment mechanism 23 is a mechanism for attaching or detaching the imaging device 10 to or from the mounting bracket 21 by moving the imaging device 10 in a direction parallel to the indoor surface 200I.

[0072] Next, a mechanism for blocking light that degrades the image quality of the image captured by the camera 13 using the light blocking section 12 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between irradiated light and reflected light in an imaging device without a light-shielding portion. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between irradiated light, reflected light, and sunlight in the imaging device according to the embodiment.

[0073] In FIG. 7, camera 13 is located above (arrow U) the indoor side (arrow I) of window glass 210, and irradiation unit 14 is located below (arrow D). 7, dirt DR is attached to the outdoor surface 210O of the window glass 210.

[0074] Here, when the light source 141 of the irradiation unit 14 outputs light, irradiation lights IL1 and IL2 are emitted toward the outdoors (arrow O). At this time, the irradiated light IL1 incident on the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 generates reflected light RL inside the window glass 210 due to specular reflection. The reflected light RL travels in the vertical direction (arrow UD) while repeatedly being reflected inside the window glass 210, and enters the imaging range AOV of the camera 13.

[0075] Further, the irradiated light IL2 incident on the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 in an upward direction (arrow U) is reflected by the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 and enters the imaging range AOV of the camera 13.

[0076] Furthermore, a virtual image VI of the irradiating unit 14 is generated on the outdoor side of the window glass 210 (arrow O) by the irradiated lights IL1 and IL2. Illumination light ILV of the virtual image generated by the virtual image VI travels from the outdoor side of the window glass 210 (arrow O) to the indoor side of the window glass 210 (arrow I) and enters the imaging range AOV of the camera 13.

[0077] The reflected light RL and the irradiated light ILV of the virtual image are further reflected by the dirt DR. The reflected light RL and the irradiated light ILV of the virtual image will degrade the image quality of the video captured by the camera 13.

[0078] Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, by providing a shading section 12 between the camera 13 and the irradiation section 14 in the vertical direction (arrow UD), it is possible to suppress reflections on the window glass 210 and prevent a decrease in the image quality of the image captured by the camera 13.

[0079] Specifically, the vertical portion 121V of the light shading material 121 abuts against the indoor surface 200I of the window 200, allowing the imaging device 10 to block the reflected light RL generated by the irradiated light IL1. The vertical portion 121V of the light shading material 121 abuts against the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 of the window 200, allowing the imaging device 10 to block more of the reflected light RL generated by the irradiated light IL1. That is, the vertical portion 121V blocks the reflected light RL traveling upward (arrow U) while repeatedly being reflected, and prevents the reflected light RL from proceeding further upward (arrow U).

[0080] Furthermore, the vertical portion 121V or horizontal portion 121H of the light blocking material 121 prevents the irradiated light IL2 from entering the imaging range AOV of the camera 13, and prevents a virtual image VI of the irradiated portion 14 from being generated.

[0081] Furthermore, the horizontal portion 121H of the light blocking material 121 blocks the reflection of sunlight SL that enters from the outdoor side of the window glass 210 (arrow O) to the indoor side of the window glass 210 (arrow I).

[0082] As described above, by providing the shading section 12 between the camera 13 and the irradiation section 14 in the vertical direction (arrow UD), it is possible to prevent degradation of the image quality of the image captured by the camera 13 due to sunlight SL in addition to the reflected light RL generated by the irradiation light IL1 and IL2 and the virtual image VI of the irradiation section 14.

[0083] Next, the detailed configuration of the imaging section of the camera will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the camera. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera when an imaging unit board different from the imaging unit board in FIG. 9 is applied.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, the imaging unit 131 of the camera 13 includes an imaging unit lens 1311 and an imaging unit substrate 1312.

[0085] The imaging unit lens 1311 is a member that adjusts the focus of the image captured by the imaging unit 131. The imaging unit board 1312 is a circuit board having an image sensor, an image processing circuit, and the like. The imaging unit substrate 1312 in FIG. 9 has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0086] The imaging unit substrate 1312 may have the shape shown in FIG. 9, or may have the shape of an imaging unit substrate 1312A shown in FIG. 10, for example. That is, the imaging section 131A of the camera 13A shown in FIG. 10 includes an imaging section board 1312A that is different from the imaging section board 1312 of the camera 13.

[0087] Unlike the imaging unit board 1312, the imaging unit board 1312A is chamfered on the upper side (arrow U) of the board. Furthermore, the position of the imaging lens 1311 attached to the imaging board 1312 is different from the position of the imaging lens 1311 attached to the imaging board 1312A.

[0088] The bracket 133 according to this embodiment has a shape that allows it to connect either the imaging unit board 1312 or the imaging unit board 1312A, which have different shapes as described above. This allows bracket 133 to incorporate imaging unit 131, 131A into camera 13, 13A even if imaging unit 131 has a different shape, without changing the shape of imaging unit 131 itself.

[0089] As described above, the imaging device 10 of this embodiment comprises a camera 13, an irradiation unit 14 whose irradiation range IA includes at least a portion of the imaging range AOV of the camera 13, a housing 11 having an opening 112 that can be attached opposite the indoor surface 200I of the window 200 and that holds the camera 13 and the irradiation unit 14 so that the optical axis 13OA of the camera 13 and the optical axis 14OA of the irradiation unit 14 point toward the opening 112, and a shading unit 12 between the camera 13 and the irradiation unit 14 that has a surface extending in the direction of the optical axis 13OA of the camera 13, and one end of the shading unit 12 faces the opening 112.

[0090] According to this, the imaging device 10, which is installed inside a building and monitors the outdoors, is positioned between the camera 13 and the illumination unit 14, and is equipped with a shading unit 12 with one end facing the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210, thereby blocking reflected light RL generated by the illumination light IL1 and IL2, the virtual image VI of the illumination unit 14, and sunlight SL from entering the imaging range AOV of the camera 13. Therefore, with the imaging device 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress glare caused by indoor light being reflected on window glass.

[0091] Furthermore, the light blocking portion 12 of the imaging device 10 is provided so as to abut against the indoor surface 200I when the opening 112 is attached to the indoor surface 200I.

[0092] This makes it possible to more reliably block the reflected light RL generated by the irradiated light IL1 and IL2 from entering the imaging range AOV of the camera 13.

[0093] The light blocking portion 12 is provided so as to abut against the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 of the window 200 when the opening 112 is attached to the indoor surface 200I.

[0094] This makes it possible to more reliably block the reflected light RL generated by the irradiated light IL1 and IL2 from entering the imaging range AOV of the camera 13.

[0095] In addition, the shading portion 12 of the imaging device 10 has vertical portions 121V, 122V formed to extend approximately parallel to the indoor surface 200I, and horizontal portions 121H, 122H formed to extend in an approximately perpendicular direction from the vertical portions 121V, 122V, and of the vertical portions 121V, 122V, the surface 121V facing the indoor surface 200I has a shading material 121, and the horizontal portions 121H, 122H are located between the camera 13 and the illumination portion 14.

[0096] This allows the vertical portion 121V to be generated by the irradiated light IL1 and to block the reflected light RL that travels upward (arrow U) while repeatedly being reflected. Furthermore, the vertical portion 121V or the horizontal portion 121H can block the irradiated light IL2 incident on the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 in an upward direction (arrow U). Furthermore, the horizontal portion 121H can block the reflection of sunlight SL.

[0097] Of the horizontal portions 121H and 122H of the imaging device 10, the surface 121H facing the side surface of the camera 13 has a light blocking material 121.

[0098] This allows the horizontal portion 121H to block reflection of sunlight SL while preventing a decrease in illuminance within the irradiation range IA due to light emitted by the irradiation portion 14, thereby preventing a decrease in the image quality of the image captured by the camera 13.

[0099] Furthermore, the camera 13 of the imaging device 10 is a camera module and includes an imaging unit 131, an imaging range adjustment unit 132 that adjusts the imaging range AOV of the imaging unit 131, and a bracket 133 connected to the housing 11, and the irradiation unit 14 is a lighting module and includes a light source 141 and an irradiation range adjustment unit 143 that adjusts the irradiation range IA of the irradiation unit 14, the bracket 133 connects the imaging range adjustment unit 132, and the imaging range adjustment unit 132 connects the imaging unit 131, and the imaging range adjustment unit 132 and the irradiation range adjustment unit 143 are adjusted independently of or in conjunction with each other.

[0100] According to this, by adjusting the imaging range AOV of the imaging unit 131 and the irradiation range IA of the irradiation unit 14 independently or in conjunction with each other, it is possible to expand the area of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 131. Furthermore, bracket 133 allows imaging unit 131, 131A to be incorporated into camera 13, 13A even if imaging unit 131 has a different shape, without changing the shape of imaging unit 131 itself.

[0101] Furthermore, the imaging device 10 includes a power supply unit 17 that receives power from an external source and supplies power to the camera 13 and the irradiation unit 14, and the power input from the power supply unit 17 to the irradiation unit 14 is 0.5 W or less.

[0102] According to this, the illumination unit 14 emits sufficient illuminance to ensure the image quality of the image captured by the camera 13, while setting the illuminance of the illumination light IL1, IL2 emitted by the illumination unit 14 to a level that allows the reflected light RL generated by the illumination light IL1, IL2 to be reliably blocked by the shading unit 12, thereby maintaining the image quality of the image captured by the camera 13.

[0103] The housing 11 of the imaging device 10 also includes a wire insertion portion 113 for inserting a wire therethrough.

[0104] According to this, by inserting a wire into the wire insertion portion 113 and fastening it to the curtain rail 320, the imaging device 10 can be suspended from the curtain rail 320, and the imaging device 10 can be prevented from falling.

[0105] The imaging device 10 also includes a communication unit 19 that transmits data captured by the camera 13 to an external information processing device.

[0106] This allows the data captured by the camera 13 to be checked at any time by an external information processing device, and the method of capturing images by the camera 13 to be specified by the external information processing device.

[0107] The imaging device 10 also includes a human presence sensor 181 stored in the housing 11, and a sound generation unit 182 stored in the housing 11 that outputs a warning sound based on information acquired by the human presence sensor 181, and the irradiation unit 14 flashes based on the information acquired by the human presence sensor 181.

[0108] According to this, the human presence sensor 181 detects people and animals, the sound output unit 182 outputs a warning sound, and the illumination unit 14 flashes, so that the indoor surface 200I of the window 200 can be monitored from the outdoor surface 200O of the window 200 independently of the camera 13.

[0109] The human presence sensor 181 is a millimeter wave radar sensor.

[0110] This makes it possible to detect people and animals through the window glass 210. Furthermore, it is possible to more reliably detect people and animals without relying on image recognition by the cameras 13 and 13A.

[0111] In addition, the monitoring device 100 of this embodiment includes an imaging device 10 and an attachment unit 20 that can be attached to a window 200, and the attachment unit 20 includes an attachment / detachment mechanism 23 that attaches and detaches the imaging device 10 by moving the imaging device 10 in a direction parallel to the indoor surface 200I.

[0112] According to this, the imaging device 10 can be attached to the mounting part 20 using the attachment / detachment mechanism 23 while moving the imaging device 10 in parallel, and the mounting part 20 can be attached to the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210 using double-sided tape 22, thereby making it possible to easily attach the monitoring device 100 to the window 200.

[0113] <<Extension of Embodiment>> The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0114] For example, in the above embodiment, the vertical portion 121V of the shading material 121 is in contact with the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210, but this is not limited to this. For example, the vertical portion 121V of the shading material 121 only needs to be close to the indoor surface 200I of the window 200, and even if it does not come into complete contact with the indoor surface 210I of the window glass 210, it is possible to suppress glare due to reflection on the window glass 210 and prevent a decrease in the image quality of the video captured by the camera 13.

[0115] Furthermore, the vertical portion 121V of the shading material 121 and the vertical portion 122V of the shading material base 122 may have their lower ends (arrow D) approach the range of the irradiation range IA of the irradiation unit 14, as long as sufficient illumination from the irradiation unit 14 is ensured to ensure the image quality of the image captured by the camera 13. That is, the lengths of the vertical portion 121V of the light blocking material 121 and the vertical portion 122V of the light blocking material seat 122 in the up-down direction (arrow UD) may have a certain degree of tolerance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10...imaging device, 11...housing, 12...light-shielding section, 13, 13A...camera, 14...illumination section, 15...base section, 16...angle adjustment section, 17...power supply section, 18...monitoring section, 19...communication section, 20...mounting section, 21...mounting bracket, 22...double-sided tape, 23...attachment / detachment mechanism, 100...monitoring device, 111...main body section, 112...opening, 113...wire insertion section, 121...light-shielding material, 122...base for light-shielding material, 121H, 122H...horizontal section, 121V, 122V...vertical section, 13OA...optical axis, 131...imaging section, 132...imaging range adjustment section, 133...bracket, 14OA...optical axis, 141...light source, 142 ...lens, 143...irradiation range adjustment unit, 161...link, 162...angle adjustment lever, 171...terminal, 172...cable, 181...motion sensor, 182...sound generation unit, 200...window, 200I, 210I...indoor surface, 200O, 210O...outdoor surface, 210...window glass, 220...window frame, 300...shading device, 310...curtain, 320...curtain rail, 400...power outlet, 1311...image capture unit lens, 1312, 1312A...image capture unit board, AOV...imaging range, DR...dirt, IA...irradiation range, IL1, IL2...irradiated light, ILV...irradiated light of virtual image, RL...reflected light, SL...sunlight, VI...virtual image

Claims

1. A camera and an illumination unit whose illumination range includes at least a part of the imaging range of the camera; a housing having an opening that can be attached to face the indoor surface of a window, the housing holding the camera and the illumination unit so that the optical axes of the camera and the illumination unit are directed toward the opening; a light-shielding unit between the camera and the irradiation unit, the light-shielding unit having a surface extending in the direction of the optical axis of the camera; Equipped with the light-shielding portion has one end facing the opening and is provided so as to abut against the indoor surface when the opening is attached to the indoor surface, The light-shielding portion includes a vertical portion formed to extend substantially parallel to the indoor surface, and a horizontal portion formed to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical portion. Equipped with a surface of the vertical portion facing the indoor surface has a light-blocking material; The horizontal portion is between the camera and the illumination portion. Imaging device.

2. A camera, an illumination unit whose illumination range includes at least a part of the imaging range of the camera; a housing having an opening that can be attached to face the indoor surface of a window, the housing holding the camera and the illumination unit so that the optical axes of the camera and the illumination unit are directed toward the opening; a light-shielding unit between the camera and the irradiation unit, the light-shielding unit having a surface extending in the direction of the optical axis of the camera; Equipped with the light-blocking portion has one end facing the opening and is provided so as to abut against the indoor surface of the window glass when the opening is attached to the indoor surface, The light-shielding portion includes a vertical portion formed to extend substantially parallel to the indoor surface, and a horizontal portion formed to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical portion. Equipped with a surface of the vertical portion facing the indoor surface has a light-blocking material; The horizontal portion is between the camera and the illumination portion. Imaging device.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, a surface of the horizontal portion facing a side surface of the camera has a light-shielding material; Imaging device.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, the camera is a camera module including an imaging unit, an imaging range adjustment unit that adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit, and a bracket connected to the housing; the illumination unit is an illumination module and includes a light source and an illumination range adjustment unit that adjusts the illumination range of the illumination unit; the bracket connects the imaging range adjustment unit, the imaging range adjustment unit is connected to the imaging unit, The imaging range adjustment unit and the illumination range adjustment unit are adjusted independently of or in conjunction with each other. Imaging device.

5. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, a power supply unit that receives power from an external source and supplies power to the camera and the illumination unit; The power input from the power supply unit to the irradiation unit is 0.5 W or less. Imaging device.

6. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, The housing includes a wire insertion portion for inserting a wire therethrough. Imaging device.

7. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, a communication unit that transmits the data captured by the camera to an external information processing device; Imaging device.

8. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, a human presence sensor housed in the housing; a sound generator that is housed in the housing and outputs a warning sound based on information acquired by the human presence sensor, The illumination unit blinks based on information acquired by the human presence sensor. Imaging device.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, The human presence sensor is a millimeter wave radar sensor. Imaging device.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2; an attachment portion that can be attached to the window; Equipped with the mounting unit includes an attachment / detachment mechanism that attaches / detaches the imaging device by moving the imaging device in a direction parallel to the indoor surface. monitoring equipment.

Images