Equipment for simultaneous underwater and surface photography

Abstract

To provide a photographing tool capable of suitably supporting simultaneous photographing of an object traveling under the water at low costs and relatively easily.SOLUTION: A photographing tool 1 is used for simultaneously photographing the underwater and the water surface. The photographing tool 1 includes: a carrier 10 configured so as to travel on a floor surface on the water; a first support section 100 that is disposed on a lateral side of the carrier 10 and fixes a first camera for photographing the water surface; a second support section 200 that is disposed in an arm 110 extended toward a lower portion from the first support section 100 and fixes a second camera for photographing the underwater; and an underwater balancer 300 that is disposed so as to cover a side face of the second camera in a state in which the second camera is fixed to the second support section 200 and has a predetermined streamlined shape and a predetermined size.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photographing tool used for simultaneously photographing underwater and above water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, cameras with excellent waterproof performance that can perform underwater photography have been known. And such cameras have been attached to the tip of a rod, for example, to photograph the swimming posture of a swimmer underwater.

[0003] Also, as an underwater photographing device for photographing a moving object in an aquarium, a technique using a camera carriage that moves on a rail is known.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an underwater photographing device in which a traveling carriage is provided on a rail provided on the side floor of an aquarium, and a camera is housed at the tip of a support arm extending from the traveling carriage to underwater. In this underwater photographing device, since the traveling carriage travels on the water surface, there is no need to perform waterproof processing on the traveling carriage, and maintenance can also be easily performed on the ground.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] For example, when trying to film a swimmer underwater in a swimming pool, one might consider using a mobile cart that travels on the water's surface alongside the swimmer, and an underwater camera mounted on the end of an arm or similar device extending from the cart into the water. However, in this case, the water resistance acts on the underwater camera, resulting in relatively large resistance on one side of the mobile cart, making it difficult to maintain the cart's movement in a straight line in the direction the swimmer is swimming.

[0007] Here, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the trolley is mounted on rails, it seems that the trolley can be moved stably along the rails. However, this technology requires the installation of rails on the floor of the water tank, which is time-consuming and costly to prepare. Furthermore, in a configuration where an underwater camera is mounted at the end of an arm or the like extending from the trolley into the water, a weight imbalance occurs. This weight imbalance can lead to the trolley falling into the water. Thus, there is still room for improvement in technology for photographing objects moving underwater.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a photographic device that can suitably support the simultaneous and relatively easy underwater and surface photography of objects moving underwater at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The underwater and surface simultaneous shooting device of this disclosure is a shooting device used to shoot underwater and on the surface at the same time. The shooting device comprises a trolley configured to be able to travel on the floor surface of the water; a support part located on the side of the trolley, which is a first support part for fixing a first camera for shooting on the surface of the water; a support part located on an arm extending downward from the first support part, which is a second support part for fixing a second camera for shooting underwater; and an underwater balancer that is positioned to cover the side of the second camera when the second camera is fixed to the second support part, and has a predetermined streamlined shape and predetermined size.

[0010] In the above-described simultaneous underwater and surface shooting equipment, the first support section and the second support section are connected via an arm, allowing the first camera for surface shooting and the second camera for underwater shooting to be installed integrally so that they have the same camera angle in both the left-right and front-back directions. This makes it possible to generate a composite image that looks natural and is suitable when an object is simultaneously photographed underwater and from above the water as it moves. Furthermore, the provision of an underwater balancer prevents the trolley from falling into the water due to weight imbalance, and allows the trolley to run alongside an object moving underwater without the need to install rails or the like on the ground (for example, at the bottom of a pool). Therefore, by using the shooting equipment disclosed herein, simultaneous underwater and surface shooting can be supported relatively easily and at low cost.

[0011] Furthermore, in the simultaneous underwater and surface imaging device of this disclosure, when the combined weight of the first camera and the second camera is considered the imaging unit weight, the underwater balancer may have a size that can generate buoyancy greater than or equal to the imaging unit weight. This eliminates weight imbalances and rotational moments in the left-right direction of the trolley, making it easier to maintain the trolley's movement in a straight line in the direction in which the object moves underwater. In other words, the trolley can be moved to accompany the object without installing rails or the like, thus supporting simultaneous underwater and surface imaging at low cost and relatively easily.

[0012] Furthermore, in the simultaneous underwater and surface imaging device of this disclosure, in the above configuration, the underwater balancer may be formed in a wedge shape in the direction of travel of the trolley, with the second camera as the center, thereby forming the streamlined shape and having a hollow structure. This reduces the running resistance that may be added to one side of the trolley due to the second camera moving underwater, making it easier to maintain the trolley's movement in a straight line in the direction of the object's movement underwater. In this case, the underwater balancer may have a skirt portion formed on a plane opposite to the surface that forms the wedge-shaped streamlined shape, and the skirt portion may be formed to protrude from the plane at both ends in the vertical direction of the plane. This makes it possible to generate a force due to the Venturi effect in the underwater balancer, stabilizing the behavior of the underwater balancer when moving underwater. As a result, it becomes easier to maintain the trolley's movement in a straight line in the direction of the object's movement underwater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suitably support the simultaneous imaging of objects moving underwater, both underwater and from above the water, at low cost and relatively easily. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is the first figure showing the schematic configuration of the imaging equipment in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is the second figure, which shows the schematic configuration of the imaging equipment in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates a configuration comprising a trolley, a first camera and a first support for fixing the first camera, an arm, a second camera and a second support for fixing the second camera, and shows what might happen if an underwater balancer is not provided. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates how photographic equipment is used to film swimmers in a swimming pool. [Figure 5]This figure illustrates image data from a first camera fixed to a first support and capturing images on the water surface, image data from a second camera fixed to a second support and capturing images underwater, and composite image data of these images captured simultaneously. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the shape of an underwater balancer. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the Venturi effect caused by the formation of a skirt portion on an underwater balancer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and this disclosure is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0016] The overview of the simultaneous underwater and surface-level imaging device in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a first diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device in this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a second diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device in this embodiment. The imaging device 1 in this embodiment is used to simultaneously photograph both underwater and above water. In this embodiment, an example in which the imaging device 1 is used to photograph swimmers swimming in a pool will be described.

[0017] In this embodiment, the photographic equipment 1 comprises a trolley 10 configured to be able to travel on a water surface, a first support part 100 for fixing a first camera for photographing the water surface, a second support part 200 for fixing a second camera for photographing underwater, and an underwater balancer 300.

[0018] The cart 10 is a cart that runs on the pool side on water so as to accompany a swimmer swimming in the pool, and has wheels 11, a pedestal 12, and a slider 13. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the cart 10 can be made to run by the photographer pushing the pedestal 12 with a rod or the like. Note that the cart 10 may be provided with a motor or the like for rotating the wheels 11. In this case, the wheels 11 are rotated by the driving force from the motor or the like, so that the cart 10 is made to run.

[0019] Also, a slider 13 is installed on the upper surface of the pedestal 12. This slider 13 is configured to fix the first support portion 100 to the cart 10 and has a slide structure for adjusting the position of the first support portion 100 in the left-right direction.

[0020] Then, the first support portion 100 is fixed to the cart 10 by the above-described slider 13. Since the first support portion 100 is arranged on the side of the cart 10 in this way and the first camera is supported by the first support portion 100, the first camera is arranged on the side of the cart 10. Note that the first support portion 100 is arranged at substantially the same position as the wheels 11 of the cart 10 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the first support portion 100 and the first camera fixed thereto are arranged on the water. Also, a well-known camera (for example, GoPro (registered trademark)) can be used for the first camera.

[0021] Furthermore, an arm 110 extending downward from the first support part 100 is connected to the first support part 100. A second support part 200 is then positioned on this arm 110, thereby connecting the first support part 100 and the second support part 200 via the arm 110. With the second support part 200 thus connected to the first support part 100, and the second camera supported by the second support part 200, the second camera is positioned on the side of the trolley 10. The second support part 200 is positioned below the wheels 11 of the trolley 10 in the vertical direction. As a result, the second support part 200 and the second camera fixed to it are positioned underwater. In addition, a well-known waterproof camera (for example, GoPro®) can be used as the second camera.

[0022] Furthermore, as described above, by connecting the first support section 100 and the second support section 200 via the arm 110, the first camera for filming above the water and the second camera for filming underwater can be installed together so that they have the same camera angle in the left-right and front-back directions. This makes it possible to generate a composite image that looks natural and is suitable when a swimmer is filmed simultaneously from both above and underwater in a swimming pool.

[0023] Here, Figure 2 shows the state in which the second camera is fixed to the second support part 200, and as shown in Figure 2, the underwater balancer 300 is positioned to cover the side of the second camera in this state.

[0024] Furthermore, this underwater balancer 300 has a predetermined size. This will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a possible situation in a configuration comprising a trolley 10, a first camera and a first support part 100 for fixing the first camera, an arm 110, a second camera and a second support part 200 for fixing the second camera, where an underwater balancer 300 may not be provided.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, in a configuration where two cameras (first camera and second camera) are positioned on one side of the trolley 10 to simultaneously film both underwater and above water, a weight imbalance occurs in the left-right direction of the trolley 10. Furthermore, the second camera, which films underwater, is positioned on the side of the trolley 10, below the wheels 11 of the trolley 10. As a result, a rotational moment is generated with the wheel 11 on the side where the camera is positioned as the pivot point. Consequently, in the configuration shown in Figure 3, this weight imbalance and rotational moment can cause the trolley 10 to move as if being pulled into the water, and ultimately, the trolley 10 may fall into the water.

[0027] It seems that by adding a balancer weight to the trolley 10 on the water, it would be possible to prevent the trolley 10 from falling into the water. However, since the two cameras (first camera and second camera) weigh, for example, 700g each, the balancer weight would have to be heavy to correct the weight imbalance. In that case, more driving force would be required to move the trolley 10.

[0028] Therefore, in the imaging device 1 of this embodiment, when the combined weight of the first camera and the second camera is considered the imaging unit weight, the underwater balancer 300 has a size that allows it to generate buoyancy equal to or greater than the imaging unit weight. More specifically, the volume of the underwater balancer 300 is set so that it can generate buoyancy equal to or greater than the imaging unit weight. The volume of the underwater balancer 300 can be set so that its buoyancy is, for example, approximately equal to the combined weight of the imaging unit weight plus the weights of the first support unit 100, the second support unit 200, and the arm 110.

[0029] Furthermore, by arranging the underwater balancers 300, whose size is determined in this manner, as shown in Figure 2, the weight imbalance and rotational moment of the trolley 10 in the lateral direction are eliminated, making it easier to maintain the trolley 10 moving in a straight line in the direction in which the swimmer is swimming. In other words, on the poolside above the water, the trolley 10 can be moved to accompany swimmers in the pool without installing rails or the like on the floor, thus supporting simultaneous underwater and above-water filming at low cost and relatively easily.

[0030] Here, Figure 4 illustrates an example of how the camera equipment 1 is used to film swimmers in a pool. In the example shown in Figure 4, the cameraman pushes the cart 10 with a stick or the like, allowing the cart 10 to move along the poolside above the water, accompanying the swimmers in the pool. At this time, the first camera fixed to the first support part 100 is positioned above the water, and the second camera fixed to the second support part 200 is positioned underwater. Furthermore, in order to reduce the water resistance acting on the second camera as it moves underwater, the underwater balancer 300, which is positioned to cover the side of the second camera, has a predetermined streamlined shape. Specifically, the underwater balancer 300 is formed in a wedge shape in the direction of travel of the cart 10, with the second camera as the center, thereby forming a streamlined shape. Further details will be explained later based on Figure 6.

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates image data from a first camera fixed to the first support unit 100 and capturing images on the water surface, image data from a second camera fixed to the second support unit 200 and capturing images underwater, and composite image data of these images captured simultaneously. These image data may be still images or moving images. Furthermore, the image data can be combined based on well-known techniques.

[0032] By using the imaging device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously photograph both underwater and above water, as shown in Figure 5. By combining these image data, it becomes possible to visualize the entire figure of a swimmer in a pool. This allows, for example, swimmers to objectively view their own swimming form. Furthermore, for example, coaches can use such image data to correct or improve swimmers' form.

[0033] Furthermore, in the camera equipment 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the first camera for filming above the water and the second camera for filming underwater can be installed together so that they have the same camera angle in the left-right and front-back directions. Therefore, when a swimmer is filmed simultaneously from both underwater and above the water in a pool, a composite image can be generated smoothly and appropriately. Also, as described above, the underwater balancer 300 allows the trolley 10 to move along with swimmers in the pool without the need to install rails or the like on the floor of the poolside above the water. Therefore, by using the camera equipment 1 of this embodiment, simultaneous filming from underwater and above the water can be supported at low cost and relatively easily.

[0034] Next, the shape of the underwater balancer 300 will be described in detail based on Figures 6 and 7.

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the underwater balancer 300, where Figure 6(a) is a plan view of the underwater balancer 300 and Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the AA section in Figure 6(a).

[0036] As shown in Figure 6(a), the underwater balancer 300 is formed in a wedge shape with its end tapering to a point in the front-to-back direction, centered around the housing for the second camera, thus forming a streamlined shape. The housing for the second camera is formed to a thickness approximately equal to that of the second camera. By positioning the underwater balancer 300 to cover the side of the second camera, the water resistance acting on the second camera as it moves underwater can be reduced. This reduces the running resistance that may be added to one side of the trolley 10 due to the second camera moving underwater, making it easier to maintain the trolley 10 moving in a straight line in the direction the swimmer is swimming.

[0037] Furthermore, the underwater balancer 300 has a hollow structure, as shown in Figure 6(b). This allows the underwater balancer 300 to have a smaller mass compared to a solid structure, while still having the volume necessary to generate the buoyancy described above.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the underwater balancer 300 has a skirt portion 310 formed on the plane opposite to the surface that forms the wedge-shaped streamline. This skirt portion 310 is formed to protrude from the plane at both ends in the vertical direction. As a result, when the trolley 10 is driven along accompanying a swimmer in the pool, the gap between the plane and the poolside wall is sealed by the skirt portion 310, and a venturi space 320 is formed. The venturi effect caused by this venturi space 320 will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0039] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the Venturi effect caused by the formation of a skirt portion 310 on the underwater balancer 300.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7(b), the gap between the poolside wall and the plane of the underwater balancer 300 facing the wall is sealed by the skirt portion 310, thereby forming a venturi space 320 in the gap.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7(a), when the trolley 10 travels along the poolside, the water flow from the front in the direction of travel enters the Venturi space 320, flows through the Venturi space 320, and is discharged to the rear. At this time, the fluid flowing through the Venturi space 320, which is formed by a narrow gap, has a higher flow velocity than other parts. Therefore, due to the Venturi effect, the Venturi space 320 becomes a lower-pressure area than other parts. As a result, a force is generated on the underwater balancer 300 that pulls it towards the poolside wall.

[0042] Furthermore, by generating a force in the underwater balancer 300 due to the Venturi effect described above, the behavior of the underwater balancer 300 when moving underwater can be stabilized, making it easier to maintain the movement of the trolley 10 in a straight line in the direction in which the swimmer is swimming.

[0043] As described above, the photographic device 1 of this embodiment can suitably support the simultaneous and relatively easy and low-cost photographing of objects moving underwater both underwater and above the water.

[0044] <Other variations> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the camera 1 is used to film swimmers in a pool, but the camera 1 of this disclosure may also be used to film objects moving inside a water tank. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1. Photography equipment 10... Dolly 11...Wheel 12..Base 13.. Slider 100...1st support part 110...arm 200...Second support part 300...Underwater Balancer

Claims

1. A photographic device used to simultaneously photograph underwater and above water, A trolley configured to be able to travel on a water surface, A support portion located on the side of the aforementioned trolley, comprising a first support portion for fixing a first camera for photographing the water surface, A support portion arranged on an arm extending downward from the first support portion, the second support portion for fixing a second camera for taking underwater photographs, An underwater balancer having a predetermined streamlined shape and predetermined size is positioned to cover the side of the second camera when the second camera is fixed to the second support portion. A device equipped with features for simultaneous underwater and surface photography.

2. When the combined weight of the first camera and the second camera is defined as the weight of the imaging unit, The aforementioned underwater balancer is Having the size that can generate buoyancy greater than or equal to the weight of the imaging unit, The underwater and surface simultaneous shooting device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned underwater balancer is The second camera is formed in a wedge shape in the direction of travel of the trolley, thereby forming the streamlined shape and having a hollow structure. The underwater and surface simultaneous imaging device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned underwater balancer is A skirt portion is formed on a plane opposite to the surface that forms the wedge-shaped streamlined shape. The skirt portion is formed so as to protrude from the plane at both ends in the vertical direction of the plane. The underwater and surface simultaneous photography device according to claim 3.

Images