Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus having a configuration capable of rotatably driving a functional unit that is different from an imaging unit.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus has a fixing unit for fixing a body to an installation surface, an imaging unit connected to the body on the opposite side of the fixing unit in a first direction for imaging a subject, a first function unit held by a first holding member extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with respect to the body, and a first rotation mechanism for rotating the first function unit about a first rotary shaft provided within the first function unit independent of the orientation of the imaging unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in surveillance cameras and the like, there are some that perform, for example, pan rotation or tilt rotation to change the shooting direction. In addition to the imaging unit, there are also those equipped with input (output) functions such as a microphone, a speaker, warning lights using LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), a human presence sensor, a distance measurement sensor (laser / radar), etc. Furthermore, there are those equipped with input (output) functions such as a zoom camera, a panoramic camera, a wireless communication unit, infrared illumination, and illumination. The constituent parts having these additional functions are called functional units.

[0003] As a surveillance camera having functional units different from such an imaging unit, there is one provided with an infrared illumination unit for illuminating a subject being tracked, and while shooting the subject with the imaging unit while tracking it by pan rotation, the infrared illumination unit is rotationally driven in conjunction with the rotation of the imaging unit.

[0004] Furthermore, as another functional unit, there is one provided with a warning light source that emits light to prompt attention in the direction of people around different from the subject. When having the above-mentioned infrared illumination light source and warning light source, it is necessary to direct each light source in a different direction.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, a pan / tilt system is described in which a pan rotation unit and a tilt rotation unit are configured as separate units, a plurality of pan rotation units are stacked, and these are made to cooperate and operate by the same operation unit to expand the pan operation range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since multiple pan rotation units are driven in conjunction, there was a problem in that if an additional functional unit different from the imaging unit was provided, it was not possible to orient the functional unit in a direction different from that of the imaging unit.

[0008] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an imaging device having a configuration that allows a functional unit different from the imaging unit to be independently rotated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The imaging device of the present invention is An imaging device, The main body and The aforementioned Fixing part for securing the main body to the mounting surface, Connected to the main body on the side opposite to the fixed part in the first direction, is an imaging unit for photographing a subject, The main body from It is held by a first retaining member that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. , provided at a distance from the main body The first functional part, It has, The first functional part is, Independent of the orientation of the imaging unit, With respect to the main body, in the first direction It has a first rotation mechanism for rotating the first functional part around a first rotation axis. death, The main body has a main body rotation mechanism for rotating the main body around a rotation axis in a first direction different from the first rotation axis, independently of the orientation of the imaging unit, relative to the fixed part. The first rotation axis passes through the position on the first holding member, In a cross-section of the imaging device parallel to both the first and second directions, including the first holding member, the distance from the position through which the first rotation axis passes to the main body is longer than the maximum distance from the position through which the first rotation axis passes to the outer circumference of the first functional part. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device having a configuration that allows a functional unit different from the imaging unit to be independently rotated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration relationship between the movable part and the fixed part of the horizontal rotation in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the main body part 700 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the configuration relationship between the movable part and the fixed part of the horizontal rotation according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 in the XY-axis direction according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 7] In Embodiment 4, it is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 in the XY-axis direction in which the holding member is arranged behind the main body part 700. [Figure 8] In Embodiment 4, it is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 in the XY-axis direction in which the holding member is arranged on the rear side of the functional part. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 in the XY-axis direction according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship of the distances between the rotation axis 412, the main body part, and the functional part of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 in the XY-axis direction according to Embodiment 6.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In each figure, the same members or elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 1. Of the functional blocks shown in Figure 1, the functions implemented by software are stored in a memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) for providing the function of each functional block. The function is then implemented by reading that program into RAM (Random Access Memory) and executing it on the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the computer.

[0014] For functions implemented by hardware, for example, a dedicated circuit can be automatically generated on the FPGA from the program that implements the function of each functional block by using a designated compiler. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Alternatively, a gate array circuit can be formed in a similar manner to an FPGA and implemented as hardware.

[0015] Alternatively, it may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Note that the functional block configuration shown in Figure 1 is just one example; multiple functional blocks may constitute a single functional block, or any functional block may be divided into blocks that perform multiple functions.

[0016] The imaging device 10 according to this embodiment is composed of multiple units, including an imaging unit 100, a first functional unit 400, a second functional unit 500, a fixing unit 600, and a main body unit 700 that incorporates a pan / tilt head unit 200. The imaging unit 100 is connected to the pan / tilt head unit 200. The imaging unit 100 includes a horizontal rotation mechanism 101, a vertical rotation mechanism 102, a control unit 103, an image sensor 104, and an optical system 105 that forms a subject image on the light-receiving surface of the image sensor.

[0017] The horizontal rotation mechanism 101 and the vertical rotation mechanism 102 are mechanisms that independently rotate the imaging unit 100 relative to other units. In this case, the rotation drive is performed with the fixed unit 600 as the reference. The horizontal rotation mechanism 101 (second rotation mechanism) is a mechanism that rotates the imaging unit 100 horizontally (left and right) around an axis in the vertical direction (first direction), and is also called a pan rotation mechanism. The vertical rotation mechanism 102 (third rotation mechanism) is a mechanism that rotates the imaging unit 100 vertically (up and down) around an axis in the horizontal direction (second direction perpendicular to the first direction), and is also called a tilt rotation mechanism. Hereinafter, the vertical direction will also be referred to as the first direction, and the horizontal direction as the second direction.

[0018] The same applies to the other horizontal and vertical rotation mechanisms described later, regarding the direction of rotation. The center of the rotation axis for pan rotation and tilt rotation is approximately the center (or near the center) of the imaging unit 100. This makes it possible to change the direction in which the imaging unit 100, which includes the image sensor 104, a type of input element, faces.

[0019] The control unit 103 has a built-in CPU, which controls the operation of various parts of the imaging device, such as the horizontal rotation mechanism 101, the vertical rotation mechanism 102, and the image sensor 104, based on a computer program stored in the memory, which acts as a storage medium.

[0020] The image sensor 104 is an input element that acquires a video signal by photoelectric conversion of the subject image formed by the optical system 105. The optical system 105 has a zoom lens and a focus lens, and is capable of changing the zoom magnification and autofocusing. Furthermore, the optical system 105 can adjust the spectral characteristics of incoming light using a visible light cut filter and an infrared light cut filter. It can also attenuate the amount of incoming light using an aperture and an ND (Neutral Density) filter. The imaging unit 100 functions as a zoom camera.

[0021] The main body 700 consists of a rotating tripod head 200 and a holding mechanism that does not rotate. The holding mechanism will be described in Example 2 and subsequent examples. The pan / tilt head unit 200 is connected to the imaging unit 100, the first functional unit 400, the second functional unit 500, and the fixing unit 600. The pan / tilt head unit 200 also includes a horizontal rotation mechanism 201 and a control unit 202. The pan / tilt head unit 200 physically holds the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500.

[0022] Furthermore, the horizontal rotation mechanism 201 is a mechanism for independently rotating the pan / tilt head 200, the first functional unit 400, and the second functional unit 500 relative to the other units. Here, the horizontal rotation mechanism 201 functions as a fifth rotation mechanism for rotating the main body 700 around a vertical axis (first direction) relative to the fixed unit 600.

[0023] The rotation axis of the pan rotation mechanism is located approximately at (or near the center of) the unit of the pan head 200. This allows the direction of the first functional unit 400, which includes the input (output) element 401, and the second functional unit 500, which includes the input (output) element 501, to be changed. The control unit 202 has a built-in CPU and memory, and the CPU controls the horizontal rotation mechanism 201, etc., based on a computer program stored in the memory, which acts as a storage medium.

[0024] The horizontal rotation mechanism 101 (second rotation mechanism) of the imaging unit 100 and the horizontal rotation mechanism 201 (fifth rotation mechanism) of the pan / tilt head unit 200 can each rotate independently of the fixed unit 600. Furthermore, the centers of the rotation axes of the horizontal rotation mechanism 101 and the horizontal rotation mechanism 201 are aligned in the vertical direction (first direction). This makes it possible to rotate the imaging unit 100 and the pan / tilt head unit 200 around approximately the same axis.

[0025] The first functional unit 400 is connected to and held by the pan / tilt head unit 200. The first functional unit 400 includes an input (output) element 401, a control unit 402, a vertical rotation mechanism 403, and a horizontal rotation mechanism 404, etc. The vertical rotation mechanism 403 and the horizontal rotation mechanism 404 are mechanisms for independently rotating the first functional unit 400 relative to other units.

[0026] Specifically, the horizontal rotation mechanism 404 (first rotation mechanism) located inside the first functional unit 400 rotates around the vertical rotation axis 412 (first rotation axis) in the vertical direction (first direction), thereby rotating the first functional unit 400 horizontally, independently of the orientation of the imaging unit. Furthermore, the vertical rotation mechanism 403 (fourth rotation mechanism) can rotate the first functional unit 400 around the horizontal rotation axis (second direction), independently of the orientation of the imaging unit.

[0027] The control unit 402 has a built-in CPU and memory, and the CPU controls the input (output) element 401, the vertical rotation mechanism 403, the horizontal rotation mechanism 404, etc., based on the computer program stored in the memory, which acts as a storage medium.

[0028] Input (output) element 401 and input (output) element 501 include at least one input element or output element such as a microphone, speaker, warning light source, motion sensor, distance sensor, zoom camera, panoramic camera, wireless communication unit, and illumination unit (infrared illumination unit or visible light illumination unit).

[0029] The input (output) element 401 is directional, and by changing the orientation of the first functional unit 400 relative to the fixed part, the orientation of the input (output) element 401 relative to the fixed part can be changed. In other words, by making the orientation of the first functional unit 400 changeable, it becomes possible to orient the first functional unit 400 toward the target. Here, the input (output) element 401 will be explained using an example of an element that emits infrared light.

[0030] The second functional unit 500 is connected to and held by the pan / tilt head unit 200. The second functional unit 500 includes an input (output) element 501, a control unit 502, a vertical rotation mechanism 503, and a horizontal rotation mechanism 504, etc. The vertical rotation mechanism 503 and the horizontal rotation mechanism 504 are mechanisms for independently rotating the second functional unit 500 relative to other units. The control unit 502 has a built-in CPU and memory as a computer, and the CPU controls the input (output) element 501, the horizontal rotation mechanism 504, the vertical rotation mechanism 503, etc., based on a computer program stored in the memory as a storage medium.

[0031] The input (output) element 501 is directional, and by changing the orientation of the second functional unit 500 relative to the fixed part, the orientation of the input (output) element 501 relative to the fixed part can be changed. In other words, by making the orientation of the second functional unit 500 changeable, it becomes possible to orient the second functional unit 500 toward the target. Here, the input (output) element 501 will be explained using an example of an element that emits warning light.

[0032] The fixing section 600 is connected to the pan / tilt head section 200. The fixing section 600 is for physically fixing the main body section 700 of the imaging device 10 to an external mounting surface (ceiling, wall, tripod, etc.). The fixing section 600 is also provided with electrical contacts for supplying power from an external source and electrical contacts for communicating with the outside. The fixing section 600, the main body section 700, the first functional section 400, the second functional section 500, the imaging section 100, and other units are electrically connected to each other via cables, etc., and are able to communicate with one another.

[0033] In this embodiment, each unit is provided with a control unit, but a control unit does not necessarily have to be located in each unit. At least one unit may have one control unit, which may have a CPU and memory as a computer and comprehensively control each part of each unit.

[0034] Each horizontal and vertical rotation mechanism consists of a motor that performs the rotational motion and a gear-based reduction mechanism. The motor can be a stepping motor or a DC motor, for example. The reduction mechanism can be a worm gear or a belt, for example.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 1. The configuration and arrangement of the imaging device 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. In Figure 2, three axes, X, Y, and Z, are shown, with the rotation axis of the horizontal rotation mechanism being the Z axis. The rotation axis of the vertical rotation mechanism is the Y axis. When horizontal rotation is performed from the state shown in Figure 2, the rotation axes of the vertical rotation mechanisms of the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 transition on the XY plane.

[0036] Furthermore, 110 is the rotation direction of the vertical rotation mechanism of the imaging unit 100, 111 is the rotation direction of the horizontal rotation mechanism of the imaging unit 100, 210 is the rotation direction of the horizontal rotation mechanism of the pan / tilt head unit 200, and 410 is the rotation direction of the vertical rotation mechanism of the first functional unit 400. Also, 411 is the rotation direction of the horizontal rotation mechanism of the first functional unit 400, 510 is the rotation direction of the vertical rotation mechanism of the second functional unit 500, and 511 is the rotation direction of the horizontal rotation mechanism of the second functional unit 500.

[0037] The imaging unit 100, the main body 700 (tripod head 200), and the fixing unit 600 are arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the imaging unit 100 for photographing the subject is connected to the main body 700 on the opposite side from the fixing unit in the vertical direction (first direction). The first functional unit 400 is connected to the tripod head unit 200 by a holding member 601 that extends horizontally (in the negative direction of the Y-axis) in a rod-like manner. That is, the first functional unit 400 is held by the holding member 601 (first holding member) which extends horizontally (second direction) perpendicular to the vertical direction (first direction) with respect to the main body unit 700.

[0038] The first functional unit 400 is provided with a vertical rotation mechanism 403, and the holding member 601 is connected to the tripod head unit 200 via the vertical rotation mechanism 403. As a result, the vertical rotation mechanism 403 allows the first functional unit 400 to be rotated vertically relative to the holding member 601 and the tripod head unit 200.

[0039] Furthermore, a vertical rotation mechanism 403 for tilting and rotating the first functional unit 400 vertically may be provided on the tripod head unit 200 side. In that case, the vertical rotation mechanism 403 is connected to the first functional unit 400 via a holding member 601. When the vertical rotation mechanism 403 rotates, the first functional unit 400 can be rotated vertically relative to the tripod head unit 200 via the holding member 601. Thus, the vertical rotation mechanism 403 (fourth rotation mechanism) only needs to be provided on either the main body unit 700 or the first functional unit 400.

[0040] The second functional unit 500 is connected to the main body 700 (tripod head 200) by a holding member 602 (second holding member) that extends horizontally (in the positive direction of the Y-axis) in a rod-like manner. That is, the second functional unit 500 is held by the holding member 602 (second holding member) that extends in a second direction on the side of the main body 700 opposite to the first functional unit 400 in the second direction.

[0041] The vertical rotation mechanism 503 is provided on the second functional unit 500, and the holding member 602 is connected to the tripod head unit 200 via the vertical rotation mechanism 503. As a result, the vertical rotation mechanism 503 allows the second functional unit 500 to be rotated vertically relative to the holding member 602 and the tripod head unit 200.

[0042] Furthermore, a vertical rotation mechanism 503 for tilting the second functional unit 500 vertically may be provided on the tripod head 200 side. In that case, the vertical rotation mechanism 503 is connected to the second functional unit 500 via a holding member 602. When the vertical rotation mechanism 503 rotates, it becomes a mechanism that rotates the second functional unit 500 vertically relative to the tripod head 200 via the holding member 602.

[0043] The main body 700 (tripod head 200) is sandwiched vertically between the fixing unit 600 and the imaging unit 100. In Embodiment 1, the main body 700 has a rotation mechanism, but as in Embodiment 2 described later, the main body does not need to have a rotation mechanism.

[0044] In the state shown in Figure 2, the imaging unit 100, the first functional unit 400, and the second functional unit 500 are oriented in the positive direction of the X-axis (each having directionality in the positive direction of the X-axis), and the rotation axis of all vertical rotation mechanisms is horizontal (XY plane).

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the relationship between the movable and fixed parts in the horizontal rotation of the imaging device 10 is shown. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration relationship between the movable and fixed parts in horizontal rotation in Embodiment 1.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a cross-section (ZY plane) of the imaging device 10 in Figure 2. However, the vertical rotation mechanism is omitted, and only the horizontal rotation mechanism is shown. Fixed parts 600, etc., that are physically connected to the external mounting surface (ceiling, wall, tripod, etc.) and do not rotate are colored black. Areas that are not colored black are horizontally movable parts that can rotate horizontally relative to the fixed parts.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the imaging unit 100 and the pan / tilt head unit 200 each have a horizontal rotation mechanism relative to the fixed unit 600, and the first functional unit 400 has a horizontal rotation mechanism independent of the holding member 601 and the pan / tilt head unit 200. Furthermore, the second functional unit 500 has a horizontal rotation mechanism independent of the holding member 602 and the pan / tilt head unit 200.

[0048] The horizontal rotation mechanism 101 rotates the imaging unit 100 relative to the fixed part. Therefore, it is possible to pan and rotate it independently of the pan / tilt head unit 200. Furthermore, the horizontal rotation mechanism 201 rotates the pan / tilt head unit 200 relative to the fixed part. Therefore, it is possible to pan and rotate it independently of the imaging unit 100, and the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 also pan and rotate in conjunction with it.

[0049] The horizontal rotation mechanism 404 rotates the first functional unit 400 relative to the holding member 601 and the tripod head 200, thereby causing the first functional unit 400 to rotate horizontally relative to the holding member 602 and the tripod head 200. As a result, it becomes possible to pan and rotate independently of the imaging unit 100, the tripod head 200, and the second functional unit 500.

[0050] The first functional unit 400 is connected to the tripod head unit 200 by a holding member 601. Therefore, when the tripod head unit 200 rotates horizontally, the first functional unit 400 rotates horizontally on the same axis of rotation and at the same angular velocity as the tripod head unit 200.

[0051] The second functional unit 500 is connected to the tripod head unit 200 by a holding member 602. Therefore, when the tripod head unit 200 rotates horizontally, the second functional unit 500 rotates horizontally on the same axis of rotation and at the same angular velocity as the tripod head unit 200. Therefore, the rotation of the tripod head 200 does not change the relative positions of the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500.

[0052] Thus, in Embodiment 1, the first functional unit 400 is equipped with a horizontal rotation mechanism 404 that rotates independently of other units, and the second functional unit 500 is equipped with a horizontal rotation mechanism 504 that rotates independently of other units. This allows the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 to perform independent horizontal rotation. Furthermore, the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 can also perform independent horizontal rotation relative to the imaging unit 100. Note that the relative positions of the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 may be reversed.

[0053] Furthermore, by physically connecting the imaging unit 100 and the pan / tilt head unit 200, the imaging unit 100, the first functional unit 400, and the second functional unit 500 can be operated in conjunction. For example, the zoom camera of the imaging unit 100 and the pan / tilt head unit can be operated in conjunction from a state where they are facing the same direction, and the zoom camera of the imaging unit 100 can track a specific subject. At this time, the infrared light of the first functional unit can illuminate the same specific subject, and the warning light of the second functional unit 500 can indicate a warning to the same subject.

[0054] In addition to physically connecting and operating the mechanisms in conjunction, synchronized operation can also be achieved by having the control unit send rotation control signals to each rotating mechanism in sync, with the same amount of rotation and the same rotational speed. That is, the control unit can, for example, control the horizontal rotating mechanism 404 (first rotating mechanism) and the horizontal rotating mechanism 201 (fifth rotating mechanism) to rotate in conjunction.

[0055] It should be noted that the input (output) elements of the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 were described as having directionality. However, even if something can illuminate in all directions, such as a light bulb, there are cases where the direction needs to be changed by an obstruction (including the imaging device 10), in which case it can be said to have directionality. In other words, input (output) elements whose characteristics are consequently changed by an obstruction are also included in the input (output) elements of this embodiment.

[0056] Although the embodiment shows an example with two functional parts, this embodiment can also be applied to cases with three or more functional parts. Conversely, this embodiment can also be applied to cases with only one functional part.

[0057] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which the retaining members 601 and 602 are fixed inside (near the center) the first and second functional parts, they may also be fixed, for example, on the upper side of the positive Z-axis or the negative Z-axis of each functional part.

[0058] <Example 2> While Example 1 described a case where the main body 700 has a horizontal rotation mechanism 201, Example 2 will describe a case where the main body 700 does not have a rotation mechanism such as a horizontal rotation mechanism 201 or a vertical rotation mechanism.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, a configuration in which the main body 700 does not have a pan / tilt head 200 with a rotation mechanism (such as a horizontal rotation mechanism 201 or a vertical rotation mechanism) will be described. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the main body 700 according to Embodiment 2, and shows the configuration of the movable and fixed parts for horizontal rotation.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, in Embodiment 2, the main body 700 does not have a horizontal rotation mechanism or a vertical rotation mechanism, and the main body 700 is composed of a holding mechanism 300, which is a non-movable mechanism, just like the fixed part 600. Note that the XYZ axes in Figure 4 are the same as in Figure 3.

[0061] The main body 700 in Figure 4 is a non-movable unit, just like the fixed part. Therefore, it is filled in black in Figure 4. Since neither the fixed part 600 nor the main body 700 is movable, the boundary between the units is not clear, but the fixed part 600 has a mounting surface for installing the imaging device 10 on the ceiling or other surface on the upper side of the paper (in the positive direction of the Z axis). The imaging unit 100 is connected in the negative direction of the Z axis. The main body 700 is provided with holding members 601 and 602, which are sandwiched between the fixed part 600 with its mounting surface and the imaging unit 100.

[0062] In the configuration of Embodiment 2, the first functional unit 400 can rotate horizontally independently of the other units by the horizontal rotation mechanism 404, and the second functional unit 500 can rotate horizontally independently of the other units by the horizontal rotation mechanism 504. Therefore, the imaging unit 100, the first functional unit 400, and the second functional unit 500 each have an independent horizontal rotation mechanism.

[0063] <Example 3> In Embodiment 3, the first functional unit 400 is rotated horizontally by a horizontal rotation mechanism 404 located within the first functional unit 400, and the second functional unit 500 is rotated horizontally by a horizontal rotation mechanism 201 located within the tripod head unit 200.

[0064] Referring to Figure 5, an example of a configuration in which independent horizontal rotation control is performed using the horizontal rotation mechanism provided in the functional unit and the horizontal rotation mechanism provided in the pan / tilt head unit is shown. Figure 5 shows the configuration relationship between the movable and fixed parts of the horizontal rotation mechanism according to Embodiment 3. Note that the XYZ axes in Figure 5 are the same as in Figure 3.

[0065] In Figure 5, the main body 700 consists of a pan / tilt head 200 equipped with a horizontal rotation mechanism 201 and a non-movable holding mechanism 300, similar to the fixed part 600. The first functional unit 400 is held by a holding member 601 connected to the holding mechanism 300, and can be rotated independently of the imaging unit 100 and the second functional unit 500 by the horizontal rotation mechanism 404.

[0066] The second functional unit 500 is connected to the pan / tilt head unit 200 by a holding member 602, and when the pan / tilt head unit 200 rotates horizontally by the horizontal rotation mechanism 201, the second functional unit 500 also rotates horizontally in conjunction. The horizontal rotation mechanism 201 can be rotated independently of the first functional unit 400 and the imaging unit 100. Therefore, the imaging unit 100, the first functional unit 400, and the second functional unit 500 are configured to perform horizontal rotation independently of each other. Furthermore, the second functional part 500, which is held by the tripod head 200 and the holding member 602, does not necessarily need to have a horizontal rotation mechanism inside.

[0067] In Figure 5, the holding mechanism 300 is shown as an example configuration on the positive side of the Z-axis direction of the tripod head 200, but the relative positions of the holding mechanism 300 and the tripod head 200 may be reversed. Also, the relative positions of the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 may be reversed. However, the functional unit held by the holding mechanism 300 must be equipped with a horizontal rotation mechanism.

[0068] <Example 4> In Embodiment 4, a configuration is described in which the rotational range is widened by making it less likely for the first functional unit 400 or the second functional unit 500 to physically interfere with the main body 700, the imaging unit 100, or the fixed unit 600 when the functional unit is rotated by a horizontal rotation mechanism located within the functional unit.

[0069] An example of arranging the holding member on the front side of the main body will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view in the XY axis direction of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 4, showing an example of arranging the holding member in front of the main body.

[0070] The main body 700 may have either the tripod head 200 or the holding mechanism 300 in Embodiment 3, for example. Furthermore, since the same configuration can be applied to both the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500, only the first functional unit 400 will be described.

[0071] In Figure 6, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as forward. Furthermore, the rotation direction 411 of the horizontal rotation mechanism of the first functional unit 400 is defined as rotation in the positive direction when it rotates in the direction of the arrow in Figure 6 (counterclockwise). Also, similar to Figure 2, the state where the first functional unit 400 is facing forward is described as the position where the rotation angle is 0 degrees. The dotted line 720 is a line in the Y-axis direction that passes through the center of the width of the main body 700 in the X-axis direction.

[0072] The imaging device 10 positions the holding member 601 (first holding member) in front of the dotted line 720 and takes images of the area in front. In this embodiment, when the first functional unit 400 is rotated horizontally in the positive direction, the configuration prevents interference between the functional unit and the main body, and rotational drive is possible from around 0 degrees (positive direction of the X axis) to around +90 degrees counterclockwise (positive direction of the Y axis). The second functional unit 500 can be rotated from around 0 degrees (positive direction of the X axis) to around -90 degrees clockwise (negative direction of the Y axis).

[0073] An example in which the retaining members 601 and 602 are positioned behind the main body 700 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view in the XY axis direction of the imaging device 10 in Embodiment 4, in which the retaining members are positioned behind the main body 700.

[0074] In other words, in Figure 7, unlike in Figure 6, the imaging device 10 positions the holding member 601 (first holding member) behind the dotted line 720 of the main body 700. This prevents interference between the functional unit and the main body when the first functional unit 400 is rotated horizontally in the negative direction, and allows rotational drive from around 0 degrees (positive direction of the X axis) to around -90 degrees clockwise (negative direction of the Y axis). The second functional unit 500 can be rotated from around 0 degrees (positive direction of the X axis) to around +90 degrees counterclockwise (positive direction of the Y axis).

[0075] Referring to Figure 8, an example in which the retaining members 601 and 602 are arranged behind the first functional unit 400 and the second functional unit 500 will be described. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view in the XY axis direction of the imaging device 10 in Embodiment 4, in which the retaining members are arranged behind the functional unit.

[0076] The dotted line 420 in Figure 8 is a line in the Y-axis direction that passes through the center of the width of the first functional unit 400 in the X-axis direction. The holding member 601 (first holding member) of the imaging device 10 is positioned behind the dotted line 420 of the first functional unit 400. This prevents interference between the functional unit and the main body when the first functional unit 400 is rotated horizontally in the negative direction, and allows rotational drive from around -180 degrees (negative direction of the X-axis) to around +90 degrees counterclockwise (positive direction of the Y-axis).

[0077] The second functional part 500 can be rotated from -180 degrees (negative direction of the X axis) to approximately -90 degrees clockwise (negative direction of the Y axis). The holding member 601 (first holding member) may be positioned in front of the dotted line 420 of the first functional part 400. The same applies to the holding member 602.

[0078] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, depending on the connection position of the holding member, physical interference with the main body 700 (or imaging unit 100 or fixed unit 600) when the first and second functional units are rotated by the horizontal rotation mechanism can be reduced, and the range of rotation can be expanded.

[0079] <Example 5> Example 5 shows another example of expanding the horizontal rotation range by reducing physical interference with the main body 700 (or imaging unit 100 or fixed unit 600) when rotating horizontally by the horizontal rotation mechanism located in the first and second functional units.

[0080] The main body 700 may have either the tripod head 200 or the holding mechanism 300 in Example 3, for example. Also, since it can be applied to either the first functional part 400 or the second functional part 500, only the first functional part 400 will be described. In Example 5, an example is described in which the first functional part 400 is rectangular, but it may also be elliptical or polygonal. In Example 5, the first functional part 400 is, for example, rectangular, and the holding member 601 extends in the Y-axis direction from approximately the center of the width of the main body 700 in the X-axis direction. Also, the main body 700 is described using a circular example, but it may also be elliptical or polygonal.

[0081] Refer to Figure 9 to illustrate the relationship between the rotation axis, the main body, and the functional part. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 5 in the XY axis direction, showing the relationship between the rotation axis, the main body, and the functional part. In Figure 9, interference between the first functional part 400 and the main body 700 occurs when the distance L1 from the rotation axis 412 in the rotation direction 411 of the horizontal rotation mechanism of the first functional part 400 to the main body 700 is shorter than the maximum distance L2 from the rotation axis 412 to the outer circumference of the first functional part 400.

[0082] Therefore, by making L1 longer than L2, it is possible to prevent interference between the first functional part 400 and the main body part 700. In other words, by configuring the structure so that the distance L1 from the rotating shaft 412 (first rotating shaft) to the main body part 700 is longer than the maximum distance L2 from the rotating shaft 412 to the outer circumference of the first functional part 400, interference can be prevented and no restrictions on the rotation angle are necessary.

[0083] Referring to Figure 10, the relationship between the rotation axis 412 of the horizontal rotation mechanism of the first functional unit 400, the main body, and the functional unit will be explained. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotation axis 412, the main body, and the functional unit of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 5. Note that Figure 10 shows the case where a limit is placed on the rotation angle of the rotation axis 412 compared to Figure 9.

[0084] In Figure 10, we will explain the case where the rotation axis 412 is limited to an angular range of θ degrees (θ is less than 90 degrees) for counterclockwise rotation, with the positive direction of the X axis being 0 degrees. For example, when rotating counterclockwise from 0 degrees around the rotation axis 412, L4 > L3 before the rotation angle reaches θ degrees, and L4 = L3 when it reaches θ degrees. Here, L3 is the distance from the rotation axis 412 to the main body 700, and L4 is the maximum distance to the outer circumference of the first functional part 400 which is to the right of the rotation axis 412.

[0085] By setting it in this way, the range of rotation angle when the first functional part 400 is rotated counterclockwise from 0 degrees can be limited to θ degrees. That is, when it is rotated by a predetermined rotation angle around the rotation axis 412 (first rotation axis), the range of rotation angle can be limited by making the distance L3 from the first rotation axis to the main body the same as the maximum distance L4 from the first rotation axis to the outer circumference of the first functional part.

[0086] <Example 6> In Embodiment 6, a notch is provided around the retaining member of the main body 700 to prevent interference between the first functional part 400 and the main body 700. An example of a configuration in which a notch is provided around the retaining member of the main body will be described with reference to Figure 11.

[0087] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view in the XY axis direction of the imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 6. The main body 700 has a circular shape, and the holding member 601 (first holding member) has notches 800 and 801 on its outer circumference. By providing these notches 800 and 801, interference can be prevented when the first functional part 400 rotates around the rotation axis 412, and the rotation range of the rotation axis 412 can be expanded.

[0088] In other words, by providing a notch around the holding member 601 (first holding member) to prevent the first functional part from coming into contact with the main body 700 when it rotates, interference can be prevented and the range of rotation can be expanded. In Figure 11, notches 800 and 801 are provided at the front and rear of the main body 700, respectively, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which only one of the front or rear notches is provided. Alternatively, notches may be provided on the outer circumference of the first functional part 400 or the second functional part 500.

[0089] In the above embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, examples were given using the main body 700, the first functional unit 400, the second functional unit 500, and the imaging unit 100, which have circular or rectangular shapes. However, the invention can also be applied to complex structures with uneven surfaces.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, some or all of the control may be performed by supplying a computer program that realizes the functions of the embodiment described above to an imaging device, etc., via a network or various storage media. The computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) in the imaging device, etc., may then read and execute the program. In that case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 10: Imaging device 100: Imaging Unit 200: Tripod head 400: First functional part 500: Second functional part 600: Fixed part 700: Main unit

Claims

1. An imaging device, The main body and A fixing part for fixing the main body to the installation surface, Connected to the main body on the side opposite to the fixed part in the first direction, is an imaging unit for photographing a subject, It has a first functional part which is held by a first holding member extending from the main body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and spaced apart from the main body, The first functional unit has a first rotation mechanism for rotating the first functional unit about a first rotation axis in the first direction relative to the main body, independently of the orientation of the imaging unit. The main body has a main body rotation mechanism for rotating the main body around a rotation axis in a first direction different from the first rotation axis, independently of the orientation of the imaging unit, relative to the fixed part. The first rotation axis passes through the position on the first holding member, An imaging device characterized in that, in a cross-section of the imaging device parallel to both the first direction and the second direction, including the first holding member, the distance from the position through which the first rotation axis passes to the main body is longer than the maximum distance from the position through which the first rotation axis passes to the outer circumference of the first functional part.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging unit has a second rotation mechanism for rotating the imaging unit around an axis in a first direction different from the first rotation axis relative to the main body.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging unit has a third rotation mechanism for rotating the imaging unit about an axis in the second direction relative to the main body.

4. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first functional part has a fourth rotation mechanism for rotating the first functional part about a rotation axis in the second direction.

5. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main body has a fourth rotation mechanism for rotating the first functional part about a rotation axis in the second direction.

6. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a control unit for rotating the first rotation mechanism and the main body rotation mechanism in conjunction with each other.

7. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first functional part has an input element or an output element.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that the input element or output element includes any of the following: a microphone, a speaker, a warning light source, a human presence sensor, a distance measuring sensor, a zoom camera, a panoramic camera, a wireless communication unit, or a lighting unit.

9. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the main body has a second functional part which is held by a second holding member extending in the second direction on the side of the main body opposite to the first functional part in the second direction and is spaced apart from the main body.

Images