Imaging device

Abstract

When an imaging device having a camera platform is to be installed outside, it has been difficult to install the imaging device while keeping the camera platform horizontal. An imaging device (100) according to the present invention comprises: an imaging unit (10) having a lens and an image sensor (12); and a camera platform (20) that rotatably supports the imaging unit (10). The camera platform (20) comprises: a base part (21) fixed to the outside of the imaging device (100); and a leveling instrument (30) that measures the incline of the base part (21) in relation to the horizontal plane.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a camera, particularly a video camera capable of shooting video, image displacement from the horizontal direction is an issue. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-68335 discloses using an acceleration sensor to correct the inclination of an image, particularly for purposes such as shake correction.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In recent years, cameras of a type that fix a pan-tilt unit that rotatably supports an imaging unit, such as a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera, to a building, a tripod, or a moving object for use have been increasingly used. In the case of a camera that fixes the pan-tilt unit externally like this, it has not always been easy to fix the pan-tilt unit horizontally.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The imaging device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an imaging unit having a lens and an image sensor, and a pan-tilt unit that rotatably supports the imaging unit. The pan-tilt unit has a base unit fixed to the outside of the imaging device and a level for measuring the inclination of the base unit with respect to the horizontal plane. <​​​​​​​​The imaging device according to the first aspect of this disclosure is equipped with a spirit level for measuring the tilt of the pan / tilt head. Therefore, when installing the imaging device externally, the installer can know the tilt of the pan / tilt head from the horizontal plane, making the installation of the imaging device easier.

[0007] The imaging device according to the second aspect of this disclosure can display the tilt information of the pan / tilt head on a display unit of a computer connected via a network. Therefore, a person in a remote location can know the tilt information of the pan / tilt head. By transmitting the tilt information of the pan / tilt head to the person installing the imaging device, the installation work of the pan / tilt head can be assisted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a control block diagram of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a plan view of the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment, as seen from above. The orientation in desktop mode is indicated. [Figure 3B] This is a diagram showing the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment as viewed from the front. [Figure 3C] This is a plan view of the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment, as seen from below. The orientation is shown for the hanging mode. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the notation of the tilt of the tripod head 20 in the left-right direction from the horizontal plane in desktop mode and hanging mode. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the notation of the tilt of the tripod head 20 in the forward and backward direction from the horizontal plane in desktop mode and hanging mode. [Figure 5] This is an example of the display screen 51a of the display unit 51. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following explanation so that those skilled in the art can fully understand this disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims by means of these.

[0010] <First Embodiment> 1. Configuration of the imaging device 100 The imaging device 100 in this embodiment is a camera capable of acquiring and outputting video. The imaging device 100 is a camera capable of driving the imaging unit 10 and changing the imaging range. The imaging device 100 may also be a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera with PTZ functionality.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment, and Figure 2 shows the control block diagram. The imaging device 100 comprises an imaging unit 10, a pan / tilt head 20, a drive unit 23, a control unit 40, a network interface 41, and a display interface 42. In Figure 1, the imaging unit 10 is positioned vertically above the pan / tilt head 20. This arrangement is called desktop mode. Conversely, the imaging unit 10 may be positioned vertically below the pan / tilt head 20. This arrangement is called hanging mode.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the imaging unit 10 includes an image sensor 12 and a lens unit 11. The image sensor 12 acquires images of the external space via the lens unit 11 and outputs them to the control unit 40. The image sensor 12 is a CMOS or CCD, etc. The lens unit 11 includes multiple lenses. The lens unit 11 moves the lenses based on control signals transmitted from the control unit 40. The focal position and zoom position of the lenses can be adjusted by the control unit 40. The zoom function (optical zoom) of the imaging device 100 is realized by moving the lenses.

[0013] The imaging unit 10 may also be equipped with a spirit level (not shown) in addition to the spirit level 30 installed on the pan / tilt head. The spirit level of the imaging unit 10 corrects the tilt of the image. The spirit level may include an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor may be a 3-axis acceleration sensor.

[0014] The pan / tilt head 20 rotatably supports the imaging unit 10. The pan / tilt head 20 also houses the drive unit 23, spirit level 30, control unit 40, etc., as a housing. Interfaces such as a network interface 41 and a display interface 42 are arranged on the surface of the pan / tilt head 20 so that they can be accessed from the outside.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the pan / tilt head 20 has a base portion 21 and a rotating portion 22. The rotating portion 22 includes a connection portion 22b to the disc-shaped base portion 21 and an arm 22a which is a connection portion to the arm-shaped imaging unit 10. The base portion 21 is connected to the rotating portion 22 at a connection portion 201. The rotating portion 22 is driven by a drive unit 23 and is rotatable in a horizontal plane. It may be rotatable by 360° or more in a horizontal plane. As the rotating portion 22 rotates in a horizontal plane, the imaging unit 10 rotates in a horizontal plane, and the imaging area captured by the imaging unit 10 rotates in a horizontal plane.

[0016] The arm 22a of the rotating part 22 of the pan-tilt 20 is connected to the imaging unit 10 at the connection part 202. The imaging unit 10 is driven by the drive unit 23 and can rotate within a vertical plane. The angle of rotation within the vertical plane may be less than 360° or 360° or more. When the imaging unit 10 rotates within the vertical plane, the imaging area by the imaging unit 10 rotates within the vertical plane.

[0017] The base part 21 of the pan-tilt 20 fixes the imaging device 100 externally. A logo such as a product name is arranged on the front surface 21a of the base part 21. The surface of the base part 21 opposite to the connection part 201 is the installation surface 21b which is installed in contact with the outside. The outside may be a ceiling, a building or a moving body installed on the ceiling. In this case, it is usually in the hanging mode. The outside may be a building installed on the ground, a tripod, a moving body, etc. In this case, it is usually in the desktop mode. In any case, the installation surface 21b of the pan-tilt 20 is installed to be horizontal. For example, the imaging device 100 can also be installed on the slope of a building. In such a case, a separate attachment is inserted between the slope and the base part 21 so that the installation surface 21b of the pan-tilt 20 becomes horizontal.

[0018] The level 30 may include an acceleration sensor 31 and an inclination calculation unit 32. The acceleration sensor 31 is arranged inside the pan-tilt 20. The acceleration sensor 31 is directly or indirectly fixed to the base part 21. That is, the acceleration sensor 31 does not move even when the rotating part 22 rotates. The level 30 measures how much the installation surface 21b of the pan-tilt 20 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, it measures how much the x direction (front-rear direction, indicated as front F and rear B in the figure) or the y direction (left-right direction, indicated as left L and right R in the figure) of the pan-tilt 20 is inclined in the vertical direction with respect to the horizontal plane. The measurement result of the acceleration sensor 31 is output to the inclination calculation unit 32. The inclination calculation unit 32 calculates the inclinations in the x direction and the y direction from the measurement result of the acceleration sensor 31. The inclination calculation unit 32 may be a part of the control unit 40.

[0019] In this embodiment, the level 30 includes an acceleration sensor 31. The acceleration sensor 31 may be a three-axis acceleration sensor. Also, there is no problem with using other means as long as they can measure the inclination with respect to the horizontal plane other than the acceleration sensor.

[0020] The driving unit 23 drives the imaging unit 10 to rotate with respect to the rotating part 22 of the pan-tilt 20. Also, the driving unit 23 drives the rotating part 22 to rotate with respect to the base part 21. The driving unit 23 may include a motor 23a that drives the imaging unit 10 and a motor 23b that drives the rotating part 22.

[0021] The imaging device 100 further includes various interfaces. The interfaces include a network interface 41 and a display interface 42. Further, it may be provided with an interface for outputting to a recording medium such as an SD card, a storage device, or a computer.

[0022] The network interface 41 can connect the imaging device 100 to the network N communicably. The imaging device 100 can communicate with a computer 50 connected to the network N. The computer 50 includes a display unit 51. The video information captured by the imaging unit 10 is transmitted to the computer 50 via the network N and can be displayed on the display unit 51. Similarly, the inclination information of the pan-tilt 20 measured by the level 30 is transmitted from the imaging device 100 to the computer 50 via the network N and displayed on the display unit 51.

[0023] The display interface 42 can connect the imaging device 100 to an external display device 61. The video information captured by the imaging unit 10 can be displayed on the display device 61 via the display interface 42. Similarly, the inclination information of the pan-tilt 20 measured by the level 30 is displayed on the display device 61 from the imaging device 100 via the display interface 42.

[0024] The control unit 40 acquires imaging information from the imaging unit 10. The control unit 40 acquires tilt information of the tripod head 20 from the spirit level 30. The control unit 40 transmits the imaging information and / or the tilt information of the tripod head 20 to the computer 50 via the network interface 41. Similarly, the control unit 40 transmits the imaging information and / or the tilt information of the tripod head 20 to the display device 61 via the display interface 42 for display.

[0025] The control unit 40 may be composed of a computer. The computer includes a CPU. A microcomputer may be used as the computer. The control unit 40 may be composed of multiple microcomputers. For example, the control unit 40 may include a computer for processing video signals, a microcomputer for controlling the drive unit 23 of the pan / tilt head 20, a microcomputer for controlling the lens unit 11, and a microcomputer for configuring the tilt calculation unit 32. Alternatively, the control unit 40 may be composed of a combination of a computer and electrical circuits. The control unit 40 may also be composed entirely of electrical circuits.

[0026] 2. Notation of the tilt of the tripod head 20 from the horizontal using the spirit level 30. This section explains how the tilt of the tripod head 20 from the horizontal, as measured by the spirit level 30, is indicated.

[0027] Figure 3A is a view of the imaging device 100 from above (from the imaging unit 10 side) in the vertical direction. Here, since the position of the imaging unit 10 and the rotating part 22 of the pan / tilt head 20 changes due to rotation, the direction is defined by the orientation of the base unit 21. In Figure 3A, the front surface 21a of the base unit 21 is defined as the front (front), the opposite side as the rear, and the direction from rear to front is defined as the x-direction. Then, as shown in Figure 3A, left (L) and right (R) are defined in the horizontal plane, and the direction from left to right is defined as the y-direction. As shown in Figure 3B, the direction from bottom to top is the z-direction. The angle (total angle is 360°) indicates how much the mounting surface 21b of the pan / tilt head 20 moves up and down in the vertical direction (z-direction) in the front-to-back direction (x-direction) from the horizontal plane. For example, an inclination where the front is 0.8° lower than the rear is, F↓ -0.8 / +0.8 ↑B····(1) This is how it is expressed. However, if the tilt exceeds 9.9° for practical reasons, it will be expressed as a maximum of 9.9°. Similarly, the angle (total angle is 360°) indicates how much the mounting surface 21b of the tripod head 20 has moved up and down in the vertical direction (z direction) in the left-right direction (y direction) relative to the horizontal plane. For example, a tilt where the left is 3.2° higher than the right is expressed as L↑ +3.2 / -3.2 ↓R····(2) This is how it should be expressed. However, if the inclination exceeds 9.9° for practical reasons, it will be expressed as a maximum of 9.9°.

[0028] These slope values ​​change depending on whether you are in desktop mode or hanging mode. Next, we will explain this using Figures 4A and 4B.

[0029] Figure 4A schematically illustrates the difference in tilt in the left-right direction (y-direction) between desktop mode (labeled DESKTOP) and hanging mode (labeled HANGING). As can be seen from Figure 4A, in both modes, the tilt in the left-right direction is expressed as + when the left (L) is raised from the horizontal plane, so the notation for tilt remains the same.

[0030] Figure 4B schematically illustrates the difference between desktop mode and hanging mode in terms of tilt in the front-to-back direction (x-direction). As can be seen from Figure 4B, the direction of tilt of the tripod head 20 and the indicated "+" direction change between desktop mode and hanging mode in the front-to-back direction. This occurs because the left-to-right direction (y-direction) is defined in the opposite way in Figures 3A (desktop mode) and 3C (hanging mode). However, in actual setup, changing the definition of direction between desktop mode and hanging mode in this way makes it easier to understand intuitively.

[0031] 3. Installation assist function for the imaging device 100 using the spirit level 30. Next, we will explain the setup assist function of the imaging device 100, which uses the spirit level 30 inside the tripod head 20.

[0032] The tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20, measured by the spirit level 30, is output from the imaging device 100 to the user's computer 50 via the network N. The computer 50 displays the tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20 on the display unit 51. An example of the screen display of the display unit 51 is shown in Figure 5.

[0033] The screen 51a in Figure 5 contains a video display unit 54, a settings unit 55, a tilt display unit 52, and a tilt display on / off toggle icon 53. The video display unit 54 displays the video (imaging information) captured by the imaging unit 10. The settings unit 55 displays various information and operation buttons necessary for setting the imaging device 100.

[0034] The tilt display unit 52 displays the tilt information of the tripod head 20 measured by the spirit level 30. The tilt information of the tripod head 20 includes the tilt of the tripod head 20 in the front-to-back direction and the tilt of the tripod head 20 in the left-to-right direction. The tilt of the tripod head 20 in the front-to-back direction is, for example, "F↓ -0.8 / +0.8 ↑B", and the tilt of the tripod head 20 in the left-to-right direction is, for example, "L↑ +3.2 / -3.2 ↓R".

[0035] The tilt display on / off toggle icon 53 is a button that allows the user to switch the display of tilt information (tilt display section 52) on or off. Clicking the tilt display on / off toggle icon 53 while tilt information is displayed will hide the display, and clicking the icon 53 when tilt information is not displayed will display the tilt information on the tilt display section 52.

[0036] On display screen 51a, the tilt can be displayed along with the video, or the tilt can be displayed alone.

[0037] The tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20 measured by the spirit level 30 can also be output from the imaging device 100 to the display device 61 for display. The screen display of the display device 61 can be configured in exactly the same way as the display example of the display unit 51 (Figure 5).

[0038] Another example of screen display for the display unit 51 and the display device 61 is that the tilt information may be superimposed on the video signal from the imaging unit 10. Furthermore, the user convenience can be improved by configuring the display unit 51 or the display device 61 to switch the tilt information display on or off independently.

[0039] When the installer of the imaging device attempts to install the imaging device 100, a supporter in a remote location can determine the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20 from the display on the computer 50's display unit 51. The supporter can then inform the installer of the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20 and assist them. The network interface 41 can be configured with either wired or wireless connections, or both. A wireless configuration eliminates the hassle of wiring, resulting in improved work efficiency and other benefits.

[0040] The tilt information of the pan / tilt head 20 measured by the spirit level 30 can also be output from the imaging device 100 to the display device 61 for display. The screen display of the display device 61 can be configured in exactly the same way as the display example of the display unit 51 (Figure 5).

[0041] In this case, the person installing the imaging device 100 outside the home can do it themselves, or someone nearby can assist with the installation work.

[0042] 4. Features of this embodiment The imaging device 100 of this embodiment comprises an imaging unit 10 and a tripod head 20. The imaging unit 10 has a lens unit 11 and an image sensor 12. The tripod head 20 has a base 21, a rotating part 22, and a spirit level 30. The mounting surface 21b of the base 21 is fixed to the outside of the imaging device 100. The outside is, for example, a ceiling, a tripod, or a mobile body. The base 21 rotatably supports the rotating part 22. The rotating part 22 rotatably supports the imaging unit 10. The spirit level 30 is fixed to the base 21 directly or indirectly. In other words, even if the rotating part 22 rotates relative to the base 21, the spirit level 30 is positioned so that its positional relationship with respect to the base 21 does not change. The spirit level 30 measures the inclination of the base 21 of the tripod head 20 with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0043] The imaging device 100 of this disclosure is equipped with a spirit level 30 for measuring the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20. Therefore, when installing the imaging device 100 outdoors, the installer can know the tilt of the pan / tilt head 20 from the horizontal plane, making the installation of the imaging device 100 easier.

[0044] The spirit level 30 may consist of an acceleration sensor 31 and a tilt calculation unit 32 that calculates the tilt from the information of the acceleration sensor 31. The acceleration sensor 31 measures the tilt from the horizontal plane in two directions: the left-right direction (y-direction) and the front-back direction (x-direction) of the base portion 21 of the pan / tilt head 20.

[0045] The rotating part 22 of the tripod head 20 is rotatable horizontally relative to the base unit 21. The rotating part 22 of the tripod head 20 also supports the imaging unit 10 so that it can rotate vertically. The imaging device 100 is a PTZ camera with PTZ functionality. Pan and tilt functions are achieved by the rotation of the rotating part 22 relative to the base unit 21 and the rotation of the imaging unit 10 relative to the tripod head 20. The zoom function (optical zoom) is achieved by the movement of the lens of the lens unit 11.

[0046] The imaging device 100 has multiple interfaces for connecting to external devices, storage media, etc. These interfaces may include a network interface 41 and a display interface 42.

[0047] The display interface 42 of the imaging device 100 is connected to the display device 61. The video information acquired by the imaging unit 10 and the tilt information of the pan / tilt head measured by the spirit level 30 are transmitted to the display device 61 via the display interface 42. The display device 61 can display the video information and tilt information on its display.

[0048] The network interface 41 of the imaging device 100 is connected to an external computer 50 via the network N. The video information acquired by the imaging unit 10 and the tilt information of the pan / tilt head measured by the level 30 are transmitted to the computer 50 via the network N. The computer 50 can display the video information and tilt information on its display unit 51.

[0049] The imaging device 100 of this embodiment can display the tilt information of the pan / tilt head on the display unit 51 of a computer 50 connected via a network. Therefore, a person in a remote location can know the tilt information of the pan / tilt head. By transmitting the tilt information of the pan / tilt head to the person installing the imaging device 100, the installation work of the pan / tilt head can be assisted.

[0050] The tilt information of the tripod head includes the left-right tilt of the base 21 of the tripod head 20 from the horizontal plane, and the front-back tilt from the horizontal plane. The display of the left-right tilt and the front-back tilt in the tilt information includes signs and numbers indicating positive or negative. In addition, depending on how the imaging device 100 is mounted externally, desktop mode (imaging unit 10 is above the tripod head 20 in the vertical direction) and hanging mode (imaging unit 10 is below the tripod head 20 in the vertical direction) are set. In desktop mode and hanging mode, the left-right tilt and the front-back tilt from the horizontal plane are defined, respectively. The notation may differ between desktop mode and hanging mode.

[0051] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0052] The imaging device disclosed herein can be used by broadcasters or video producers for acquiring images in theaters, stadiums, or outdoors, or as a surveillance camera, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 Imaging Unit 11 Lens Unit 12 Image Sensors 20 Pan head 21 Base part 21a Front (of the base) 21b (Base) mounting surface 22 Rotating part 22a (Rotating part) Arm 22b Connection part (with the base of the rotating part) 23 Drive unit 30 Level 31. Accelerometer 32 Slope calculation section 40 Control Unit 41 Network Interfaces 42 Display Interfaces 50 Computers 51 Display section 61 Display device 100 Imaging device 201 Connection part (between the rotating part and the base part) 202 Connection part (between the imaging unit and the tripod head)

Claims

1. An imaging device, It comprises an imaging unit having a lens and an image sensor, and a pan / tilt head that rotatably supports the imaging unit, The tripod head has a base that is fixed to the outside of the imaging device and a spirit level that measures the inclination of the base with respect to the horizontal plane. The imaging device is connected to a computer via a network, and the computer includes a display device. The tilt information of the pan / tilt head measured by the spirit level is output from the imaging device, transmitted to the computer via the network, and displayed on the display device. The tilt information includes the tilt of the base of the tripod head in the left-right direction from the horizontal plane and the tilt in the front-back direction from the horizontal plane. The tilt information displayed in the left-right direction and the tilt displayed in the front-back direction includes signs and numbers indicating positive or negative. The display changes depending on whether the image sensor is above the tripod head or below it, in the vertical direction. Imaging device.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The level is an imaging device comprising an acceleration sensor and a tilt calculation unit that calculates the tilt from the information of the acceleration sensor.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, The spirit level is an imaging device that measures the tilt of the base of the tripod head from the horizontal plane in two directions: left-right and front-back.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, The aforementioned pan / tilt head further includes a rotating part connected to the imaging unit and arranged to rotate relative to the base unit, The rotating part is rotatable horizontally with respect to the base part of the imaging device.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The imaging device is such that the imaging unit is supported by the pan / tilt head so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction relative to the base unit.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, The imaging device is such that the imaging unit is supported by the rotating unit so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction relative to the base unit.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The display of the tilt of the display device is shown together with a button to toggle the display of the tilt on and off, in an imaging device.

Images