Imaging device and window glass equipped with imaging device

Abstract

An imaging device according to the present invention includes a housing that has a first surface and is to be installed on an indoor side of window glass of a building, a lens that is provided to the first surface, a fixing part that detachably holds the housing so as to be in contact with the first surface and is to be fixed to a principal surface on the indoor side of the window glass, and an imaging part that is provided inside the housing and can capture images of the outdoor side of the window glass via the lens. The fixing part has a through hole that corresponds to the lens or has a transparent part that is transparent at at least a front surface portion of the lens. The housing has a magnet part that is embedded in the first surface, and the fixing part has a magnetic metal part that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet part, or the fixing part has a magnet part, and the housing has a magnetic metal part that is embedded in the first surface and can be magnetically attracted to the magnet part.

Description

Imaging device and window glass with imaging device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device and a window glass equipped with an imaging device.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a window camera that includes an imaging unit that captures an outdoor image from the indoor surface of a window glass, a housing having a rectangular mounting surface that faces parallel to the indoor surface, the imaging unit recessed in the mounting surface, and the optical axis of the imaging unit aligned with the intersection of a pair of diagonal lines on the mounting surface, and a light-shielding member formed of an elastic material, formed in a rectangular frame shape that protrudes from the mounting surface toward the indoor surface and conforms to the outer shape of the mounting surface, and elastically deforms when pressed by the housing to close the gap between the indoor surface and the mounting surface. This window camera is fixed to the indoor surface of the window glass by a suction cup piece of a suction cup suction mechanism of the housing. The suction cup piece is formed of an elastic material (see, for example, JP 2021-111812 A).

[0003] However, in a configuration in which a window camera is fixed to a window glass using a suction cup piece that adheres to the indoor surface (the main surface facing indoors) of the window glass, it may be difficult to stably fix the window camera to the window glass over a long period of time.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can be stably fixed to a window glass over a long period of time, and a window glass equipped with an imaging device.

[0005] An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing that is installed on the indoor side of a window glass of a building and has a first surface; a lens provided on the first surface; a fixed part that is fixed to the indoor main surface of the window glass and that detachably holds the housing while in contact with the first surface; and an imaging part that is arranged within the housing and is capable of capturing images of the outdoor side of the window glass through the lens, wherein the fixed part has a through-hole corresponding to the lens, or a transparent part where at least a front portion of the lens is transparent, the housing has a magnet part embedded in the first surface, and the fixed part has a magnetic metal part that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet part, or the fixed part has a magnet part, and the housing has a magnetic metal part that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet part and is embedded in the first surface.

[0006] It is possible to provide an imaging device that can be stably fixed to a window glass over a long period of time, and a window glass equipped with an imaging device.

[0007] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100 and its surroundings from the outdoor side. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging device 100 and its surroundings from the outdoor side. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the case 110 side of the imaging device 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M1 of a first modified example of an embodiment and its surroundings from the outdoor side. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M1 and its surroundings from the indoor side. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M2 of a second modified example of an embodiment and its surroundings from the outdoor side. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M2 and its surroundings from the indoor side. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M3 of a third modified example of an embodiment and its surroundings from the outdoor side. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M3 of a third modified example of an embodiment and its surroundings from the indoor side. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M3 of a third modified example of an embodiment and its surroundings from the outdoor side. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M3 and its surroundings from the indoor side. FIG. 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M4 according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment and its surroundings from the outdoor side. FIG. 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M4.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the imaging device and window glass with an imaging device according to the present disclosure will be described. In the following, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted.

[0009] In the following description, for ease of understanding, the scale of each component in the drawings may differ from the actual scale. In this embodiment, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) is used. For example, the width (horizontal) direction of the window glass is the X-axis, the height (height) direction of the window glass is the Y-axis, and the thickness (thickness) direction of the window glass is the Z-axis. For example, the direction from bottom to top of the window glass is the +Y-axis, and the opposite direction is the −Y-axis. For example, the indoor side of the window glass is the +Z-axis, and the outdoor side of the window glass is the −Z-axis. In the following description, the +Y-axis direction may be referred to as "up" and the −Y-axis direction may be referred to as "down." Furthermore, a planar view refers to a view from the XY plane. For example, the X-axis and Z-axis directions are approximately parallel to a direction parallel to a horizontal plane (horizontal direction), and the Y-axis direction is approximately parallel to a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0010] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions represent directions parallel to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are perpendicular to one another. The XY plane, YZ plane, and ZX plane represent imaginary planes parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, imaginary planes parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and imaginary planes parallel to the Z-axis and X-axis directions, respectively.

[0011] 1A and 1B are views showing an example of an imaging device 100 and its surrounding configuration from the outdoor side. FIG. 1C is a view showing an example of an imaging device 100 and its surrounding configuration from the indoor side. FIGS. 1A to 1C show a window 10 provided in a wall 1W of a building 1. Also, FIGS. 1B and 1C show a state in which a case 110 and a fixing part 120 of the imaging device 100 are separated, and the fixing part 120 is adhered to a main surface 11A on the indoor side of the window glass 11. The building 1 is an example of a structure.

[0012] The window 10 has a window pane 11 and a window frame 12. The window pane 11 is parallel to the XY plane. The window frame 12 is an example of a structure surrounding the window pane 11. The window pane 11 is, for example, a fixed window, but may also be a sliding window or the like. FIGS. 1A to 1C show a portion of the window pane 11 and the window frame 12.

[0013] The imaging device 100 is used while being fixed to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11. As an example, the imaging device 100 is a box-shaped device that is triangular in plan view, and is placed on the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11 at corners on the +X-axis direction side and the +Y-axis direction side of the window frame 12.

[0014] Here, the window glass 11, the window frame 12, and the imaging device 100 constitute the window glass with imaging device 200 of the embodiment. However, the window glass with imaging device 200 may be configured to include the window glass 11 and the imaging device 100 but not include the window frame 12.

[0015] The imaging device 100 is a device that captures outdoor images through the window glass 11 and is connected to a processing device that performs image processing, for example, via a cable (not shown). The imaging device 100 transmits image data to the processing device via the cable. The imaging device 100 also receives control signals from the processing device via the cable, for example, to switch the imaging unit 140 on / off, and receives power from the processing device. The imaging device 100 may wirelessly communicate with the processing device to transmit image data and receive control signals via wireless communication. The imaging device 100 may also be configured to perform image processing on captured images. The imaging device 100 may also have an intelligent vision sensor and be configured to perform high-speed edge AI (artificial intelligence) processing in addition to image processing. The imaging device 100 may also receive power from a device other than the processing device, or from an outlet in the building 1.

[0016] The processing device is located inside the building 1, but is omitted from Figures 1A to 1C. For example, the processing device may be connected to an information processing device such as an outdoor server via a wireless communication device or cable provided inside the building 1. Furthermore, for example, the processing device may be connected to an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or server provided inside the building 1 via a cable or wireless communication device, and the PC or server may be connected to an outdoor higher-level server or the like via a cable or wireless communication device.

[0017] Here, a form in which the window glass 11 is attached to the building 1 will be described, but the window glass 11 may also be attached to a structure other than the building 1. The structure other than the building 1 may be, for example, a civil engineering structure such as a bridge pier, a bridge, or a dam, a historical structure, an artistic structure, or the like.

[0018] The window glass 11 is a glass plate used in a window of a structure such as the building 1. The window glass 11 may be a glass facade at the entrance of the building 1, for example. The window glass 11 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and has an outer surface of the building 1 and an inner surface of the building 1. The inner surface of the building 1 refers to the indoor side of the building 1. The thickness of the window glass 11 is set according to the specifications of the building 1. Note that the term "rectangular" means a rectangular or square shape, as well as a rectangular or square shape with chamfered corners. The shape of the window glass in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be another shape such as a circular shape.

[0019] The window glass 11 is not limited to a single pane, but may be laminated glass or double-glazed glass. The window glass 11 may also be Low-E glass, light control glass, or glass containing linear members.

[0020] Examples of materials for the window glass 11 include soda lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and alkali-free glass.

[0021] The thickness of the window glass 11 is preferably 1.0 to 20 mm. If the thickness of the window glass 11 is 1.0 mm or more, the window 10 has sufficient strength for attaching the imaging device 100. Furthermore, if the thickness of the window glass is 20 mm or less, the window 10 has sufficient radio wave transmission performance for the wireless communication device to stably connect via wireless communication to an information processing device such as an outdoor server. The thickness of the window glass is more preferably 3.0 to 15 mm, and even more preferably 9.0 to 13 mm.

[0022] The reflectance of the outer surface of the window glass 11 is, for example, 3% or more. The window glass 11 has, for example, a visible light transmittance (TVA) of 30% to 98% based on the standard A light source specified in JIS R 3106:1998. If the TVA of the window glass 11 is 30% or more, sufficient image quality is achieved when the imaging device 100 captures an outdoor image through the window glass 11. If the TVA of the window glass 11 is 98% or less, excellent solar radiation shielding properties are achieved. The TVA of the window glass 11 is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 70% or more, even more preferably 75% or more, and particularly preferably 80% or more. The TVA of the window glass 11 is preferably 95% or less, more preferably 92% or less, even more preferably 90% or less, and particularly preferably 85% or less.

[0023] 1A to 1C show corner portions on the +X-axis direction and +Y-axis direction sides of the window frame 12 that holds the window glass 11. The window frame 12 has a frame portion 12X that extends in the X-axis direction and a frame portion 12Y that extends in the Y-axis direction. The frame portions 12X and 12Y are connected to each other at the corners on the +X-axis direction and +Y-axis direction sides of the window glass 11, and form an angle of 90 degrees with the frame portions 12X and 12Y. The frame portions 12X and 12Y are two adjacent frame portions of the window frame 12.

[0024] The frame portions 12X and 12Y have, for example, a rectangular annular shape in plan view, and the window glass 11 is fitted into an opening that is rectangular in plan view and surrounded by the frame portions 12X and 12Y. The surface that corresponds to the inner wall of the rectangular opening surrounded by the frame portions 12X and 12Y is, for example, a flat surface. In FIGS. 1A to 1C, the surface that corresponds to the inner wall of the frame portion 12X is a surface that is parallel to the XZ plane on the −Y direction side of the frame portion 12X. In FIGS. 1A to 1C, the surface that corresponds to the inner wall of the frame portion 12Y is a surface that is parallel to the YZ plane on the −X direction side of the frame portion 12Y. Hereinafter, the surface that corresponds to the inner wall of the rectangular opening surrounded by the frame portions 12X and 12Y will be referred to as the inner wall surface of the window frame 12, or the inner wall surface of the frame portion 12X or 12Y.

[0025] The imaging device 100 is a device that is attached to the indoor side of the window glass 11 of the building 1 and is capable of capturing moving and still images. Here, the general configuration and functions of the imaging device 100 will be described, and the detailed configuration of the imaging device 100 will be described later.

[0026] The imaging device 100 includes a lens 130 arranged facing the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11, and captures an outdoor subject through the lens 130 and the window glass 11. The subject is, for example, the scenery seen through the window glass 11 (everything visible through the window glass 11), and the scenery may be, for example, a road, a sidewalk, a passageway, an intersection, an entrance / exit to a building 1, a ticket gate or entrance / exit to a station, etc., and may also include people, vehicles, etc. The imaging device 100 may also capture infrared images if it is capable of acquiring infrared images. Note that information captured by the imaging device 100 may be used for digital twin computing.

[0027] Such an imaging device 100 can be used for a variety of purposes, and the applications are not limited thereto. The imaging device 100 can be used for a variety of purposes to capture images of a subject outside the window glass 11 of the building 1. Here, as an example, a configuration in which the imaging device 100 is used as a security surveillance camera will be described. The imaging device 100 is disposed facing the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11, and is therefore difficult to see from the outside of the window glass 11 due to reflection. For this reason, use as a surveillance camera is an example of a suitable application of the imaging device 100.

[0028] The height at which the imaging device 100 is attached to the window glass 11 is preferably higher than the average human height, from the viewpoint of providing a good view of the area to be monitored. For example, the height at which the imaging device 100 is attached to the window glass 11 is preferably 2 m or more, and the imaging device 100 may be attached to a window glass 11 on the second floor or higher of the building 1. If the imaging device 100 is attached to the window glass 11 at a height of 2 m or more, it is less likely to be seen by the person to be monitored.

[0029] The height at which the imaging device 100 is attached to the window glass 11 may be set to a height at which an appropriate image can be captured, taking into consideration the imageable range depending on the angle of view of the imaging device 100, the distance to the subject, etc. The upper limit of the height at which the imaging device 100 is attached to the window glass 11 is the height of the top edge of the highest window glass 11 in the building 1. The height of the imaging device 100 may be defined as the height from a reference plane parallel to the horizontal plane (for example, the ground, floor, or virtual plane). The height of the imaging device 100 may also be the height of the lens 130.

[0030] <Detailed Configuration of Imaging Device 100> The detailed configuration of the imaging device 100 will be described using Fig. 2 in addition to Figs. 1A to 1C. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the case 110 side of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 includes the case 110, a fixing unit 120, a lens 130, and an imaging unit 140. The case 110 is an example of a housing.

[0031] <Case 110> The case 110 is a box-shaped housing that is triangular in plan view. In other words, the case 110 is a housing that is triangular in plan view and has a low triangular prism shape in the Z-axis direction.

[0032] The case 110 may be made of resin or metal, for example. The resin material may be, for example, a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include PC (polycarbonate) / ASA (Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile), ASA, or AES (Acrylonitrile Ethylene Styrene). Examples of the metal material may include aluminum, iron, stainless steel, etc.

[0033] The case 110 has a first surface 111, a second surface 112, and a side surface 113. Hereinafter, when describing the positional relationship between the first surface 111, the second surface 112, and the side surface 113 (113A, 113B, and 113C), it may be expressed, for example, that the first surface 111 and the side surface 113A are connected. In this case, for example, it is assumed that the case 110 is divided into multiple case sections, and the boundary of the case section of the case 110 is between the first surface 111 and the side surface 113A. Even if the first surface 111 and the side surface 113A are not physically connected, the phrase "the first surface 111 and the side surface 113A are connected" is included in the phrase as long as they are connected in terms of appearance of the case 110. In this way, the meaning of two surfaces being connected is the same for the first surface 111, the second surface 112, and two surfaces other than the first surface 111 and the side surface 113A among the side surfaces 113 (113A, 113B, and 113C).

[0034] <First surface 111> The first surface 111 is located on the -Z axis direction side and is a surface parallel to the XY plane. The first surface 111 is one of the outer surfaces of the case 110 that abuts against the abutment surface 125A (see FIG. 1C ) of the fixed part 120 when the case 110 is held by the fixed part 120. In this state, the lens 130 faces the indoor-side main surface 11A of the window glass 11 via the through-hole 120A of the fixed part 120, thereby reducing the reflection of the window glass 11 in the image acquired by the imaging unit 140 through the lens 130.

[0035] As an example, the first surface 111 has a shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle in a plan view, and has a recess 111A recessed in the +Z axis direction in the center. The surface of the recess 111A is recessed in a mortar shape and has a circular ring shape in a plan view. Note that, as an example, a configuration in which the first surface 111 has a shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle in a plan view will be described here, but the first surface 111 may have a shape of a right triangle in which the two sides other than the hypotenuse have different lengths in a plan view, or may have a shape other than a right triangle. Furthermore, the recess 111A may be provided at a position offset from the center of the first surface 111 in a plan view.

[0036] The recess 111A has an opening 111A1 in the center in a plan view, for example. The opening 111A1 exposes the lens 130 and the holder 111B. As an example, the recess 111A has a depth that is recessed into the first surface 111 so that the lens 130 and the holder 111B do not protrude further in the Z-axis direction than the first surface 111 in the -Z-axis direction. In other words, as an example, the recess 111A has a depth that is recessed into the first surface 111 so that the lens 130 and the holder 111B are recessed further in the Z-axis direction than the first surface 111 toward the +Z-axis direction (toward the second surface 112). This is to prevent the lens 130 and the holder 111B from contacting the indoor-side main surface 11A of the window glass 11.

[0037] The recess 111A is tapered so that the opening diameter in a plan view increases with increasing distance from the opening 111A1 so as to prevent the recess 111A from being included in the range of the angle of view determined by the lens 130 and the image capturing unit 140. This is to prevent the recess 111A from being reflected in the image captured by the image capturing device 100.

[0038] The holder 111B is a portion that holds the lens 130 within the opening 111A1 of the recess 111A, and is, for example, a part of the case 110. The holder 111B has an annular shape in a plan view, and the lens 130 is attached to an opening located in the center of the plan view. The holder 111B is a convex portion exposed from the opening 111A1 of the recess 111A. The holder 111B has a convex shape on the outer side in the radial direction, and a tapered recess 111B1 (see FIG. 2) on the inner side in the radial direction. The holder 111B also has an opening in which the lens 130 is attached, at the center of the recess 111B1 in a plan view. Therefore, the recess 111B1 is located around the outer periphery of the lens 130. The holder 111B may be fixed to the recess 111A, or may be rotatable.

[0039] For example, case 110 may be divided into multiple case parts, and holder 111B may be one of the multiple case parts. In this case, holder 111B may be a spherical case part that is exposed from opening 111A1 and the other part that is located inside case 110, and may be configured to hold lens 130 and imaging unit 140. Such holder 111B may be rotatable relative to the case parts other than holder 111B among the multiple case parts of case 110, and may be configured to change the orientation of lens 130 relative to case 110.

[0040] In this case, as an example, a portion of the +Z direction side of holder 111B may be exposed from second surface 112, and the orientation of lens 130 relative to case 110 may be changed by a user rotating the exposed portion with their hand or the like. Furthermore, imaging device 100 may have a built-in servo motor, and the orientation of lens 130 relative to case 110 may be changed by controlling the servo motor via remote control or the like to rotate holder 111B. Recess 111A may have a widened tapered shape so as to prevent lens 130 from appearing in an image even when the orientation of lens 130 is changed so that the angle of lens 130 with respect to the Z axis is maximized. Recess 111B1 of holder 111B may also have a tapered shape so as to prevent lens 130 from appearing in an image.

[0041] Note that, as an example, recess 111A may have a depth in the Z-axis direction that makes lens 130 and holder 111B flush with first surface 111, or may have a depth in the Z-axis direction that makes lens 130 and holder 111B protrude in the −Z-axis direction beyond first surface 111. It is only necessary that lens 130 does not come into contact with indoor-side main surface 11A of window glass 11 when case 110 is attached to fixing part 120.

[0042] The opening 111A1 may be offset from the center of the recess 111A in plan view.

[0043] The first surface 111 also has, for example, two openings 111C. The two openings 111C are arranged on either side of the recess 111A when viewed in the XZ plane. Two magnet portions 115 are embedded in the two openings 111C of the first surface 111, respectively, and the magnet portions 115 are exposed from the openings 111C. For example, the first surface 111 and the portions of the magnet portions 115 exposed from the openings 111C are configured to be flush with each other.

[0044] Here, embedding the magnet portion 115 in the first surface 111 means that the magnet portion 115 may be exposed from an opening 111C in the first surface 111 as shown in FIG. 1B, or the first surface 111 may not have an opening 111C, and the magnet portion 115 may be covered by the first surface 111 and positioned inside the case 110.

[0045] As an example, two magnet portions 115 are provided on either side of recess 111A, but the positions of magnet portions 115 do not have to sandwich recess 111A, and there may be only one magnet portion 115. Two magnet portions 115 sandwiching recess 111A means that, in a plan view, a straight line passing through the interiors of the two magnet portions 115 also passes through the interior of recess 111A.

[0046] The magnet portion 115 can be magnetically attracted to the fixed portion 120, which is made of magnetic metal. The case 110 is fixed to the fixed portion 120 by the magnet portion 115 being magnetically attracted to the fixed portion 120. Furthermore, the case 110 fixed to the fixed portion 120 can be removed from the fixed portion 120 by grabbing and pulling it with a hand or the like. Therefore, the case 110 can be freely attached to and detached from the fixed portion 120 by the magnet portion 115 and the fixed portion 120.

[0047] <Second Surface 112> As shown particularly in FIG. 1C , the second surface 112 is a surface located opposite the first surface 111. For example, the second surface 112 has the shape of an isosceles right triangle that is the same shape and size as the first surface 111. The second surface 112 is parallel to the XY plane. In a plan view, the second surface 112 is positioned such that two adjacent sides of the second surface 112 that form a right angle with the hypotenuse overlap with two adjacent sides of the first surface 111 that form a right angle with the hypotenuse. The two adjacent sides are the two sides of the right triangle that form a right angle with the hypotenuse, i.e., the two sides of the right triangle other than the hypotenuse. Hereinafter, the two adjacent sides of the right triangle refer to the two sides of the right triangle other than the hypotenuse. Note that although the second surface 112 is not visible in FIGS. 1A and 1B , its position is indicated by a symbol.

[0048] <Side Surfaces 113> The side surfaces 113 are composed of three side surfaces 113A, 113B, and 113C. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the three side surfaces 113A, 113B, and 113C, they will be simply referred to as side surfaces 113. The side surfaces 113A, 113B, and 113C connect the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 of the outer surfaces of the case 110.

[0049] <Side surface 113A> Side surface 113A is a surface parallel to the XZ plane that connects one of the two adjacent sides of first surface 111 that extends along the X axis to one of the two adjacent sides of second surface 112 that extends along the X axis. Side surface 113B is connected to the +X axis direction side of side surface 113A, and side surface 113C is connected to the −X axis direction side of side surface 113A.

[0050] <Side surface 113B> Side surface 113B is a surface parallel to the YZ plane and is at an angle different by 90 degrees from side surface 113A. Side surface 113B connects one of two adjacent sides of first surface 111 that extends along the Y axis to one of two adjacent sides of second surface 112 that extends along the Y axis. Side surface 113A is connected to the +Y axis direction side of side surface 113B, and side surface 113C is connected to the −Y axis direction side of side surface 113B.

[0051] <Side surface 113C> The side surface 113C is a surface that connects the hypotenuse of the first surface 111 and the hypotenuse of the second surface 112. The side surface 113C is a surface that has an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the XZ plane and the YZ plane. The side surfaces 113A and 113B are connected to the side surface 113C.

[0052] <Magnet section 115> The magnet section 115 is, for example, a component in which a permanent magnet is covered with a magnetic metal, resin, or the like. The permanent magnet is preferably a magnet with a strong magnetic attraction force, such as a neodymium magnet. Examples of the magnetic metal that forms the portion covering the permanent magnet include iron and nickel, and examples of the resin material that forms the portion covering the permanent magnet include thermoplastic resins such as PC (polycarbonate) / ASA (Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile), ASA, or AES (Acrylonitrile Ethylene Styrene).

[0053] As an example, the imaging device 100 includes two magnet units 115. As shown in Fig. 1B , the two magnet units 115 are embedded in the first surface 111. As an example, the imaging device 100 is fixed to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11 by magnetically attracting the case 110 to a fixing unit 120 made of magnetic metal by the magnet units 115 (see Fig. 1B ) as shown in Fig. 1A .

[0054] <Fixing portion 120> The fixing portion 120 is, for example, a plate-shaped member that is adhered to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11. The fixing portion 120 is made of a magnetic metal. Examples of magnetic metals include iron and nickel. The fixing portion 120 is provided to fix the case 110 to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11. For example, the thickness of the fixing portion 120 is 0.15 mm to 6 mm. The thickness of the fixing portion 120 is more preferably 0.4 mm or greater. Furthermore, the thickness of the fixing portion 120 is more preferably 5 mm or less, even more preferably 4 mm or less, and particularly preferably 3.2 mm or less.

[0055] As an example, the fixing portion 120 has the same shape and size as the case 110 in a plan view. That is, as an example, the fixing portion 120 has the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle in a plan view, and the size of the right-angled isosceles triangle is equal to the size of the right-angled isosceles triangle on the first surface 111 of the case 110. Since the fixing portion 120 and the case 110 have the same shape and size, it is easy to align the outer edge of the case 110 with the outer edge of the fixing portion 120. Note that the shape and size of the fixing portion 120 may be different from the shape and size of the case 110.

[0056] The fixing portion 120 has an abutting surface 125A, an adhesive surface 125B, and a through-hole 120A. The abutting surface 125A faces the indoor side (+Z direction) and is the surface against which the case 110 abuts. The adhesive surface 125B faces the outdoor side (-Z direction) and is adhered to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11 with an adhesive. As an example of the adhesive, a double-sided tape such as an OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive) or a transparent foam-based double-sided tape can be used. The OCA or transparent foam-based double-sided tape may also contain a UV (ultraviolet) absorber. This is because even if ultraviolet light transmitted through the window glass 11 is incident on the OCA or transparent foam-based double-sided tape, deterioration of the OCA or transparent foam-based double-sided tape can be suppressed, allowing the fixing portion 120 to be stably fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11 over a long period of time. As examples of UV absorbers, benzotriazoles, triazoles, and cinnamates can be used. Here, a configuration will be described in which the surface on the −Z direction side of the fixing part 120 is the adhesive surface 125B, and is adhered to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11 with an adhesive. However, the surface on the −Z direction side of the fixing part 120 may also be fixed to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11 by means other than adhesive (for example, vacuum suction, etc.).

[0057] The adhesive may be applied to the entire adhesive surface 125B of the fixing portion 120, or only a portion of the adhesive surface 125B. An example of a portion of the adhesive surface 125B where the adhesive is applied is the outer edge of the adhesive surface 125B. Note that the adhesive may be applied to the entire outer edge of the adhesive surface 125B, or only a portion of the outer edge in the circumferential direction. By applying the adhesive to only a portion of the adhesive surface 125B in this manner, a gap is formed between the fixing portion 120 and the window glass 11 in areas where no adhesive is applied (in other words, areas where the fixing portion 120 and the window glass 11 are not bonded). Therefore, even if the fixing portion 120 is heated by sunlight, the gap makes it difficult for heat from the fixing portion 120 to be transferred to the window glass 11. This suppresses local temperature increases in the window glass 11, thereby reducing the likelihood of thermal cracking of the window glass 11.

[0058] The through-hole 120A is provided in the center of the fixed portion 120 in a plan view and penetrates the fixed portion 120 in the thickness direction (Z direction). The through-hole 120A penetrates between the abutment surface 125A and the adhesive surface 125B. The position of the through-hole 120A is aligned with the position of the lens 130 and is located in front of the lens 130. More specifically, as an example, the through-hole 120A is circular in a plan view and has the same size as the circular recess 111A in a plan view. The position of the through-hole 120A is aligned with the position of the recess 111A so that the fixed portion 120 is not reflected in images captured by the imaging device 100. Note that the size of the through-hole 120A may be larger than the size of the recess 111A. The shape of the through-hole 120A does not have to be circular. It is sufficient that the through-hole 120A encompasses the recess 111A when the case 110 is attached to the fixed portion 120.

[0059] Note that, as an example, a configuration will be described here in which case 110 has magnet portion 115 and is magnetically attracted to fixed portion 120 made of magnetic metal. However, for example, case 110 may have a magnetic metal portion embedded in first surface 111 instead of magnet portion 115, and fixed portion 120 may be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin instead of magnetic metal, and have magnet portion 115 embedded in abutment surface 125A. In this case as well, case 110 can be magnetically attracted to fixed portion 120, and case 110 is detachable from fixed portion 120.

[0060] <Lens 130> Lens 130 is held by holder 111B exposed from opening 111A1 of recess 111A of first surface 111. The opening where lens 130 is attached to holder 111B is connected to imaging unit 140 provided inside case 110, and an image of the outdoor side of window glass 11 can be captured through lens 130. Note that lens 130 may also be provided on second surface 112, making it possible to capture images of the indoor side in addition to the outdoor side.

[0061] <Image capture unit 140> The image capture unit 140 is a camera body capable of capturing moving and still digital images, and includes, for example, an image sensor that uses a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as an imaging element. The camera body is the portion of the camera excluding the lens 130. In other words, the image capture unit 140 and the lens 130 constitute a digital camera.

[0062] The imaging unit 140 is provided inside the case 110. The imaging unit 140 is for capturing an image of a subject outside the window glass 11 through the lens 130. The imaging unit 140 may or may not have a telephoto function. If the imaging unit 140 does not have a telephoto function, an inexpensive imaging unit 140 will suffice, and the imaging device 100 can be manufactured at low cost. As an example, the imaging unit 140 is connected to a processing device via a cable (not shown).

[0063] <How to Attach the Imaging Device 100 to the Window Frame 12> Next, a method for attaching the imaging device 100 to the window glass 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1A , the imaging device 100 is disposed, as an example, at an upper corner of the window frame 12 on the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11. This is because the upper corner of the window frame 12 is unlikely to be visible to an unspecified number of people when viewed from the outdoors, and is therefore unlikely to be noticeable. Also, the imaging device 100 is attached at a certain height so that it can capture a wider range. However, the location at which the imaging device 100 is attached is not limited to the upper corner of the window frame 12.

[0064] To fix the imaging device 100 to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, first, the fixing part 120 is attached with an adhesive to the corners on the +X-axis direction side and the +Y-axis direction side of the main surface 11A. Then, the case 110 is aligned with the fixing part 120 in a plan view, and the first surface 111 of the case 110 is brought into contact with the contact surface 125A of the fixing part 120, whereby the case 110 is magnetically attracted to the fixing part 120. In this state, the fixing part 120 abuts against the first surface 111 of the case 110 and is integrated with the case 110 as shown in FIG. 1A .

[0065] In this way, by simply aligning the position of the case 110 with the position of the fixing part 120 in a plan view and pressing the case 110 against the fixing part 120, the magnet part 115 is magnetically attracted to the fixing part 120. In this way, the imaging device 100 can be easily attached to the window glass 11.

[0066] Here, because the inner wall surfaces of frame portions 12X and 12Y of window frame 12 are flat, side surfaces 113A and 113B of case 110 abut against the inner wall surfaces of frame portions 12X and 12Y. For this reason, if window frame 12 is made of a magnetic metal, magnet portions 115 may be provided on side surfaces 113A and 113B so that side surfaces 113A and 113B of case 110 are magnetically attracted to the inner wall surfaces of frame portions 12X and 12Y.

[0067] However, the inner wall surfaces of the frame portions 12X and / or 12Y may not be flat depending on the structure of the window frame 12. The imaging device 100 is fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11 by magnetically attracting the case 110 to the fixing portion 120 adhered to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11 on the indoor side. Therefore, even if the inner wall surfaces of the frame portions 12X and / or 12Y are not flat, the imaging device 100 can be easily fixed to the corner position of the window frame 12.

[0068] Furthermore, the imaging device 100 is fixed to the main surface 11A on the indoor side of the window glass 11 by magnetically attracting the case 110 to the fixing part 120 that is adhered to the main surface 11A with adhesive, and therefore can be stably fixed to the window glass 11 for a long period of time.

[0069] Furthermore, the imaging device 100 has a triangular shape in a plan view and fits snugly into the inner corners of the frame portions 12X and 12Y of the window frame 12, so that the imaging device 100 appears to blend in with the window frame 12, resulting in good design.

[0070] <Surface Color of Recess 111A and Holder 111B> Because the surfaces of the recess 111A and holder 111B are located around the lens 130, it is preferable that they have low light reflectance. The surface color of the recess 111A and holder 111B is preferably black, which absorbs light best, but may be a color other than black. As an example, the surfaces of the recess 111A and holder 111B may be colored an appropriate color by applying paint. As an example, a radical control paint that suppresses deterioration due to ultraviolet rays is preferable.

[0071] For example, the color of the surface of the recess 111A and the holder 111B may be any color with a brightness of not more than 5. The brightness represents the brightness defined by, for example, JIS Z8721-1993.

[0072] Because reflectance and brightness are correlated, a brightness of 5 or less corresponds to a reflectance of 20% or less. If the reflectance of the surfaces of recess 111A and holder 111B is 20% or less, strong incident light, such as sunlight, can be prevented from being unnecessarily reflected by recess 111A and holder 111B and entering lens 130, thereby preventing deterioration in the quality of the captured image.

[0073] For this reason, use as a surveillance camera is one example of a suitable use of the imaging device 100. When imaging outdoors as a surveillance camera, the imaging device 100 may be in a position where the sun is backlighting it depending on the time of day and the installation location. Even in such cases, it is easy to obtain high-quality images that include the subject when capturing images of the outdoors being monitored.

[0074] There are no particular restrictions on the hue and saturation of the color of the surface of the recess 111A and the holder 111B, as long as the color has a brightness of 5 or less. Examples of colors with a brightness of 5 or less include dark gray, in addition to black.

[0075] In this way, the reflectance of the surfaces of recess 111A and holder 111B is sufficiently low, so that even without using a member that suppresses reflection, such as a so-called lens hood, sufficiently clear images can be obtained with imaging device 100. Furthermore, because lens hoods are often made of a material that is susceptible to deterioration due to ultraviolet rays, such as silicone rubber, imaging device 100 does not include a lens hood, which is advantageous in terms of preventing deterioration due to ultraviolet rays.

[0076] 1A , adhesive surface 125B of fixing portion 120 of imaging device 100 is the portion that is visible from outside through window glass 11 when the imaging device is attached to window glass 11. For this reason, adhesive surface 125B of fixing portion 120, like recess 111A and holder 111B, is preferably a color that is hard to notice, such as black or dark gray. For example, when imaging device 100 is used as a surveillance camera, it is less likely to attract attention if adhesive surface 125B of fixing portion 120 located in front of imaging device 100 is not visible from outside window glass 11.

[0077] Furthermore, since the side surface 113C and second surface 112 of the case 110 are exposed when the imaging device 100 is fixed to the window glass 11, painting the case 110 the same color as or a color close to the color of the window frame 12 makes the case 110 less noticeable, which is particularly effective when used as a surveillance camera. Note that the side surfaces 113A and 113B are not visible when the imaging device 100 is fixed to the corner of the window glass 11. For this reason, the color of the side surfaces 113A and 113B is not particularly important, but painting them the same color as the side surface 113C and the second surface 112 improves the design of the imaging device 100 when viewed alone and also simplifies the painting work for the side surfaces 113A to 113C.

[0078] Next, imaging devices according to first to fourth modifications of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the imaging device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 2 may be referred to as the imaging device 100 of the embodiment.

[0079] <First Modification> Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of an imaging device 100M1 and its surrounding configuration according to a first modification of the embodiment, as viewed from the outdoors. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of an imaging device 100M1 and its surrounding configuration, as viewed from the indoors. Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams corresponding to Figs. 1B and 1C, respectively.

[0080] Here, the window glass 11, the window frame 12, and the imaging device 100M1 constitute a window glass 200M1 with an imaging device according to a first modified example of the embodiment. However, the window glass 200M1 with an imaging device may include the window glass 11 and the imaging device 100M1 but not the window frame 12.

[0081] The imaging device 100M1 includes a case 110, a fixed portion 120M1, a lens 130, and an imaging unit 140. The imaging device 100M1 has a configuration including the fixed portion 120M1 instead of the fixed portion 120 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment. The case 110, lens 130, and imaging unit 140 of the imaging device 100M1 are the same as the case 110, lens 130, and imaging unit 140 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment, so only the fixed portion 120M1 will be described here.

[0082] <Fixed Portion 120M1> The fixed portion 120M1 has a base portion 121 and a magnetic metal portion 122M1.

[0083] The base 121 is made of resin, for example. The base 121 is preferably made of a transparent resin. "Transparent" means being transparent to visible light, and "transparent" to visible light means that the visible light transmittance is at least 50% or more, preferably 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more.

[0084] Examples of such resin materials that can be used include acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, cycloolefin resins, polycarbonate resins, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. Similar to the fixed portion 120 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment, the base 121 is, for example, a plate-shaped member, and is adhered to the indoor-side main surface 11A of the window glass 11. For example, the thickness of the base 121 is 2 mm to 6 mm, and more preferably 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0085] For example, the base 121 has the same shape and size as the case 110 in a plan view. That is, for example, the base 121 has the shape of an isosceles right triangle in a plan view, and the size of the isosceles right triangle is equal to the size of the isosceles right triangle on the first surface 111 of the case 110. Note that the shape and size of the base 121 may be different from the shape and size of the case 110.

[0086] The base 121 has a transparent portion 121A, a contact surface 125A, and an adhesive surface 125B. The adhesive surface 125B of the base 121 is adhered to the interior main surface 11A of the window glass 11 with an adhesive such as OCA, for example. The OCA may also contain a UV absorbing material.

[0087] The adhesive surface 125B of the base 121 is, for example, painted in an inconspicuous color similar to the recess 111A and the holder 111B, and the transparent portion 121A is a transparent portion that is not painted. Also, the contact surface 125A is, for example, not painted.

[0088] The transparent portion 121A is located in front of the lens 130, similar to the through-hole 120A of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment. More specifically, as an example, the transparent portion 121A is circular in a plan view and has the same size as the circular recess 111A in a plan view. The position of the transparent portion 121A is aligned with the position of the recess 111A, and is configured so that the fixed portion 120M1 is not reflected in images captured by the imaging device 100M1. Note that the size of the transparent portion 121A may be larger than the size of the recess 111A, and the shape of the transparent portion 121A does not have to be circular. It is sufficient that the transparent portion 121A encompasses the recess 111A when the case 110 is attached to the fixed portion 120M1.

[0089] Additionally, while the embodiment in which the adhesive surface 125B of the base 121 is painted in an inconspicuous color is described here, the abutting surface 125A of the base 121 may be painted in an inconspicuous color and the adhesive surface 125B may be unpainted. In this case, the transparent portion 121A corresponds to the unpainted portion of the abutting surface 125A. Alternatively, both the abutting surface 125A and the adhesive surface 125B of the base 121 may be painted in an inconspicuous color, with unpainted central portions of both the abutting surface 125A and the adhesive surface 125B provided as the transparent portion 121A. Alternatively, both the abutting surface 125A and the adhesive surface 125B of the base 121 may be unpainted. This is because the base 121 is less noticeable if it is unpainted and made of a transparent resin.

[0090] Two magnetic metal parts 122M1 are embedded in the contact surface 125A of the base part 121. The reason why the magnetic metal parts 122M1 are embedded is the same as the reason why the magnet part 115 is embedded.

[0091] The two magnetic metal portions 122M1 are positioned to abut against the two magnet portions 115 when the fixed portion 120M1 and the case 110 are aligned in a plan view and the first surface 111 is abutted against the abutment surface 125A. The two magnet portions 115 of the case 110 are magnetically attracted to the two magnetic metal portions 122M1. The magnetic metal portions 122M1 are, for example, plate-shaped members made of a magnetic metal such as iron or nickel. While FIG. 3B shows the disk-shaped magnetic metal portion 122M1, the magnetic metal portion 122M1 may have any shape and size as long as it has an area that allows the magnet portions 115 to be magnetically attracted to it.

[0092] To fix the imaging device 100M1 to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, first, the fixing portion 120M1 is attached with an adhesive to the corners on the +X-axis direction and +Y-axis direction sides of the main surface 11A. Then, the case 110 is aligned with the fixing portion 120M1 in a plan view, and the first surface 111 of the case 110 is brought into contact with the contact surface 125A of the fixing portion 120M1, whereby the magnet portion 115 of the case 110 is magnetically attracted to the magnetic metal portion 122M1 of the fixing portion 120M1. In this state, the fixing portion 120M1 comes into contact with the first surface 111 of the case 110 and becomes integrated with the case 110.

[0093] In this way, simply by aligning the position of the case 110 with the position of the fixing portion 120M1 in a plan view and pressing the case 110 against the fixing portion 120M1, the magnet portion 115 is magnetically attracted to the fixing portion 120M1. In this way, the imaging device 100M1 can be easily attached to the window glass 11. Because the imaging device 100M1 is fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, it can be easily fixed to a corner position of the window frame 12 even if the inner wall surface of the frame portion 12X and / or 12Y is not flat.

[0094] In the above, a configuration has been described in which the base 121 is made of a transparent resin, and the transparent portion 121A is a portion of the base 121 that is not painted in an inconspicuous color such as black or dark gray. However, the base 121 may have a through-hole formed in the same position as the transparent portion 121A instead of the transparent portion 121A. In this case, the base 121 may be made of an opaque resin instead of a transparent resin. Opaque means not transparent.

[0095] Furthermore, in the first modified example, as an example, a configuration has been described in which the case 110 has the magnet portion 115, and the fixed portion 120M1 has the magnetic metal portion 122M1 provided on the base portion 121. However, for example, a configuration is also possible in which the case 110 has the magnetic metal portion 122M1 embedded in the first surface 111 instead of the magnet portion 115, and the fixed portion 120M1 has the magnet portion 115 embedded in the abutment surface 125A of the base portion 121. In this case as well, the case 110 can be magnetically attracted to the fixed portion 120M1, and the case 110 is detachable from the fixed portion 120M1.

[0096] <Second Modification> Fig. 4A is a diagram showing an example of an image capturing device 100M2 and its surrounding configuration according to a second modification of the embodiment, as viewed from the outdoors. Fig. 4B is a diagram showing an example of an image capturing device 100M2 and its surrounding configuration, as viewed from the indoors. Figs. 4A and 4B are diagrams corresponding to Figs. 1B and 1C, respectively.

[0097] Here, the window glass 11, the window frame 12, and the imaging device 100M2 constitute a window glass 200M2 with an imaging device according to a second modified example of the embodiment. However, the window glass 200M2 with an imaging device may include the window glass 11 and the imaging device 100M2 but may not include the window frame 12.

[0098] The imaging device 100M2 includes a case 110M2, a fixed portion 120M2, a lens 130, and an imaging unit 140. The imaging device 100M2 has a configuration including a case 110M2 and a fixed portion 120M2 instead of the case 110 and the fixed portion 120 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment. The lens 130 and the imaging unit 140 of the imaging device 100M2 are the same as the lens 130 and the imaging unit 140 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment, so only the case 110M2 and the fixed portion 120M2 will be described here.

[0099] <Case 110M2> The case 110M2 has a configuration in which a convex portion 114M2 is added to the first surface 111 of the case 110 of the image capturing device 100 of the embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the case 110 of the image capturing device 100 of the embodiment.

[0100] The case 110M2 has, as an example, three protrusions 114M2. The three protrusions 114M2 are located near the three vertices of the first surface 111, which is shaped like an isosceles triangle in a plan view, and protrude in the −Z direction from the first surface 111. As an example, these protrusions 114M2 may be formed integrally with the first surface 111 by resin molding or the like.

[0101] The positions of the three protrusions 114M2 in a plan view coincide with the positions of the three recesses 122M2 provided on the abutment surface 125A of the fixed portion 120M2 when the position of the first surface 111 and the position of the abutment surface 125A of the fixed portion 120M2 are aligned in a plan view. The lengths of the three protrusions 114M2 in the Z direction may be shorter than the lengths of the recesses 122M2 in the Z direction. The protrusions 114M2 are, for example, cylindrical protrusions.

[0102] <Fixed portion 120M2> The fixed portion 120M2 has a configuration in which three recesses 122M2 are added to the abutment surface 125A of the fixed portion 120 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the fixed portion 120 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment.

[0103] The three recesses 122M2 are located near the three vertices of the contact surface 125A of the fixed part 120M2, which has an isosceles triangle shape in plan view, and are recessed in the −Z direction from the contact surface 125A. As an example, such recesses 122M2 can be made by drilling the fixed part 120M2.

[0104] The positions of the three recesses 122M2 in a plan view coincide with the positions of the three protrusions 114M2 provided on the first surface 111 of the case 110M2 when the position of the abutment surface 125A and the position of the first surface 111 of the case 110M2 are aligned in a plan view. The length (depth) of the three recesses 122M2 in the Z direction may be longer than the length of the protrusions 114M2 in the Z direction. This is to allow the protrusions 114M2 to be accommodated up to their bases within the recesses 122M2. As an example, the recesses 122M2 are cylindrical holes with a diameter that matches the diameter of the protrusions 114M2.

[0105] To fix the imaging device 100M2 to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, first, the fixing portion 120M2 is attached with an adhesive to the corners of the main surface 11A on the +X-axis direction and +Y-axis direction sides. Then, the case 110M2 is aligned with the fixing portion 120M2 in a plan view, and the first surface 111 of the case 110M2 is brought into contact with the contact surface 125A of the fixing portion 120M2. The magnet portion 115 of the case 110M2 is magnetically attracted to the magnetic metal portion 122M1 of the fixing portion 120M2. Furthermore, the three protrusions 114M2 of the case 110M2 fit into the three recesses 122M2 of the fixing portion 120M2, respectively, and the protrusions 114M2 engage with the recesses 122M2, thereby realizing a configuration in which the case 110M2 and the fixing portion 120M2 are less likely to shift position within the XY plane. In this state, the fixing portion 120M2 abuts against the first surface 111 of the case 110M2 and is integrated with the case 110M2.

[0106] In this way, simply by aligning the position of the case 110M2 with the position of the fixing part 120M2 in a plan view and pressing the case 110M2 against the fixing part 120M2, the magnet part 115 magnetically attracts to the fixing part 120M2. In this way, the imaging device 100M2 can be easily attached to the window glass 11. Because the imaging device 100M2 is fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, it can be easily fixed to a corner of the window frame 12 even if the inner wall surfaces of the frame parts 12X and / or 12Y are not flat.

[0107] In the second modified example, the case 110M2 has the magnet portion 115 and is magnetically attracted to the fixed portion 120M2 made of magnetic metal. However, for example, the case 110M2 may have a magnetic metal portion embedded in the first surface 111 instead of the magnet portion 115, and the fixed portion 120M2 may be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin instead of a magnetic metal, and have the magnet portion 115 embedded in the abutment surface 125A. In this case, too, the case 110M2 can be magnetically attracted to the fixed portion 120M2, and the case 110M2 can be detachably attached to the fixed portion 120M2.

[0108] Although the above description has been given of an embodiment in which the case 110M2 has three protrusions 114M2 and the fixed portion 120M2 has three recesses 122M2, it is sufficient to have at least one protrusion 114M2 and one recess 122M2. Having two or more protrusions 114M2 and two or more recesses 122M2 makes it easier to prevent misalignment of the case 110M2 and the fixed portion 120M2 in the XY plane. Furthermore, the positions of the protrusions 114M2 on the first surface 111 of the case 110M2 and the recesses 122M2 on the abutment surface 125A of the fixed portion 120M2 may be positions other than those described above.

[0109] Although the above description has been given of a configuration in which the convex portion 114M2 is a columnar protrusion and the concave portion 122M2 is a cylindrical hole, the convex portion 114M2 and the concave portion 122M2 are not limited to this. The concave portion 122M2 may have a shape other than a circle in plan view as long as the concave portion 114M2 is a hole that can engage with the convex portion 114M2 when the convex portion 114M2 is inside.

[0110] In addition, although the above description has been given of a configuration in which the convex portion 114M2 of the case 110M2 engages with the concave portion 122M2 of the fixed portion 120M2, the fixed portion 120M2 may have a through-hole that penetrates the fixed portion 120M2 in the Z direction instead of the concave portion 122M2. The convex portion 114M2 is capable of engaging with the through-hole of the fixed portion 120M2.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above description, the case 110M2 has the convex portion 114M2 and the fixing portion 120M2 has the concave portion 122M2. However, the case 110M2 may have the concave portion and the fixing portion 120M2 may have the convex portion.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above, we have described a configuration in which the fixed portion 120M2 has three recesses 122M2 added to the abutment surface 125A of the fixed portion 120 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment, but it may also be a configuration in which three recesses 122M2 are added to the abutment surface 125A of the fixed portion 120M1 of the first modified example.

[0113] <Third Modification> Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an example of an image capturing device 100M3 and its surrounding configuration according to a third modification of the embodiment, as viewed from the outdoors. Fig. 5B is a diagram showing an example of an image capturing device 100M3 and its surrounding configuration, as viewed from the indoors. Figs. 5A and 5B are diagrams corresponding to Figs. 1B and 1C, respectively.

[0114] Here, the window glass 11, the window frame 12, and the imaging device 100M3 constitute a window glass 200M3 with an imaging device according to a third modified example of the embodiment. However, the window glass 200M3 with an imaging device may include the window glass 11 and the imaging device 100M3 but may not include the window frame 12.

[0115] The imaging device 100M3 includes a case 110, a fixed portion 120M3, a lens 130, and an imaging unit 140. The imaging device 100M3 has a configuration including a fixed portion 120M3 instead of the fixed portion 120M1 of the imaging device 100M1 of the first modified embodiment. Because the case 110, lens 130, and imaging unit 140 of the imaging device 100M3 are the same as the case 110, lens 130, and imaging unit 140 of the imaging device 100M1 of the first modified embodiment, only the fixed portion 120M3 will be described here.

[0116] <Fixed portion 120M3> The fixed portion 120M3 has a configuration in which three holding portions 122M3 that protrude in the +Z direction from the outer edge of the base 121 of the fixed portion 120M1 of the imaging device 100M1 of the first modified embodiment are added, and the other configurations are the same as those of the fixed portion 120M1 of the imaging device 100M1 of the first modified embodiment.

[0117] The fixed portion 120M3 has a base portion 121, a magnetic metal portion 122M1, and a holding portion 122M3. The +Z direction side of the fixed portion 120M3 is on the opposite side of the fixed portion 120M3 from the main surface 11A.

[0118] As an example, the three holding portions 122M3 are thin plate-like members that protrude in the +Z direction from the centers of three sides of the abutment surface 125A of the base 121, which has an isosceles triangular shape in a plan view. The three holding portions 122M3 hold the side surfaces 113A, 113B, and 113C of the case 110 when the case 110 is magnetically attracted to the fixing portion 120M3.

[0119] The holding portion 122M3 provided on the side of the isosceles triangle of the base 121 that is parallel to the X direction is a thin plate-like member parallel to the XZ plane, and is provided for holding the side surface 113A of the case 110. The holding portion 122M3 provided on the side of the isosceles triangle of the base 121 that is parallel to the Y direction is a thin plate-like member parallel to the YZ plane, and is provided for holding the side surface 113B of the case 110. The holding portion 122M3 provided on the hypotenuse of the isosceles triangle of the base 121 is a thin plate-like member parallel to a plane that includes the hypotenuse and the Z direction, and is provided for holding the side surface 113C of the case 110.

[0120] The Z-direction length of the three holding portions 122M3 may be any length that allows them to hold the side surfaces 113A, 113B, and 113C when the abutment surface 125A is in contact with the first surface 111. The Z-direction length of the holding portions 122M3 may be longer than, the same as, or shorter than the Z-direction length of the side surfaces 113A, 113B, and 113C. Furthermore, the holding portions 122M3 may be provided with snap-fit ​​claw-like engaging portions at their tips to engage with the second surface 112. The holding portions 122M3 can be manufactured integrally with the base 121 by, for example, resin molding or the like.

[0121] To secure the imaging device 100M3 to the principal surface 11A of the window glass 11, first, the fixing portion 120M3 is attached with adhesive to the corners of the principal surface 11A on the +X-axis direction and the +Y-axis direction. Then, the case 110 is aligned with the fixing portion 120M3, and the first surface 111 of the case 110 is brought into contact with the contact surface 125A of the fixing portion 120M3. The magnet portion 115 of the case 110 is magnetically attracted to the magnetic metal portion 122M1 of the fixing portion 120M3. At this time, the three holding portions 122M3 of the fixing portion 120M3 hold the three side surfaces 113A, 113B, and 113C of the case 110, respectively, thereby enabling the fixing portion 120M3 to stably hold the case 110. Furthermore, because the case 110 is held by the three holding portions 122M3, a configuration is achieved that is less likely to shift position within the XY plane. In this state, the base 121 of the fixing portion 120M3 abuts against the first surface 111 of the case 110, and the fixing portion 120M3 is integrated with the case 110.

[0122] In this way, simply by aligning the position of the case 110 with the position of the fixing portion 120M3 and pushing the case 110 into the fixing portion 120M3, the magnet portion 115 magnetically attracts to the fixing portion 120M3. In this way, the imaging device 100M3 can be easily attached to the window glass 11. The case 110 is detachable from the fixing portion 120M3. Because the imaging device 100M3 is fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, it can be easily fixed to a corner of the window frame 12 even if the inner wall surfaces of the frame portions 12X and / or 12Y are not flat.

[0123] In the third modified example, as an example, the case 110 has the magnet portion 115, and the fixed portion 120M3 has the magnetic metal portion 122M1 provided on the base portion 121. However, for example, the case 110 may have the magnetic metal portion 122M1 embedded in the first surface 111 instead of the magnet portion 115, and the fixed portion 120M3 may have the magnet portion 115 embedded in the contact surface 125A of the base portion 121. In this case as well, the case 110 can be magnetically attracted to the fixed portion 120M3, and the case 110 is detachable from the fixed portion 120M3.

[0124] Also, in the above description, the fixed portion 120M3 has three holding portions 122M3, and the three holding portions 122M3 are provided at the center positions along the lengths of the three sides of the base portion 121. However, as long as the fixed portion 120M3 is configured to be able to hold the case 110, it is sufficient that at least one holding portion 122M3 is provided, and the position of the holding portion 122M3 may be a position other than the above-described position.

[0125] Furthermore, the holding portion 122M3 is not limited to the thin plate-like member described above, and may be of any shape or size as long as it is configured to hold the case 110.

[0126] Furthermore, the imaging device 100M3 according to a third modified example of the embodiment may have the configuration shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B. Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the imaging device 100M3 according to the third modified example of the embodiment and its surrounding configuration from the outdoor side. Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the imaging device 100M3 and its surrounding configuration from the indoor side. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are diagrams showing configurations corresponding to Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C, respectively.

[0127] The imaging device 100M3 shown in Figures 6A and 6B has a configuration in which the magnet portion 115 and the magnetic metal portion 122M1 are omitted from the imaging device 100M3 shown in Figures 5A and 5B. That is, the case 110 shown in Figures 6A and 6B has a first surface 111, a second surface 112, and a side surface 113, and holds the lens 130 and the imaging unit 140, but the magnet portion 115 is not embedded in the first surface 111. Furthermore, the fixing portion 120M3 shown in Figures 6A and 6B has a base portion 121 and a holding portion 122M3, but does not have the magnetic metal portion 122M1.

[0128] In the imaging device 100M3 configured in this manner, when the case 110 is aligned with the fixed part 120M3 and the first surface 111 of the case 110 is abutted against the abutment surface 125A of the fixed part 120M3, the three holding parts 122M3 of the fixed part 120M3 hold the three side surfaces 113A, 113B, 113C of the case 110, respectively, and the case 110 is stably held by the fixed part 120M3.

[0129] The case 110 held by the fixing portion 120M3 can be removed from the fixing portion 120M3 by grabbing and pulling with a hand or the like, so the case 110 is detachable from the fixing portion 120M3. Furthermore, because the case 110 is held by the three holding portions 122M3, a configuration is achieved that is less likely to shift position within the XY plane. In this state, the base 121 of the fixing portion 120M3 abuts against the first surface 111 of the case 110, and the fixing portion 120M3 becomes integrated with the case 110.

[0130] In this way, by simply aligning the position of the case 110 with the position of the fixing portion 120M3 and attaching the case 110 to the fixing portion 120M3, the imaging device 100M3 can be easily fixed to the window glass 11. Because the imaging device 100M3 is fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, it can be easily fixed to a corner position of the window frame 12 even if the inner wall surface of the frame portion 12X and / or 12Y is not flat.

[0131] <Fourth Modification> Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100M4 and its surroundings according to a fourth modification of the embodiment, as viewed from the outdoor side. Fig. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging device 100M4. Fig. 7A is a diagram showing the configuration corresponding to Fig. 1B. In the fourth modification, the window frame 12 is made of magnetic metal, for example.

[0132] Here, the window glass 11, the window frame 12, and the imaging device 100M4 constitute a window glass 200M4 with an imaging device according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. However, the window glass 200M4 with an imaging device may include the window glass 11 and the imaging device 100M4 but may not include the window frame 12.

[0133] The imaging device 100M4 of the fourth modified example has a configuration in which the position of the magnet unit 115 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment is changed. The imaging device 100M4 includes a case 110M4, a fixing unit 120, a lens 130, and an imaging unit 140. Therefore, only the case 110M4 will be described here.

[0134] <Case 110M4> The case 110M4 has a first surface 111, a second surface 112, and side surfaces 113 (113A, 113B, and 113C). The case 110M4 differs from the case 110 of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment in that the side surface 113A has, for example, an opening 113A1 in the center when viewed in the XZ plane, and the side surface 113B has, for example, an opening 113B1 in the center when viewed in the YZ plane, and the first surface 111 does not have the two openings 111C.

[0135] The two magnet portions 115 of the case 110M4 are embedded in the openings 113A1 and 113B1, respectively. One magnet portion 115 is exposed from the opening 113A1, and the side surface 113A and the portion of the magnet portion 115 exposed from the opening 113A1 are, for example, flush with each other.

[0136] Here, embedding the magnet portion 115 in the side surface 113A means that the magnet portion 115 may be exposed from the opening 113A1 of the side surface 113A, or the side surface 113A may not have an opening 113A1, and the magnet portion 115 may be covered by the side surface 113A and positioned inside the case 110M4.

[0137] As an example, one magnet portion 115 is embedded in the center of the side surface 113A when viewed in the XZ plane, but the position of the magnet portion 115 may be offset from the center in either direction in the XZ plane.

[0138] The other magnet portion 115 is exposed from the opening 113B1, and the side surface 113B and the portion of the magnet portion 115 exposed from the opening 113B1 are configured to be flush with each other, for example.

[0139] Here, embedding the magnet portion 115 in the side surface 113B means that the magnet portion 115 may be exposed from the opening 113B1 of the side surface 113B, or the side surface 113B may not have an opening 113B1, and the magnet portion 115 may be covered by the side surface 113B and positioned inside the case 110M4.

[0140] As an example, one magnet portion 115 is embedded in the center of the side surface 113B when viewed in the YZ plane, but the position of the magnet portion 115 may be offset from the center in either direction in the YZ plane.

[0141] To fix the imaging device 100M4 to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11, first, the fixing portion 120 is attached with an adhesive to the corners on the +X-axis direction side and the +Y-axis direction side of the main surface 11A. The position at which the fixing portion 120 is attached to the main surface 11A is a position where the positions of the fixing portion 120 and the case 110M4 coincide in a plan view when the side surfaces 113A and 113B of the case 110M4 are abutted against the inner corners of the frame portions 12X and 12Y of the window frame 12, respectively.

[0142] Then, when the case 110M4 is aligned with the fixed part 120 and the first surface 111 of the case 110M4 is brought into contact with the contact surface 125A of the fixed part 120, the two magnet parts 115 on the side surfaces 113A and 113B of the case 110M4 are magnetically attracted to the inner corners of the frame parts 12X and 12Y of the window frame 12. In this state, the base part 121 of the fixed part 120 comes into contact with the first surface 111 of the case 110M4, and the fixed part 120 becomes one with the case 110M4.

[0143] In this way, by simply aligning the position of the case 110M4 with the position of the fixed part 120 and pressing the case 110M4 against the fixed part 120, the two magnet parts 115 are attracted to the inner corners of the frame parts 12X and 12Y of the window frame 12. In this way, the imaging device 100M4 can be easily attached to the window frame 12. The case 110M4 is detachable from the fixed part 120 and the window frame 12.

[0144] In addition, if the window frame 12 is not made of magnetic metal, as an example, the imaging device 100M4 may be fixed to the window frame 12 by attaching a magnetic metal sheet to the window frame 12 and magnetically attracting the magnet portion 115.

[0145] Also, as an example, a configuration will be described in which the imaging device 100M4 includes the magnet portion 115 and is magnetically attracted to the window frame 12 made of magnetic metal. However, for example, the case 110M4 may be made of magnetic metal, a sheet-like magnet portion 115 may be attached to the window frame 12, and the case 110M4 may be magnetically attracted to the sheet-like magnet portion 115 attached to the window frame 12, thereby fixing the imaging device 100M4 to the window frame 12.

[0146] Furthermore, the imaging device 100M4 may be attached to the window frame 12 with an adhesive such as double-sided tape instead of the magnet portion 115. In this case, the adhesive such as double-sided tape can be attached to a portion that is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet rays between the side surface 113A or 113B of the case 110M4 of the imaging device 100M4 and the window frame 12. This is because even if the imaging device 100M4 is attached to the window frame 12 with an adhesive such as double-sided tape, deterioration due to ultraviolet rays can be suppressed as long as the imaging device 100M4 is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the imaging device 100M4 can be stably fixed to the window frame 12.

[0147] Additionally, while a form in which the imaging device 100M4 is fixed to the window frame 12 is described here as an example, the imaging device 100M4 may be fixed to a structure around the window glass 11 other than the window frame 12, such as the ceiling or wall around the window glass 11. If the ceiling or wall is not made of a magnetic metal, the imaging device 100M4 may be fixed to the ceiling or wall by attaching a magnetic metal sheet to the ceiling or wall. Alternatively, the case 110M4 may be made of a magnetic metal, and the imaging device 100M4 may be fixed to the ceiling or wall by attaching a sheet-like magnet portion 115 to the ceiling or wall. Alternatively, the imaging device 100M4 may be fixed to the ceiling or wall by attaching an adhesive such as double-sided tape to a portion between the ceiling or wall and the case 110M4 that is not directly irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

[0148] In the embodiment and all of the first to fourth modified examples of the embodiment, the fixing part 120 may have an infrared reflective film formed on the adhesive surface 125B that is fixed to the main surface 11A. By forming an infrared reflective film on the adhesive surface 125B, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the window glass 11, thereby suppressing breakage of the window glass 11. In particular, when the adhesive surface 125B is painted a dark color such as black or dark gray, it is possible to suppress breakage of the window glass 11. In this case, the fixing part 120 is fixed to the main surface 11A by an adhesive between the infrared reflective film and the main surface 11A.

[0149] Furthermore, in all of the embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples of the embodiment, through holes or notches may be provided in the fixing portions 120, 120M1, 120M2, and 120M3. These through holes are an example of second through holes. The through holes and notches may be provided in positions that avoid the through holes 120A and the transparent portion 121A and do not interfere with the attachment of the cases 110, 110M2, and 110M4. By providing through holes and notches, the weight of the fixing portions 120, 120M1, 120M2, and 120M3 can be reduced.

[0150] <Effects> The imaging device 100 of the present disclosure is installed on the indoor side of a window glass 11 of a building and includes a case 110 having a first surface 111, a lens 130 provided on the first surface 111, a fixed part 120 fixed to the main surface 11A, the fixed part 120 detachably holding the case 110 in contact with the first surface 111, and an imaging part 140 arranged inside the case 110 and capable of capturing an image of the outdoor side of the window glass 11 via the lens 130, and the fixed part 120 The imaging device 100 has a through-hole 120A corresponding to the lens 130, or a transparent portion 121A where at least the front portion of the lens 130 is transparent. The case 110 has a magnet portion 115 embedded in the first surface 111, and the fixed portion 120 has a magnetic metal portion magnetically attractable to the magnet portion 115. Alternatively, the fixed portion 120 has the magnet portion 115 and the case 110 has a magnetic metal portion magnetically attractable to the magnet portion 115 embedded in the first surface 111. Simply aligning the position of the case 110 with the position of the fixed portion 120 in a plan view and pressing the case 110 against the fixed portion 120 causes the magnet portion 115 to magnetically attract to the fixed portion 120. In this way, the imaging device 100 can be easily attached to the window glass 11. Furthermore, because the fixed portion 120 is fixed to the main surface 11A, the case 110 can be stably fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11 for a long period of time.

[0151] Therefore, it is possible to provide an imaging device 100 that can be stably fixed to the window glass 11 for a long period of time.

[0152] Furthermore, the fixed portion 120 may be made of a magnetic metal portion and may have a through-hole 120A corresponding to the lens 130. In a configuration in which the entire fixed portion 120 is made of a magnetic metal portion, it is possible to provide an imaging device 100 and a window glass with an imaging device that can be stably fixed to the window glass 11 over a long period of time. Furthermore, because the entire fixed portion 120 is made of a magnetic metal portion, the case 110 can be easily magnetically attracted to the fixed portion 120.

[0153] The fixing unit 120 has a resin base 121 and either a magnetic metal part 122M1 or a magnet part 115. The base 121 has an abutment surface 125A that abuts against the first surface 111 when the fixing unit 120 holds the case 110. The base 121 may have a through-hole 120A corresponding to the lens 130, or a transparent part 121A where at least the front portion of the lens 130 is transparent, and the magnetic metal part 122M1 or the magnet part 115 may be provided on the abutment surface 125A. When the base 121 of the fixing unit 120 is made of resin, it is possible to provide an imaging device 100 and a window glass with an imaging device that can be stably fixed to the window glass 11 over a long period of time. The fixing unit 120 having the resin base 121 provides a high degree of freedom in designing the shape of the fixing unit 120 and also enables the fixing unit 120 to be made lighter.

[0154] Alternatively, the case 110M2 may have a convex portion 114M2 protruding from the first surface 111, and the fixing portion 120M2 may have a concave portion 122M2 or a through-hole formed in an abutment surface 125A that abuts against the first surface 111 when the case 110M2 is held, and that can engage with the convex portion 114M2, or the fixing portion 120M2 may have a convex portion protruding from the abutment surface 125A that abuts against the first surface 111 when the case 110M2 is held, and the case 110 may have a concave portion or a through-hole formed in the first surface 111 that can engage with the convex portion. A configuration can be realized in which the case 110M2 and the fixing portion 120M2 are less likely to become misaligned in a planar view.

[0155] Furthermore, the fixed portion 120M3 may have a holding portion 122M3 that protrudes from the opposite side to the main surface 11A and detachably holds the case 110. The holding portion 122M3 of the fixed portion 120M3 holds the case 110, thereby allowing the fixed portion 120M3 to stably hold the case 110. Furthermore, because the case 110 is held by the holding portion 122M3, a configuration can be realized that is less likely to shift position within the XY plane.

[0156] The fixing part 120 may also have an infrared reflective film formed on the adhesive surface 125B that is fixed to the main surface 11A. Forming an infrared reflective film on the adhesive surface 125B can suppress a rise in temperature of the window glass 11, thereby suppressing breakage of the window glass 11. This can particularly suppress breakage of the window glass 11 when the adhesive surface 125B is painted a dark color such as black or dark gray.

[0157] Furthermore, in plan view, the fixing portion 120 may have the through-hole 120A, or a second through-hole or cutout formed in a portion other than the front portion of the lens 130. This allows the fixing portion 120 to be made lighter.

[0158] The fixing portion 230 is adhered to the indoor main surface 11A of the window glass 11 with an adhesive, and the adhesive may contain an ultraviolet absorbing material that absorbs ultraviolet rays. This makes it possible to prevent the adhesive from deteriorating due to ultraviolet rays, and to provide an imaging device 100 that can be stably fixed to the window glass 11 for a longer period of time.

[0159] An imaging device 100M3 of the present disclosure includes a case 110 that is installed on the indoor side of a window glass 11 of a building and has a first surface 111, a lens 130 that is provided on first surface 111, a fixed portion 120M3 that is fixed to main surface 11A and has a holding portion 122M3 that detachably holds case 110 while facing first surface 111, and an imaging unit 140 that is disposed within case 110 and can image the outdoor side of window glass 11 via lens 130, and fixed portion 120M3 has a through-hole 120A that corresponds to lens 130, or a transparent portion 121A that at least the front portion of lens 130 is transparent. Simply by aligning the position of case 110 with the position of fixed portion 120M3 in a plan view and pushing case 110 into fixed portion 120, case 110 is held by fixed portion 120M3. In this way, the imaging device 100 can be easily attached to the window glass 11. Furthermore, since the fixing portion 120M3 is fixed to the main surface 11A, the case 110 can be stably fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11 over a long period of time.

[0160] Therefore, it is possible to provide the imaging device 100M3 that can be stably fixed to the window glass 11 for a long period of time.

[0161] Furthermore, the case 110 may have a right-angled triangular shape in a plan view from the first surface 111 side. This makes it possible to provide the imaging device 100 that can be easily placed in a corner of the window frame 12 where it is less noticeable.

[0162] Furthermore, the fixing part 120 may have the same shape and size as the case 110 in a plan view, which makes it easier to align the case 110 with the fixing part 120.

[0163] The fixing portion 120 may also be a plate-like member, which allows for easy attachment to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11 and easy fixing of the case 110.

[0164] The window glass 200 with an imaging device of the present disclosure includes a window glass 11 of a building and an imaging device 100 provided on the indoor side of the window glass 11, and the imaging device 100 is installed on the indoor side of the window glass 11 of the building and includes a case 110 having a first surface 111, a lens 130 provided on the first surface 111, a fixing part 120 fixed to the main surface 11A and detachably holding the case 110 in a state of abutting against the first surface 111, and a lens 130 disposed within the case 110. The imaging device 100 includes an imaging unit 140 capable of capturing images of the outdoor side of the window glass 11, the fixed unit 120 having a through-hole 120A corresponding to the lens 130, or at least a front portion of the lens 130 being transparent, the case 110 having a magnet unit 115 embedded in the first surface 111, and the fixed unit 120 having a magnetic metal portion magnetically attractable to the magnet unit 115, or the fixed unit 120 having the magnet unit 115 and the case 110 having a magnetic metal portion magnetically attractable to the magnet unit 115 embedded in the first surface 111. Simply aligning the position of the case 110 with the position of the fixed unit 120 in a plan view and pressing the case 110 against the fixed unit 120 causes the magnet unit 115 to magnetically attract to the fixed unit 120. In this manner, the imaging device 100 can be easily attached to the window glass 11. Furthermore, since the fixing portion 120 is fixed to the main surface 11A, the case 110 can be stably fixed to the main surface 11A of the window glass 11 for a long period of time.

[0165] Therefore, it is possible to provide a window glass 200 with an imaging device that can be stably fixed to the window glass 11 for a long period of time.

[0166] Although exemplary imaging devices and window glass with imaging devices according to the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0167] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed in relation to the above embodiments. (Supplementary Note 1) An imaging device including: a housing installed on the indoor side of a window glass of a building and having a first surface; a lens provided on the first surface; a fixing part fixed to a main surface on the indoor side of the window glass, the fixing part detachably holding the housing while abutting against the first surface; and an imaging part arranged within the housing and capable of imaging the outdoor side of the window glass through the lens, wherein the fixing part has a through-hole corresponding to the lens or has a transparent part where at least a front portion of the lens is transparent, the housing has a magnet part embedded in the first surface and the fixing part has a magnetic metal part magnetically attractable to the magnet part, or the fixing part has a magnet part and the housing has a magnetic metal part magnetically attractable to the magnet part embedded in the first surface. (Supplementary Note 2) The imaging device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the fixing part is made of the magnetic metal part and has the through-hole corresponding to the lens. (Supplementary Note 3) The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion has a base made of resin, and the magnetic metal portion or the magnet portion, the base has an abutment surface that abuts against the first surface when the fixing portion holds the housing, the base has the through-hole corresponding to the lens, or has the transparent portion where at least a front portion of the lens is transparent, and the magnetic metal portion or the magnet portion is provided on the abutment surface. (Supplementary Note 4) The imaging device according to any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the housing has a convex portion protruding from the first surface, and the fixing portion has a concave portion or a through-hole formed on the abutment surface that abuts against the first surface when the housing is held and that can engage with the convex portion, or the fixing portion has a convex portion protruding from the abutment surface that abuts against the first surface when the housing is held, and the housing has a concave portion or a through-hole formed on the first surface that can engage with the convex portion. (Supplementary Note 5) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the fixing portion has a holding portion that protrudes on the opposite side to the main surface and that detachably holds the housing. (Supplementary Note 6) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the fixing portion has an infrared reflective film formed on a surface that is fixed to the main surface.(Supplementary Note 7) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the fixed part has, in a plan view, the through hole or a second through hole or cutout part formed in a part other than the front part of the lens. (Supplementary Note 8) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the fixed part is adhered to the indoor main surface of the window glass with an adhesive, and the adhesive contains an ultraviolet absorbing material that absorbs ultraviolet rays. (Supplementary Note 9) An imaging device comprising: a housing installed on the indoor side of a window glass of a building and having a first surface; a lens provided on the first surface; a fixed part fixed to the indoor main surface of the window glass, the fixed part having a holding part that detachably holds the housing in a state facing the first surface; and an imaging part arranged within the housing and capable of imaging the outdoor side of the window glass via the lens, wherein the fixed part has a through hole corresponding to the lens or has a transparent part through which at least a front part of the lens is transparent. (Supplementary Note 10) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the housing has a right-angled triangular shape in a plan view from the first surface side. (Supplementary Note 11) The imaging device according to Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein the fixing portion has the same shape and size as the housing in a plan view. (Supplementary Note 12) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, wherein the fixing portion is a plate-like member. (Supplementary Note 13) A window glass with an imaging device, comprising: a window glass of a building; and an imaging device provided on the indoor side of the window glass, wherein the imaging device comprises: a housing installed on the indoor side of the window glass of the building and having a first surface; a lens provided on the first surface; a fixing part fixed to a main surface on the indoor side of the window glass, the fixing part detachably holding the housing in a state of abutting against the first surface; and an imaging part disposed within the housing and capable of imaging the outdoor side of the window glass via the lens, wherein the fixing part has a through-hole corresponding to the lens, or a transparent part where at least a front portion of the lens is transparent, the housing has a magnet part embedded in the first surface, and the fixing part has a magnetic metal part magnetically attractable to the magnet part, or the fixing part has a magnet part, and the housing has a magnetic metal part magnetically attractable to the magnet part embedded in the first surface.

[0168] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-147795, filed on August 29, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0169] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Building (an example of a structure) 1W Wall 10 Window 11 Window glass 11A Main surface 12 Window frame 12X, 12Y Frame portion 100, 100M1, 100M2, 100M3, 100M4 Imaging device 110, 110M2, 110M4 Case (an example of a housing) 111 First surface 111A Recess 111A1 Opening 111B Holder 111B1 Recess 111C Opening 112 Second surface 113, 113A, 113B, 113C Side surface 113A1, 113B1 Opening 114M2 Convex portion 115 Magnet portion 120, 120M1, 120M2, 120M3 Fixing portion 120A Through hole 121 Base 121A Transparent portion 122M1 Magnetic metal portion 122M2 Recessed portion 122M3 Holding portion 125A Contact surface 125B Adhesion surface 130 Lens 140 Imaging portion 200, 200M1, 200M2, 200M3, 200M4 Window glass with imaging device

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: a housing installed on the indoor side of a window glass of a building and having a first surface; a lens provided on said first surface; a fixing part fixed to the indoor main surface of the window glass, the fixing part detachably holding the housing while abutting against said first surface; and an imaging part arranged within said housing and capable of imaging the outdoor side of the window glass through said lens, wherein said fixing part has a through-hole corresponding to said lens, or has a transparent part where at least a front portion of the lens is transparent, said housing has a magnet part embedded in said first surface, and said fixing part has a magnetic metal part that can be magnetically attracted to said magnet part, or said fixing part has a magnet part, and said housing has a magnetic metal part that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet part and is embedded in said first surface.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed portion is made of the magnetic metal portion and has the through-hole corresponding to the lens.

3. The imaging device described in claim 1, wherein the fixed portion has a resin base, and the magnetic metal portion or the magnet portion, the base has an abutment surface that abuts against the first surface when the fixed portion holds the housing, the base has the through-hole corresponding to the lens, or has the transparent portion through which at least the front portion of the lens is transparent, and the magnetic metal portion or the magnet portion is provided on the abutment surface.

4. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a convex portion protruding from the first surface, and the fixing portion has a recess or through-hole formed on an abutment surface that abuts against the first surface when the housing is held and that can engage with the convex portion, or the fixing portion has a convex portion protruding from an abutment surface that abuts against the first surface when the housing is held, and the housing has a recess or through-hole formed on the first surface that can engage with the convex portion.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion has a holding portion that protrudes on the side opposite to the main surface and that detachably holds the housing.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed portion has an infrared reflective film formed on a surface fixed to the main surface.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion has, in a plan view, the through-hole or a second through-hole or cutout formed in a portion other than the front portion of the lens.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion is adhered to the indoor main surface of the window glass with an adhesive, and the adhesive contains an ultraviolet absorbing material that absorbs ultraviolet rays.

9. An imaging device comprising: a housing installed on the indoor side of a window glass of a building and having a first surface; a lens provided on said first surface; a fixing part fixed to the indoor main surface of the window glass, the fixing part having a holding part that detachably holds the housing while facing said first surface; and an imaging part arranged within the housing and capable of imaging the outdoor side of the window glass through said lens, wherein said fixing part has a through hole corresponding to said lens or has a transparent part through which at least the front portion of the lens is transparent.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing has a right-angled triangular shape when viewed in plan from the first surface side.

11. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fixed portion has the same shape and size as the housing in a plan view.

12. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fixed portion is a plate-like member.

13. A window glass with an imaging device, comprising: a window glass of a building; and an imaging device provided on the indoor side of the window glass, wherein the imaging device comprises: a housing installed on the indoor side of the window glass of the building and having a first surface; a lens provided on the first surface; a fixing part fixed to the main surface of the indoor side of the window glass, the fixing part detachably holding the housing while abutting against the first surface; and an imaging part disposed within the housing and capable of imaging the outdoor side of the window glass via the lens, wherein the fixing part has a through-hole corresponding to the lens, or has a transparent part where at least a front portion of the lens is transparent, the housing has a magnet part embedded in the first surface, and the fixing part has a magnetic metal part magnetically attractable to the magnet part, or the fixing part has a magnet part, and the housing has a magnetic metal part magnetically attractable to the magnet part embedded in the first surface.

Images