US20090028542A1 - Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus - Google Patents
Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20090028542A1 US20090028542A1 US12/237,426 US23742608A US2009028542A1 US 20090028542 A1 US20090028542 A1 US 20090028542A1 US 23742608 A US23742608 A US 23742608A US 2009028542 A1 US2009028542 A1 US 2009028542A1
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- outer body
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/58—Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an active camera apparatus and a robot apparatus for positioning a viewpoint of an image sensor of a camera to a predetermined location.
- Some equipment utilized as an information processing apparatus or a robot apparatus includes a camera and executes a predetermined decision by monitoring an external environment or a movement of an imaging object through the camera.
- an active camera apparatus of which viewpoint changes by rotating the camera as a human's eye is known (For example, Japanese Patent Disclosure (Kokai) PH11-355622).
- the camera is located in a body of a ball shell type.
- This camera is supported by a gimbal mechanism installed into the body, and rotated around two axes mutually crossed in the body.
- the gimbal mechanism is comprised of a pair of gimbals. One gimbal is located inside of the body, and the other gimbal is located outside of the body.
- a camera actuator is located outside of the body.
- the camera actuator has a ring wire bound to the camera. By moving this wire along a predetermined direction, the camera in the body is actuated.
- one gimbal is set in the body. Accordingly, the camera can be moved within a large actuation area. As a result, the camera can input an image from a wide field of view.
- the camera actuator is located outside of the body. Accordingly, the camera actuator is not protected from the external environment such as a dust, moisture, and a heat. Furthermore, the whole component of the active camera apparatus including the camera actuator becomes undesirably large.
- the present invention is directing to an active camera apparatus and a robot apparatus in which the camera and the camera actuator can be protected from the external environment.
- an active camera apparatus comprising: an outer body of ball shell type having an opening; a camera in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening; a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis, the first axis and the second axis crossing at a center of the outer body; a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis; and a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis.
- a robot apparatus comprising: an outer body of ball shell type having an opening; a camera as an eyeball in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening; an open-close member as an eyelid rotationally located around a center of the outer body, the open-close member closing the opening by rotation; a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis, the first axis and the second axis crossing at the center of the outer body; a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis; and a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the outward appearance of an active camera apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view of the active camera apparatus along the XZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of the active camera apparatus along the YZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 4A , 4 B, and 4 C are schematic diagrams of a linking mechanism between a camera support member and an open-close member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 5A , 5 B, and 5 C are schematic diagrams of a release situation of the linking mechanism between the camera support member and the open-close member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of components of the active camera apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 7A , 7 B, and 7 C are schematic diagrams of an open-close situation of an opening of an outer body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the outward appearance of the active camera apparatus as a sectional plane by YZ plane according to a modification of the second embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional plan of the active camera apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a lens actuator of the active camera apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a target set on the inside of the open-close member according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of a rolling situation of the active camera apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an adjustment situation of rolling of the active camera apparatus by the external environment according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams of a reaction situation of a robot apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a flowchart of communication processing of the robot apparatus with a person according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the outward appearance of an active camera apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional plan of a ball type camera unit by XZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional plan of the ball type camera unit by YZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- the active camera apparatus of the present invention includes an outer body 1 of a ball shell type.
- An opening 2 is formed in the outer body 1 .
- a transparent light member (not shown in the figures) formed by transparent material is put into the opening 2 .
- the opening 2 is formed as a shape and a dimension not to obstruct a field of view of a camera 12 .
- a body fixed member 4 (support member) is fixed to the inside of the outer body 1 .
- This body fixed member is comprised of a board member and projects toward a center of sphere of the outer body 1 .
- a first groove 5 is formed at a middle part along board thickness direction.
- the first groove 5 is formed along a longitudinal direction of the body fixed member 4 .
- a base 3 of the first groove 5 is a circular surface of concentric with the center of sphere of the outer body 1 .
- a first motor 6 (a first camera actuator) is fixed.
- a first pinion gear 7 is joined with a rotation axis 6 a of the first motor 6 .
- the first pinion gear 7 is inserted into an insertion hole 8 set at the tip of the body fixed member 4 , and an outer surface of the first pinion gear 7 faces one inside of the first groove 5 .
- An arcwise gimbal 9 (a half-toroidal member) has a low friction support in the inside of the first groove 5 .
- the arcwise gimbal 9 is comprised of a half-toroidal board member and concentrically located as a center of sphere of the outer body 1 .
- An outer surface of the arcwise gimbal 9 contacts the base 3 of the first groove 5 .
- An inner surface of the arcwise gimbal 9 is located on the base side of the first groove 5 than the first pinion gear 7 .
- An inner gear 9 a is formed on the inner surface of the arcwise gimbal 9 .
- the inner gear 9 a engages the first pinion gear 7 .
- the arcwise gimbal 9 is rotated around Y axis (a first axis) passing the center of sphere of the outer body 1 .
- a spur gear 15 is set to one edge of the arcwise gimbal 9 .
- the spur gear 15 is perpendicularly fixed to the one edge of the arcwise gimbal 9 as shown in FIG. 2 , and a rotation axis of the spur gear 15 coincides with X axis (a second axis).
- Both edges of the arcwise gimbal 9 as a semicircle are connected by an axial member 10 .
- the axial member 10 is a round stick having a approximately circular cross section.
- An axial center line of the axial member 10 approximately coincides with the X axis, perpendicularly crossing the Y axis at a center of the sphere of the outer body 1 .
- a mounting plate 11 (a mounting member) is set to the axial member 10 .
- a support section 11 a of shape is formed on one face of the mounting plate 11 . By engaging the support section 11 a with the axial member 10 , the mounting plate 11 rotates around the axial member 10 .
- a camera 12 is set to the other face of the mounting plate 11 .
- the camera 12 includes an imaging device such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor.
- An optical axis of the camera 12 coincides with the Z axis perpendicularly crossing the X axis and the Y axis.
- a front glass 12 a is equipped on a front face of the camera 12 .
- a camera support member 13 of a ball shell type is fixed to the front side of the camera 12 .
- the camera support member 13 is concentrically located in the sphere of the outer body 1 .
- a mount opening 14 is formed on a part corresponding to the front face of the camera 12 .
- a second motor 17 (a second camera actuator) is fixed to a predetermined position of the mounting plate 11 through a bracket 19 .
- a second pinion gear 18 is joined with a rotation axis 17 a of the second motor 17 .
- the second pinion gear 18 engages the spur gear 15 .
- the second motor 17 rotates around the spur gear 15 as shown by an arrow A of FIG. 3 .
- the camera 12 and the second motor 17 are formed as one body through the mounting plate 11 . Accordingly, by actuating the second motor 17 , the camera 12 rotates around the axial member 10 (X axis).
- the camera 12 maintains a position dependent on the timing of stopping actuation.
- the arcwise gimbal 9 rotates around the Y axis by rotation of the first pinion gear 7 . Accordingly, the camera 12 supported by the axial member 10 rotates around Y axis.
- the camera 12 maintains a position dependent on the timing of stopping actuation.
- the body fixed member 4 , the arcwise gimbal 9 , the axial member 10 and the mounting plate 11 comprise a camera support means 24 to rotationally support the camera 12 around X axis and Y axis.
- An open-close member 20 is located in a space between the outer body 1 and the camera support member 13 .
- the open-close member 20 is comprised of a part of a ball shell body.
- a support pin 21 is respectively projected on both edges of the outer surface of the open-close member 20 .
- An axial center of the support pin 21 coincides with the X axis.
- the support pin 21 is rotationally supported by a support hole 22 set in the inside of the outer body 1 .
- Each support hole 22 is comprised of a first hole 22 a and a second hole 22 b as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the first hole 22 a and the second hole 22 b are both round holes of the same diameter.
- the first hole 22 a is formed at a position crossing the X axis on the outer body 1 .
- the second hole 22 b is formed at a position slightly eccentric from the first hole 22 a on the outer body 1 .
- a connection part between the first hole 22 a and the second hole 22 b has a hole diameter shorter than each hole.
- the open-close member 20 can be slid along a contact direction between the camera support member 13 and the open-close member 20 by hand operation.
- the support pin 21 can be slid between the first hole 22 a and the second hole 22 b.
- FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of linking situation between the camera support member 13 and the open-close member 20 according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 4A shows a situation before rotating the camera support member 13 .
- FIG. 4B shows a situation of rotation of the camera support member 13 .
- FIG. 4C shows another situation of rotation of the camera support member 13 .
- the linking mechanism 23 is comprised of an engagement pin 23 a set on an outer surface of the camera support member 13 and an engagement hole 23 b set on the open-close member 20 .
- the engagement pin 23 a is formed as a round section and located in a space between the camera support member 13 and the outer body 1 .
- the engagement hole 23 b is formed as a short length along a rotation direction around the X axis and a long length along a rotation direction around the Y axis (shown in FIG. 4C ).
- the engagement hole 23 b is formed as a long length along a rotation direction around the Y axis. Accordingly, even if the camera support member 13 rotates around the Y axis, the engagement pin 23 a is not caught in the edge part of the engagement hole 23 b , and the open-close member 20 and the camera support member 13 are not moved with linking.
- FIGS. 5A ?? 5C are schematic diagrams of release situation of the linking mechanism between the camera support member 13 and the open-close member according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 5A shows a non-release situation of the linking mechanism.
- FIG. 5B shows a release situation of the linking mechanism.
- FIG. 5C shows a situation that the opening of the outer body 1 is closed by the open-close member after releasing the linking mechanism.
- this linking mechanism 23 can be released by hand operation.
- this linking mechanism 23 in the situation that the linking mechanism 23 is not released as shown in FIG. 5A , by pulling up the open-close member 20 from the camera support member 13 along an alienation direction of X axis, a position of the support pin 21 is moved from the first hole 22 a to the second hole 22 b .
- the engagement pin 23 a is picked out from the engagement hole 23 b , and the linking between the open-close member 20 and the camera support member 13 is released.
- FIG. 5C the open-close member 20 can freely move irrespective of the camera support member 13 .
- the open-close member 20 can freely move when the support pin 21 fits into the second hole 22 b .
- the open-close member 20 may move by fitting a position of the support pin 21 into the first hole 22 a again.
- the camera 12 is rotationally supported around the X axis and the Y axis mutually crossing at a center of sphere of the outer body 1 .
- a viewpoint (an optical axis) of the camera 12 can be rotated around a center of sphere of the outer body 1 .
- a viewpoint of the camera 12 variously changes, and an imaging object can be taken from various angles.
- the first motor 6 and the second motor 17 are accommodated in the outer body 1 . Accordingly, the first motor 6 and the second motor 17 can be protected from the external environment conditions such as dust, moisture and heat, and the whole component of the apparatus can be miniaturized.
- the open-close member 20 is rotationally located in the outer body 1 around X axis, and the opening 2 is opened and closed using the open-close member 20 . Accordingly, by covering the front face of the camera 12 with the open-close member 20 during non-use time of the camera 12 , the front glass 12 a of the camera 12 can be protected. In addition to this, by setting a lens cleaner on the inside of the open-close member 20 , a surface of the front glass 12 a of the camera 12 can be cleaned using the open-close operation of the open-close member 20 .
- FIGS. 6 ⁇ 8 the second embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to FIGS. 6 ⁇ 8 .
- this embodiment as for components, activation, and operation the same as the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of components of the active camera apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6A shows an outward appearance by cutting the active camera apparatus.
- FIG. 6B shows a section of the active camera apparatus.
- FIGS. 7A ⁇ 7C are schematic diagrams of closing situation of the opening 2 of the outer body 1 by the open-close member 20 according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 7A shows a situation that the opening 2 of the outer body 1 is fully opened.
- FIG. 7B shows a situation that the opening 2 of the outer body 1 is slightly covered by the open-close member 20 .
- FIG. 7C shows a situation that the opening 2 of the outer body 1 is fully closed by the open-close member 20 .
- a torsion spring 31 is inter-carried between the support pin 21 and the support hole 22 .
- the torsion spring 31 energizes the open-close member 20 along a closing direction of the opening 2 of the outer body 1 , i.e., an arrow B direction as shown in FIG. 6A .
- a third motor 32 (an open-close member actuator) is set in the outer body 1 .
- a pulley 33 is joined with a rotation axis 32 a of the third motor 33 .
- a wire 34 is turned around the pulley 33 .
- An edge part of the wire 34 is connected to the open-close member 20 .
- the opening 2 of the outer body 1 can be easily opened and closed. Furthermore, by controlling actuation quantity of the third motor 32 , an area of the opening 2 can be changed. Accordingly, a light quantity incident upon the camera 12 and a depth of field of the camera 12 can be easily adjusted based on imaging conditions.
- the depth of field can be shortened by enlarging the opening 2 with the open-close member 20 .
- the depth of field can be lengthened by miniaturizing the opening 2 with the open-close member 20 .
- the opening 2 of the outer body 1 is closed by the open-close member 20 , and the open-close member 20 can function as a cover.
- the optical quantity can be mechanically adjusted by the open-close member 20 . Accordingly, in the case of utilizing a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor as the imaging device of the camera 12 , in comparison with adjustment of the optical quantity using software only, excellent image can be certainly taken.
- a lens cleaner in the inside of the open-close member 20 , a surface of the front glass 12 a of the camera 12 can be easily cleaned by open-close operation of the open-close member 20 .
- FIG. 8 shows an outward appearance by cutting the active camera apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment.
- a linear shape memory alloy 25 is fixed between the open-close member 20 and the inside of the outer body 1 .
- a current will shrink the shape memory alloy 25 along a shrink direction line.
- the torsion spring 31 (as shown in FIG. 6B ) is inter-carried in a space between the support pin 21 and the support hole 22 .
- the torsion spring 31 biases the open-close member 20 along a closing direction of the opening 2 of the outer body 1 , i.e., an arrow direction B as shown in FIG. B. Accordingly, by flowing a current from this status to the shape memory alloy 25 , the shape memory alloy 25 is transformed along a shrink direction of line, and the open-close member 20 can be actuated along an opening direction.
- FIGS. 9-11 the third embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to FIGS. 9-11 .
- this embodiment as for components, activation, and operation the same as the first and second embodiments, its explanation is omitted.
- FIG. 9 is a section of component of the active camera apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a lens actuator 44 according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a target (pattern) set on the inside of the open-close member 20 according to the third embodiment.
- the camera 12 includes an imaging device 40 , a first lens 42 and a second lens 43 each forming an image of the outside of the outer body 1 onto the imaging device 40 , and a lens actuator 44 .
- the first lens 42 and the second lens 43 are moved along an optical direction (front and rear direction) of the camera 12 by the lens actuator 44 .
- focus and optical zoom can be automatically executed.
- the lens actuator 44 includes an actuator 45 such as an electrostatic actuator, an image processing unit 46 to generate a target value of lens position by processing image information output from the imaging device 40 , an orbit generation unit 49 to generate an orbit value of lens based on the target value output from the image processing unit 46 , a control operation unit 50 to generate a command value to an actuator driver 47 based on output from the orbit generation unit 49 , and an actuator driver 47 to actuate the actuator 45 based on the command value.
- the image processing unit 46 , the orbit generation unit 49 and the control operation unit 50 can be realized as software processing by CPU (processor) controlling the whole active camera apparatus.
- a lens position is initialized.
- the camera 12 inputs an image of the target 48 from a predetermined field of view, and image information is supplied to the image processing unit 46 .
- image processing is executed for the image information.
- the image processing unit 46 calculates an average intensity of the whole image of the target 48 in order, and detects an actual position of the lenses 42 and 43 where the average intensity is maximum. Position data of the lenses 42 and 43 where the average intensity is maximum is determined by a lens parameter. Accordingly, by setting this position as an initial position of lenses 42 and 43 , the lens position can be initialized with high reappearance.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 the fourth embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 .
- this embodiment as for components, activation, and operation the same as the first, second, and third embodiments, its explanation is omitted.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of rolling situation of the active camera apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12A shows a situation that a center of gravity locates the lowest position.
- FIG. 12B shows a situation that the center of gravity is slightly shifted from the lowest position.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a situation that rolling of the active camera apparatus is regulated by the external environment according to the fourth embodiment.
- a radio module 51 (a radio communication means) to communicate with an external apparatus (not shown in FIG.) is installed into the outer body 1 .
- the radio module 51 receives a command signal from the external apparatus and sends image information output from the camera 12 to the external apparatus based on the command signal. Furthermore, the radio module 51 supplies the command signal to the first motor 6 and the second motor 17 in order to change a direction of the camera 12 based on the command signal.
- the direction of the camera 12 can be controlled from a distant place, and image information input from the camera 12 at the distant place can be obtained.
- the outer body 1 is formed as a ball shell type. Accordingly, by changing a position of center of gravity of the active camera apparatus, the active camera apparatus can be rotationally moved on a set plane 53 .
- the position of center of gravity 52 is located on a vertical directional axis k passing through a center of sphere of the outer body 1 , and a moment of inertia does not act upon the active camera apparatus. Accordingly, the active camera apparatus stands still on the set plane 53 without rolling.
- a rolling movement of the active camera apparatus may be realized by utilizing a movement acceleration acting the center of gravity.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 the fifth embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- this embodiment as for components, activation, and operation same as the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, its explanation is omitted.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams of an outline of a robot apparatus 60 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- the active camera apparatus of the present invention is mounted as both eyes onto a predetermined position of the robot apparatus 60 .
- the robot apparatus 60 can execute feeling expression such as a living thing and communicate with a person.
- the robot apparatus 60 may wink at the person by closing one open-close member 20 .
- FIG. 15 is a flow chart of processing of the robot apparatus 60 in the case of communicating with the person.
- a person issues an instruction (order) to the robot apparatus 60 by a gesture or a voice (S 1 ).
- a voice detector (not shown in Fig.) installed into the robot apparatus 60 detects the person's voice (YES at S 2 )
- the voice is input from a microphone (not shown in Fig.) (S 3 ).
- the voice is recognized (S 4 ) and the instruction is deciphered and understood (S 5 ).
- the voice detector does not detect the person's voice (NO at S 2 )
- the person's gesture is input from the camera 12 (S 6 ).
- the gesture is recognized (S 7 ) and the instruction is deciphered and understood (s 5 ).
- a plurality of patterns is previously stored in a memory (not shown in Fig.). By deciding that the gesture corresponds to a particular pattern, the meaning of the instruction is understood.
- the robot apparatus 60 decides that the instruction can be executed based on the present situation and surrounding information (YES at S 8 ), the robot apparatus 60 outputs an activation command signal to the third motor 32 , and closes the opening 2 of the outer body 1 using the open-close member 20 .
- the robot apparatus 60 closes an eyelid of one eye, i.e., winks as expression of the robot's intention.
- the voice detector tries to detect the person's voice again.
- the camera and the camera actuator can be protected from the external environment without enlarging component of the apparatus.
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Abstract
An outer body of ball shell type has an opening. A camera is located in the outer body and receives an image from outside of the outer body through the opening. A camera support unit is located in the outer body and rotationally supports the camera along a first axis and a second axis mutually crossed at a center of the outer body. A first camera actuator is located in the outer body and rotationally actuates the camera around the first axis. A second camera actuator is located in the outer body and rotationally actuates the camera around the second axis.
Description
- This application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. Ser. No. 10/895,859, filed Jul. 22, 2004 and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application P2003-201872, filed on Jul. 25, 2003; the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to an active camera apparatus and a robot apparatus for positioning a viewpoint of an image sensor of a camera to a predetermined location.
- Some equipment utilized as an information processing apparatus or a robot apparatus includes a camera and executes a predetermined decision by monitoring an external environment or a movement of an imaging object through the camera. As one of such equipment, an active camera apparatus of which viewpoint changes by rotating the camera as a human's eye is known (For example, Japanese Patent Disclosure (Kokai) PH11-355622).
- In this active camera apparatus, the camera is located in a body of a ball shell type. This camera is supported by a gimbal mechanism installed into the body, and rotated around two axes mutually crossed in the body. The gimbal mechanism is comprised of a pair of gimbals. One gimbal is located inside of the body, and the other gimbal is located outside of the body.
- A camera actuator is located outside of the body. The camera actuator has a ring wire bound to the camera. By moving this wire along a predetermined direction, the camera in the body is actuated.
- In such active camera apparatus, one gimbal is set in the body. Accordingly, the camera can be moved within a large actuation area. As a result, the camera can input an image from a wide field of view.
- However, as mentioned-above, in the active camera apparatus of the prior art, the camera actuator is located outside of the body. Accordingly, the camera actuator is not protected from the external environment such as a dust, moisture, and a heat. Furthermore, the whole component of the active camera apparatus including the camera actuator becomes undesirably large.
- The present invention is directing to an active camera apparatus and a robot apparatus in which the camera and the camera actuator can be protected from the external environment.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an active camera apparatus, comprising: an outer body of ball shell type having an opening; a camera in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening; a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis, the first axis and the second axis crossing at a center of the outer body; a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis; and a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a robot apparatus, comprising: an outer body of ball shell type having an opening; a camera as an eyeball in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening; an open-close member as an eyelid rotationally located around a center of the outer body, the open-close member closing the opening by rotation; a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis, the first axis and the second axis crossing at the center of the outer body; a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis; and a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the outward appearance of an active camera apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view of the active camera apparatus along the XZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of the active camera apparatus along the YZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 4A , 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams of a linking mechanism between a camera support member and an open-close member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 5A , 5B, and 5C are schematic diagrams of a release situation of the linking mechanism between the camera support member and the open-close member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of components of the active camera apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 7A , 7B, and 7C are schematic diagrams of an open-close situation of an opening of an outer body according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the outward appearance of the active camera apparatus as a sectional plane by YZ plane according to a modification of the second embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a sectional plan of the active camera apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a lens actuator of the active camera apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a target set on the inside of the open-close member according to the third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of a rolling situation of the active camera apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an adjustment situation of rolling of the active camera apparatus by the external environment according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams of a reaction situation of a robot apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of communication processing of the robot apparatus with a person according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. - Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be explained by referring to the drawings.
- The first embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to
FIGS. 1˜5 .FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the outward appearance of an active camera apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 is a sectional plan of a ball type camera unit by XZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3 is a sectional plan of the ball type camera unit by YZ plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIGS. 1˜3 , the active camera apparatus of the present invention includes anouter body 1 of a ball shell type. Anopening 2 is formed in theouter body 1. A transparent light member (not shown in the figures) formed by transparent material is put into theopening 2. Theopening 2 is formed as a shape and a dimension not to obstruct a field of view of acamera 12. - A body fixed member 4 (support member) is fixed to the inside of the
outer body 1. This body fixed member is comprised of a board member and projects toward a center of sphere of theouter body 1. - On a tip of the body fixed
member 4, a first groove 5 is formed at a middle part along board thickness direction. The first groove 5 is formed along a longitudinal direction of the body fixedmember 4. Abase 3 of the first groove 5 is a circular surface of concentric with the center of sphere of theouter body 1. - Furthermore, on the tip of the body fixed
member 4, a first motor 6 (a first camera actuator) is fixed. Afirst pinion gear 7 is joined with arotation axis 6 a of thefirst motor 6. Thefirst pinion gear 7 is inserted into aninsertion hole 8 set at the tip of the body fixedmember 4, and an outer surface of thefirst pinion gear 7 faces one inside of the first groove 5. - An arcwise gimbal 9 (a half-toroidal member) has a low friction support in the inside of the first groove 5. The
arcwise gimbal 9 is comprised of a half-toroidal board member and concentrically located as a center of sphere of theouter body 1. An outer surface of thearcwise gimbal 9 contacts thebase 3 of the first groove 5. An inner surface of thearcwise gimbal 9 is located on the base side of the first groove 5 than thefirst pinion gear 7. - An
inner gear 9 a is formed on the inner surface of thearcwise gimbal 9. Theinner gear 9 a engages thefirst pinion gear 7. By actuating thefirst motor 6, thearcwise gimbal 9 is rotated around Y axis (a first axis) passing the center of sphere of theouter body 1. - A
spur gear 15 is set to one edge of thearcwise gimbal 9. Thespur gear 15 is perpendicularly fixed to the one edge of thearcwise gimbal 9 as shown inFIG. 2 , and a rotation axis of thespur gear 15 coincides with X axis (a second axis). - Both edges of the
arcwise gimbal 9 as a semicircle are connected by anaxial member 10. Theaxial member 10 is a round stick having a approximately circular cross section. An axial center line of theaxial member 10 approximately coincides with the X axis, perpendicularly crossing the Y axis at a center of the sphere of theouter body 1. - A mounting plate 11 (a mounting member) is set to the
axial member 10. Asupport section 11 a of shape is formed on one face of the mountingplate 11. By engaging thesupport section 11 a with theaxial member 10, the mountingplate 11 rotates around theaxial member 10. - A
camera 12 is set to the other face of the mountingplate 11. Thecamera 12 includes an imaging device such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. An optical axis of thecamera 12 coincides with the Z axis perpendicularly crossing the X axis and the Y axis. Afront glass 12 a is equipped on a front face of thecamera 12. - Furthermore, a
camera support member 13 of a ball shell type is fixed to the front side of thecamera 12. Thecamera support member 13 is concentrically located in the sphere of theouter body 1. Amount opening 14 is formed on a part corresponding to the front face of thecamera 12. - A second motor 17 (a second camera actuator) is fixed to a predetermined position of the mounting
plate 11 through abracket 19. Asecond pinion gear 18 is joined with arotation axis 17 a of thesecond motor 17. Thesecond pinion gear 18 engages thespur gear 15. By actuating thesecond motor 17, thesecond motor 17 rotates around thespur gear 15 as shown by an arrow A ofFIG. 3 . - Briefly, the
camera 12 and thesecond motor 17 are formed as one body through the mountingplate 11. Accordingly, by actuating thesecond motor 17, thecamera 12 rotates around the axial member 10 (X axis). - When the
second pinion gear 18 stops rotation by stopping actuation of thesecond motor 17, thecamera 12 maintains a position dependent on the timing of stopping actuation. - As mentioned-above, by actuating the
first motor 6, thearcwise gimbal 9 rotates around the Y axis by rotation of thefirst pinion gear 7. Accordingly, thecamera 12 supported by theaxial member 10 rotates around Y axis. - When the
arcwise gimbal 9 stops rotation by stopping actuation of thefirst motor 6, thecamera 12 maintains a position dependent on the timing of stopping actuation. - Briefly, the body fixed
member 4, thearcwise gimbal 9, theaxial member 10 and the mountingplate 11 comprise a camera support means 24 to rotationally support thecamera 12 around X axis and Y axis. - An open-
close member 20 is located in a space between theouter body 1 and thecamera support member 13. The open-close member 20 is comprised of a part of a ball shell body. Asupport pin 21 is respectively projected on both edges of the outer surface of the open-close member 20. An axial center of thesupport pin 21 coincides with the X axis. Thesupport pin 21 is rotationally supported by asupport hole 22 set in the inside of theouter body 1. - Each
support hole 22 is comprised of afirst hole 22 a and asecond hole 22 b as shown inFIG. 1 . Thefirst hole 22 a and thesecond hole 22 b are both round holes of the same diameter. Thefirst hole 22 a is formed at a position crossing the X axis on theouter body 1. Thesecond hole 22 b is formed at a position slightly eccentric from thefirst hole 22 a on theouter body 1. - A connection part between the
first hole 22 a and thesecond hole 22 b has a hole diameter shorter than each hole. The open-close member 20 can be slid along a contact direction between thecamera support member 13 and the open-close member 20 by hand operation. Briefly, thesupport pin 21 can be slid between thefirst hole 22 a and thesecond hole 22 b. -
FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of linking situation between thecamera support member 13 and the open-close member 20 according to the first embodiment.FIG. 4A shows a situation before rotating thecamera support member 13.FIG. 4B shows a situation of rotation of thecamera support member 13.FIG. 4C shows another situation of rotation of thecamera support member 13. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A-4C , the open-close member 20 and thecamera support member 13 are connected by a linkingmechanism 23. The linkingmechanism 23 is comprised of anengagement pin 23 a set on an outer surface of thecamera support member 13 and anengagement hole 23 b set on the open-close member 20. - The
engagement pin 23 a is formed as a round section and located in a space between thecamera support member 13 and theouter body 1. On the other hand, theengagement hole 23 b is formed as a short length along a rotation direction around the X axis and a long length along a rotation direction around the Y axis (shown inFIG. 4C ). - Accordingly, as shown in
FIG. 4 a, by inserting theengagement pin 23 a into theengagement hole 23 b, when thecamera support member 13 rotates around the X axis, theengagement pin 23 a is caught in an edge part of theengagement hole 23 b as shown inFIG. 4C . As a result, the open-close member 20 and thecamera support member 13 are moved with linking. - However, as mentioned-above, the
engagement hole 23 b is formed as a long length along a rotation direction around the Y axis. Accordingly, even if thecamera support member 13 rotates around the Y axis, theengagement pin 23 a is not caught in the edge part of theengagement hole 23 b, and the open-close member 20 and thecamera support member 13 are not moved with linking. -
FIGS. 5A˜5C are schematic diagrams of release situation of the linking mechanism between thecamera support member 13 and the open-close member according to the first embodiment.FIG. 5A shows a non-release situation of the linking mechanism.FIG. 5B shows a release situation of the linking mechanism.FIG. 5C shows a situation that the opening of theouter body 1 is closed by the open-close member after releasing the linking mechanism. - As shown in
FIGS. 5A˜5C , this linkingmechanism 23 can be released by hand operation. Concretely, in the situation that the linkingmechanism 23 is not released as shown inFIG. 5A , by pulling up the open-close member 20 from thecamera support member 13 along an alienation direction of X axis, a position of thesupport pin 21 is moved from thefirst hole 22 a to thesecond hole 22 b. In this case, as shown inFIG. 5B , theengagement pin 23 a is picked out from theengagement hole 23 b, and the linking between the open-close member 20 and thecamera support member 13 is released. As a result, as shown inFIG. 5C , the open-close member 20 can freely move irrespective of thecamera support member 13. - In the above explanation, the open-
close member 20 can freely move when thesupport pin 21 fits into thesecond hole 22 b. However, after thelinking mechanism 23 is released, the open-close member 20 may move by fitting a position of thesupport pin 21 into thefirst hole 22 a again. - In the above-mentioned active camera apparatus, the
camera 12 is rotationally supported around the X axis and the Y axis mutually crossing at a center of sphere of theouter body 1. By actuating thefirst motor 6 and thesecond motor 17, a viewpoint (an optical axis) of thecamera 12 can be rotated around a center of sphere of theouter body 1. - Furthermore, by adjusting actuation quantity of the
first motor 6 and thesecond motor 17, a viewpoint of thecamera 12 variously changes, and an imaging object can be taken from various angles. - In such active camera apparatus, in the first embodiment, the
first motor 6 and thesecond motor 17 are accommodated in theouter body 1. Accordingly, thefirst motor 6 and thesecond motor 17 can be protected from the external environment conditions such as dust, moisture and heat, and the whole component of the apparatus can be miniaturized. - Furthermore, the open-
close member 20 is rotationally located in theouter body 1 around X axis, and theopening 2 is opened and closed using the open-close member 20. Accordingly, by covering the front face of thecamera 12 with the open-close member 20 during non-use time of thecamera 12, thefront glass 12 a of thecamera 12 can be protected. In addition to this, by setting a lens cleaner on the inside of the open-close member 20, a surface of thefront glass 12 a of thecamera 12 can be cleaned using the open-close operation of the open-close member 20. - Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to
FIGS. 6˜8 . In this embodiment, as for components, activation, and operation the same as the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of components of the active camera apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6A shows an outward appearance by cutting the active camera apparatus.FIG. 6B shows a section of the active camera apparatus. -
FIGS. 7A˜7C are schematic diagrams of closing situation of theopening 2 of theouter body 1 by the open-close member 20 according to the second embodiment.FIG. 7A shows a situation that theopening 2 of theouter body 1 is fully opened.FIG. 7B shows a situation that theopening 2 of theouter body 1 is slightly covered by the open-close member 20.FIG. 7C shows a situation that theopening 2 of theouter body 1 is fully closed by the open-close member 20. - In the second embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B , atorsion spring 31 is inter-carried between thesupport pin 21 and thesupport hole 22. Thetorsion spring 31 energizes the open-close member 20 along a closing direction of theopening 2 of theouter body 1, i.e., an arrow B direction as shown inFIG. 6A . - Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 6A , a third motor 32 (an open-close member actuator) is set in theouter body 1. Apulley 33 is joined with arotation axis 32 a of thethird motor 33. Awire 34 is turned around thepulley 33. An edge part of thewire 34 is connected to the open-close member 20. By actuating thethird motor 32, a length of thewire 34 pulled from thepulley 33 can be adjusted. - In such component, by actuating the
third motor 32, theopening 2 of theouter body 1 can be easily opened and closed. Furthermore, by controlling actuation quantity of thethird motor 32, an area of theopening 2 can be changed. Accordingly, a light quantity incident upon thecamera 12 and a depth of field of thecamera 12 can be easily adjusted based on imaging conditions. - For example, in order to sharply take a predetermined object in a field of view of the
camera 12, as shown inFIG. 7A , the depth of field can be shortened by enlarging theopening 2 with the open-close member 20. In order to sharply take the whole image in the field of view of thecamera 12, as shown inFIG. 7B , the depth of field can be lengthened by miniaturizing theopening 2 with the open-close member 20. Furthermore, at non-use time, as shown inFIG. 7C , theopening 2 of theouter body 1 is closed by the open-close member 20, and the open-close member 20 can function as a cover. - Furthermore, the optical quantity can be mechanically adjusted by the open-
close member 20. Accordingly, in the case of utilizing a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor as the imaging device of thecamera 12, in comparison with adjustment of the optical quantity using software only, excellent image can be certainly taken. - Furthermore, by setting a lens cleaner in the inside of the open-
close member 20, a surface of thefront glass 12 a of thecamera 12 can be easily cleaned by open-close operation of the open-close member 20. -
FIG. 8 shows an outward appearance by cutting the active camera apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment. As shown inFIG. 8 , a linearshape memory alloy 25 is fixed between the open-close member 20 and the inside of theouter body 1. A current will shrink theshape memory alloy 25 along a shrink direction line. - Furthermore, the torsion spring 31 (as shown in
FIG. 6B ) is inter-carried in a space between thesupport pin 21 and thesupport hole 22. Thetorsion spring 31 biases the open-close member 20 along a closing direction of theopening 2 of theouter body 1, i.e., an arrow direction B as shown in FIG. B. Accordingly, by flowing a current from this status to theshape memory alloy 25, theshape memory alloy 25 is transformed along a shrink direction of line, and the open-close member 20 can be actuated along an opening direction. - Next, the third embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to
FIGS. 9-11 . In this embodiment, as for components, activation, and operation the same as the first and second embodiments, its explanation is omitted. -
FIG. 9 is a section of component of the active camera apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 is a block diagram of alens actuator 44 according to the third embodiment.FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a target (pattern) set on the inside of the open-close member 20 according to the third embodiment. - In the third embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 9 , thecamera 12 includes animaging device 40, afirst lens 42 and asecond lens 43 each forming an image of the outside of theouter body 1 onto theimaging device 40, and alens actuator 44. Thefirst lens 42 and thesecond lens 43 are moved along an optical direction (front and rear direction) of thecamera 12 by thelens actuator 44. Briefly, focus and optical zoom can be automatically executed. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thelens actuator 44 includes anactuator 45 such as an electrostatic actuator, animage processing unit 46 to generate a target value of lens position by processing image information output from theimaging device 40, anorbit generation unit 49 to generate an orbit value of lens based on the target value output from theimage processing unit 46, acontrol operation unit 50 to generate a command value to anactuator driver 47 based on output from theorbit generation unit 49, and anactuator driver 47 to actuate theactuator 45 based on the command value. Theimage processing unit 46, theorbit generation unit 49 and thecontrol operation unit 50 can be realized as software processing by CPU (processor) controlling the whole active camera apparatus. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , by using thetarget 48 as a pattern (drawn) on the inside of the open-close member 20, a lens position is initialized. - First, the
camera 12 inputs an image of thetarget 48 from a predetermined field of view, and image information is supplied to theimage processing unit 46. By moving thelenses - Concretely, while the
lenses image processing unit 46 calculates an average intensity of the whole image of thetarget 48 in order, and detects an actual position of thelenses lenses lenses - Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to
FIGS. 12 and 13 . In this embodiment, as for components, activation, and operation the same as the first, second, and third embodiments, its explanation is omitted. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of rolling situation of the active camera apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12A shows a situation that a center of gravity locates the lowest position.FIG. 12B shows a situation that the center of gravity is slightly shifted from the lowest position. -
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a situation that rolling of the active camera apparatus is regulated by the external environment according to the fourth embodiment. - In the fourth embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 12A and 12B , a radio module 51 (a radio communication means) to communicate with an external apparatus (not shown in FIG.) is installed into theouter body 1. - The
radio module 51 receives a command signal from the external apparatus and sends image information output from thecamera 12 to the external apparatus based on the command signal. Furthermore, theradio module 51 supplies the command signal to thefirst motor 6 and thesecond motor 17 in order to change a direction of thecamera 12 based on the command signal. - Under this component, even if the active camera apparatus is rolled into a narrow space, the direction of the
camera 12 can be controlled from a distant place, and image information input from thecamera 12 at the distant place can be obtained. - Furthermore, the
outer body 1 is formed as a ball shell type. Accordingly, by changing a position of center of gravity of the active camera apparatus, the active camera apparatus can be rotationally moved on a setplane 53. - For example, in a situation that the
camera 12 faces a surface of the setplane 53 as shown inFIG. 12A , the position of center ofgravity 52 is located on a vertical directional axis k passing through a center of sphere of theouter body 1, and a moment of inertia does not act upon the active camera apparatus. Accordingly, the active camera apparatus stands still on the setplane 53 without rolling. - By slightly activating the
camera 12 from this situation as shown inFIG. 12B , the position of center ofgravity 52 shifts from the vertical directional axis k, and the moment of inertia acts upon the active camera apparatus. Accordingly, the active camera apparatus rotationally moves on the setplane 53. - In this way, when the active camera apparatus reaches a destination position, by activating the active camera apparatus slowly in order not to suddenly change the center of gravity, a direction of the
camera 12 is changed without rolling theouter body 1. As a result, an imaging object can be taken from a desired viewpoint. - Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 13 , if theouter body 1 is fixed by theexternal environment 54, operation to change the viewpoint to a target by changing a direction of thecamera 12 can be easily executed. - Furthermore, in the case of suddenly moving an internal mechanism such as the
camera 12, a rolling movement of the active camera apparatus may be realized by utilizing a movement acceleration acting the center of gravity. - Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to
FIGS. 14 and 15 . In this embodiment, as for components, activation, and operation same as the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, its explanation is omitted. -
FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams of an outline of arobot apparatus 60 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B , the active camera apparatus of the present invention is mounted as both eyes onto a predetermined position of therobot apparatus 60. - In this component, the
camera 12 installed into theouter body 1 is moved as an eyeball and the open-close member 20 is moved as an eyelid. As a result, therobot apparatus 60 can execute feeling expression such as a living thing and communicate with a person. As a communication with a person, in the case of understanding the person's instruction, therobot apparatus 60 may wink at the person by closing one open-close member 20. - Next, processing steps of the
robot apparatus 60 to communicate with a person is explained referring toFIG. 15 .FIG. 15 is a flow chart of processing of therobot apparatus 60 in the case of communicating with the person. - First, when the active camera apparatus is activated, a person issues an instruction (order) to the
robot apparatus 60 by a gesture or a voice (S1). When a voice detector (not shown in Fig.) installed into therobot apparatus 60 detects the person's voice (YES at S2), the voice is input from a microphone (not shown in Fig.) (S3). Thus, the voice is recognized (S4) and the instruction is deciphered and understood (S5). - On the other hand, when the voice detector does not detect the person's voice (NO at S2), the person's gesture is input from the camera 12 (S6). Thus, the gesture is recognized (S7) and the instruction is deciphered and understood (s5). In the gesture recognition, a plurality of patterns is previously stored in a memory (not shown in Fig.). By deciding that the gesture corresponds to a particular pattern, the meaning of the instruction is understood.
- Next, if the
robot apparatus 60 decides that the instruction can be executed based on the present situation and surrounding information (YES at S8), therobot apparatus 60 outputs an activation command signal to thethird motor 32, and closes theopening 2 of theouter body 1 using the open-close member 20. Briefly, therobot apparatus 60 closes an eyelid of one eye, i.e., winks as expression of the robot's intention. - On the other hand, if the
robot apparatus 60 decides that the instruction can not be executed (NO at S8), the voice detector tries to detect the person's voice again. - As mentioned-above, in the present invention, the camera and the camera actuator can be protected from the external environment without enlarging component of the apparatus.
- Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (24)
1. An active camera apparatus, comprising:
an outer body of a ball shell type having an opening;
a camera in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening;
a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis crossing at a center of the outer body, the camera support unit including a half-toroidal member rotating around the first axis, an axial member as the second axis connecting between both edges of the half-toroidal member, a mounting plate through which the axial member passes mounting the camera, a camera support member as the ball shell type being located inside the outer body and fixed to the half-toroidal member and the camera, the camera support member having an engagement pin projected on an outer surface of the camera support member;
a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis;
a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis;
an open-close member as a partial ball shell type located in a space between the outer body and the camera support member, the open-close member being rotated around the second axis, the open-close member having two support pins projecting in opposite directions on an outer surface of the open-close member, the opposite directions being positioned along the second axis, the outer body having two support holes into which the support pins rotationally fit, the open-close member having an engagement hole into which the engagement pin movably fits, a length of the engagement hole along a rotation direction around the first axis being longer than a length of the engagement hole along a rotation direction around the second axis.
2. The active camera apparatus according to claim 1 ,
wherein the camera support member and the camera are rotated as one body around the first axis and the second axis in the outer body, a lens of the camera facing the outside of the outer body through the opening.
3. The active camera apparatus according to claim 2 ,
wherein the camera support unit includes a spur gear fixed to one edge of the half-toroidal member, an axis of the spur gear being fixedly connected to one end of the axial member.
4. The active camera apparatus according to claim 3 ,
wherein the first camera actuator is a first motor fixed to an inside of the outer body, a rotation axis of the first motor is parallel to the first axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engages an inner gear of an inner circular surface of the half-toroidal member, and
wherein the half-toroidal member is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the first motor.
5. The active camera apparatus according to claim 4 ,
wherein the second camera actuator is a second motor fixed to the mounting plate, a rotation axis of the second motor being parallel to the second axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engaging the spur gear, and
wherein the mounting plate is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the second motor.
6. The active camera apparatus according to claim 5 ,
wherein the camera support member with the camera is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the half-toroidal member and is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the mounting plate.
7. An active camera apparatus, comprising
an outer body of a ball shell type having an opening;
a camera in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening;
a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis crossing at a center of the outer body, the camera support unit including a half-toroidal member rotating around the first axis, an axial member as the second axis connecting between both edges of the half-toroidal member, a mounting plate through which the axial member passes mounting the camera, a camera support member as the ball shell type being located inside the outer body and fixed to the half-toroidal member and the camera;
a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis and being a first motor;
a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis and being a second motor;
an open-close member as a partial ball shell type located in a space between the outer body and the camera support member, the open-close member being rotated around the second axis, the open-close member having two support pins projecting in opposite directions on an outer surface of the open-close member, the opposite directions being positioned along the second axis, the outer body having two support holes into which the support pins rotationally fit;
a torsion spring inter-carried in a space between the support pin and the support hole, the torsion spring energizing the open-close member along a rotation direction around the second axis; and
a third motor in the outer body, a rotation axis of the third motor joining with a pulley around which a wire is turned, a tip of the wire being connected to one end of an inside of the open-close member.
8. The active camera apparatus according to claim 7 ,
wherein the camera support member and the camera are rotated as one body around the first axis and the second axis in the outer body, a lens of the camera facing the outside of the outer body through the opening.
9. The active camera apparatus according to claim 8 ,
wherein the camera support unit includes a spur gear fixed to one edge of the half-toroidal member, an axis of the spur gear being fixedly connected to one end of the axial member.
10. The active camera apparatus according to claim 9 ,
wherein the first camera actuator is the first motor fixed to an inside of the outer body, a rotation axis of the first motor is parallel to the first axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engages an inner gear of an inner circular surface of the half-toroidal member, and
wherein the half-toroidal member is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the first motor.
11. The active camera apparatus according to claim 10 ,
wherein the second camera actuator is the second motor fixed to the mounting plate, a rotation axis of the second motor being parallel to the second axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engaging the spur gear, and
wherein the mounting plate is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the second motor.
12. The active camera apparatus according to claim 11 ,
wherein the camera support member with the camera is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the half-toroidal member and is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the mounting plate.
13. A robot apparatus, comprising:
an outer body of a ball shell type having an opening;
a camera as an eyeball in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening;
a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis crossing at a center of the outer body, the camera support unit including a half-toroidal member rotating around the first axis, an axial member as the second axis connecting between both edges of the half-toroidal member, a mounting plate through which the axial member passes mounting the camera, a camera support member as the ball shell type being located inside the outer body and fixed to the half-toroidal member and the camera;
a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis;
a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis;
an open-close member as a partial ball shell type located in a space between the outer body and the camera support member, the open-close member being rotated around the second axis, the open-close member having two support pins projecting in opposite directions on an outer surface of the open-close member, the opposite directions being positioned along the second axis, the outer body having two support holes into which the support pins rotationally fit, the open-close member having an engagement hole into which an engagement pin movably fits, a length of the engagement hole-along a rotation direction around the first axis being longer than a length of the engagement hole along a rotation direction around the second axis.
14. The active camera apparatus according to claim 13 ,
wherein the camera support member and the camera are rotated as one body around the first axis and the second axis in the outer body, a lens of the camera facing the outside of the outer body through the opening.
15. The active camera apparatus according to claim 14 ,
wherein the camera support unit includes a spur gear fixed to one edge of the half-toroidal member, an axis of the spur gear being fixedly connected to one end of the axial member.
16. The active camera apparatus according to claim 15 ,
wherein the first camera actuator is a first motor fixed to an inside of the outer body, a rotation axis of the first motor is parallel to the first axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engages an inner gear of an inner circular surface of the half-toroidal member, and
wherein the half-toroidal member is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the first motor.
17. The active camera apparatus according to claim 16 ,
wherein the second camera actuator is a second motor fixed to the mounting plate, a rotation axis of the second motor being parallel to the second axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engaging the spur gear, and
wherein the mounting plate is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the second motor.
18. The active camera apparatus according to claim 17 ,
wherein the camera support member with the camera is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the half-toroidal member and is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the mounting plate.
19. A robot apparatus, comprising:
an outer body of a ball shell type having an opening;
a camera as an eyeball in the outer body, the camera receiving an image from outside of the outer body through the opening;
a camera support unit in the outer body, the camera support unit rotationally supporting the camera along a first axis and a second axis crossing at a center of the outer body, the camera support unit including a half-toroidal member rotating around the first axis, an axial member as the second axis connecting between both edges of the half-toroidal member, a mounting plate through which the axial member passes mounting the camera, a camera support member as the ball shell type being located inside the outer body and fixed to the half-toroidal member and the camera;
a first camera actuator in the outer body, the first camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the first axis and being a first motor;
a second camera actuator in the outer body, the second camera actuator rotationally actuating the camera around the second axis and being a second motor;
an open-close member as a partial ball shell type located in a space between the outer body and the camera support member, the open-close member being rotated around the second axis, the open-close member having two support pins projecting in opposite directions on an outer surface of the open-close member, the opposite directions being positioned along the second axis, the outer body having two support holes into which the support pins rotationally fit;
a torsion spring inter-carried in a space between the support pin and the support hole, the torsion spring energizing the open-close member along a rotation direction around the second axis; and
a third motor in the outer body, a rotation axis of the third motor joining with a pulley around which a wire is turned, a tip of the wire being connected to one end of an inside of the open-close member.
20. The active camera apparatus according to claim 19 ,
wherein the camera support member and the camera are rotated as one body around the first axis and the second axis in the outer body, a lens of the camera facing the outside of the outer body through the opening.
21. The active camera apparatus according to claim 20 ,
wherein the camera support unit includes a spur gear fixed to one edge of the half-toroidal member, an axis of the spur gear being fixedly connected to one end of the axial member.
22. The active camera apparatus according to claim 21 ,
wherein the first camera actuator is the first motor fixed to an inside of the outer body, a rotation axis of the first motor is parallel to the first axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engages an inner gear of an inner circular surface of the half-toroidal member, and
wherein the half-toroidal member is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the first motor.
23. The active camera apparatus according to claim 22 ,
wherein the second camera actuator is the second motor fixed to the mounting plate, a rotation axis of the second motor being parallel to the second axis, and a pinion gear joining with the rotation axis engaging the spur gear, and
wherein the mounting plate is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the pinion gear of the second motor.
24. The active camera apparatus according to claim 23 ,
wherein the camera support member with the camera is rotated around the first axis by rotation of the half-toroidal member and is rotated around the second axis by rotation of the mounting plate.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/237,426 US20090028542A1 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2008-09-25 | Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus |
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JP2003201872A JP3875659B2 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2003-07-25 | Camera device and robot device |
JP2003-201872 | 2003-07-25 | ||
US10/895,859 US7446813B2 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2004-07-22 | Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus |
US12/237,426 US20090028542A1 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2008-09-25 | Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/895,859 Continuation US7446813B2 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2004-07-22 | Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus |
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US20090028542A1 true US20090028542A1 (en) | 2009-01-29 |
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US10/895,859 Expired - Fee Related US7446813B2 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2004-07-22 | Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus |
US12/237,426 Abandoned US20090028542A1 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2008-09-25 | Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/895,859 Expired - Fee Related US7446813B2 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2004-07-22 | Active camera apparatus and robot apparatus |
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USD750147S1 (en) * | 2015-01-22 | 2016-02-23 | Derrik L. Muller | Portable window camera |
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US10890209B2 (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2021-01-12 | Toren Arginteanu | Gimbal system using grooved rotatable ball, orthogonally oriented gears, and socket casing |
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Also Published As
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US7446813B2 (en) | 2008-11-04 |
JP3875659B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 |
US20050018074A1 (en) | 2005-01-27 |
JP2005045453A (en) | 2005-02-17 |
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