JP2007104234A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of photographing surroundings, in such size and shape of a ball that meets the specification of professional sports. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 50 is stored in an outer package 20 in accordance with the profile of a ball game to be applied. A bag-like fixing member 30 is arranged between the outer package 20 and the camera 50, so that the camera 50 is positioned at the center of the outer package 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device including a ball-shaped exterior.

  In recent years, digital cameras are rapidly becoming smaller, lighter, and cheaper due to technological developments for mounting on mobile phones and the like, and there is a tendency for opportunities to be used in various places. For example, it is considered that a digital camera is built in a ball for the purpose of a powerful image in ball games or an image with an unexpected viewpoint as a toy. Patent Document 1 describes a digital camera that actually has a spherical exterior.

On the other hand, there is a color ball adopted as a crime prevention good at convenience stores, financial institutions, post offices, etc. (Non-patent Document 1). A color ball is a non-suburban water-based paint, for example, a fluorescent orange paint component contained in a spherical bag that is easily torn. Prepare a colored ball near the cash register or at the counter and throw the colored ball toward the burglar. When a color ball hits a burglar, it is torn by impact and the internal non-polluting water-based paint adheres to the criminal. This makes it possible to identify the culprit and has a great effect on the arrest of the culprit.
JP 2001-042420 A http: // www. security-joho. com / service / boal. htm

  In the ball-type imaging device described in Patent Document 1, since the digital camera is not at the center of gravity, the movement is different from the normal one. This makes the player feel uncomfortable and may also make the audience uncomfortable. Of course, it is difficult to conform to sports standards and cannot be used in official matches.

  On the other hand, if the conventional color ball does not hit the criminal or the car on which the criminal rides, the criminal will be missed. If the culprit can be photographed at close range, the culprit will be arrested.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a ball-type imaging device that exhibits the same rolling characteristics and movement characteristics as a normal ball.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a ball-type imaging device that can be used in sports official matches.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus that can be thrown and can photograph a wide range of surrounding situations.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a digital camera is arranged at the center of a spherical exterior portion.

  According to the present invention, the center of gravity is located at the center of the ball, and a feeling of use similar to that of a normal ball can be obtained. Since the surroundings can be photographed with the built-in digital camera, it is possible to obtain an image of a state in which the ball is moving while viewed from the ball.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The ball-type imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a ball-like appearance of a hard baseball as shown in FIG. FIG. 1B is a central cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 includes an exterior material 20, a bag-like fixing member 30, and a digital camera 50. The packaging material 20 is made of a transparent member. Between the exterior member 20 and the camera 50, a plurality of bag-shaped fixing members 30 filled with air are disposed. The bag-shaped fixing member 30 reduces the impact of the camera 50 on the camera 50 from the position at the approximate center of the exterior member 20. An air port (not shown) for sending air into the bag-like fixing member 30 is exposed from the exterior member 20 to the outside. By injecting air from this air hole, the air pressure of the bag-like fixing member 30 can be adjusted, and as a result, the position of the camera 50 can be adjusted to the position of the center of gravity.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the camera 50. The camera 50 may be a camera that continuously captures still images such as several frames per second, or a camera that captures moving images at about 15 to 30 frames per second. Here, it is assumed that the camera 50 can capture a moving image.

  The camera 50 includes two fisheye lenses 52a and 52b having a viewing angle of approximately 180 degrees and capable of photographing a substantially hemisphere. Between the fish-eye lenses 52a and 52b, an image sensor 54a that captures an optical image formed by the fish-eye lens 52a and an image sensor 54b that captures an optical image formed by the fish-eye lens 52b are arranged back to back. With this configuration, in this embodiment, the entire circumference can be photographed simultaneously with a field of view of 360 degrees.

  The camera processing circuits 56a and 56b correct the gain and γ characteristics of the output image signals of the image sensors 54a and 54b, respectively. The A / D converters 58a and 58b digitally convert the analog image signals of the camera processing circuits 56a and 56b, respectively. Convert to signal. The image compression circuits 60a and 60b respectively compress digital image signals from the A / D converters 58a and 58b by a predetermined compression method. For example, the MPEG method is used for moving images, and the JPEG method is used for still images.

  The microphone 62 captures surrounding sounds. The audio signal output from the microphone 62 is digitized by the A / D converter 64 and compressed by the audio compression circuit 66.

  The present embodiment further includes a sensor 68 according to the application. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a three-axis gyro 68a that detects rotation of the imaging device 10 around three axes orthogonal to each other, an acceleration sensor 68b that detects acceleration in three directions orthogonal to each other, and an impact sensor 68c that detects an impact. It comprises.

  A change in the shooting direction can be monitored by the three-axis gyro 68. By taking the measurement result of the three-axis gyro 68 into consideration, an image in a certain shooting direction can be obtained from the whole image. Of course, if there is a subject that serves as a guideline for detecting a change in shooting direction between frames (or fields), it is also possible to obtain an image in a fixed shooting direction from a global image using that subject as a guideline.

  Based on the measurement result of the acceleration sensor 70, it is possible to measure the moving speed of the imaging device 10, and thus the relative change in the three-dimensional position.

  The impact sensor 68c can detect a collision with something. When used in place of the color ball, it is used to stop the operation of the camera 50 by the detection output of the impact sensor 568c.

  The timer 70 outputs a time signal to the multiplexing device 72. This time signal may be either a signal indicating an elapsed time from a certain time, such as a stopwatch, or a signal indicating the current date and time. Obviously, the latter is more convenient. The timer 70 has a built-in drive power supply.

  The multiplexing device 72 multiplexes the output data of the image compression circuits 60a and 60b, the audio compression circuit 66, the sensor 68, and the timer 70 on the time axis. The data multiplexed by the multiplexing device 72 is written in the nonvolatile memory 74 and supplied to the wireless communication device 76.

  The wireless communication device 76 is used to wirelessly transmit the acquired image / sound data and sensing data of the sensor 68 to an external device. The wireless communication device 76 is required, for example, when the capacity of the nonvolatile memory 74 is insufficient or when real-time image transmission is necessary. If it is sufficient that the imaging device 10 is simply thrown and a captured image in the middle can be collected, the nonvolatile memory 74 may be removable, and the wireless communication device 76 can be omitted. In other words, which of the non-volatile memory 74 and the wireless communication device 76 is equipped is determined by the application. Of course, the wireless communication device 76 can also be used to remotely control the camera 50.

  The nonvolatile memory 74 may be used as a buffer, and the data stored in the memory 74 may be read and transmitted to an external device by the wireless communication device 76. That is, the wireless communication device 76 may be used as a means for taking out data stored in the nonvolatile memory 74.

  Further, if the voice collection is unnecessary, the microphone 62, the A / D converter 64, and the voice compression circuit 66 can be omitted.

  The control circuit 78 controls each unit according to the control signal from the wireless communication circuit 76 or the sensing result of the sensor 68. In particular, the control circuit 78 starts image and sound capture and recording in the nonvolatile memory 74 and / or transmission in the wireless communication device 76 in accordance with a start signal from the wireless communication circuit 76 or the sensor 68. That is, the control circuit 78 reads out image signals from the image pickup devices 54a and 54b through the drive circuit 80 at regular time intervals, and starts capturing sound by the microphone. The captured image and sound are compressed as described above and recorded in the nonvolatile memory 74 together with the outputs of the sensor 68 and the timer 70 or transmitted to the outside by the wireless communication device 76. The start signal from the sensor 68 is, for example, an output of the acceleration sensor 68b indicating throwing. The control circuit 68 also stops reading image signals from the image sensors 54 a and 54 b according to a stop signal from the wireless communication circuit 76, and stops recording to the nonvolatile memory 74 and external transmission by the wireless communication device 76.

  For example, when used instead of a color ball, shooting (and recording / transmission) is started when the acceleration sensor 68b detects a certain acceleration or more, and shooting (and recording / transmission) is started when the shock sensor 68c detects a certain shock or more. And recording / transmission). For example, when it hits a criminal or an object around it, shooting is stopped.

  Obviously, when there is no need to be able to photograph the whole globe at the same time, one imaging system, that is, the fish-eye lens 52b, the image sensor 54b, the camera processing circuit 56b, the A / D converter 58b and the image compression circuit 60b can be omitted.

  For applications where it is sufficient to capture a wide range to some extent, wide-angle lenses may be used instead of fish-eye lenses 52a and 52b.

  As described above, the ball-type imaging device 10 in which the camera 50 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is accommodated in the ball can photograph the entire 360 ° circumference during the flight. If it is used for burglary measures, it is not necessary to hit the criminal, but it can be thrown at the criminal, so it is very easy to use. You can easily obtain images of the criminal and get a clue to arrest. The time information of the timer 70 is proof of the crime time.

  In such an application, for example, an audio output device that outputs a conspicuous abnormal sound or a sound such as “It is a burglar” simultaneously with the throwing may be incorporated in the imaging device 10.

  Since the camera 50 is arranged at the center of the ball-type imaging device 10 and the periphery thereof is surrounded by the bag-like fixing member 30, the bag-like fixing member 30 serves as a shock absorbing material so that the camera 50 can be protected from external shocks. . That is, it can withstand a considerable impact and can be used for actual ball games.

  By arranging the camera 50 that constitutes most of the weight of the imaging device 10 at the center of the ball-type imaging device 10, the center of gravity of the imaging device 10 is positioned at the center of the imaging device 10, which is the same as an actual ball. Can be handled. For example, it becomes easier to throw, and when it is kicked or hit, it moves like an actual ball.

  The bag-like fixing member 30 is filled with air, but may be liquid, solid, or a mixture thereof as long as it is a transparent member having viscosity and elasticity. Specifically, the bag-like fixing member 30 may be rubber, sponge, gel, or the like.

  In addition, although the three bag-like fixing members 30 arrange the camera 50 at the center of the ball-type imaging device 10, the number of the bag-like fixing members 30 is not limited. For example, the number of the bag-like fixing members 30 may be one as long as the shape is such that only the central portion where the camera 50 is disposed in a swelled state is hollow.

  Moreover, although the ball-type imaging device 10 has been described with a baseball ball size and outer shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a ball such as a basketball, a soccer ball, or a tennis ball may be used.

  The camera 50 may be a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or an ultraviolet camera. Use a camera suitable for the application. For example, when an infrared camera is used, night photography is possible. Different types of cameras may be combined so that one of the two imaging systems is a visible light camera and the other is an infrared camera.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a string-like fixing member 230 is provided instead of the bag-like fixing member 30 of the embodiment shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. A different part from the Example shown in FIG. 1 is demonstrated.

  In the ball-type imaging device 200 shown in FIG. 4, one end of the plurality of string-like fixing members 230 is fixed to the camera 50 and the other end is fixed to the inner surface of the exterior part 20. That is, the camera 50 is suspended in the internal space of the exterior part 20 using the string-like fixing member 230. The length of the string-like fixing member 230 is adjusted so that the camera 50 is positioned at the center of the exterior portion 20 when the interior of the exterior portion 20 is held at an appropriate air pressure. As a result, the center of gravity is positioned approximately at the center of the ball-type imaging device 200.

  By providing the string-like fixing member 230 with a certain degree of elasticity, it is possible to absorb the impact from the outside to some extent so as not to be transmitted to the camera 50.

  In this embodiment, four string-like fixing members 230 are used, but the number is not limited. That is, the number and elasticity of the string-like fixing member 200 are appropriately selected according to the usage state of the ball 200.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the present invention. In the ball-type imaging device 300 shown in FIG. 4, a bobbin fixing member 330 is used instead of the bag-like fixing member 30. In this embodiment, the field of view is limited. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. A different part from Example 1 is demonstrated.

  In this embodiment, the camera 50 is wound around the core by the pincushion fixing member 330 to fill the space of the exterior portion 20. Of course, a space necessary for photographing with the camera 50 is secured, and the camera 50 is positioned at the center of the ball-type imaging device 300.

  In this way, a standard ball that cannot have a hollow structure, such as a baseball ball, can be built into the camera 50 to meet the standard.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the ball-type imaging device 400 shown in FIG. 5, the camera 50 is held by a bag-like fixing member 430a that is slightly smaller than the bag-like fixing member 30, and the bag-like fixing member 430a is wound with a bobbin fixing member 430b. House tightly inside. A different part from 1st Example is demonstrated.

The periphery of the camera 50 is held and fixed by a bag-like fixing member 430a so as to be positioned at the center of the ball 400. The bag-like fixing member 430a is filled with air and swells. The pincushion fixing member 430b is evenly wound from above the bag-like fixing member 430a so as to closely enter the internal space of the exterior part 20.
In this way, a standard ball that cannot have a hollow structure, such as a baseball ball, can be built into the camera 50 to meet the standard. The bag-like fixing member 430a can prevent external impact from being directly transmitted to the camera 50.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the portions of the bag-shaped fixing members 30 and 430a, the pincushion fixing members 330 and 430b, and the exterior portion 20 that block the field of view of the camera 50 are at least transparent. Of course, the whole may be transparent. The string-like fixing member 230 may not be transparent as long as it does not obstruct or hardly obstructs the photographing field of view.

It is the front view and sectional drawing of Example 1 of this invention. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a camera 50. FIG. It is sectional drawing of Example 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of Example 3 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of Example 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 200, 300, 400 Ball-type imaging device 20 Exterior portion 30 Bag-like fixing member 50 Imaging devices 52a, 52b Fisheye lenses 54a, 54b CCD
56a, 56b Camera processing circuits 58a, 58b A / D converters 60a, 60b Image compression circuit 62 Microphone 64 A / D converter 66 Audio compression circuit 68 Sensor 68a 3-axis gyro 68b Acceleration sensor 68c Impact sensor 70 Timer 72 Multiplexer 74 Non-volatile memory 76 Wireless communication device 78 Control circuit 80 Drive circuit 230 String-like fixing member 330 Pincushion fixing member 430a Bag-like fixing member 430b Pincushion fixing member

Claims (10)

  An image pickup apparatus having a digital camera disposed at the center of a spherical exterior portion.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a bag-like member that holds the digital camera at the center of the exterior portion.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a string-like member that holds the digital camera at a center of the exterior portion.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filamentary member wound around the digital camera as a core and filling an internal space of the exterior portion.   The bag-like member that holds the digital camera at the center of the exterior part, and a thread-like member that is wound around the bag-like member and fills the internal space of the exterior part. The imaging apparatus according to 1.   2. The digital camera includes an imaging system, a detection unit that detects any physical quantity of acceleration and rotation, a timer, and a storage medium that stores a captured image of the imaging system. 6. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 5.   The digital camera includes an imaging system, a detection unit that detects any physical quantity of acceleration and rotation, a timer, and a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a captured image of the imaging system. Item 6. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The digital camera wirelessly transmits an imaging system, a detection unit that detects any physical quantity of acceleration and rotation, a timer, a storage medium that stores a captured image of the imaging system, and a captured image of the imaging system. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless transmission unit.   The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the detection unit includes any one of a rotation sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an impact sensor.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the storage medium stores an output of the timer.

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