JP2008301025A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To follow an object intended by a photographer even when the operation tolerance of an imaging means reaches a limit value in an imaging apparatus mounted on a universal head capable of changing an imaging direction. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 100 includes the imaging means 10 capable of changing an imaging field angle, a limit detection means capable of changing the imaging azimuth and/or imaging posture of the imaging means 10, and when the imaging direction is changed by the imaging direction changing universal head 83 on which the imaging means 10 is mounted, detecting that the operation tolerance of the imaging means 10 reaches the limit value, and an imaging field angle control means for changing the imaging field angle of the imaging means to the wide side when the limit detection means detects the limit of the operation tolerance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that picks up an image of a subject, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus attached to a pan head that moves a main body of the apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus including an electric pan head that supports a digital camera, a video camera, or the like is widely known. In such an imaging apparatus, an operation control device (remote control of the electric pan head or camera by wireless or the like) Some use controller.

  In the imaging apparatus as described above, for example, when an imaging apparatus attached to a tripod via a pan head is remotely operated by the operation control apparatus, a transmitter is installed in the operation control apparatus itself, and the operation control apparatus is used as a subject. The photographer who holds the image pickup device receives the transmission signal from the transmitter and causes the imaging device to follow the subject by rotating the camera platform in the direction of the operation control device, that is, the subject direction. (Patent Document 1), an imaging apparatus is provided with an infrared sensor that identifies a person based on a temperature difference, and based on the detection result of the infrared sensor, the imaging lens is driven and controlled so as to face a position where a person exists, thereby enabling remote control. There exists what made operation easy (patent document 2).

The operation control device displays the imaging field-of-view image and the imageable range of the imaging device, and the photographer confirms the imaging field-of-view image and the imageable range by using an operation unit such as a scroll bar provided in the operation control device. An imaging device that is remotely operated when an instruction to change the direction of the imaging device, zoom, or the like is given (Patent Document 3), or an imaging region where, for example, a private house exists from the viewpoint of privacy protection during remote operation by the operation control device As the restriction area, there are some which restrict the zoom operation or separately control the rotation direction and the posture of the imaging apparatus so that the imaging apparatus does not face the direction of the restriction area (Patent Document 4).
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-53372 JP-A-9-224227 JP-A-10-93855 JP-A-10-268416

  However, in the imaging apparatus as described above, when a movable part such as an electric head that moves the imaging apparatus main body in the rotation (orientation) direction and the attitude direction exceeds the allowable operating range, the photographer further follows the subject intended by the photographer. It is difficult to do.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of following a subject intended by a photographer even when the allowable operation range of the imaging unit reaches a limit value. Is.

An imaging apparatus of the present invention captures a subject to acquire image data, and an imaging unit capable of changing an imaging angle of view;
It is possible to change the imaging direction or orientation of the imaging means, and when the imaging direction is changed by the imaging direction changing pan head on which the imaging means is mounted, the allowable operation range of the imaging means reaches the limit. Limit detection means for detecting
And an imaging field angle control unit that changes the imaging field angle of the imaging unit to the wide side when the limit detection unit detects the limit of the allowable operation range.

Further, an imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data, the imaging field angle being changeable,
It is possible to change the imaging direction and orientation of the imaging means, and when the imaging direction is changed by the imaging direction changing pan head on which the imaging means is mounted, the allowable operating range of the imaging means reaches the limit Limit detection means for detecting
And an imaging field angle control unit that changes the imaging field angle of the front image unit to the wide side when the limit detection unit detects the limit of the allowable operation range.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention preferably further includes warning means for warning that the imaging angle of view has reached the wide end.

The imaging device of the present invention includes a communication unit that transmits and receives data between an imaging unit and an operation control device that remotely controls the imaging direction change pan head;
It is preferable to further include a pan head control unit that controls the operation of the panning head for changing the imaging direction based on a signal received via the communication unit.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the limit detecting means is a limit switch.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, when the limit detection unit that detects that the allowable operation range of the imaging unit reaches the limit, the imaging field angle of the imaging unit is changed to the wide side when the limit of the allowable operation range is detected. Therefore, the photographer intends to expand the imaging field of view when the imaging means exceeds the allowable operating range of the imaging orientation and / or imaging orientation, that is, when the imaging direction of the imaging means cannot be changed. It is possible to further follow the subject.

  In addition, when the imaging apparatus includes a warning unit that warns that the imaging field angle of the imaging unit has reached the wide end, the photographer can easily confirm the limit of tracking of the subject by the imaging apparatus. So you can take immediate measures.

  A digital camera as an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1A is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a front perspective view thereof. In the present embodiment, the surface of the digital camera 100 on which the liquid crystal monitor 48 is disposed will be described as a back surface, and the surface on which the antenna 87 is disposed will be described as an upper surface.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment includes a digital camera main body 10 as an image pickup unit that picks up an image of a subject, and a camera platform (an imaging direction changing camera platform) 83 on which the digital camera main body 10 is mounted. I have.

  The digital camera body 10 includes a release button 47 on the right side and an antenna 87 on the left side as viewed from the back on the upper surface as an interface for operation by the photographer. The release button 47 is configured in a two-stage manner of half-pressing (S1 = ON) and full-pressing (S2 = ON), and automatic focusing processing (AF processing) and automatic exposure processing (AE processing) by half-pressing operation. ) And instruct the main imaging of the subject by full-press operation. The antenna 87 transmits and receives data to and from the remote controller 200.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, a zoom switch 46-1 is provided on the upper right side, and a cross / OK button 46-2 is provided on the lower side on the rear side. The zoom switch 46-1 is for manually instructing the change of the imaging angle of view of the digital camera 100. The right side is a tele zoom switch 46-1T for changing the imaging angle of view, that is, the zoom to the tele side, and the left side is zoomed. Is a wide side zoom switch 46-1W.

  The cross / OK button 46-2 includes an outer cross button 46-2a and a substantially center OK button 46-2b. The cross button 46-2a is used to select a menu item from a menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 48. This is an operation button for selecting or instructing selection of various setting items in each menu, and the OK button 46-2b is a button for confirming an item selected by the cross button 46-2a. Of the cross button 46-2a, the left and right buttons also function as a one-frame backward button and a one-frame forward button, respectively, in the playback mode.

  A power button 46-3, a display button 46-4, a menu button 46-5, and a BACK button 46-6 are arranged in the approximate center of the back from the top. The power button 46-3 is a button for setting the power of the digital camera 100 to ON or OFF, and the display button 46-4 is pressed to turn on / off the display of the liquid crystal monitor 48, various guide displays, characters. A button for switching ON / OFF of the display, the menu button 46-5, is set every time it is pressed, such as a shooting mode such as still or moving image, a strobe emission mode, a self-timer ON / OFF, the number of recording pixels and sensitivity. A button for displaying various menus on the LCD monitor 46 and a Back button 46-6 are pressed to cancel various setting operations and display the previous screen on the LCD monitor 18. It is a button.

  On the left side of the back, a liquid crystal monitor 48 is disposed below and an optical viewfinder 49 is disposed above. The liquid crystal monitor 48 functions as an electronic viewfinder by displaying a through image for checking a subject at the time of shooting, and displays a still image and a moving image after shooting and displays various setting menus. The optical viewfinder 49 is used for a photographer to look into the subject for focusing on composition and focus, and the subject image seen from the optical viewfinder 49 passes through a viewfinder window 49a in front of the digital camera 100. Is projected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the front side includes a photographing lens 50, the finder window 49a, and a strobe 73a. The photographing lens 50 is for forming a subject image on a predetermined image plane (CCD or the like inside), and includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like. The strobe 73a is used to instantaneously irradiate the subject with light necessary for photographing while the release button 47 is pressed and the shutter inside the digital camera 100 is open.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an electric pan head unit 83 is provided on the lower surface of the digital camera body 10. The camera platform 83 includes a camera fixing part 83a connected to the digital camera body 10, a tripod fixing part 83c to which a screw hole 83b is formed substantially at the lower center and to which a tripod (not shown) is connected, a camera fixing part 83a and a tripod. It is comprised by the drive part 83d arrange | positioned between the fixing | fixed part 83c. The drive unit 83d includes a motor, gears, and the like (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1B, the drive unit 83d has a shaft I1 extending from the front to the back, a shaft I2 extending in the left-right direction, and a shaft I3 extending in the vertical direction. Thus, it is configured to be electrically rotated. A known mechanism can be used as the operating mechanism of the pan head unit 83. In this embodiment, the pan head unit 83 is used by being fixed to a tripod. However, for example, the pan head unit 83 may be used by being fixed to a table having a flat surface, a wall surface of a building, a pillar beside a road, or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment has the above-described zoom switch 46-1, cross / OK button 46-2, power button 46-3, and display button 46-4 as the operation system of the digital camera 100. , A menu button 46-5, a BACK button 46-6, a release button 47, an imaging condition setting unit 46-7, and an operation system control unit 74 which is an interface for transmitting operation contents of these switches and buttons to the CPU 75. It has been.

  The imaging condition setting unit 46-7 allows the photographer to display various setting items of the imaging conditions on the liquid crystal monitor 48 by using the menu button 46-5, the cross / OK button 46-2, etc., and selects and selects the desired imaging condition. By confirming, the confirmed imaging condition is transmitted to the CPU 75 via the operation system control unit 74.

  The optical system includes a focus lens 50a and a zoom lens 50b that constitute the photographing lens 50. Each lens can be moved in the optical axis direction by a focus lens driving unit 51 and a zoom lens driving unit 52 each including a motor and a motor driver. The focus lens drive unit 51 is based on the focus drive amount data output from the AF processing unit 62 or the operation amount data of the focus operation switch 19 of the remote controller 200 input via the antennas 20 and 87. Controls the movement of each lens based on the operation amount data of the zoom switch 46-1 or the operation amount data of the zoom switch 17 of the remote controller 200 input via the antennas 20 and 87.

  The diaphragm 54 is driven by a diaphragm driving unit 55 including a motor and a motor driver. The aperture driving unit 55 adjusts the aperture diameter based on aperture value data output from the AE processing unit 63 or operation amount data of the aperture setting dial 21 of the remote controller 200 input via the antennas 20 and 87.

  The shutter 56 is a mechanical shutter and is driven by a shutter drive unit 57 including a motor and a motor driver. The shutter drive unit 57 responds to a signal generated by pressing the camera-side release button 47 and the shutter speed data output from the AE processing unit 63 or from the remote control-side release input via the antennas 20 and 87. The opening / closing of the shutter 56 is controlled according to the signal generated by pressing the button 18 and the operation amount data of the shutter speed setting dial 21.

  A CCD 58, which is an image sensor, is provided behind the optical system. The CCD 58 has a photoelectric surface in which a large number of light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged, and subject light that has passed through the optical system forms an image on the photoelectric surface and is subjected to photoelectric conversion. In front of the photocathode, a microlens array for condensing light on each pixel and a color filter array in which filters of R, G, and B colors are regularly arranged are arranged. The CCD 58 outputs the charge accumulated for each pixel as a serial analog photographing signal line by line in synchronization with the vertical transfer clock and horizontal transfer clock supplied from the CCD control unit 59. The time for accumulating charges in each pixel, that is, the exposure time is determined by an electronic shutter drive signal given from the CCD controller 59.

  Also, the ISO sensitivity of the CCD 58 is adjusted by the CCD control unit 59 so that an analog imaging signal having a predetermined size can be obtained. The ISO sensitivity can be adjusted to a value output by the ISO sensitivity setting unit 23 of the remote controller 200 input via the antennas 20 and 87.

  The analog photographing signal captured from the CCD 58 is input to the analog signal processing unit 60. The analog signal processing unit 60 includes a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) that removes noise from the analog signal, an auto gain controller (AGC) that adjusts the gain of the analog signal, and an A / D that converts the analog signal into a digital signal. It consists of a converter (ADC). The image data converted into the digital signal is CCD-RAW data having R, G, and B density values for each pixel.

  The timing generator 72 generates a timing signal. By supplying this timing signal to the shutter drive unit 57, the CCD control unit 59, and the analog signal processing unit 60, the operation of the camera-side release button 47 and the shutter 56 are controlled. The opening / closing, the taking-in of the charge of the CCD 58, and the processing of the analog signal processing unit 60 are synchronized.

  The strobe control unit 73 causes the strobe 73a to emit light during shooting. Specifically, when the strobe light emission mode is set to strobe on, and when the strobe light emission mode is the auto mode, the strobe 73a is turned on when a pre-image to be described later is not at a predetermined brightness, and the strobe light is used at the time of shooting. 73a is caused to emit light. On the other hand, when the strobe light emission mode is set to strobe off, the strobe 73a is prohibited from emitting light during shooting.

  The image input controller 61 writes the CCD-RAW data input from the analog signal processing unit 60 in the frame memory 66.

  The frame memory 66 is a working memory used when various digital image processing (signal processing) described later is performed on image data. For example, an SDRAM (data transfer device that performs data transfer in synchronization with a bus clock signal having a fixed period. Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) is used.

  The camera-side display control unit 71 displays the image data stored in the frame memory 66 on the camera-side liquid crystal monitor 48 as a through image, or the image data stored in the camera-side external camera-side external recording medium 70 in the playback mode. Is displayed on the camera-side liquid crystal monitor 48. The through image is taken by the CCD 58 at predetermined time intervals while the shooting mode is selected.

  The AF processing unit 62 and the AE processing unit 63 determine shooting conditions based on the pre-image. This pre-image is the result of the camera-side CPU 75 that has detected a half-press signal generated when the camera-side release button 47 or the remote-side release button 18 is half-pressed causing the CCD 58 to perform pre-photographing. It is an image represented by stored image data.

  The AF processing unit 62 detects the focal position based on the pre-image and outputs focus drive amount data (AF processing). As a focus position detection method, for example, a passive method that detects a focus position using a feature that the contrast of an image is high when a desired subject is in focus can be considered.

  The AE processing unit 63 measures subject brightness (photometric value) based on the pre-image, determines an aperture value, shutter speed, and the like based on the measured subject brightness, and outputs aperture value data and shutter speed data (AE). processing). The AWB processing unit 64 automatically adjusts white balance at the time of shooting (AWB processing).

  The exposure and white balance can be set by manually operating the digital camera 100 or the remote controller 200 when the shooting mode is set to the manual mode. Even when the exposure and white balance are automatically set, it is possible for the photographer to manually adjust the exposure and white balance by giving an instruction from the operation system on the camera side or the operation system of the remote controller 200. .

  The image processing unit 68 performs image quality correction processing such as gradation correction, sharpness correction, and color correction on the image data of the main image, CCD-RAW data as Y data that is a luminance signal, and Cb data that is a blue color difference signal. And YC processing for converting into YC data composed of Cr data which is a red color difference signal. The main image is captured from the CCD 58 by the main photographing executed when the release buttons 47 and 18 on the camera side or the remote control side are fully pressed, and the frame memory 66 is transmitted via the analog signal processing unit 60 and the image input controller 61. It is an image by the image data stored in. The upper limit of the number of pixels of the main image is determined by the number of pixels of the CCD 58. For example, the number of recorded pixels can be changed by setting such as fine and normal. On the other hand, the number of images of the through image and the pre-image is smaller than that of the main image. For example, the number of pixels is about 1/16 of that of the main image.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 65 performs compression processing, for example, in a compression format such as JPEG on the image data of the main image that has been subjected to processing such as image quality correction by the image processing unit 68, and generates an image file. Based on the Exif format or the like, a tag that stores supplementary information such as the shooting date and time and the number of images captured during continuous shooting is added to the image file. In the playback mode, the compression / decompression processing unit 65 reads the compressed image file from the external recording medium 70 and performs decompression processing. The decompressed image data is output to the display control unit 71, and the display control unit 71 displays an image based on the image data on the liquid crystal monitor 48.

  The MPEG encoder / decoder 77 performs encoding into MPEG moving image data and decoding of MPEG compressed and encoded moving image data.

  The audio input / output unit 78 is connected to a speaker 79a and a microphone 79b, and inputs / outputs an audio signal via the speaker 79a or the microphone 79b.

  The media control unit 67 reads an image file or the like recorded on the external recording medium 70 or writes an image file. The external recording medium 70 stores various data such as image files.

  The internal memory 69 stores various constants set in the digital camera 100, programs executed by the camera-side CPU 75, and the like. The camera-side CPU 75 comprehensively controls each part of the main body of the digital camera 100 according to signals from the above-described operation system 46 such as various buttons and switches and various processing units such as the AF processing unit 62. A data bus 76 is connected to the CPU 75, and the data bus 26 is connected to each functional block, and various signals and data are transmitted / received via the data bus 76.

  The detection unit 80 detects the azimuth and / or attitude of the digital camera 100 and includes an azimuth sensor 81 that detects the azimuth and an attitude sensor 82 that detects the attitude. In addition, since the detection part 80 in this embodiment is the structure similar to the remote control side detection part 40 provided in the remote control 200 mentioned later, it demonstrates later in detail.

  The pan head unit 83 is an operation allowable range of each rotation around the axis I1, the axis I2, and the axis I3 of the driving unit 83d, that is, the digital camera main body (imaging unit) 10 mounted on the pan head unit 83 (see FIG. 1) and a limit switch (limit detection means; hereinafter referred to as limit SW) 84 that mechanically operates when the allowable range of azimuth and posture reaches a limit value, and a drive unit 83d, that is, a pan head unit 83. Is provided with a pan head control unit 85 for controlling the operation of the camera. The limit SW 84 may detect an increase in motor load, that is, a limit of the allowable operation range by detecting an increase in motor current in a motor (not shown) of the drive unit 83d.

  A feature of the present invention is that the digital camera 100 zooms via the CPU 75 and the zoom lens driving unit 52 so as to change the imaging field angle of the digital camera body 10 to the wide side when the limit SW 84 is activated. The zoom control unit (imaging field angle control means) 52 ′ for moving the lens 50b is provided. The processing of the zoom control unit 52 'will be described in detail later.

  The warning unit 88 warns the photographer when the angle of view of the digital camera body 10 reaches the wide end, and may sound a warning sound from the speaker 79a or warn the liquid crystal monitor 48. It may be displayed. Further, the fact that the wide end has been reached may be transmitted to the remote controller 200 described later via the antenna 87.

  The wireless communication unit (communication means) 86 is for transmitting and receiving various types of data including image data wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication unit (communication means) is composed of an infrared port or the like capable of IrDA infrared data communication, and is an antenna for wireless communication. Wireless communication is performed with a remote controller 200 to be described later via 87. In the present invention, any communication means may be used as long as it performs wireless communication. For example, a wireless telephone line, a wireless LAN, digital TV transmission / reception, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Multiple Access), and IMT2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications-2000) may be used.

  The digital camera 100 of this embodiment is configured as described above.

  Next, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 200 as an operation control apparatus according to an embodiment for remotely operating the digital camera 100 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 3A is a rear view of the remote controller 200 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a top view of FIG. In the present embodiment, description will be given below with the surface of the remote controller 200 on the side where the liquid crystal monitor 16 is disposed as the back surface and the surface on the side where the antenna 20 is disposed as the top surface.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the remote controller 200 according to the present embodiment is provided with a power switch 11 and a print switch 12 on the lower left side and a menu on the right side as an interface for operation by the photographer. A button 13 and a display button 14 are disposed, and a cross / OK button 15 is disposed substantially at the center. A liquid crystal monitor 16 is disposed above.

  The power switch 11 is a switch for setting the power of the remote controller 200 and the digital camera 100 to ON or OFF, and the print switch 12 is connected to a printer as an external device 38 or a liquid crystal monitor 16 via a wireless communication unit 37 described later. An instruction is given to print the displayed captured image.

  Each time the menu button 13 is pressed, the liquid crystal monitor 16 displays various menus for setting a shooting mode such as still or moving image, strobe emission mode, self-timer ON / OFF, recording pixel number, sensitivity, and the like. It is.

  The display button 14 is a button for switching ON / OFF of the display of the liquid crystal monitor 16, various guide displays, ON / OFF of character display, and the like when pressed.

  The cross / OK button 15 includes an outer cross button 15a and a substantially center OK button 15b. The cross button 15a selects a menu item from a menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 16, and displays various items in each menu. This is an operation button for instructing selection of a setting item, and the OK button 15b is a button for confirming an item selected by the cross button 15a. Of the cross button 15a, the left and right buttons also function as a one-frame backward button and a one-frame forward button, respectively, in the playback mode.

  The liquid crystal monitor 16 functions as an electronic viewfinder for confirming the subject by displaying the captured field image of the digital camera 100 at the time of shooting, as well as playing and displaying still images and moving images after shooting, and various setting menus. Display.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, a zoom switch 17 for manually instructing a change in the imaging angle of view of the digital camera 100 is disposed on the right side when viewed from the back of the remote controller 200. The upper side is a tele-side zoom switch 17T for changing the imaging angle of view, that is, the zoom to the tele side, and the lower side is a wide-side zoom switch 17W for changing the zoom to the wide side.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the release button (imaging instruction means) 18 for instructing the digital camera 100 to instruct main imaging is manually controlled on the left side as viewed from the back, and the focus of the digital camera 100 is manually controlled downward. A focus operation switch 19 is provided. The release button 18 is configured in a two-stage manner that is half-pressed (S1 = ON) and fully-pressed (S2 = ON). Processing (AE processing) is instructed, and full imaging of the subject by the digital camera 100 is instructed by a full press operation.

  The focus operation switch 19 is a focus operation FAR switch 19F that moves the focus lens 50a (see FIG. 4) of the digital camera 100 to the far side, and a focus operation NEAR switch 19N that moves the lower side to the near side.

  On the top surface of the remote controller 200, as shown in FIG. 3B, an antenna 20, a shutter speed setting dial 21, and an aperture setting dial 22 are arranged in this order from the left side. The antenna 20 transmits / receives data to / from the digital camera 100. The shutter speed setting dial 21 is for manually adjusting the shutter speed of the digital camera 100, and the aperture setting dial 22 is for manually adjusting the aperture of the digital camera 100.

  Next, the internal configuration of the remote controller 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the remote controller 200.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the remote controller 200 of the present embodiment includes the power switch 11, the print switch 12, the menu button 13, the display button 14, the cross / OK button 15, the zoom switch 17, and the release as the operation system of the remote controller 200. A button 18, a focus operation switch 19, a shutter speed setting dial 21, an aperture setting dial 22, and an ISO sensitivity setting unit 23, and an operation system control unit 24 that is an interface for transmitting operation contents of these switches, buttons, and dials to the CPU 25. Is provided.

  The ISO sensitivity setting unit 23 displays the ISO sensitivity setting items on the liquid crystal monitor 16 by using the menu button 13 or the cross / OK button 15 and selects and confirms the desired ISO sensitivity. The ISO sensitivity thus transmitted is transmitted to the CPU 25 via the operation system control unit 24.

  The CPU 25 comprehensively controls the remote controller 200 according to the operations of the various buttons, switches, dials, and signals from the respective function blocks. A data bus 26 is connected to the CPU 25, and the data bus 26 is connected to each functional block described later, and various signals and data are transmitted / received via the data bus 26.

  The zoom instruction unit 17 ′ rotates when the limit SW 84 of the pan head unit 83 of the digital camera 100 is actuated, that is, around the axis I1, the axis I2, or the axis I3 shown in FIG. When the allowable range of operation reaches the limit value, it automatically instructs to change the imaging field angle of the digital camera 100 to the wide side.

  In the remote controller 200 of the present embodiment, it is possible to instruct to change the imaging field angle of the digital camera 100, that is, the zoom, both manually by the zoom switch 17 and automatically by the zoom instruction unit 17 '. The zoom instructing unit 17 'can be set to ON / OFF by the photographer operating the menu button 13, the cross / OK button 15, or the like.

  The memory controller 27 transmits image data received from the digital camera 100 via the wireless communication unit 37 described later to the main memory 28 via the data bus 26. The main memory 28 transmits the transmitted image data. Remember.

  The compression / decompression unit 29 performs a compression process on the image data in a compression format such as JPEG to generate an image file. In the playback mode, the compression / decompression unit 29 reads the compressed image file from the external recording medium 33 and performs decompression processing.

  The MPEG encoder / decoder 30 performs encoding into MPEG moving image data and decoding of MPEG compression encoded moving image data.

  The display control unit 31 is for causing the liquid crystal monitor 16 to display image data stored in the main memory 28 or image data after being decompressed by the compression / decompression unit. The image data is, for example, a luminance (Y) signal and The color (C) signal is converted into a composite signal that is combined into one signal and output to the liquid crystal monitor 16.

  The media control unit 32 reads an image file or the like stored in the external recording medium 33 or writes an image file. The external recording medium 33 stores various data such as image files.

  The audio input / output unit 34 is connected to a speaker 35 and a microphone 36, and inputs / outputs audio signals via the speaker 35 or microphone 36.

  The wireless communication unit (operation control device side communication means) 37 is for wirelessly transmitting and receiving various data including image data. For example, the wireless communication unit (operation control device side communication means) is configured by an infrared port or the like that can perform IrDA infrared data communication. Wireless communication is performed with the digital camera 100 via the communication antenna 20. In the present invention, any communication means may be used as long as it performs wireless communication. For example, a wireless telephone line, a wireless LAN, digital TV transmission / reception, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Multiple Access), and IMT2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications-2000) may be used.

  In addition to the digital camera 100, the device that communicates with the wireless communication unit 37 is a printer for printing image data transmitted from the wireless communication unit 37, and a display device (television set) for displaying an image based on the image data. Etc.) or an external device 38 such as an electronic device (such as a personal computer) provided with a storage device for storing image data.

  The detection unit 40 detects its own azimuth and / or attitude, and includes an azimuth sensor 41 that detects its own azimuth and an attitude sensor 42 that detects its own attitude. The remote control side detection unit 40 and the camera side detection unit 80 described above have the same configuration.

  As the attitude sensors 42 and 82, for example, a vibration gyro attitude sensor manufactured by Tokimec Co., Ltd .; VSAS-1GM or VSAS-2GM, and Hitachi, Ltd. information magazine "Hatsukku April, 2005 issue P15-P16" The described attitude detection unit or the like can be used. In this case, since the position and the magnetic direction can be measured by the GPS and the magnetic direction sensor built in the attitude sensors 42 and 82, the direction sensors 41 and 81 can also be used as the attitude sensors 42 and 81, respectively.

  In addition, the posture sensors 42 and 82 may detect the posture by detecting the angle between the two axes and the direction of gravity, for example. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting the posture. 5B is a view when viewed from the arrow E1 in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5D is a view when viewed from E2 in FIG. 5C.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the horizontal center line of the back surface D1 of the rectangular parallelepiped D is the rotation axis A1, and the vertical center line of the back surface D1 is the reference line B, the reference line B as shown in FIG. And an angle with respect to the rotation axis A1, that is, a vertical inclination, is obtained by detecting a rotation angle R1 about the rotation axis A1 between the center G1 of the back surface D1 and the line G extending in the gravity direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, when an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 when viewed from the upper surface D2, that is, a straight line passing through the center C1 of the rear surface D1 and parallel to the upper surface D2, is defined as the rotation axis A2. ), (D), by detecting a rotation angle R2 about the rotation axis A2 between the reference line B and the line G extending in the direction of gravity, the posture with respect to the rotation axis A2, that is, the inclination in the left-right direction is determined. Ask. In this way, the posture in two directions is detected.

  At this time, the orientation sensors 41 and 81 use a known magnetic orientation sensor, MI sensor (Magneto-impedance sensor), or the like.

  The control unit 43 synchronously drives the azimuth and / or orientation of the imaging apparatus 200 via the wireless communication unit 37 based on the azimuth and / or orientation information detected by the detection unit 40. This synchronous drive will be described later in detail.

  The warning unit 45 warns the operator of the remote controller 200 when an imaging angle of view of the digital camera 100 described later reaches the wide end. A warning sound may be emitted from the speaker 35 or the liquid crystal monitor. 16 may display a warning.

  The remote controller 200 is configured as described above.

  Next, as an example of the operation of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the operation of the digital camera 100 remotely operated by the remote controller 200 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a series of processes of the digital camera 100, and FIG. In FIG. 7, the left figure is the remote controller 200, the right figure is the digital camera 100, (a) is an example of the figure seen from the back, (b) is an example of the figure seen from the left side as seen from the back, (c). Is an example of a view as seen from above.

  When the power button 46-3 is turned on, the digital camera 100 is turned on and starts operating. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the CPU 75 detects whether or not the limit SW 84 is activated (step ST1). If the limit SW 84 is in operation, that is, the permissible operating range of each rotation around the axis I1, the axis I2, and the axis I3 of the drive unit 83d, that is, the digital camera body (imaging means) 10 mounted on the pan head unit 83 ( 1), the zoom control unit 52 ′ shifts the imaging field angle of the digital camera body 10, that is, the zoom to the wide side (step ST1; YES) (step ST1; YES). Step ST2).

  In this way, when it becomes impossible to change the operation allowable range of the azimuth and / or orientation of the digital camera body 10, that is, the imaging view direction of the digital camera 100, the imaging view range is widened to follow the subject intended by the photographer. be able to.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 75 does not detect the operation of the limit SW 84 at step ST1 (step ST1; NO), the CPU 75 shifts the processing to step ST3 described later.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the zoom lens 50b has reached the wide end (step ST3). When the zoom lens 50b has reached the wide end (step ST3; YES), the warning unit 88 displays a liquid crystal monitor (on the camera side). A warning is displayed on the LCD) 48 that it is at the wide end (step ST4). By doing so, the photographer can easily check the limit of the subject tracking by the digital camera 100, so that immediate measures can be taken.

  In this embodiment, a warning is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 48 on the camera side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a warning sound may be emitted from the speaker 79a. Further, by transmitting the fact that the camera is at the wide end to the remote controller 200, a warning may be given by the liquid crystal monitor 16 and / or the speaker 35 on the remote controller side, or the warning may be given by both the digital camera 100 and the remote controller 200. good.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 75 determines in step ST3 that the zoom lens 50b has not reached the wide end (step ST3; NO), the CPU 75 shifts the processing to step ST5 described later.

  Next, the wireless communication unit 86 detects whether or not there is reception from the remote controller 200 (step ST5). If there is reception (step ST5; YES), the CPU 75 passes the antenna 87 through FIG. a) As shown in the left figure, the horizontal tilt angle Ra of the remote controller 200 detected by the attitude sensor 42 on the remote control side is obtained (step ST6), and as shown in the right figure of FIG. Synchronous driving is performed so that the angle Ra ′ is Ra = Ra ′ (step ST7). In other words, the pan head control unit 85 controls the drive unit 83d so that the difference between the left / right tilt angle Ra ′ detected by the attitude sensor 82 of the detection unit 80 of the digital camera 100 and the left / right tilt angle Ra transmitted from the remote controller 200 is eliminated. It is rotated around the axis I1 (see FIG. 1B).

  Further, the CPU 75 obtains the vertical tilt angle Rb of the remote controller 200 detected by the remote-apparatus-side attitude sensor 42 via the antenna 87 as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7B (step ST8), and FIG. As shown in the right figure, the digital camera 100 is synchronously driven so that the vertical tilt angle Rb ′ is Rb = Rb ′. At this time, the pan head control unit 85 rotates the drive unit 83d around the axis I2 (see FIG. 1B).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the CPU 75, via the antenna 87, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7C, the direction of the remote control 200, that is, the reference line B detected by the azimuth sensor 41 on the remote control side, for example, northeast Are obtained (step ST10), and the digital camera 100 is synchronously driven so as to have the same orientation as shown in the right figure of FIG. At this time, the pan head control unit 85 rotates the drive unit 83d about the axis I3 (see FIG. 1B).

  Then, while receiving from the remote controller 200, the process of step ST6 to step ST11 is repeated at a predetermined interval, thereby driving the remote controller 200 and the digital camera 100 synchronously.

  On the other hand, when there is no reception from the remote control 200 in step ST5 (step ST5; NO), the CPU 75 moves the process to step ST18. The processing after step ST18 will be described later in detail.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not a zoom operation has been performed by the digital camera side zoom switch 46-1 and whether or not a zoom instruction has been given from the remote controller 200 (step ST12). (Step ST12; YES), the zoom lens driving unit 52 performs a zoom operation by moving the zoom lens 50b based on the operation amount data of the digital camera side zoom switch 46-1 or the remote control side zoom switch 17 (step ST13). . At this time, if the zoom lens 50b has reached the wide end, the warning unit 88 performs a warning process similar to step ST4.

  On the other hand, if the zoom operation or the zoom instruction is not performed in step ST12 (step ST12; NO), the CPU 75 shifts the process to step ST14.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not a focus operation has been manually performed by an operation system such as the imaging condition setting unit 46-7, and whether or not a focus instruction has been given from the remote controller 200 (step ST14), and the focus operation or focus If instructed (step ST14; YES), the focus lens drive unit 51 moves the focus lens 50a based on the set focus drive amount data or the operation amount data of the focus operation switch 19 of the remote controller 200, thereby moving the focus lens 50a. Is performed (step ST15).

  On the other hand, if the focus operation or the focus instruction is not performed in step ST14 (step ST14; NO), the CPU 75 moves the process to step ST16.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not a half-press or full-press operation has been performed by the camera-side release button 47, or whether or not a release operation instruction has been received from the remote controller 200 (step ST116), and the camera-side release button 47. Alternatively, if a half-press or full-press operation has been performed with the release button 18 on the remote controller (step ST16; YES), a release signal is detected by detecting a half-press signal in the case of a half-press operation and a full-press signal in the case of a full-press operation. Operation is performed (step ST17).

  On the other hand, if the release operation is not performed in step ST16 (step ST16; NO), the CPU 75 shifts the process to step ST18.

  Then, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the power button 46-3 is turned off (step ST18). If the power button 46-3 is turned off (step ST18; YES), the power of the digital camera 100 is turned off (step ST19). . On the other hand, if the power button 46-3 is not turned off in step ST18 (step ST18; NO), the CPU 75 shifts the process to step ST1 and repeats the subsequent processes.

  In this way, a series of processing by the digital camera 100 is performed.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, the limit SW 84 that is provided in the pan head unit 83 and that operates when the allowable operation range of the azimuth and / or orientation of the digital camera body 10 reaches the limit is activated. Since the imaging field angle of the digital camera body 10 can be changed to the wide side when the digital camera body 10 exceeds the allowable operation range of the azimuth and / or orientation, that is, the imaging viewing direction of the digital camera body 10 When the camera cannot be changed, it is possible to further follow the subject intended by the photographer by expanding the imaging visual field range.

  In the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the camera platform controller 85 drives and controls the camera platform 83 so that the orientation and / or orientation of the digital camera body 10 and the remote controller 200 are synchronously driven. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the drive control may be performed based on the drive amount of the drive unit 83d instructed by, for example, operation of a remote controller different from the above without including the detection unit 80. Good.

  Moreover, although the digital camera 100 of this embodiment is provided with the warning part 88, this invention is not restricted to this, Although it is more preferable that the warning part 88 is provided, it does not need to be provided.

  Next, an imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the digital camera 100 and the remote controller 200 described above (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and transmits and receives data via the camera-side antenna 87 and a remote-control-side antenna 20 described later. It is. Since the configurations of the digital camera 100 and the remote controller 200 have been described in the above embodiment, the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing of the digital camera 100 in the operation of the imaging system 1, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of processing of the remote controller 100 in the operation of the imaging system 1.

  When the power button 46-3 of the digital camera 100 is turned on, the digital camera 100 in the imaging system 1 is turned on and starts its operation. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 75 detects whether or not the limit SW 84 is activated (step ST21). If the limit SW 84 is in operation, that is, the permissible operating range of each rotation around the axis I1, the axis I2, and the axis I3 of the drive unit 83d, that is, the digital camera body (imaging means) 10 mounted on the pan head unit 83 ( When the permissible range of azimuth and orientation in FIG. 1 has reached the limit value (step ST21; YES), the remote controller 200 is notified via the antenna 87 that the operation of the limit SW 84 has been detected (step ST22). ).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 75 does not detect the operation of the limit SW 84 at step ST21 (step ST21; NO), the CPU 75 shifts the process to step ST23 described later.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the zoom lens 50b has reached the wide end (step ST23). When the zoom lens 50b has reached the wide end (step ST23; YES), the CPU 75 communicates with the remote control 200 via the antenna 87. Is reached (step ST24).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 75 determines in step ST23 that the zoom lens 50b has not reached the wide end (step ST23; NO), the CPU 75 shifts the processing to step ST25 described later.

  Steps ST25 to ST39 in FIG. 8 are the same processes as steps ST5 to ST9 in FIG.

  In addition, when the power switch 11 is turned on by the operator of the remote control 200, the remote control 200 in the imaging system 1 is turned on and starts the operation. As shown in FIG. 9A, the remote controller 200 first receives a status such as a captured visual field image of the digital camera 100 (step ST41). The captured visual field image is obtained by receiving the through image data from the digital camera 100 by the wireless communication unit 37 via the antenna 20, and the liquid crystal monitor via the data bus 26, the memory controller 27, the main memory 28, and the display control unit 31. 16 is displayed.

  Next, the CPU 25 detects whether or not the limit SW 84 has been actuated via the antenna 20 (step ST42). When it is detected that the limit SW 84 is activated (step ST42; YES), the zoom instruction unit 17 ′ transmits an instruction so that the imaging field angle of the digital camera 100 is shifted to the wide side to drive the zoom lens driving unit 52. (Step ST43).

  On the other hand, when the operation of the limit SW 84 is not detected in step ST42 (step ST42; NO), the CPU 25 shifts the process to step ST44.

  As described above, when the allowable operation range of the azimuth and / or orientation of the digital camera 100 reaches the limit value, the zoom instruction unit 17 ′ instructs to change the imaging field angle of the digital camera 100 to the wide side. Even when the operation allowable range of the digital camera 100 is exceeded, it is possible to follow the desired subject by widening the field of view.

  Next, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the zoom lens 50b has reached the wide end by receiving a notification from the digital camera 100 that the zoom lens 50b has reached the wide end via the antenna 20 (step ST44). When the wide end has been reached (step ST44; YES), the warning unit 45 displays a warning on the remote-control-side liquid crystal monitor 16 that the wide end has been reached (step ST45).

  On the other hand, if the wide end has not been reached in step ST44 (step ST44; NO), the CPU 25 shifts the process to step ST46.

  In this way, by warning that the digital camera 100 has reached the wide end by the warning unit 45, the operator of the remote controller 200, that is, the photographer can easily confirm the limit of subject tracking by the digital camera 100. Immediate measures can be taken.

  Next, the CPU 25 causes the attitude sensor 42 of the detection unit 40 to detect the left / right tilt angle Ra of the remote controller 200 (step ST46) as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7A, and the left / right tilt angle Ra detected by the control unit 43 is detected. Then, it is transmitted to the digital camera 100 via the antennas 20 and 87 (step ST47) and synchronized so that the horizontal tilt angle Ra ′ of the digital camera 100 becomes Ra = Ra ′ as shown in the right figure of FIG. Drive.

  In other words, the pan head control unit 85 controls the drive unit 83d so that the difference between the left / right tilt angle Ra ′ detected by the attitude sensor 82 of the detection unit 80 of the digital camera 100 and the left / right tilt angle Ra transmitted from the remote controller 200 is eliminated. It is rotated around the axis I1 (see FIG. 1B).

  Further, the CPU 25 causes the attitude sensor 42 to detect the vertical tilt angle Rb of the remote controller 200 (step ST48), as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7B, and the vertical tilt angle Rb detected by the control unit 43 in the same manner as described above. And transmitted to the digital camera 100 via the antennas 20 and 87 (step ST49), and as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 7B, the digital camera 100 is synchronously driven so that the vertical tilt angle Rb ′ is Rb = Rb ′. Let At this time, the pan head control unit 85 rotates the drive unit 83d around the axis I2 (see FIG. 1B).

  Then, the CPU 25 causes the direction sensor 41 to detect the direction of the remote control 200, that is, the direction of the reference line B, for example, the northeast direction, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7C (step ST50). The azimuth is transmitted to the digital camera 100 via the antennas 20 and 87 (step ST51), and is synchronously driven so that the azimuths of the digital camera 100 become the same as shown in the right figure of FIG. At this time, the pan head control unit 85 rotates the drive unit 83d about the axis I3 (see FIG. 1B).

  Then, while the power source of the remote controller 200 is turned on, the remote controller 200 and the digital camera 100 are synchronously driven by repeating the processing of step ST46 to step ST51 at a predetermined interval.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the remote controller 200 determines whether or not the CPU 25 has performed a zoom operation with the zoom switch 17 (step ST52). If the zoom operation has been performed (step ST52; YES), the zoom switch The operation amount data of 17 is transmitted to the digital camera 100 to instruct a zoom operation (step ST53). At this time, if the zoom lens 50b of the digital camera 100 has reached the wide end, the warning unit 45 warns the operator of the remote controller 200. On the other hand, if the zoom operation is not performed in step ST8 (step ST52; NO), the CPU 25 shifts the process to step ST10.

  Next, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the focus operation is performed by the focus operation switch 19 (step ST54). If the focus operation is performed (step ST54; YES), the operation amount data of the focus operation switch 19 is sent to the digital camera 100. Transmit and instruct the focus operation (step ST55). On the other hand, if the focus operation is not performed in step ST10 (step ST54; NO), the CPU 25 shifts the process to step ST12.

  Next, the CPU 25 determines whether the half-press or full-press operation has been performed by the release button 18 (step ST56). If the half-press or full-press operation has been performed (step ST56; YES), the half-press operation is performed. In this case, a half-press signal is transmitted to the digital camera 100 in the case of a full-press operation, and a release operation is instructed (step ST57). On the other hand, if the release operation is not performed in step ST56 (step ST56; NO), the CPU 25 shifts the process to step ST58.

  The CPU 25 determines whether or not the power switch 11 has been turned off (step ST58). If the power switch 11 has been turned off (step ST58; YES), the CPU 25 transmits a power-off operation to the digital camera 100 (step ST59). ) Turn off the power of the remote control 200. On the other hand, if the power switch 11 is not turned off in step ST58 (step ST58; NO), the CPU 25 shifts the process to step ST41 and repeats the subsequent processes.

  In this way, remote control of the digital camera 100 by the remote controller 200 is performed.

  As described above, according to the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, the limit SW 84 that is provided in the pan head unit 83 and that operates when the allowable operation range of the azimuth and / or orientation of the digital camera body 10 reaches the limit is activated. Since the imaging field angle of the digital camera body 10 can be changed to the wide side when the digital camera body 10 exceeds the allowable operation range of the azimuth and / or orientation, that is, the imaging field of view of the digital camera body 10 When the direction cannot be changed, it is possible to further follow the subject intended by the photographer by expanding the imaging field of view.

  The remote controller 200 according to the present embodiment includes the operation system such as the zoom switch 17 and the focus operation button as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least the imaging of the imaging apparatus as the operation system. If the imaging instruction means for instructing is provided, the other operation system may not be provided. In this case, steps ST52 to ST55 in FIG. 9B are omitted.

  Moreover, although the remote control 200 of this embodiment is provided with the warning part 45, although this invention is not restricted to this and it is more preferable to provide the warning part 45, it does not need to be provided.

  The imaging apparatus and imaging system of the present invention are not limited to the digital camera 100 and imaging system 1 of the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Rear view of digital camera (a) and front perspective view of digital camera (b) The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera of FIG. Rear view of remote control (a) and top view of remote control (b) The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the remote control of FIG. The figure explaining the attitude | position detection method by an attitude | position sensor Flowchart of a series of processes of the digital camera of FIG. 2 (part 1) Flowchart of a series of processes of the digital camera of FIG. 2 (part 2) Diagram explaining synchronous drive of remote control and digital camera Flow chart of processing of digital camera in operation of imaging system (part 1) Flow chart of processing of digital camera in operation of imaging system (part 2) Flowchart of remote control process in operation of imaging system (part 1) Flowchart of remote control process in operation of imaging system (part 2)

Explanation of symbols

1 Imaging System 100 Digital Camera (Imaging Device)
10 Digital camera body (imaging means)
52 'Zoom control unit (imaging field angle control means)
80 Camera-side detector 83 Head (head for changing imaging direction)
84 Limit SW (limit detection means)
85 pan head control unit 86 camera side wireless communication unit (imaging device side communication means)
87 Camera side antenna 200 Remote control (operation control device)
17 Zoom switch 17 'Zoom instruction section (zoom instruction means)
18 Release button (imaging instruction means)
20 Remote control side antenna 37 Wireless communication unit (operation control device side communication means)
40 Remote control side detection unit 41, 81 Orientation sensor 42, 82 Attitude sensor 45, 88 Warning unit (warning means)

Claims (5)

An imaging means capable of changing the imaging angle of view, capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data;
It is possible to change the imaging direction or orientation of the imaging unit, and when the imaging direction is changed by the imaging direction changing pan head on which the imaging unit is mounted, the allowable operation range of the imaging unit is limited. Limit detection means for detecting reaching,
An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging field angle control unit that changes an imaging field angle of the imaging unit to a wide side when the limit detection unit detects a limit of an allowable operation range. An imaging means capable of changing the imaging angle of view, capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data;
It is possible to change the imaging direction and orientation of the imaging unit, and when the imaging direction is changed by the imaging direction changing pan head on which the imaging unit is mounted, the allowable operation range of the imaging unit is limited. Limit detection means for detecting reaching,
An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging field angle control unit that changes an imaging field angle of the imaging unit to a wide side when the limit detection unit detects a limit of an allowable operation range.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that warns that the imaging field angle has reached a wide end. Communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the imaging means and the operation control device for remotely operating the imaging direction changing pan head;
4. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a pan head control unit configured to control the operation of the imaging direction changing pan head based on a signal received via the communication unit. The imaging device described.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the limit detection unit is a limit switch.

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