JP2013127681A - Camera system and camera mount - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system and camera mount for image photographing that have a toxic gas detecting function easy to carry.SOLUTION: The camera system includes: a gas detection part 14 that is rotatably attached to a photographing camera such that the leading end of a telescopic rod LD can be vertically oriented, incorporates in its leading end part a semiconductor gas sensor 11 a resistance value of which varies in reaction with methane gas, and measures the electric resistance of the gas sensor 11, thereby measuring the density of the methane gas; an alarming part 15 that gives an alarm when the methane gas exceeds a predetermined density; and an MPU 3 that controls the alarm display on an LCD7 when a user is alarmed.

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a camera system with a built-in semiconductor gas sensor for recording and photographing a construction situation and a camera mount to which a photographing camera is attached.

  Construction record photos related to construction, repair, electrical work, gas, water supply, etc. of facilities, equipment, etc., manholes, pump wells, foundations, sewer pipes, underground burial work, tunnel work, poorly ventilated places, microorganisms There are many cases where pictures are taken in a dangerous place where toxic gas is generated due to respiration or soil components, or where the oxygen concentration is low.

  When working in manholes or sewer pipes where danger is assumed in advance, as a countermeasure against these toxic gases, take a picture after preparing a gas sensor and confirming safety before on-site work. There are gas sensors that detect toxic gases from remote locations by infrared measurement and remote monitoring (thermographic) cameras that capture gas distribution (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). However, it is not suitable for photographing and recording a visual situation like a construction photograph (for example, Patent Document 1). On the other hand, the gas sensor is also relatively large, and there are problems in terms of safety measures, such as troublesome preparation and carrying forgotten to bring a gas detector with a construction recording camera.

JP 2006-30214 A (Noto 4209877)

FLIR Systems Japan K.K FLIR Gas Find IR Catalog

  When taking record photographs of conventional construction work, there were problems with safety measures, such as difficulties in carrying a large gas detector and forgetting to bring a gas detector with a construction record camera. .

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera system and camera mount for construction record photography that are easy to carry and have a toxic gas detection function.

  In order to achieve the above object, the camera system of the present embodiment is a camera system that records photographed image data in a storage means, and has a monitor display function, and includes a camera unit for photographing an electronic video photograph and a detection target gas. A semiconductor gas sensor that absorbs and changes its resistance value, and is provided with the semiconductor gas sensor at the distal end, and is attached to the camera with a rotating mounting shaft that can be oriented in the vertical direction of the camera in a rod shape that expands and contracts. When the telescopic rod, the gas detection means for outputting the gas concentration data measured from the change in the resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor with respect to the gas, and the measured gas concentration data are input and exceed a predetermined value, An alarm output means for generating and outputting an alarm; and when the alarm is input, the monitor display or the card Characterized in that it comprises a control means for performing control to display a warning finder la section is provided.

  The camera mount according to the present invention includes a monitor display capable of displaying information input via a data input interface, and is mounted on a camera for taking an electronic video photograph, and the camera unit is fixedly mounted. Mount part, a semiconductor gas sensor that absorbs the detection target gas and the resistance value changes, and the semiconductor gas sensor is provided at the tip part, and is a rod shape that expands and contracts, and the tip part can be rotated in the vertical direction of the camera. A telescopic rod attached to the camera with an attachment shaft, gas detection means for outputting gas concentration data measured from a change in resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor to the gas, and the measured gas concentration data are input. When the value exceeds a predetermined value, a predetermined format is generated between the alarm output means for generating and outputting an alarm and the camera. A data interface for inputting / outputting a digital signal, and a control means for performing control to output alarm information to be displayed on the monitor display via the data interface means when the alarm is inputted. .

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the camera according to the first embodiment. 1 is an external view of a camera according to a first embodiment. 1 is an external view of a camera according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram illustrating the structure of the distal end portion of the telescopic rod LD of the first embodiment. A flowchart for explaining an operation processing procedure of the camera according to the first embodiment. The functional block diagram explaining operation | movement of the camera system of 2nd Embodiment. The external view of the camera system of 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a camera system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the camera system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the camera system CS of the present embodiment is a combination of a gas detection processing unit 10 that is a gas detection unit that detects methane gas using a semiconductor gas sensor, and a camera that captures an image having another configuration. Camera system. Here, the camera is described as an example of a so-called digital camera using an electronic image sensor.

  The camera has an image pickup device 1 for picking up an image with visible light for taking a photograph in a normal viewing situation, a digital IF (interface) unit 2 which is a conversion / interface means for digitally processing the image signal and the monitoring control signal, MPU 3, time timer 31, measurement timer 32, internal memory 4, external memory 5 for recording captured data, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) driver 6 for displaying captured images on a monitor, LCD 7, lens L, focus and aperture of the lens (FIG. (Not shown) and the like, an operation unit 9 for inputting various parameters required by the camera operator, a gas detection processing unit 10, a shutter button s, and a finder f.

  The gas detection processing unit 10 measures the state of an extendable rod (rod) LD into which a semiconductor gas sensor 11 for gas detection is incorporated at the tip, a bias unit 12 that is a power source for applying heat to the semiconductor gas sensor 11, and the semiconductor gas sensor. A gas detection unit 14 that detects gas and outputs an alarm signal, and an alarm unit 15 that receives the alarm signal and outputs an alarm such as LED lighting and alarm sound are provided. The warning is transmitted to the MPU 3 via the digital IF unit 2, and the MPU 3 displays an alarm (warning) on the LCD 7 that monitors the shooting screen.

The semiconductor gas sensor 11 capable of detecting methane is typically a metal oxide semiconductor tin oxide (SnO2), but is also called a solid-state sensor in a broad sense such as a ceramic gas detection element. Various types for detecting gas by measuring the change in the electrical resistance of the sensor portion according to the type are selected according to the detection target gas and concentration. For example, ceramic gas sensor characteristics
http://www.hst.titech.ac.jp/~meb/Ceramics/gassensor/gassensor.html
FIG. 2 shows an example.

  The MPU 3 has an image processing function for performing processing such as conversion of an image pickup signal input from the image pickup device 1 into a predetermined image file format or conversion to a signal for display on the LCD 7, and a signal from the signal from the image pickup device 1. When a signal is input, a mechanical processing function for setting the focus and aperture (exposure light amount) of the image and a user I / O (input / output) processing function for setting the camera operation according to the input from the operation unit 9 are executed. This function is executed by a program or data stored in the internal memory 4. The photographed image file is written and stored in the external memory 5 in association with the photographing time of the time timer 31, data related to gas detection described later, and the like.

  Further, the gas detection unit 14 notifies the MPU 3 of data such as a gas concentration calculated from the measured electrical resistance of the semiconductor gas sensor 11 via the digital IF unit 2. The MPU 3 acquires shooting time data as auxiliary data for image shooting by the time timer 31, and stores data related to gas measurement such as time data when a gas detection alarm is generated and gas detection concentration at the shooting timing to the external memory 5. In addition to auxiliary data, it is written and recorded in this format.

  For this reason, it is not necessary for the camera operator to record the gas detection data each time detection is performed.

2 and 3 are external views of the camera system CS of the first embodiment.
2A is a front view of the camera system, FIG. 2B is a back view, FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views (plan views), and FIG. 3C is a side view. FIG. 3C shows a state where the telescopic rod LD is rotated forward and extended, and the semiconductor gas sensor 11 is attached to the head portion 17 at the tip of the telescopic rod LD.

  The head portion 17 is small enough to pass through a small hole in a manhole cover having a diameter of about 10 mm, for example. The telescopic rod LD has a length of several tens of centimeters or more and is inserted into the tunnel from a small hole in the manhole so that the gas concentration can be measured. Even when a gas leak is displayed due to a crack in a pipe facility or the like, it is possible to measure with a low risk by bringing the tip of the telescopic rod LD close to the leak measurement position.

FIG. 4 is a structural diagram for explaining the structure of the tip of the telescopic rod LD.
In FIG. 4, the semiconductor gas sensor 11 is mounted in the vent 30 of the head portion 17 of the telescopic rod LD. The gas concentration can be obtained by previously calculating or measuring and calibrating the relationship between the concentration and the electrical resistance.

  The telescopic rod LD is attached to the camera body by the attachment shaft 16 via the reel portion R on the side surface near the bottom of the body D of the camera shown in FIG. Then, the tip end direction about the mounting shaft 16 can be rotated from the upper direction to the lower direction of the camera. The telescopic rod LD has a concentric cylindrical shape like a radio rod antenna, and a lead wire 27 connected to the semiconductor gas sensor 11 passes through the lead rod 27. The lead wire 27 is wound around the reel R when the telescopic rod LD is short. It is a structure to be taken. The reel R has a spiral spring (not shown) inside, and the lead wire 27 can be taken up. Depending on the type of sensor, the sensor portion may be heated by a heat wire with an electric current, and the power for the heat wire is also supplied from the bias unit 12 through the lead wire 27.

  The camera operator can detect the internal toxic gas concentration before entering the manhole by extending the telescopic rod LD and inserting the tip into the inside through the hole in the lid of the manhole. Also, when working in a closed space such as a manhole, if the assumed toxic gas is lighter than air, such as methane, the stretched rod LD is pointed upward, and conversely, if it is heavy gas It is possible to measure the concentration away from the breathing site of the operator from the gas staying in the surroundings by facing downward. In other words, even when the gas stays, early gas detection is possible while avoiding danger.

  A grip button B attached to the bias unit 12 is a switch for operating the semiconductor gas sensor 11 that is turned on at the time of photographing by grasping the body D of the camera. The semiconductor gas sensor 11 does not operate when not carried, but the semiconductor gas sensor 11 becomes measurable when the right hand holding the camera body D presses the grip button B while holding the camera, such as during shooting. The gas detection operation is executed even when unconscious.

  The gas detection unit 14 calculates the gas concentration from the resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor 11 that becomes the gas concentration index, and notifies the alarm unit 15 of the gas concentration, and the alarm unit 15 outputs an alarm when a predetermined dangerous gas concentration is exceeded. . The alarm is notified to the MPU 3 via the digital IF unit 2, and the MPU 3 further performs control to display an alarm on the finder f of the camera C and the monitor display of the LCD 7.

  As a result, the difference in appearance and shape from a normal camera is small, and the same portability and operability as a normal shooting camera can be maintained, so to avoid danger when taking construction photographs as before. It is not necessary to carry the gas detector with the camera. In addition, measurement data related to gas detection for safety confirmation can be simultaneously recorded as auxiliary data in the camera.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation processing procedure of the camera according to the first embodiment.
The camera is turned on by the operator and is ready for shooting (step s1 in FIG. 5A). When the body D of the camera is held, the grip button is pressed, the switch is turned on (step s2), and current is supplied to the semiconductor gas sensor 11 from the bias unit 12 (step s3). (The gas can be detected before entering the manhole by inserting the telescopic rod LD into the small hole of the manhole at this timing.)

  The gas detection unit 14 measures the resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor 11 (step s4), and notifies the alarm unit 15 of the gas concentration calculated from the resistance value (step s5).

  When the gas concentration exceeds the alarm level (when step s6 is Yes), the alarm unit 15 displays an alarm alarm by, for example, displaying an alarm by blinking a mark on the finder or the LCD 7 on the rear surface or by a built-in electronic buzzer (not shown). Is output. This measured value is input to the MPU 3 via the digital IF unit 2.

  The MPU 3 performs processing for displaying an alarm on the LCD 7, and writes and stores the measurement data in the external memory 5 as auxiliary data together with the time information acquired by the time timer 31 (step s7). When the camera operator presses the shutter button s and releases it (step s8 is Yes), the captured image and the measured value of the gas concentration are associated with time information and written and stored in the external memory 5 as auxiliary data (step s9). Note that the time information TX of the time timer is displayed on the LCD 7.

  By this process, when the gas concentration is higher than the reference value, the situation is recorded in the external memory as an alarm occurrence record even at the timing before the image is taken. On the other hand, when an image is taken, the gas concentration at the photographing time is recorded in the external memory regardless of the presence or absence of an alarm.

  In order to record the gas concentration, as shown in FIG. 5B, the gas concentration may be recorded in the external memory 5 at intervals of, for example, 3 seconds even when no alarm is generated. The selection of the auxiliary data recording method is switched by a predetermined operation method of the setting button of the operation unit 9 to set a processing procedure controlled by the MPU 3. In the process of FIG. 5B, step s6 and step s7 of FIG. 5A are changed to step s61 and step s71, respectively.

  The measurement record of the gas concentration is set from the operation unit 9 so as to be recorded when an alarm is issued in step s6 of FIG. 5A, but in step s61 of FIG. The continuous recording mode for automatic recording is set. In step s71, the measurement values are written and recorded in the external memory at intervals of 3 seconds.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the camera system of the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an external view of the camera system CS of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the first embodiment, the gas detection processing unit 10 included in the camera body is accommodated in the camera mount CM attached to the camera Cx body in the second embodiment. 7A is an external view from the front when the camera Cx is attached to the camera mount CM, FIG. 7B is an external view from the back, and FIG. 7C is a front view of the camera mount CM. FIG. 7D is an external view from the back.

  The camera Cx is mounted and fixed to the camera mount CM with a fixing screw 93 attached to the frame 91 of the camera mount CM. The frame 91 is attached with an accommodating portion 92, accommodates the gas detection processing portion 10 and a battery (not shown), and is attached so that the operation portion 9 of the gas detection processing portion 10 can be operated from the bottom surface.

  The gas detection processing unit 10 is appropriately accommodated together with the battery in the accommodation unit 92 of the camera mount CM. Further, the power switch 25 and the grip button B of the gas detection processing unit 10 are attached to the grip 90 of the camera mount CM. The grip button B is a switch for turning on the operation of the gas detection processing unit 10 during gripping, and the power switch 25 and the grip button B may be combined into one.

  In the second embodiment, the control processing unit 22 dedicated to the gas detection processing, the operation unit 9, the I / O interface 50 for inputting / outputting data between the gas detection processing unit 10 and the camera Cx, and the measurement timer 32 are provided for gas detection. The processing unit 10 itself is provided. The control processing unit 22 is a functional circuit that executes digital signal processing corresponding to the digital IF unit 2 and the MPU 3 in FIG. The alarm unit 15 outputs an alarm sound such as an LED alarm emission or an electronic buzzer. The alarm input from the gas detection unit 14 to the control processing unit 22 is further output to the camera Cx via the I / O interface 50.

  In addition, information related to gas detection is input / output between the camera Cx main body and the control processing unit 22 via an I / O interface 50 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Some cameras that can output captured image data to the outside can input / output digital signals (data) input via the I / O interface 50 to / from the MPU 3 and display them on a monitor display such as the LED 7. . This data input / output display function is privately used for adjustment at the time of manufacturing the camera. However, those that can blink and display characters, marks, etc. displayed on the monitor display using these data formats can be displayed as alarms (warnings) by blinking the display. Furthermore, the data input via the I / O interface 50 may be used as auxiliary data for the image of the camera Cx that captured the data.

  To the camera Cx main body via the I / O interface 50, a gas detection notification alarm to the camera Cx according to a program prepared in advance in the control processing unit 22 based on the data input / output conditions of the MPU 3 on the camera Cx side, Gas detection timing information and the like are output in a predetermined data format.

  Although the I / O interface 50 is not displayed in the external view, a small cable connector or the like is prepared in the camera Cx, so that information is transmitted via a cable that transmits data through the I / O interface 50.

  When the camera Cx body does not have an I / O interface, the gas detection processing unit 10 notifies the camera operator that gas has been detected by an alarm notification means such as an alarm LED 151 or an electronic buzzer attached to the camera mount CM. I can do it. In this case, the camera cannot directly display an alarm or record a gas detection record in an external memory or the like, but it can contribute to safety as a configuration in which the camera and the gas alarm are combined. In other words, in the second embodiment, even when combined with a film camera, an alarm is output when gas is detected, and the operator can be kept safe.

  As described above, in the first and second embodiments, the switch that activates the operation of the gas detection processing unit 10 is attached to the camera body D or the grip 90 of the camera mount CM as the grip button B, and is operated by the camera operator. However, since the power is turned on unconsciously, it is possible to detect a harmful gas and issue an alarm even during shooting.

  According to the camera system of at least one embodiment described above, a gas detector having a gas detection function for a shooting target by providing a semiconductor gas sensor function in addition to an image shooting function, and detecting a toxic gas to notify the danger It is possible to provide a camera system that can safely photograph the construction status with a single camera without carrying the camera.

  In addition, although the embodiment has been described by taking methane gas as an example, the detection can be performed in the same manner by selecting and combining semiconductor gas sensors corresponding to the type of gas even if other gases are used.

  Further, the above explanation has been given for the case where the concentration of the toxic gas exceeds the reference value, but conversely, for example, when the concentration becomes lower than a predetermined concentration for detecting a situation where oxygen is deficient (there is no necessary gas). In this case, an alarm may be output.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image sensor 2 Digital IF (interface) part 3 MPU
31 Time Timer 32 Measurement Timer 4 Internal Memory 5 External Memory 50 I / O Interface 6 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Driver 7 LCD
L Lens B Grip button LD Retractable rod R Reel s Shutter button f Finder 8 Mechanism unit 9 Operation unit 10 Gas detection processing unit 11 Semiconductor gas sensor 12 Bias unit 14 Gas detection unit 15 Alarm unit 16 Mounting shaft 17 Head unit 22 Control processing unit 90 Grip 91 Frame 92 Housing part 93 Fixing screw

Claims (7)

In a camera system for recording photographed image data in a storage means,
A camera unit that has a monitor display function, takes an electronic video photograph, absorbs the type of gas targeted for detection, and changes its resistance value; and
The semiconductor gas sensor is provided at the distal end, and in a rod shape that expands and contracts, the telescopic rod attached to the camera by a rotation mounting shaft that can be oriented in the vertical direction of the camera;
Gas detection means for outputting the target gas concentration data measured from a change in resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor with respect to the gas;
Alarm output means for generating and outputting an alarm when the measured gas concentration data is input and exceeds a predetermined value;
And a control unit that performs control to display an alarm on the monitor display or a finder provided in the camera unit when the alarm is input. In a camera system for recording photographed image data in a storage means,
A monitor display for displaying information input via the data input interface, and a camera unit for taking an electronic video photograph;
While fixing and holding the camera unit,
A semiconductor gas sensor that absorbs the type of gas to be detected and changes its resistance value;
The semiconductor gas sensor is provided at the distal end, and in a rod shape that expands and contracts, the telescopic rod attached to the camera by a rotation mounting shaft that can be oriented in the vertical direction of the camera;
Gas detection means for outputting gas concentration data measured from a change in resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor with respect to the gas;
Alarm output means for generating and outputting an alarm when the measured gas concentration data is input and exceeds a predetermined value;
A data interface for inputting and outputting a digital signal of a predetermined format to and from the camera;
A camera system comprising: a mounting unit including a control unit that performs control to output alarm information to be displayed on the monitor display via the data interface unit when the alarm is input. The camera further includes an internal timer and a shutter for notifying the control means whether the shutter button is in a half-pressed state or completely pressed and released,
The control means acquires the gas concentration data output by the gas detection means,
Writing and recording the gas concentration data acquired at the shooting timing in the storage means as auxiliary data associated with the shooting time information with reference to the internal timer in the image data shot and recorded at the released timing. The camera system according to claim 1 or 2. The control means includes
Obtaining the gas concentration data output by the gas detection means;
2. When an alarm is input from the alarm output means, the acquired gas concentration data is written and recorded in the storage means as auxiliary data associated with the measurement time information with reference to the internal timer. 2. The camera system according to 2. The control means includes
Periodically acquiring the gas concentration data output by the gas detection means with reference to the internal timer;
3. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the periodically acquired gas concentration data is written and recorded in the storage means as auxiliary data associated with the measurement time information. A mount for mounting and fixing the camera;
While fixing and holding the camera unit,
A semiconductor gas sensor that absorbs the type of gas to be detected and changes its resistance value;
The semiconductor gas sensor is provided at the distal end, and in a rod shape that expands and contracts, the telescopic rod attached to the camera by a rotation mounting shaft that can be oriented in the vertical direction of the camera;
Gas detection means for outputting gas concentration data measured from a change in resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor with respect to the gas;
A camera mount comprising alarm output means for generating and outputting an alarm when the measured gas concentration data is inputted and exceeds a predetermined value. A camera mount equipped with a monitor display function capable of displaying information input via a data input interface and attached to a camera for taking an electronic video photograph,
A mount portion for mounting and fixing the camera portion;
A semiconductor gas sensor that absorbs the type of gas to be detected and changes its resistance value;
The semiconductor gas sensor is provided at the distal end, and in a rod shape that expands and contracts, the telescopic rod attached to the camera by a rotation mounting shaft that can be oriented in the vertical direction of the camera;
Gas detection means for outputting gas concentration data obtained by measuring whether the resistance value of the semiconductor gas sensor is changed with respect to the gas;
Alarm output means for generating and outputting an alarm when the measured gas concentration data is input and exceeds a predetermined value;
A data interface for inputting and outputting a digital signal of a predetermined format to and from the camera;
And a control means for performing control to output alarm information to be displayed on the monitor display via the data interface means when the alarm is inputted.

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