JP2022051786A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus having a multi-eye camera mounted with illumination, which may freely change the position of imaging unit, in which illumination light is required to uniformly irradiate to an imaging range even after the position of the imaging unit is changed in order that the imaging unit obtains satisfactory images from any position.

SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus comprises: multiple imaging units which are disposed on the circumference and are movable in a circumferential direction; and illumination units which are disposed corresponding to each of the multiple imaging units. When the imaging units move in the circumferential direction, the illumination units move integrally together with corresponding imaging units.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus provided with a plurality of image pickup units in a circumferential shape.

There is a multi-lens camera device that can shoot a wide range by arranging a plurality of imaging units in a circumferential shape. Some such multi-eye camera devices have a plurality of image pickup units fixed so as to be able to capture a field of view of, for example, 360 degrees. However, depending on the installation location, an obstacle such as a wall may exist in the vicinity and obstruct the imaging range of at least one imaging unit. Therefore, it is desirable that the position of the image pickup unit can be freely changed, and Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism in which the position of the image pickup unit can be freely changed in the multi-eye camera device.

JP-A-2015-119476A

Since the image becomes unclear when shooting in low illuminance such as at night, lighting may be mounted on the camera to enable shooting of clear image in low illuminance. When lighting is mounted on a multi-lens camera device that can freely change the position of the image pickup unit as in Patent Document 1, in order for the image pickup unit to obtain a good image at any position, after changing the position of the image pickup unit. However, it is necessary to evenly illuminate the imaging range with illumination light. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-eye camera device capable of obtaining a good image by matching the imaging range of the imaging unit with the irradiation range of the illumination light even after the position of the imaging unit is changed. ..

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
Multiple imaging units that are arranged in a circle and can move in the circumferential direction,
In an image pickup apparatus including a lighting unit arranged so as to correspond to each of the plurality of image pickup units.
The image pickup unit is characterized in that when it moves in the circumferential direction, it moves integrally with the illumination unit corresponding to the image pickup unit.

According to the present invention, since the image pickup unit and the illumination unit move integrally, the image pickup range of the image pickup unit and the illumination range of the illumination light can be matched even after the position of the image pickup unit is changed, and good illumination light can be obtained. Irradiation can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to shoot a clear image even under low illuminance.

Perspective view of the polycular camera device according to the first embodiment. Perspective view of the multi-lens camera device according to the first embodiment from which the visible light transmitting window and the illumination light transmitting window are removed. Sectional sectional view of the polycular camera apparatus according to Example 1. The figure which shows the method of changing the image pickup range of the image pickup unit in the multi-eye camera apparatus described in Example 1. Perspective view of the case where the PTZ camera device is attached to the multi-eye camera device according to the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view of the case where the PTZ camera device is attached to the multi-eye camera device according to the first embodiment. Perspective view of the multi-lens camera device according to the second embodiment. A perspective view of the multi-lens camera apparatus according to the second embodiment from which the visible light transmitting window and the transparent light transmitting window are removed. Sectional sectional view of the polycular camera apparatus according to Example 2. Cross-sectional view of the case where the multi-lens camera device according to the second embodiment is not equipped with lighting.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description of cables and parts not directly related to the present invention is omitted and is not shown.

<Example 1>
In this embodiment, a multi-lens camera device to which the present invention is applied will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-lens camera device 1 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which the visible light transmitting window 3 and the illumination light transmitting window 4 of the multi-eye camera device 1 are removed. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-lens camera device 1.

The multi-eye camera device 1 includes a top case 2, a visible light transmitting window 3, an illumination light transmitting window 4, a bottom cover 5, a plurality of imaging units 9, a plurality of lighting units 10, and a plurality of holding members 11. A guide cover 12 and a light-shielding wall 13.

The top case 2 is arranged on the installation surface side and has a multi-lens camera base 6. The multi-eye camera base 6 is formed with a first guide 7 which is circular as an example of the guide portion. The first guide 7 is provided on the image pickup unit side. The first guide 7 may have a convex shape or a concave shape.

The visible light transmitting window 3 protects the image pickup unit 9 from raindrops, dust, and external impact. The visible light transmitting window 3 is sandwiched between the top case 2 and the visible light transmitting window fixing member 14. Further, a gasket (not shown) is arranged between the visible light transmitting window 3 and the top case 2 to prevent raindrops and dust from entering the inside of the multi-lens camera device 1.

The illumination light transmitting window 4 protects the illumination unit 10 from raindrops, dust, and external impacts. The illumination light transmitting window 4 is fixed to the bottom cover 5 and the light-shielding wall 13 with screws (not shown) or the like. Further, a gasket (not shown) is arranged between the illumination light transmitting window 4, the bottom cover 5, and the light-shielding wall 13 to prevent raindrops and dust from entering the inside of the multi-lens camera device 1.

The bottom cover 5 closes the opening 4a. A second guide 8 as an example of the guide portion is formed in a circular shape on the bottom cover 5. The second guide 8 is provided on the lighting unit side. The first guide 7 and the second guide 8 are arranged so as to face each other. The second guide 8 may have a convex shape or a concave shape.

The image pickup unit 9 has a lens and an image pickup element. A plurality of image pickup units 9 are arranged in a circumferential shape and can move in the circumferential direction. The image pickup unit 9 is fixed to the holding member 11.

The lighting unit 10 is a lighting that irradiates near-infrared light. The lighting unit 10 is fixed to the holding member 11. The lighting unit 10 is arranged on the side opposite to the installation surface with respect to the image pickup unit 9. Further, the lighting unit 10 is arranged so as to correspond to each of the plurality of image pickup units 9.

The holding member 11 is a member that integrally holds the image pickup unit 9 and the lighting unit 10. The holding member 11 has a convex first engaging portion 11a that engages with the first guide 7 and a concave second engaging portion 11b that engages with the second guide 8 at both ends. The upper end portion of the holding member 11 is supported by the first guide 7 by engaging the first guide 7 and the first engaging portion 11a. The lower end portion of the holding member 11 is supported by the second guide 8 by engaging the second guide 8 and the second engaging portion 11b.

As a result, the holding member 11 slides along the first guide 7 and the second guide 8, and the image pickup unit 9 and the illumination unit 10 can move integrally.

The guide cover 12 assists the first engaging portion 11a to slide stably so as not to be disengaged from the first guide 7. The guide cover 12 is provided under the first engaging portion 11a. The light-shielding wall 13 is arranged between the image pickup unit 9 and the lighting unit 10, and is at least a wall that does not allow illumination light to pass through.

The light-shielding wall 13 suppresses the illumination light incident on the image pickup unit 9 from the illumination unit 10 without passing through the subject. The light-shielding wall 13 may be integrally molded with the visible light transmitting window 3, bonded by adhesion, or fixed with screws.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method of changing the imaging range of the imaging unit 9. When it is desired to change the imaging range of the imaging unit 9, first, the illumination light transmitting window 4 fixed by a screw or the like (not shown) is removed (A in FIG. 4). When the illumination light transmitting window 4 is removed, the illumination unit 10 is exposed. After that, by grasping the lighting unit 10 and moving it left and right (B in FIG. 4), the image pickup unit 9 can be integrally moved along the first guide 7 and the second guide 8. At this time, since it is not necessary to remove the visible light transmitting window 3 or grasp the imaging unit 9, the imaging range of the imaging unit 9 is easy and does not contaminate the lens 9a of the visible light transmitting window 3 and the imaging unit 9. Can be changed. In this embodiment, the user changes the imaging range by moving the lighting unit 10, but the imaging range may be automatically changed by remote control or the like.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view when the PTZ camera device 15 is attached to the multi-eye camera device 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the PTZ camera device 15 is attached to the multi-lens camera device 1.

The bottom cover 5 is replaceable and can be replaced with the bottom cover 16 as referred to in FIGS. 5 and 6.

For example, a PTZ camera device 15 that can rotate in the pan direction and the tilt direction can be attached to the bottom cover 16. The PTZ camera device 15 is provided in the central portion of the plurality of image pickup units 9. The PTZ camera device 15 projects from the opening 4a.

The PTZ camera device 15 can track an object or a person over the entire imageable area of the PTZ camera device 15 by being directed to a point of interest identified in an image captured by a plurality of imaging units 9. can.

<Example 2>
In this embodiment, another form of a multi-lens camera device to which the present invention is applied will be described. In this embodiment, the holding method of the imaging unit and the lighting unit is different from that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi-lens camera device 21 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a perspective view in which the visible light transmitting window 25 and the illumination light transmitting window 26 of the multi-eye camera device 21 are removed. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-lens camera device 21.

The multi-eye camera device 21 includes a multi-eye camera unit 22 and an attachable lighting unit 23.

The multi-lens camera device 21 includes a top case 24, a visible light transmitting window 25 that transmits at least visible light, an illuminated light transmitting window 26 that transmits at least illumination light, and an opening 26a provided in the illumination light transmitting window 26. It is provided with a bottom cover 27 that closes the bottom cover 27. Further, the multi-eye camera device 21 further includes a plurality of image pickup units 31, a plurality of lighting units 32, a plurality of image pickup unit holding members 33, a plurality of lighting unit holding members 34, a guide cover 35, and a light-shielding wall. 36 and.

The top case 24 is arranged on the installation surface side and has a multi-lens camera base 28. A circular image pickup unit guide 29 is formed on the multi-eye camera base 28. The image pickup unit guide 29 may have a convex shape or a concave shape.

The visible light transmitting window 25 protects the image pickup unit 31 from raindrops, dust, and external impact. The visible light transmitting window 25 is sandwiched between the top case 24 and the visible light transmitting window fixing member 37. Further, a gasket (not shown) is arranged between the visible light transmitting window 25 and the top case 24 to prevent raindrops and dust from entering the inside of the multi-lens camera device 21.

The illumination light transmitting window 26 protects the illumination unit 32 from raindrops, dust, and external impacts. The illumination light transmitting window 26 is fixed to the bottom cover 27 and the light-shielding wall 36 with screws (not shown) or the like. Further, a gasket (not shown) is arranged between the illumination light transmitting window 26, the bottom cover 27, and the light-shielding wall 36 to prevent raindrops and dust from entering the inside of the multi-lens camera device 21.

The bottom cover 27 closes the opening 26a. The lighting unit guide 30 is formed in a circular shape on the bottom cover 27. The image pickup unit guide 29 and the illumination unit guide 30 are arranged so as to face each other. The lighting unit guide 30 may have a convex shape or a concave shape.

The image pickup unit 31 has a lens and an image pickup element. A plurality of image pickup units 31 are arranged in a circumferential shape and can move in the circumferential direction. The image pickup unit 31 is fixed to the image pickup unit holding member 33.

The image pickup unit holding member 33 holds the image pickup unit 31. The image pickup unit holding member 33 has an engaging portion 33a that engages with the image pickup unit guide 29, and a floating structure portion 33b of a hole inner wall having a square bottom surface that connects to the lighting unit holding member 34.

The lighting unit 32 is a lighting that irradiates near-infrared light. The lighting unit 32 is fixed to the lighting unit holding member 34. The lighting unit 32 is arranged on the side opposite to the installation surface with respect to the image pickup unit 31.

The lighting unit holding member 34 holds the lighting unit 32. The lighting unit holding member 34 has an engaging portion 34a that engages with the lighting unit guide 30, and a spherical floating structure portion 34b that connects to the image pickup unit holding member 33.

The image pickup unit holding member 33 can be moved along the image pickup unit guide 29 by the engaging portion 33a. Further, the lighting unit holding member 34 can be moved along the lighting unit guide 30 by the engaging portion 34a. Further, the floating structure portion 34b is supported by the floating structure portion 33b. As a result, the image pickup unit holding member 33 and the illumination unit holding member 34 slide integrally along the image pickup unit guide 29 and the illumination unit guide 30, and the image pickup unit 31 and the illumination unit 32 can move integrally. ..

The guide cover 35 assists the engaging portion 33a to slide stably so as not to be disengaged from the image pickup unit guide 29. The guide cover 35 is provided below the engaging portion 33a.

The light-shielding wall 36 suppresses the illumination light incident on the image pickup unit 31 from the illumination unit 32 without passing through the subject. The light-shielding wall 36 may be integrally molded with the visible light transmitting window 25, bonded by adhesion, or fixed with screws.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view when the multi-lens camera device 21 is not equipped with lighting. By making it possible to attach the lighting unit 23, a user who does not want to mount the lighting unit can use only the multi-eye camera unit 22 by using the bottom cover 38 as shown in FIG. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and modifications can be made within the scope of the gist thereof.

1 Multi-lens camera device 2 Top case 3 Visible light transmission window 4 Illumination light transmission window 4a Opening 5 Bottom cover 6 Multi-eye camera base 7 First guide 8 Second guide 9 Imaging unit 9a Lens 10 Lighting unit 11 Holding member 11a First engaging part 11b Second engaging part 12 Guide cover 13 Shading wall 14 Visible light transmission window fixing member 15 PTZ camera device 16 Bottom cover 21 Multi-lens camera device 22 Multi-lens camera part 23 Lighting part 24 Top case 25 Visible light transmission window 26 Illumination light transmission window 26a Opening 27 Bottom cover 28 Multi-lens camera base 29 Imaging unit guide 30 Lighting unit guide 31 Imaging unit 32 Lighting unit 33 Imaging unit holding member 33a Engaging part 33b Floating structure 34 Illumination Unit holding member 34a Engaging part 34b Floating structure part 35 Guide cover 36 Shading wall 37 Visible light transmission window fixing member 38 Bottom cover

Claims (13)

The first image pickup unit and
The second image pickup unit and
The first lighting unit and
The second lighting unit and
The first holding unit that holds the first imaging unit and
A second holding unit that holds the second imaging unit, and
A third holding unit that holds the first lighting unit,
A fourth holding unit that holds the second lighting unit, and a fourth holding unit.
A circular guide portion that guides the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the circumferential direction,
A wall provided so as to separate a first space in which the first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged, and a second space in which the third holding portion and the fourth holding portion are arranged. An image pickup apparatus, characterized in that it is provided with. The first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the guide unit is arranged at a position closer to the first image pickup unit and the second image pickup unit than the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit. The imaging device described. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion each have an engaging portion that engages with the guide portion. The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third holding portion and a circular support portion that supports the fourth holding portion. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of the support portion is larger than the diameter of the guide portion. The imaging device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the wall is provided between the guide portion and the support portion. A illuminating light transmitting window that covers the first illuminating unit and the second illuminating unit and transmits the illuminating light emitted from the first illuminating unit and the second illuminating unit is provided. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a visible light transmitting window that covers the first image pickup unit and the second image pickup unit and transmits visible light. Claims 1 to 8 are provided with an image pickup unit that can rotate in the pan direction and the tilt direction in the central portion of the first image pickup unit and the second image pickup unit arranged in a circumferential shape. The image pickup apparatus according to any one of the above items. The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first illuminating unit and the second illuminating unit irradiate near-infrared light. It is provided with a third image pickup unit, a third illumination unit, a fifth holding unit that holds the third image pickup unit, and a sixth holding unit that holds the third illumination unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is characterized. Claims 1 to 11, wherein the first holding portion and the third holding portion are connected, and the second holding portion and the fourth holding portion are connected. The image pickup apparatus according to any one of the above. The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wall is a light-shielding wall.

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