JP2023049273A - Imaging apparatus, system, and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology with an improved function, for example, to provide a technology that allows a user to easily adjust the imaging direction of an imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 200 includes a housing 201 in which a photographing unit is provided, and is configured such that the photographing direction of the photographing unit can be adjusted with the housing 201 attached to a predetermined mounting portion, and displays an indicator 220 which is information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device, system, and the like.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a drive recorder that can be attached to the windshield of a vehicle using a bracket.

JP 2010-105530 A

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a technique with improved functions, for example, to provide a technique that allows a user to easily adjust the photographing direction of the photographing device.

The purpose of the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and we intend to acquire rights for the structure aiming to obtain the effect produced by the structure disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc. by divisional application, amendment, etc. . For example, the present specification discloses a problem in which the phrase "can be done" is read as "is the problem." The problems are described as independent ones, and we intend to acquire the rights for the structure for solving each problem independently by filing a divisional application, an amendment, etc. Even if the problem is implicitly grasped from the description of the specification, the applicant intends to claim part of the configuration described in this specification in an amended or divisional application. It also discloses a configuration that solves a problem that combines these independent problems, and has the intention to acquire the right.

(1) It has a housing provided with a photographing unit, and is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit while the housing is attached to a predetermined mounting portion, and serves as a guideline for the photographing direction. An imaging device for displaying information is provided.

In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction using the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the shooting unit when attaching the housing provided with the shooting unit to the predetermined attachment site. For example, even if the user cannot or is difficult to see the imaging unit directly when mounting the camera, the user can visually check the information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the imaging unit and use this as a clue. Easy to adjust shooting direction. If the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the shooting unit is displayed at a position that is visible to the user who attaches the housing, the user can adjust the shooting direction while viewing the information. The photographing unit may be configured such that the photographing direction is changed as the user changes the orientation of the housing. For example, the housing may be attached to a predetermined mounting portion using a mounting member, and may be configured to receive an operation by the user to change the posture of the housing in the attached state. The details of the display method will be described later. Further, the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the shooting unit may be displayed by the shooting device on its own device, or may be displayed on a device other than the shooting device itself or at another position. Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the shooting unit may be performed by a method of showing the information so that the user can see it. It may be performed by a method such as attaching an attaching member to be displayed to the housing, forming a hole, or displaying image information on a display device.

(2) Information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be displayed on the housing.

With this configuration, the user can adjust the shooting direction while viewing both the housing and the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, so that the adjustment can be facilitated.

(3) The information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction may be information that serves as a guideline for the direction in which the imaging lens of the photographing unit faces.

In this way, even if the user cannot or cannot visually see the imaging lens, it is possible to adjust the direction in which the imaging lens faces, using the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction.

(4) The predetermined mounting site is a site within a vehicle interior, and the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is a position where the imaging lens cannot be viewed by a user in the vehicle interior when viewing the information. should be displayed in

In this way, even if the user cannot see the imaging lens when viewing the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, the user can use the information as a clue to adjust the direction in which the imaging lens faces.

(5) The predetermined mounting portion is a portion in the vehicle interior of the vehicle, and the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is the position of the housing in a state where the housing is attached to the predetermined mounting portion. It may be displayed at a position facing the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

With this configuration, information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is displayed at a position facing the width direction of the vehicle in the housing of the shooting device. Direction can be adjusted.

(6) The information that serves as a guideline for the direction in which the photographing unit faces may include information that indicates the photographing direction.

This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the information indicating the shooting direction, and makes it easier to adjust the shooting direction.

(7) It is preferable that the information serving as a guideline for the imaging direction includes a line extending along the imaging direction.

This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the line extending along the shooting direction of the shooting unit, and makes it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction for setting the shooting direction to the horizontal direction may be a line extending in the horizontal direction.

(8) The information serving as a guideline for the imaging direction preferably includes a first line extending along the imaging direction and a second line intersecting the first line.

This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the first line extending along the shooting direction of the shooting unit and the second line intersecting the first line, and to easily adjust the shooting direction. be able to. For example, information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction for setting the shooting direction to the horizontal direction has a first line extending in the horizontal direction and a second line extending in the vertical direction as information serving as a guideline for the direction in which the shooting direction is directed. should extend to

(9) It is preferable that the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction includes characters, figures, or symbols that indicate the vertical direction.

This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the vertical direction of the characters, graphics, or symbols, and makes it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, when the top and bottom directions of characters, figures, or symbols are aligned with the vertical direction, or when the top and bottom directions of characters, figures, or symbols are aligned with the horizontal direction, the photographing apparatus is adjusted to a desired predetermined photographing direction. do it.

(10) It is preferable that the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is displayed at a position facing the imaging lens of the shooting unit in the housing.

This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand that the imaging lens is located at a position facing the information indicating the shooting direction displayed on the housing without visually looking at the imaging lens itself. This makes it easier for the user to adjust the shooting direction. In order to display the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction at a position facing the imaging lens in the housing, at least a portion of the information needs to be present at the position facing the imaging lens. good too. Also, the position facing the imaging lens in the housing may be a position on the opposite side of the housing from the imaging lens.

(11) The information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may include a figure that simulates the imaging lens and is displayed at a position facing the imaging lens of the imaging unit in the housing.

In this way, the user can intuitively perceive that the image pickup lens is located at a position facing the image by visually recognizing the image modeled on the image pickup lens displayed on the housing without visually looking at the image pickup lens itself. This makes it easier to understand, and makes it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, when a figure simulating an imaging lens is directed toward the user in the vehicle, it may be adjusted to a desired predetermined photographing direction in the photographing device.

(12) The information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may include a character string displayed at a position facing the imaging lens of the shooting unit in the housing.

This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand that the imaging lens is located at a position facing the character string displayed on the housing without visually looking at the imaging lens itself, so that the user can adjust the shooting direction. can be made easier. The character string may be composed of letters, graphics, symbols, or a combination thereof. For example, if the character string has its longitudinal direction in the horizontal direction, or if the top and bottom directions of each character are aligned with the vertical direction, then the photographing apparatus may be configured to adjust to a desired predetermined photographing direction.

(13) The character string may indicate a company that manufactures or sells the self-imaging device, or the type of the self-imaging device.

In this way, the character string often displayed on the imaging device for advertising, product identification, or other purposes, such as the business that manufactures or sells the imaging device, or the type of imaging device, can include the shooting direction. It can also serve as information that serves as a guideline.

(14) Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is performed by opening a hole as the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction in the housing at a position facing the imaging lens of the shooting unit. It is good to be.

By doing so, the hole provided at the position facing the imaging lens of the imaging unit can also function as information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction.

(15) It is preferable that the hole is configured so that a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction can be inserted therein, and the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is composed of the hole and the member inserted into the hole.

With this configuration, the user can adjust the photographing direction by inserting a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction into the hole and exerting a force on the member. It can be grasped as a standard.

(16) The holes may also be used as heat radiation holes in the housing.

By doing so, the hole provided in the housing as a reference for the photographing direction can also function as a heat radiation hole.

(17) The hole may be opened along a direction intersecting the photographing direction.

With this configuration, a user who sees the hole formed along the direction intersecting the photographing direction can use the hole as a clue to adjust the photographing direction. For example, if the direction along which the holes are aligned is aligned with the horizontal direction, it may be configured to be adjusted to a desired predetermined photographing direction in the photographing apparatus.

(18) Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may include printing or engraving the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction on the housing.

In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction using information that is printed or stamped on the housing in advance and serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. For example, since the manufacturing process of the imaging device may include the process of printing or engraving on the housing, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing process from becoming complicated.

(19) Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may include attaching an attachment member on which the information is formed to the housing.

In this way, the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction can be added later by the sticking member that sticks to the housing of the shooting device. For example, if the user needs to adjust the shooting direction, the user can leave the sticking member stuck to the housing, and then peel off the sticking member after the adjustment. can ensure the beauty of

(20) The housing includes a flat surface on its outer peripheral surface, the attachment member includes a linear side, and the housing is arranged such that the linear side is parallel to the flat surface. It should be affixed to

In this way, when attaching the attachment member to the housing, the user only needs to make the linear side of the attachment member parallel to the flat surface provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach the attaching member to the housing appropriately.

(21) Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may include attaching a protective sheet having a handle portion as the information to the imaging lens of the shooting unit.

In this way, the handle connected to the protective sheet attached to the imaging lens also functions as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, so that the function to protect the imaging lens is ensured and the shooting direction can be used as a guideline. It is possible to eliminate the need to display information separately.

(22) Displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may include displaying a level provided on the housing.

In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction using the level provided in the shooting device as a clue, and it is possible to eliminate the need to separately display information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. For example, if a commercially available spirit level can be used as the spirit level, there is no need to manufacture an exclusive spirit level for the photographing apparatus.

(23) Displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction preferably includes displaying image information as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction on a display section that displays image information.

In this way, information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction can be displayed on the display unit when necessary, and the information can be hidden from display when unnecessary. In addition, since information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction does not need to be displayed by printing, engraving, or the like, it is possible to easily implement a function that displays information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. A beautiful appearance can be secured.

(24) The image information may include an image of a line indicating the imaging direction.

In this way, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction and easily adjust the shooting direction by viewing the image of the line indicating the shooting direction. For example, when the photographing direction is set to the horizontal direction, it is preferable that the image of the line extends in the horizontal direction so that the photographing apparatus can be adjusted to a desired predetermined photographing direction. Further, for example, the line may be displayed so as to be tilted according to the tilt of the imaging direction.

(25) The display unit may be provided in a device provided at a position different from the housing.

With this configuration, the user can visually check the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction using the display section of the device provided at a position different from the housing. A device provided at a position different from the housing is preferably a device separate from the imaging device. For example, even if the imaging apparatus does not have a display unit, the user can view the information displayed on the display unit as a guideline for the imaging direction. For example, if the imaging device is an in-vehicle device (e.g., rear camera) that is placed behind the vehicle, another imaging device (e.g., front camera) having a display unit may be mounted in the same vehicle. The display section can be used to display information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction.

(26) Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be performed by displaying the image information when the self-shooting device is activated, the power is turned off, the vehicle is stopped, or the battery backup operation is started. .

In this way, the shooting direction can be used as a guideline at times when the user is likely to look at the display unit, such as when the shooting device is activated, when the power is turned off, when the vehicle is stopped, or when the battery backup operation is started. Since the information is displayed, the user can use the display as a clue to adjust the shooting direction.

(27) the photographing unit is a first photographing unit, the housing has a first portion provided with the first photographing unit and a second portion provided with a second photographing unit; Further, by changing the relative posture between the first part and the second part, the photographing direction of the first photographing unit can be adjusted, and serves as a guideline for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit. The information may include a first index displayed on the first portion.

With this configuration, the housing has the first section provided with the first imaging section and the second section provided with the second imaging section, and the imaging direction of the first imaging section and the second imaging section are combined. A user can visually check the first index displayed on the first part and use this as a clue to adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. .

(28) The imaging lens of the first photographing unit is provided at the first part, and the first index indicates the direction in which the imaging lens of the second photographing unit is positioned. It is preferable that the information is information that enables adjustment of the photographing direction of .

With this configuration, the user can make adjustments so that the direction indicated by the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the first shooting unit is the direction of the imaging lens of the second shooting unit. It is possible to make it easier to adjust the shooting direction of the camera. For example, the first photographing unit may be a photographing unit that photographs the outside of the vehicle, and the second photographing unit may be a photographing unit that photographs the interior of the vehicle. In this way, the user can easily see the imaging lens of the second imaging unit, and can easily adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit using this as a clue.

(29) It is preferable that a scale indicated by the first index, which serves as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit, is displayed at the boundary between the first part and the second part.

With this configuration, the user can adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit by adjusting the first index so that it points to the predetermined scale. It is assumed that the photographing device will be attached to various types of vehicles, and even if the inclination of the mounting portion is different, the user can easily adjust the photographing direction by knowing the scale to be aligned.

(30) The information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit includes a second index displayed on the second part, and the first index and the second index point to each other. , it is preferable that the photographing direction of the first photographing unit is adjustable.

In this way, the user can adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit by adjusting the first index and the second index so that they point to each other, which makes it easy for the user to understand the adjustment details.

(31) The imaging lens of the second photographing unit is provided in the second part, and the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction of the first photographing part is the imaging of the first photographing part of the first part. It may be displayed at a position facing the part where the lens is provided.

With this configuration, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction by using the orientation of the imaging lens of the second shooting unit and the information serving as a guideline for the shooting direction of the first shooting unit as a clue to adjust the shooting direction. be able to. For example, if the user adjusts the shooting direction so that the imaging lens of the second shooting unit and the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the first shooting unit face the same direction, then the shooting device will achieve a desired predetermined shooting direction. It is preferable to have an adjustable configuration.

(32) It is preferable to have a driving unit capable of changing the imaging direction, and a control unit that identifies the imaging direction and controls the driving unit so that the identified direction is directed to a predetermined imaging direction.

In this way, even if the user does not manually adjust the photographing direction, it is possible to autonomously control the photographing direction to a predetermined photographing direction.

(33) The information serving as a guideline for the shooting direction may be information for turning the shooting direction horizontally.

In this way, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction so that it is oriented horizontally. For example, when the photographing device is attached to the rear side of the vehicle, there are cases where it is desired to photograph the rear vehicle driving in a dangerous manner such as leaning, and the necessary adjustment for such photographing can be facilitated.

(34) The housing has a cylindrical shape, and the imaging lens of the imaging unit is provided on the peripheral surface of the housing. can be adjusted.

With this configuration, the housing is cylindrical, the imaging lens of the imaging unit is provided on the peripheral surface of the housing, and the orientation of the imaging lens can be adjusted by rotating the housing around the axis of the cylinder. In the configured photographing apparatus, information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction of the photographing unit is displayed at a position visible to the user, so that the user can easily adjust the photographing direction.

(35) It is preferable to provide a system including any of the photographing apparatuses using the sticking member and a document describing a method of sticking the sticking member to the housing.

By doing so, it is possible to make it easier for the user to correctly understand the method of attaching the member to be attached to the photographing device to the housing.

The inventions shown in (1) to (35) above can be combined arbitrarily. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which at least part of the configuration of at least one of the following inventions (2) is added to all or part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1). In particular, the invention shown in (1) may be added with at least a part of the configuration of at least one invention after (2). Also, arbitrary configurations may be extracted from the inventions shown in (1) to (35) and the extracted configurations may be combined. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions including these configurations. In addition, even if there is a description of "in the case of" or "when", it is not described as a configuration limited to that case or that time. These are examples of better configurations, and we intend to acquire configurations that are not in these cases or occasions. Moreover, the parts described with order are not limited to this order. It also discloses a configuration in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed, and there is an intention to acquire the right.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology with improved functions, for example, a technology that makes it easier for a user to adjust the shooting direction of an imaging device.

The effect of the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and the effect produced by the parts of the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc. is also disclosed, and the configuration that produces the effect is also acquired by divisional application, amendment, etc. have the intention to For example, in this specification, the description of "can be done" is a description that clearly shows the effect, and there are parts showing the effect even if there is no description of "can be done". Moreover, even without such a description, there is an effect that can be grasped by the configuration.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the system of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of an external appearance structure of the imaging device of the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the bracket of the same embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the imaging device of the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of an external appearance structure of the imaging device of the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the same embodiment bracket. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the imaging device of the same embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 1 of the same embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the housing of the imaging device of configuration example 1 of the same embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 1 of the same embodiment; It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the imaging device of the structural example 2 of the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the imaging device of the structural example 3 of the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the imaging device of the structural example 4 of the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the imaging device of the structural example 5 of the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the imaging device of the structural example 6 of the same embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of Configuration Example 7 of the same embodiment, and a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of a protective film. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 8 of the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 9 of the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 10 of the same embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging apparatus of configuration example 12 of the same embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 13 of the same embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 15 of the same embodiment; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the external configuration of the photographing apparatus of configuration example 15 of the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 16 of the same embodiment; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing image information of configuration example 16 of the same embodiment; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing image information of configuration example 17 of the same embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a guide screen of configuration example 20 of the same embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a guide screen of Configuration Example 21 of the same embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for autonomous adjustment of the imaging direction in configuration example 30 of the same embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 31 of the same embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 32 of the same embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 32 of the same embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 33 of the same embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing indices applicable to the photographing device of Configuration Example 33 of the same embodiment; FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 34 of the same embodiment; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 35 of the same embodiment; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device of configuration example 36 of the same embodiment;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals (reference numerals followed by A, B, etc.). may be omitted. Also, in each drawing referred to in the following description, the scale may be different from the actual scale in order to make each member, each region, etc. recognizable.

[1. Overall system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the system of this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle 400 viewed from the side. The system 1 has an imaging device 100 as a first imaging device and an imaging device 200 as a second imaging device, which are arranged in a vehicle 400 . The vehicle 400 is, for example, an internal combustion engine vehicle having an engine as a drive source, a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a travel motor as drive sources, an electric vehicle having a travel motor as a drive source, or the like. The vehicle 400 is, for example, a four-wheeled automobile, but may be any vehicle on which the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 can be installed. The vehicle may be, for example, a large transportation vehicle with four or more wheels such as an automobile, a bus, or a truck, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or a bicycle, or other vehicles. The vehicle may be, for example, a transportation vehicle such as a train, a monorail, or a linear motor car.

The imaging device 100 is a front camera arranged on the front side of the vehicle 400 . The photographing device 100 is attached, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the cabin of the vehicle 400, and photographs the front of the vehicle 400 through the windshield as the photographing direction. The imaging device 100 is a drive recorder. Specifically, the photographing device 100 has a function of photographing, a function of recording image data representing the photographed image, and a function of recording the image data obtained from the photographing device 200 .

The imaging device 200 is a rear camera arranged on the rear side of the vehicle 400 . The photographing device 200 is attached, for example, at a predetermined position on the rear side of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 400, and photographs the rear side of the vehicle through the rear glass. The photographing device 200 has a function of photographing and a function of outputting image data representing the photographed image to the photographing device 100 .

The imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 are connected via a cable 300 . A cable 300 is a wired communication path that connects the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 . The cable 300 has, for example, a power line that supplies power for operation from the image capturing apparatus 100 to the image capturing apparatus 200, and a signal line for transmitting various signals between the image capturing apparatus 100 and the image capturing apparatus 200. . The imaging device 200 operates by being supplied with power from the imaging device 100 via the cable 300 . Note that the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 may be connected by a wireless communication path of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other standards instead of a wired communication path. Also, the imaging device 100 may be used without being connected to the imaging device 200 through communication.

[2. Appearance configuration of imaging device 100]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2A is a diagram of the photographing apparatus 100 as seen from the front and obliquely upward right direction. FIG. 2B is a diagram of the photographing device 100 as seen from the rear side, obliquely upward to the right. The front side of the photographing device 100 faces the front side of the vehicle 400 , and the rear side of the photographing device 100 faces the rear side of the vehicle 400 . The imaging device 100 has a housing 101 . The housing 101 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction and has a relatively small thickness. The housing 101 has a top surface 1011 facing upward when attached to the vehicle 400, a first side surface 1012, a second side surface 1013, and a third side surface 1014 located opposite the second side surface 1013. and a fourth side 1015 located opposite the first side 1012 .

A joint rail 102 and a camera jack 191 are provided on the upper surface 1011 . Joint rail 102 is detachable with a bracket (for example, bracket 600 to be described later) for attaching imaging device 100 to a predetermined attachment portion of vehicle 400 . The attachment site may be, for example, the windshield of the vehicle 400 (for example, near the upper end of the windshield), the rearview mirror of the vehicle 400, the ceiling of the vehicle interior, or the like. When the photographing device 100 is attached to the vehicle 400 , the first side surface 1012 faces the front side of the vehicle 400 . At this time, the second side surface 1013 faces rightward when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle 400 . The third side surface 1014 faces left when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle 400 . The fourth side 1015 faces the rear side of the vehicle 400 .

Camera jack 191 is a terminal to which one end of cable 300 is connected. The camera jack 191 may correspond to, for example, the USB Type C standard, and may be a terminal for the imaging device 100 to communicate with the imaging device 200 according to the Ethernet standard.

The first side surface 1012 is provided with an imaging lens 151 , a sound emission hole 103 and a microphone hole 104 . The imaging lens 151 is a lens for condensing light included in an imaging unit (imaging unit 15 described later) included in the imaging apparatus 100 . The sound output hole 103 is provided above the imaging lens 151, and is a hole through which sound output by an audio output unit (an audio output unit 14 described later) of the imaging device 100 is transmitted from the inside of the housing 101 to the outside. . The microphone hole 104 is provided below the imaging lens 151 and is a hole that transmits external sound from the outside of the housing 101 to the inside. The sound transmitted inside the housing 101 is input to a microphone (a microphone 121 to be described later) of the imaging device 100 .

An event recording button 122 is provided on the second side surface 1013 . The event recording button 122 is an operation means for instructing the start of recording (recording) of the image captured by the imaging unit 15 or the end of the recording. When the event recording button 122 is operated by the user while event recording is not being performed, the imaging device 100 starts event recording. Event recording will be described later in detail. The event record button 122 is provided on the second side 1013 facing the driver's seat so that the driver of the right-hand drive vehicle 400 can easily operate it.

A terminal 192 and a storage medium insertion port 181 are provided on the third side surface 1014 . A terminal 192 is a terminal for receiving power supply from an external device. Terminal 192 is, for example, a DC jack. Terminal 192 is connected to a connector on one end of a power supply cord (for example, a cigar plug cord). A connector on the other end side of the power cord is connected to a power supply terminal (for example, a cigar socket) provided on the vehicle 400 side, for example.

Terminal 192 may be connected to an OBDII adapter connectable to an OBDII (“II” is the Roman numeral for “2”) connector of vehicle 400 . The OBDII connector, also called a failure diagnosis connector, is a terminal that is connected to an ECU (Engine Control Unit) of a vehicle and outputs various vehicle information every predetermined period (for example, every 0.5 seconds). By connecting the terminal 192 to the OBDII connector using the OBDII adapter, the imaging device 100 can receive power for operation and acquire vehicle information.

Vehicle information is information about the state of vehicle 400 . The vehicle information includes, for example, the speed of the vehicle 400 (vehicle speed), engine speed, engine load factor, throttle degree, ignition timing, remaining fuel ratio, intake manifold pressure, intake air amount (MAF), injection opening time, engine Cooling water temperature (cooling water temperature), temperature of air taken into the engine (intake air temperature), air temperature outside the vehicle (outside air temperature), amount of remaining fuel in the fuel tank (remaining fuel amount), fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, At least one or more of accelerator opening, blinker information (operation of left and right blinkers (ON/OFF)), brake opening, steering angle of steering wheel, gear position, door opening/closing state, etc. may be used.

A storage medium insertion port 181 is an insertion port for inserting a storage medium 500 as an external storage means into the imaging device 100 . A storage medium 500 is a storage medium in which images captured by the imaging device 100 or the imaging device 200 are recorded, and is an SD card, for example. The SD card includes any form such as SD memory card, miniSD card, and microSD card. The storage medium 500 may further store a program for a viewer (for example, a dedicated viewer) for reproducing the stored images on an information display terminal such as a personal computer.

A fourth side surface 1015 is provided with an operation unit 123 , a display surface 131 , and a light emitting unit 21 . The operation unit 123 has a first button 1231 , a second button 1232 , a third button 1233 and a fourth button 1234 . A first button 1231 , a second button 1232 , a third button 1233 , and a fourth button 1234 are arranged vertically along the right side of the display surface 131 . Functions assigned to these buttons include, for example, the following functions.

The first button 1231 functions as a button for switching images when pressed for a long time, and functions as a button for instructing formatting of the storage medium 500 when pressed for a short time. The image displayed on the display surface 131 is, for example, one or both of the image currently captured by the imaging device 100 and the image currently captured by the imaging device 200 . Formatting the storage medium 500 is to initialize the storage medium 500, for example, to erase data such as images stored in the storage medium 500, and to put the storage medium 500 into a state in which the imaging device 100 can use the storage medium 500. (for example, to enable recording and reading of images), writing setting information indicating details of operation settings to the storage medium 500, and setting the storage medium 500 to a specific file state; is grasped as at least one of

A second button 1232 is a button for displaying a selection screen for selecting an image to be reproduced by the imaging device 100 . A third button 1233 is a button for displaying a menu regarding settings of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 . A fourth button 1234 is a button for instructing start and stop of image recording. For example, when the fourth button 1234 is pressed for a short time during recording by the constant recording function, which will be described later, the recording is temporarily stopped. When the fourth button 1234 is pressed for a short time during the pause, image recording by the constant recording function resumes. When the fourth button 1234 is long pressed, the frame rate for recording images can be changed.

The display surface 131 is an area in which an image displayed by a display unit (display unit 13 described later) of the imaging device 100 is displayed. The display surface 131 is, for example, a rectangular or square area. A touch sensor 124 for detecting a user's touch operation is provided over the display surface 131 .

The light emitting unit 21 is provided above the first button 1231 and emits light in a predetermined color.

Note that the imaging device 200 may also have a function as a drive recorder, and may have the same configuration as the imaging device 100, for example. Further, one or a plurality of imaging devices that capture images in other directions may be used instead of or in addition to the imaging device 200 as imaging devices that are connected to the imaging device 100 by communication. Other directions include directions such as the oblique right rear, left oblique rear, and vehicle width direction (side) of the vehicle 400 .

[3. Bracket configuration]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of bracket 600. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed obliquely from the upper right side of the front side. FIG. 3B is a side view of the bracket 600. FIG. FIG. 3C is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed obliquely from the lower right side of the front side. The bracket 600 is an example of an attachment member that attaches the imaging device 100 to the vehicle 400 .

Bracket 600 is a mounting member that uses a ball joint mechanism. In bracket 600 , flat plate-shaped base portion 610 has mounting surface 611 to be attached to the windshield of vehicle 400 . The base portion 610 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the support of the ball stud 620 . An adhesive member such as a double-sided tape is attached to the mounting surface 611, and it is attached to the windshield of the vehicle 400 or the like via the adhesive member.

The ball stud 620 is a portion of the base portion 610 that rises from the surface opposite to the mounting surface 611 . The ball portion 621 of the ball stud 620 is attached to the socket portion 630 . The nut 640 is detachably attached around the socket portion 630 . A screw groove is formed on the outer periphery of the socket portion 630 . A nut 640 that fits into the thread groove is attached to the outer periphery of the socket portion 630 . With the ball portion 621 of the ball stud 620 mounted in the socket portion 630, the socket portion 630 rotates in a desired direction along the peripheral surface of the ball portion 621 before the nut 640 is tightened, and the base portion The posture of 650 can be changed. When the nut 640 is tightened, the posture of the base portion 650 is fixed.

The base portion 650 is formed in a pair with the socket portion 630 and is a part for mounting on the photographing device 100 . The base portion 650 has a pair of guide rails 651 on its bottom surface. The pair of guide rails 651 are configured to be slidable along the joint rails 102 of the photographing device 100 . A claw-shaped tip portion 652 is provided at the tip portion of the base portion 650 . The bracket 600 is attached to the imaging device 100 by hooking the front end portion 652 of the joint rail 102 near the front end of the imaging device 100 .

[4. Electrical configuration of imaging device 100]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device 100. As shown in FIG. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the imaging device 100 . The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including a processor 111 and a memory 112 . The processor 111 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate, etc.). The memory 112 is a main storage device including, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The processor 111 temporarily stores the program read from the ROM of the memory 112 in the RAM. The RAM of memory 112 provides a working area for processor 111 . The processor 111 performs arithmetic processing while temporarily storing data generated during execution of the program in the RAM, thereby performing various controls. The timer 113 is, for example, a real-time clock. The clock unit 113 may be mounted on the motherboard of the processor 111 or may be externally attached to the processor 111 .

The input unit 12 receives input of information from the user. The input unit 12 has, for example, the microphone 121, the event recording button 122, the operation unit 123, and the touch sensor 124 described above. The microphone 121 converts sound incident through the microphone hole 104 or the like into an electric signal. The microphone 121 is, for example, a condenser microphone. The touch sensor 124 detects the position touched by the user on the display surface 131 . The touch sensor 124 is, for example, a capacitive type.

The display unit 13 displays an image on the display surface 131 . The display unit 13 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The audio output unit 14 outputs audio. This sound includes, for example, notification sound, BGM, voice message, and the like. The audio output unit 14 has, for example, an audio processing circuit and a speaker.

The imaging unit 15 takes an image and generates image data obtained by the imaging. The imaging device is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary MOS) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The photographing unit 15 generates a color (multicolor) image including, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components.

The communication unit 16 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 16 has a communication circuit for wirelessly communicating with an external device by, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication, or short-range wireless communication. . The communication unit 16 may have, for example, a communication circuit for performing communication conforming to mobile communication system standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, and 5G.

The sensor unit 17 has various sensors. The sensor unit 17 has, for example, at least one of an acceleration sensor (eg, G sensor), a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The acceleration sensor is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects longitudinal, lateral, and vertical acceleration of the vehicle. A gyro sensor is a sensor that detects the tilt of the imaging device 100 . Accelerometers and gyro sensors may be used to estimate the position of vehicle 400 by autonomous navigation, for example, when signals from GNSS satellites cannot be received. An atmospheric pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure. An atmospheric pressure sensor is used, for example, to detect a difference in height and determine whether it is a highway or a general road. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects the illuminance indicating the brightness of the interior of the vehicle around the imaging device 100 . The illuminance sensor is used, for example, to adjust the brightness of the display on the display unit 13 .

The reader/writer 18 functions as a medium holder that holds the storage medium 500 inserted into the imaging device 100 through the storage medium insertion port 181 . The reader/writer 18 writes data to the storage medium 500 and reads data from the storage medium 500 . The reader/writer 18 may hold only one storage medium 500, but may be configured to hold two or more storage media 500 at the same time.

The terminal section 19 has a terminal for electrical connection with an external device. The terminal section 19 has the camera jack 191 and the terminal 192 described above. As a device connected to the terminal portion 19, an external battery may be used so that the photographing device 100 and the photographing device 200 can operate without power supply from the vehicle 400 side. A device connected to the terminal unit 19 may be, for example, a device having a function of assisting the user in driving safely. As such a device, for example, a device having a function of photographing the driver (for example, face) and detecting and notifying the state of the driver, such as inattentiveness and drowsy driving, or an obstacle around the vehicle 400 (For example, devices used for vehicle detection for Forward Vehicle Collision Warning Systems (FCWS)). The device connected to the terminal portion 19 may also be an in-vehicle device such as a radar detector, a laser detector, a car navigation device, or a display device.

The position information acquisition unit 20 acquires position information indicating the position (more specifically, the current position) of the imaging device 100 . The position of the photographing device 100 should be regarded as the position of the vehicle 400 in which the photographing device 100 is arranged, the position of the photographing device 200 arranged in the vehicle 400, and the position of the driver and other people riding in the vehicle 400. can be done. The position information acquisition unit 20 acquires the position information (latitude information and longitude information) of the imaging device 100 based on a signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System), which is one of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), for example. ). The position information acquisition unit 20 may also use Michibiki as a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System).

The light emitting section 21 emits light in a predetermined color. The light emitting unit 21 has, for example, a light emitting diode.

The power control unit 22 controls power supply to each unit of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 . The power control unit 22 has, for example, a power switch and a power control circuit. The power control unit 22 supplies power supplied from the vehicle 400 side via the terminal unit 19 to each unit of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 . The power supply control unit 22 may further include a secondary battery, a button battery, or an electric double layer capacitor (also called a supercapacitor) as power storage means.

The imaging device 100 may further have an auxiliary storage device exemplified by a flash memory (eg, eMMC, SSD) as internal storage means. Various storage media such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media can be used as auxiliary storage devices.

[5. Image recording function of imaging device 100]
The imaging device 100 has one or more of the following functions as image recording functions. The image recording function is a function of recording an image captured by the imaging device 100 as image data in a predetermined file format. The image data is preferably moving image format image data, for example, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (eg, MPEG2, MPEG4), AVI, MOV, WMV, and the like.

<5-1. Constant recording function>
The constant recording function (also referred to as constant recording function) is a function of continuously (that is, constantly) recording images captured by one or both of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 while the imaging device 100 is in operation. be. When executing the constant recording function, the control unit 11 records captured images for a period from when the drive source of the vehicle 400 is started or when the accessory power source is turned on until when the drive source is stopped or the accessory power source is turned off. do.

<5-2. Event recording function>
The event recording function is a function of recording an image captured by one or both of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 in response to the occurrence of a specific event. An event is an event in which an image captured by the imaging device 100 or the imaging device 200 should be recorded. collision, etc. The control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred, for example, based on the measurement value obtained by the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 . Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred when the measured value of the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or indicates a predetermined temporal change. The condition for determining the occurrence of an event is not limited to this. Based on the vehicle information, the control unit 11 may determine that an event has occurred when the state of the vehicle 400, such as the vehicle speed and the steering state, satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit 11 analyzes the image captured by the image capturing unit 15 or the image capturing device 200, and detects that the vehicle 400 or another vehicle is driving dangerously (for example, driving in a rush, approaching, or approaching abnormally), an event occurs. can be determined. The control unit 11 also determines that an event has occurred when the event recording button 122 is operated.

When the control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred, the control unit 11 records images captured during a predetermined period before and after the occurrence of the event (hereinafter referred to as “event recording period”) in the storage medium 500 . For example, the control unit 11 temporarily records images captured by the image capturing unit 15 and the image capturing device 200 in the memory 112 (eg, RAM), and reads the images from the memory 112 when determining that an event has occurred. Images during the event recording period may be recorded in the storage medium 500 . For example, the control unit 11 makes one file 40 seconds of images in total, 20 seconds before the occurrence of the event and 20 seconds after the occurrence of the event. The event recording period is an example, and may differ depending on the type of event, or may be changeable by the user. The control section 11 may record an image made up of a plurality of files in the storage medium 500 for each occurrence of one event. The control unit 11 further associates the values (eg, acceleration in each direction of three axes) measured by the sensor unit 17 during the event recording period and the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 20 with the image, It may be recorded on the storage medium 500 .

<5-3. Parking monitoring function>
The parking monitoring function is a function of recording images captured by one or both of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 while the vehicle 400 is parked. The parking monitoring function is a function for monitoring the inside of the parked vehicle 400 or the outside around the vehicle 400 . When the engine of vehicle 400 is off, control unit 11 receives power from an external battery and records an image on storage medium 500 . Regarding whether or not the vehicle 400 is parked, the control unit 11 detects, for example, that the accessory power source has been turned off, that the drive source has been stopped, that the power supply from the external battery has started, and that the vehicle speed has been started. is 0 km/h or a predetermined speed or less, and the position information obtained by the position information obtaining unit 20 is predetermined position information (for example, position information of home, work, or parking lot), or Make decisions based on multiples.

The parking monitoring function may have a time-lapse mode and a motion detection mode. Specifically, when the time-lapse mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 records images by thinning the frame rate more than other image recording functions such as the constant recording function and the event recording function. For example, while the frame rate of other image recording functions is 20 to 30 frames/second, the frame rate of the time-lapse mode is 1 frame/second. The moving body detection mode is a mode for recording an image in response to detection of a moving body. Specifically, when the moving object detection mode is selected by the user and the moving object is detected from changes in the images captured by the imaging devices 100 and 200, the control unit 11 detects a predetermined period before and after the detection. , is recorded in the storage medium 500 . The frame rate may be the same frame rate as the constant recording function, the event recording function, and the like.

[6. Appearance configuration of imaging device 200]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 200. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram of the imaging device 200 as seen from the oblique upper right direction on the front side. FIG. 5B is a diagram of the photographing device 200 viewed obliquely from the upper right direction on the back side. The front side of the photographing device 200 faces the rear side of the vehicle 400 , and the rear side of the photographing device 200 faces the front side of the vehicle 400 . The imaging device 200 has a housing 201 . The housing 201 is cylindrical (or can also be called columnar). The housing 201 has a configuration that can be divided into two parts along the axial direction, the front side being a first section 201A and the rear side being a second section 201B. The outer peripheral portion of the housing 201 is roughly divided into a peripheral surface portion 2011 , a side surface 2012 and a side surface 2013 . The peripheral surface portion 2011 is a peripheral surface (curved surface) portion of the housing 201 and corresponds to the side surface of the cylinder. An imaging lens 2031 is provided on the front side of the peripheral surface portion 2011 . The imaging lens 2031 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes slightly toward the front side from other portions of the peripheral surface portion 2011 . The optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031 coincides with the front-rear direction of the imaging device 200 . A plurality of ventilation holes 2014 are formed in the peripheral surface portion 2011 . The ventilation hole 2014 is a hole for allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201 and releasing heat generated inside the housing 201 to the outside. The ventilation holes 2014 have a longitudinal direction along the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 2011, and are arranged in plurality at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the cylinder.

A side surface 2012 and a side surface 2013 are side surfaces of the housing 201 and are circular. The side surfaces 2012 and 2013 are portions corresponding to the bottom surface of the cylinder. When the housing 201 is placed in the vehicle 400 with the imaging lens 2031 directed toward the rear of the vehicle 400, the side surface 2012 is located on the left side (that is, the right side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 400), and the side surface 2013 is located on the right side ( That is, it is located on the left side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 400 . A camera jack 2021 is provided on the side surface 2013 . Camera jack 2021 is a terminal to which the other end of cable 300 is connected. Although the camera jack 2021 is a cylindrical hole here, it may be compatible with, for example, the USB Type C standard and used as a terminal for the imaging device 200 to communicate with the imaging device 100 according to the Ethernet standard.

The imaging device 200 is configured such that the imaging direction of the imaging device 200 (which may be read as an imaging unit 203 described later) is changed as the user changes the orientation of the housing 201 . As a configuration for that purpose, the imaging device 200 has a bracket 210 for fixing the housing 201 to a predetermined attachment site. The housing 201 is attached to a predetermined attachment site using a bracket 210 . With the housing 201 attached to the rear glass using the bracket 210, the housing 201 receives an operation by the user and rotates the housing 201 in the axial direction about the axis l. Rotate.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of bracket 210. As shown in FIG. The attachment site of the imaging device 200 is the interior of the vehicle 400 in this embodiment, and is the rear glass of the vehicle 400 in this embodiment. Bracket 210 is an example of a mounting member. Bracket 210 has ring portion 2101 , fixing plate 2102 , and connecting portion 2103 . The ring portion 2101 and the fixing plate 2102 are connected via a connecting portion 2103 standing on the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 2101 .

The housing 201 is fitted inside the ring portion 2101 . As shown in FIG. 6A, the portion of the housing 201 facing the ring portion 2101 is slightly smaller in radial dimension than the other portions of the housing 201 . The inner peripheral surface of the ring portion 2101 has dimensions that are substantially the same as or slightly larger than the radial dimensions of the portion that faces the ring portion 2101 . The ring portion 2101 can rotate in the axial direction with respect to the housing 201 in a state of being fitted in the housing 201 by receiving a user's force in the axial direction (that is, an operation force).

An adhesive member 2104 such as double-sided tape is attached to the upper surface of the fixing plate 2102 . The housing 201 is attached to the rear glass by bonding the fixing plate 2102 to the rear glass. When attaching the housing 201, the user fixes the upper surface of the fixing plate 2102 in contact with the rear glass as shown in FIG. 6B. The user adjusts the posture of the housing 201 by rotating the housing 201 along the inner peripheral surface of the ring portion 2101 while the housing 201 is attached to the rear glass. A change in the posture of the housing 201 changes the shooting direction, and the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces (in this embodiment, the optical axis direction) is the shooting direction. Since the housing 201 is cylindrical (cylindrical in this embodiment), the rotation direction of the housing 201 is the direction around the axis of the cylinder. As shown in FIG. 6C, the user rotates the housing 201 and adjusts the imaging lens 2031 so that it faces the desired shooting direction, and releases the hand when the adjustment is completed. In this embodiment, the desired direction may be a desired predetermined photographing direction of the photographing device 200, and may be a horizontal direction behind (for example, directly behind) the vehicle 400 (see FIG. 6C). Note that the photographing device 200 may include a mechanism (for example, a lock mechanism) and a member (for example, a fastener) for fixing the imaging lens 2031 in the adjusted direction.

[7. Electrical configuration of imaging device 200]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device 200. As shown in FIG. A control unit 206 controls each unit of the imaging device 200 . Control unit 206 may have the same hardware configuration as control unit 11 . The terminal section 202 has terminals for electrical connection with an external device. Terminal unit 202 has camera jack 2021 described above. A terminal unit 202 is a terminal for outputting image data of an image captured by the image capturing unit 203 to the image capturing apparatus 100 and receiving power for operation from the image capturing apparatus 100 .

The imaging unit 203 takes an image and generates image data obtained by the imaging. The imaging device is, for example, CMOS or CCD. The imaging unit 203 generates a color (multicolor) image including, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components.

A power control unit 204 controls power supply to each unit of the image capturing apparatus 200 . The power control unit 204 has, for example, a power control circuit. The power control unit 204 supplies power supplied from the imaging device 100 to each unit of the imaging device 200 .

The imaging device 200 may further have an auxiliary storage device exemplified by a flash memory (eg, eMMC, SSD) as internal storage means. Various storage media such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media can be used as auxiliary storage devices.

As the imaging devices 100 and 200, imaging devices that capture celestial images such as omnidirectional and semi-spherical images may be used. Further, as the imaging device 100, an imaging device that does not have the display unit 13 may be used. Moreover, as the imaging device 200, an imaging device having various sensors and a display unit may be used. Further, the housing of the imaging device 100 may not be rectangular parallelepiped, and may be, for example, a cylindrical imaging device. Further, the housing of the photographing device 200 may not be cylindrical, and may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped photographing device.

[7. Regarding the installation of the imaging device]
The inventors have found that there are the following problems in mounting the imaging device in the cabin of the vehicle. When a front camera as exemplified by the photographing device 100 and a rear camera as exemplified by the photographing device 200 are installed, the user in the vehicle sees an imaging lens (also referred to as a camera lens) on the opposite side of the user. is positioned, and the imaging lens may not be directly visible or may be difficult to see. Therefore, it may be difficult for the user to mount the imaging lens in a desired direction. Therefore, in order to assist the user in adjusting the shooting direction, the inventor considered configuring the shooting apparatus so as to display information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. This is because the user thought that the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction would serve as a guide when the user adjusts the shooting direction, and would contribute to facilitating the adjustment. Information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the shooting unit is displayed as information that the user can visually grasp, and can be displayed in various ways. Although the specific configuration will be described later, it is preferable that the photographing device displays the image on its own device, but the photographing device may display the image on a device other than itself or at another position. Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the shooting unit may be performed by a method of showing the information so that the user can see it. A method such as attaching a member to a housing, displaying image information on a display device, or the like can be adopted.

Unless otherwise specified, each configuration described below can be applied to both the rear camera and the front camera, but mainly the attachment of the imaging device 200 corresponding to the rear camera will be described below. In particular, since the photographing apparatus 200 does not have a display unit, the image being photographed cannot be displayed on the display unit of the photographing apparatus 200 itself. Therefore, the user cannot adjust the orientation of the imaging lens 2031 while looking at the display, and it may become more difficult to adjust the orientation of the imaging lens.

<7-1> Displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is preferably displaying the information at a position that is visible to the user who installs the housing 201. In particular, the configuration for displaying on the housing 201 should be For example, information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be displayed at a position facing the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 400 in the housing 201 . Such locations include side 2012 or side 2013, for example.

<7-1-1> Configuration example 1
8, 9, and 10 are diagrams showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 1. FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram of the photographing device 200 as viewed obliquely from the upper right side of the front side.

As shown in FIG. 8, an index 220 is displayed on the side surface 2012 . The index 220 is an example of information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. The index 220 is information that indicates the shooting direction, and is information that indicates the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces. The index 220 is represented by a triangular figure (“Δ”), and three vertices are arranged so as to indicate the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces.

9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of the configuration when the housing 201 is viewed from the side surface 2012 side and the peripheral surface portion 2011 is viewed from above. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the first portion 201A and the second portion 201B are shown separated.

As shown in FIG. 9, the index 220 is preferably formed by engraving, for example, on a convex portion that protrudes outward in the axial direction of the axis l from other portions of the side surface 2012 . In this case, the index 220 is a triangular prism-shaped portion. In this way, even when the user is on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, the index 220 can be easily viewed. For example, the user can view the index 220 from a position opposite to the imaging lens 2031, or can turn around to the side 2012 and view the index 220. FIG. Even if the user cannot see the imaging lens 2031 itself, it is preferable to look at the index 220 and use it as a clue to rotate the housing 201 .

As shown in FIG. 10, the index 220 is preferably formed in a concave portion recessed inwardly in the axial direction of the axis l from other portions of the side surface 2012 by engraving, for example. In this case, the index 220 is a triangular prism-shaped portion. The user can easily see the index 220 even when the user is on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031 . For example, the user can view the index 220 from a position opposite to the imaging lens 2031, or can turn around to the side 2012 and view the index 220. FIG. Even if the user cannot see the imaging lens 2031 itself, it is preferable to look at the index 220 and use it as a clue to rotate the housing 201 .

Note that it is desirable for the indicator 220 to have a color different from that of the other parts of the housing 201 because it is easy for the user to see. This is the same for indices of each configuration example described later. The indicator 220 may be represented by, for example, an arrow, and information such as a graphic that can indicate a specific direction is preferably used. By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces as the shooting direction, and it becomes easier to adjust the shooting direction.

<7-1-2> Configuration example 2
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the photographing device 200 viewed obliquely from the upper right direction on the back side. As shown in FIG. 11, an indicator 230 is displayed on the side surface 2013 . The index 230 is an example of information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. The index 230 is information that indicates the shooting direction, and is information that indicates the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces. The index 230 is represented by a triangular figure (“Δ”), and three vertices are arranged so as to indicate the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces.

The indicator 230 is formed on the side surface 2013 by, for example, printing (for example, silk printing). Therefore, the indicator 230 constitutes a plane substantially flush with the side surface 2013 . The indicator 230 is displayed on the first portion 201A side of the side surface 2013, but may be displayed on the second portion 201B side. The indicator 230 may be represented by an arrow, for example, or may use information such as a graphic that can indicate a specific direction. The user can easily see the index 230 even when the user is on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031 . For example, the user can view the index 230 from the side opposite to the imaging lens 2031, or can turn around to the side 2013 and view the index 230. FIG. The user may look at the index 230 without looking at the imaging lens 2031 itself, and use this as a clue to rotate the housing 201 . By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces, and it becomes easier for the user to adjust the shooting direction.

In addition, in the rear camera manufactured and sold by the applicant, a print indicating that it is a terminal for connecting a camera cable called "CAM" is printed near the camera jack (however, it is different from that shown in FIG. 11). There is For example, by using this printing process, it is possible to print the indicator 230 on the same side surface 2013 without increasing the cost or suppressing the increase in cost. Alternatively, when a mold is newly created, the indicator 230 may be displayed by engraving (engraving) on the side surface 2012 . Since the current mold also has a slide mechanism on the side surface 2013, even a sculpture can be created at the same mold cost. It is thought that printing is easier for the user to see the indicator than engraving, but engraving may make it easier to see the indicator 230 even after the cable 300 is attached.

<7-1-3> Configuration example 3
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram of the photographing device 200 as seen from the front and obliquely upward right direction. As shown in FIG. 12, indicators 241 are displayed on the side surface 2012 . The index 241 is a line extending along the shooting direction. The indicator 241 is displayed by printing on the seal member 240A. A seal member is an example of an attachment member that is attached to a housing. The sealing member 240A is attached to the housing 201 and used. The sealing member 240A is attached to (for example, bundled with) the photographing device 200 and sold. When attaching the photographing device 200 , the sealing member 240</b>A is attached to the side surface 2012 so that the direction in which the index 241 extends matches the photographing direction of the imaging lens 2031 . The seal member 240A may be affixed by the user, or may be affixed at the shipping stage of the imaging device 200 . In the case of a configuration in which the user attaches the seal member 240A, an instruction sheet (for example, a paper medium or electronic data of an instruction manual for the photographing device 200) is attached to the photographing device 200. It should be sold.

In this way, the user can rotate the housing 201 with the direction in which the index 241 extends as the imaging direction without looking at the imaging lens 2031 itself. By viewing the index 241, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction and easily adjust the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces. For example, when the shooting direction is set to the horizontal direction, the user may adjust the shooting direction by extending the index 241 in the horizontal direction. If the color of the indicator 241 is different from the color of the side surface 2012, it may be easier for the user to see. Also, the seal member 240A may have the same shape and dimensions as the indicator 241 .

In addition, since the index 241 is displayed on the seal member 240A, it is possible to retrofit the housing 201 with information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. For example, if it is configured so that it can be retrofitted by the user, the sealing member 240A is left attached to the housing 201 when it is necessary to adjust the shooting direction, and the sealing member 240A is peeled off after the adjustment. Also, the external appearance of the photographing device 200 can be maintained.

<7-1-4> Configuration example 4
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 4. As shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram of the photographing apparatus 200 viewed obliquely from the upper right side of the front side. As shown in FIG. 13, indicators 242 and 243 are displayed on the side surface 2012 . The index 242 is a line (an example of a first line) extending along the imaging direction displayed on the seal member 240B. The use/function of the indicator 242 may be the same as the use/function of the indicator 241 . The indicator 243 is a line (an example of a second line) displayed on the seal member 240B and extending across the indicator 242 . In this embodiment, the indicators 242 and 243 are orthogonal to each other and form a cross-shaped figure. Like the sealing member 240A, the sealing member 240B is attached to the housing 201 and used. The sealing member 240B is attached to (for example, bundled with) the photographing device 200 and sold.

When mounting the photographing apparatus 200, the user intuitively understands the photographing direction by visually observing the index 242 extending along the photographing direction and the index 243 intersecting the index 242 without visually observing the image pickup lens 2031 itself. This makes it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, when the shooting direction is set to the horizontal direction, the user may adjust the shooting direction so that the index 242 extends in the horizontal direction and the index 243 extends in the vertical direction. When the seal member 240B is attached to the side surface 2012 so that the indicator 243 is along the boundary between the first portion 201A and the second portion 201B, the user can easily attach the seal member 240B appropriately. The indicators 242 and 243 may be easier for the user to see if the color is different from the color of the side surface 2012 . In addition to this, according to the configuration example 4, the same effects as the configuration example 3 can be obtained.

<7-1-5> Configuration example 5
When using the attachment member as described in <7-1-3> and <7-1-4>, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 is used to facilitate attachment of the attachment member. A configuration for making Although the case where the sealing member 240B is attached will be described below, the same can be applied to the case where another attaching member such as the sealing member 240A is used. Moreover, although the case where the sealing member is attached to the side surface 2013 will be described below, the sealing member may be attached to the side surface 2012 .

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 5. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram of the imaging device 200 viewed from the side 2013 side. Here, a flat surface 201C is provided on part of the peripheral surface portion 2011 of the housing 201 . In configuration example 5, the flat surface 201C is used to support the attachment of the attachment member. As shown in FIG. 14, when the housing 201 is viewed from the side 2013 side, the outer shape of the side 2013 has a linear portion due to the flat surface 201C. This linear portion is parallel to the imaging direction of the imaging unit 203 (that is, the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031). On the other hand, the sealing member 240B is a rectangular sealing member having linear sides. Therefore, the linear side of the sealing member 240B is attached so as to be parallel to the linear portion resulting from the flat surface 201C. Furthermore, it is preferable that an instruction sheet describing a method of attaching the seal member 240B is attached to the photographing apparatus 200 and sold. In this way, when the user attaches the seal member 240B to the housing 201, the linear side of the seal member 240B is parallel to the flat surface 201C provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201. Therefore, it becomes easy to appropriately attach the sealing member 240B to the housing 201. FIG.

In configuration example 5, the linear portion resulting from the flat surface 201C is parallel to the imaging direction of the imaging unit 203 (that is, the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031), but the flat surface 201C is parallel to the imaging direction of the imaging unit 203. , it is preferable that the linear side of the seal member on which the index is written is perpendicular to (that is, perpendicular to) the flat surface.

Further, in configuration example 5, a flat surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 and made parallel to the straight sides of the attachment member, thereby facilitating attachment. In addition to this, if the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 and the shape of the sides of the sealing member are the same, they can be aligned with each other to facilitate the attachment of the attaching member. it is conceivable that. For example, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 and the shape of the sides of the sealing member may be the same curve (for example, a curve with the same curvature).

<7-1-6> Configuration example 6
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 6. As shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram of the imaging device 200 viewed from the side 2013 side. An indicator 250, which is a character string "CAM", is displayed near the camera jack 2021 of the current imaging device. These "C", "A", and "M" are characters each having a vertical direction. The indicator 250 is a character string describing the function of the camera jack 2021, more specifically, a character string describing that the camera jack 2021 is a terminal for connecting a camera cable. In configuration example 6, the index 250 is used as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. In the index 250, the vertical direction of the characters matches the vertical direction, and the longitudinal direction of the index 250, which is the direction in which the characters are arranged, matches the shooting direction (here, the horizontal direction). Here, since the photographing direction is the horizontal direction, the top and bottom directions of the characters forming the index 250 match the vertical direction. Therefore, if the housing 201 is mounted upside down, the character string "CAM" will be upside down, which makes it easy for the user to understand that the mounting method is incorrect. It becomes easier for the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the top and bottom directions of the characters forming the index 250, and it becomes easier for the user to adjust the shooting direction. In the case of configuration example 6, the user should rotate the housing 201 so that the top and bottom directions of the characters of the indicator 250 are aligned with the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the indicator 250 is aligned with the horizontal direction.

In configuration example 6, the character string "CAM" is used as the index 250, but similar effects can be obtained when at least characters, figures, or symbols having vertical directions are used. The number of characters forming the index 250 may be further reduced or increased. In particular, if the indicator 250 also functions as a character string related to the function of the imaging device 200, like the character string "CAM", the number of characters, figures, symbols, etc. to be displayed on the housing 201 can be reduced. Therefore, it is also desirable in terms of securing the aesthetic appearance.

<7-1-7> Configuration example 7
Information that can be viewed from the vehicle width direction side of the vehicle 400 (for example, the side surface 2012 or 2013 side) and serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be displayed on the peripheral surface portion 2011 . In addition, below, although the case where it is visible from the side 2012 side is demonstrated, you may enable it to be visible from the side 2013 side.

In configuration example 7, information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is configured by a member attached to the imaging lens 2031 . As such a member, it is preferable to use a protective sheet 260 for lens protection as shown in FIG. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a state in which the protective sheet 260 is attached to the imaging lens 2031. FIG. FIG. 16B is a front view of the protective sheet 260 before being attached to the imaging lens 2031. FIG.

The protective sheet 260 is composed of a protective film portion 261 and a handle portion 262 . The protective film portion 261 is a portion that covers the lens portion of the imaging lens 2031 . The protective film portion 261 is configured to match the shape and size of the lens portion of the imaging lens 2031, and is colorless and transparent, for example. The surface of the protective film portion 261 on the lens portion side of the imaging lens 2031 has an adhesive force. In that sense, the protection sheet 260 may be grasped as an example of an attachment member. The handle portion 262 is connected to the end portion of the protective film portion 261 . The handle portion 262 is preferably configured to be easily visible by the user, and may be colored red, for example. The handle portion 262 may be a non-adhesive portion. When the user peels off the protective sheet 260 from the mount or from the imaging lens 2031, the user pinches the handle portion 262 with fingers. The protective sheet 260 is attached so that the handle portion 262 is positioned on the horizontal side of the imaging lens 2031 (here, on the side surface 2012 side). Further, it is preferable that an instruction sheet describing a method of attaching the protective sheet 260, particularly a method of setting the position of the handle portion 262, is attached to the imaging device 200 and sold.

In this way, the handle for making the protective sheet 260 easier to handle also functions as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. can be compatible with eliminating the need to display separately. Moreover, even when the user is on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, the handle portion 262 can be easily seen, and the user can rotate the housing 201 using the handle portion 262 as a hand.

<7-2> Displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be performed on the peripheral surface portion 2011 . When attaching a rear-side camera, it is thought that there are not many users who make the mistake of "pointing the lens toward the rear" itself. Therefore, for the user, the task of turning the imaging lens roughly backward can be performed without information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, and it is difficult to make fine adjustments such as turning the lens horizontally. For this reason, when the bracket 210 is attached to the photographing device 200 and integrated with the photographing device 200 in a situation where it is time to attach it, some kind of mark (for example, a logo, letters, or a sticker) is placed on the opposite side (rear side) of the imaging lens 2031 . ), it seems that they will notice it. Therefore, the inventor thought that the rear side of the imaging lens in the housing 201 is easier for the user to see and effective.

Next, a configuration example in which displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is to display on the peripheral surface portion 2011 will be described. The imaging lens 2031 of the imaging device 200 is often located on the opposite side of the user. Therefore, if information serving as a guideline for the shooting direction is displayed at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 on the peripheral surface 2011, the user in the vehicle can easily see the information, and the shooting direction can be adjusted using this information as a clue. It's easy to do. Displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 in the housing 201 requires that at least a portion of the information be present at the position facing the imaging lens 2031. may be Further, the position facing the imaging lens 2031 in the housing 201 may be a position on the opposite side of the housing 201 from the imaging lens 2031 . In the photographing apparatus 200, the position opposite to the imaging lens 2031 may be, for example, a position in the housing 201 rotated 180 degrees from the position of the imaging lens 2031 about the axis l. In such a case, when the user views the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction in the horizontal direction (for example, when the user faces the information), the imaging lens 2031 is configured to exist at a position facing the information. , the position of the imaging lens 2031 is easy for the user to understand, and it is easy to adjust the imaging lens 2031 so as to face it in a desired direction. A configuration example will be described below.

<7-2-1> Configuration example 8
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 8. As shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram of the photographing device 200 as seen from the upper right direction on the back side. As shown in FIG. 17 , an index 270 may be displayed at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 on the peripheral surface 2011 of the housing 201 . In FIG. 17, the indicators 270 are indicated by black circles, but this is not intended to limit the display of black circles, but rather means that the information is displayed in some way. The index 270 functions not only as the shooting direction, but also as information that serves as a guideline for the position of the imaging lens 2031 in the housing 201 . For example, a user looking at the index 270 can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located at a position facing the index 270 on the peripheral surface 2011 , and can use the index 270 as a clue to determine whether the housing 201 You can adjust the shooting direction by rotating the . For example, the user should be able to adjust to the desired shooting direction when the index 270 faces the user or points the index 270 horizontally.

<7-2-2> Configuration example 9
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 9. As shown in FIG. Configuration example 9 is a configuration in which the index 270 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed as an index 271 . The index 271 is a figure imitating the imaging lens 2031, and is a lens mark here. A user who sees the index 271 can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located at a position facing the index 271 and the imaging lens 2031 faces the opposite side of the index 271. can be easily adjusted. For example, the user may rotate the housing 201 so that the indicator 271 faces the horizontal direction and the indicator 271 faces the user.

<7-2-3> Configuration example 10
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 10. As shown in FIG. Configuration example 10 is a configuration in which the index 270 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed by an index 272 . The index 272 is a character string "ABCDEFGH" here. A user who looks at the index 272 intuitively understands that the imaging lens 2031 is at a position facing the index 272, which is a character string displayed on the housing 201, and that the imaging lens 2031 faces the position facing the index 272. This makes it easier to understand, and makes it easier to adjust the shooting direction. The character string may be composed of letters, graphics, symbols, or a combination thereof. For example, if the character string has a horizontal longitudinal direction and the top and bottom directions of each character are aligned with the vertical direction, the photographing direction may be adjusted to a desired direction.

<7-2-4> Configuration example 11
The indicator 272 described in <7-2-3> can be an arbitrary character string, but it may be a business entity that manufactures or sells the imaging device 200, or the type of the imaging device 209 (for example, model number, product number, etc.). character string for identifying the model of the imaging device 200). In this way, the character string often displayed on the imaging device for advertising, product identification, or other purposes, such as the business that manufactures or sells the imaging device, or the type of imaging device, can include the shooting direction. It can also serve as information that serves as a guideline. For example, in a commercially available photographing device, a character string indicating the manufacturer or seller of the photographing device or the type of the photographing device may be attached to the side where the imaging lens is located. If this character string also functions as the index 272 , the amount of characters to be displayed on the housing 201 can be reduced, which is also desirable in terms of ensuring the appearance of the imaging device 200 .

<7-3> Constructing information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction by means of a hole It is preferable to open at a position facing the lens 2031 . By doing so, the hole formed in the housing 201 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 can also function as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. Specifically, for example, the following configuration is possible.

<7-3-1> Configuration example 12
FIG. 20 is a diagram of the photographing apparatus 200 of Configuration Example 12 as seen from the rear side and obliquely upward right direction. As shown in FIG. 20, a heat dissipation hole 280 is formed in the housing 201 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 . The heat radiation hole 280 is a hole opened along the axial direction of the cylindrical axis 1 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 in the housing 201 to allow communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201 . The radiation hole 280 also functions as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. The heat radiation hole 280 may be formed, for example, by inserting a horizontal line with a mold and having a design that also serves as a heat radiation hole. Since the photographing apparatus 200 has an electronic circuit or the like as a heat source inside, it is highly advantageous that the heat radiation effect is increased by the amount of the heat radiation hole 280 . Also, a user who sees the heat radiation hole 280 will notice that the image pickup lens 2031 is located in the peripheral surface portion 2011 at a position facing the heat radiation hole 280 and that the image pickup lens 2031 faces the side opposite to the heat radiation hole 280 . It becomes easier to understand intuitively, and it is easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, the user may adjust the shooting direction to a desired direction by aligning the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation hole 280 with the horizontal direction.

<7-3-2> Configuration Example 13
FIG. 21 is a diagram of the photographing apparatus 200 of Configuration Example 13 as seen from the rear side and obliquely upward right direction. FIG. 21A is a diagram of the photographing device 200 as viewed obliquely from the upper right direction on the back side. FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the photographing device 200 cut in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 21, the hole 281 is a hole configured so that a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction can be inserted. The member having a longitudinal direction is preferably a member that at least partially protrudes to the outside when inserted into the hole 281 . The hole 281 is configured such that a driver 282, which is an example of a tool, can be inserted as a member having a longitudinal direction. Although the user can rotate the housing 201 by directly touching the housing 201 with his/her hand, the user inserts the driver 282 into the hole 281 and grips the driver 282 to apply a force in the rotational direction. It is also possible to rotate the housing 201 by pressing. In this way, the driver 282 has a rod-shaped metal part and handle, so that the user can easily rotate the housing 201, and the user can intuitively determine the photographing direction by looking at the driver 282. It is easy to understand (for example, it is easy to check the horizontality), and it is easy to adjust the shooting direction. In this way, the hole 281 and the driver 282 constitute information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction.

When the shooting direction is horizontal, the user should rotate the housing 201 so that the driver 282 extends horizontally. In the first place, the housing 201 (main body) and the rear glass are close to each other, so it may be difficult for the user to turn the housing 201 by hand. It is easy to rotate the housing 201 . Although secondary, the tip of the driver 282 can hold down the shield case 283 inside the housing 201, thereby producing the effect of holding down the shield case 283 from coming off. The member inserted into the hole 281 is not limited to the driver, and a tool other than the driver may be used, or a plastic rod or other member having a longitudinal direction may be used.

<7-4> Configuration Example 14
Information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be displayed in the bracket 210 . For example, if only the rotatable bracket 210 is attached to the rear glass first and then the imaging lens 2031 is inserted into the ring portion 2101, the possibility of mounting the imaging device 200 will increase. Therefore, if an index such as a mark indicating an upward direction is displayed on the bracket 210 as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, the user can easily understand the shooting direction.

<7-5> Displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is performed by a spirit level provided in the housing 201 Displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is provided in the housing 201. It may be realized by displaying a spirit level. For example, a spirit level may be attached to the imaging device 200, or the imaging device 200 may be sold with the spirit level attached. A spirit level may be provided in the housing 201 in advance, but it is preferable that an external spirit level is detachably attached. The spirit level may be, for example, a commercially available spirit level. In order to make the spirit level detachable, it is preferable that side surfaces 2012 and 2013 or the peripheral surface portion 2011 of the housing 201 are provided with attachment portions for attaching the spirit level. The mounting portion may be, for example, a convex portion or a concave portion. The spirit level is configured to be attachable to the attachment portion, and may be provided with, for example, a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion of the housing 201 or a convex portion corresponding to the concave portion of the housing 201 . Alternatively, the level may be provided on the housing 201 using an adhesive member such as double-sided tape, or the level may be integrally provided on the housing 201 .

<7-5-1> Configuration example 15
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 15. As shown in FIG. FIG. 22A is a view of the vicinity of the side surface 2012 of the imaging device 200 viewed from the upper right direction. FIG. 22B is a view of the vicinity of the side surface 2012 viewed in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the axis l. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, a level 290 is provided on the side surface 2012 of the housing 201 . The spirit level 290 is provided near the boundary between the first portion 201A and the second portion 201B. The user should rotate the housing 201 while grasping the horizontal direction and the vertical direction while looking at the spirit level 290 . In FIG. 22A, the side surface 2012 is further provided with an index 291 indicating a horizontal line when the imaging lens 2031 is oriented horizontally, and a horizontal and vertical line when the imaging lens 2031 is oriented horizontally. An inverted "T" shaped indicator 292 consisting of portions extending in each direction is displayed. In this way, by displaying a plurality of pieces of information that serve as guidelines for the shooting direction, the user can easily adjust the imaging lens 2031 so that it faces the horizontal direction.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 15. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, instead of the inverted "T" shaped indicator 292 described with reference to FIG.

As described above, if the photographing apparatus 200 is provided with the level 290, the user can adjust the imaging direction while looking at the level 290. Therefore, information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is separately displayed. You can do better without it. For example, if a commercially available spirit level is used as the spirit level 290, there is no need to manufacture a special spirit level for the photographing apparatus.

<7-6> Displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction displays image information that includes information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. It is preferable to display image information including information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction on the display unit.

<7-6-1> Configuration example 16
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an imaging device 200 of configuration example 16. As shown in FIG. The imaging device 200 has an acceleration sensor 205 in addition to the configuration described with reference to FIG. The acceleration sensor 205 is a sensor for detecting the direction of gravity (that is, the direction in which the earth's gravity acts), and may be called a G sensor, for example. The acceleration sensor 205 may be, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects front-rear, left-right, and vertical accelerations of the photographing device 200 vehicle. The control unit 206 outputs the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205 to the imaging device 100 via the terminal unit 202 . In this manner, the control unit 206 has a function of displaying image information including information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction using the shooting apparatus 100 .

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of image information displayed on the display unit 13 of the imaging device 100. As shown in FIG. In the photographing apparatus 100, the control unit 11 preferably has a function of displaying a line image L indicating a horizontal line on the display unit 13 (for example, the body-side LCD) based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. The line image L is an example of information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction. For example, based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205, the control unit 11 measures a downward vector using the earth's gravity and causes the line image L to be displayed. For example, when the imaging lens 2031 of the imaging device 200 is oriented horizontally and the orientation is appropriately adjusted, the control unit 11 displays a line image L indicating a horizontal line as shown in FIG. It is displayed so as to extend in the horizontal direction at the vertical center of the display area of the unit 13 . On the other hand, when the imaging lens 2031 is directed slightly upward, the control unit 11 causes the line image L to be displayed by being tilted by an amount corresponding to the upward degree, or to be displayed above the center of the display area in the vertical direction. should be displayed on When the imaging lens 2031 faces slightly downward, the control unit 11 causes the line image L to be displayed downward according to the downward degree, or displayed below the center of the display area in the vertical direction. Good. The user may visually observe how the line image L is displayed, and use the inclination or position of the line image L as a clue to rotate the housing 201 . Note that the control unit 11 may display the line image L when a predetermined setting such as during installation of the photographing device 200 is performed. The control unit 11 may display the line image L together with the image captured by the imaging device 200 .

In this way, the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is composed of the image information displayed on the display unit 13 of the photographing apparatus 100. Therefore, the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is displayed when necessary, and the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is displayed when necessary. You can choose not to display it. In addition, since it is not necessary to print, engrave, or otherwise form information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, it is possible to easily implement a function that displays information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction.

In addition, if the image information includes an image of a line indicating the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces, the user can intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces, and easily adjust the imaging direction. For example, when the imaging lens 2031 is oriented horizontally, the line image should extend horizontally.

Further, the display unit 13 is included in the photographing device 100 which is a device provided at a position different from the housing 201 of the photographing device 200 . With this configuration, the user can use the display unit to visually check the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction even if the image capturing apparatus 200 does not have a display unit. For example, the photographing device 200 is an in-vehicle device (for example, a rear camera) arranged behind the vehicle 400, but another photographing device 100 (for example, a front camera) having a display unit is mounted on the same vehicle 400. The display unit 13 can be used to display information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. A device provided at a position different from the housing 201 may be a device different from the imaging device 100, and may be a device having at least a display function.

The control unit 206 may generate image information to be displayed on the display unit 13 and output the generated image information to the imaging apparatus 100 to display information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction.

<7-6-2> Configuration example 17
Under the configuration <7-6-1>, the display unit 13 may display an image representing a spirit level (hereinafter referred to as an “electronic spirit level”). In the photographing apparatus 100, the control unit 11 displays an electronic level on the display unit 13 (for example, main body side LCD) based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. FIG. An electronic level 700 shown in FIG. 26 includes a circular area 701 , a line image 702 indicating a horizontal line, a vertical index image 703 and a horizontal index image 704 . A circular area 701 is an area for displaying the tilt of the imaging lens 2031 . The circular area 701 may have scales indicating the degree of tilt with respect to the horizontal direction at predetermined angular intervals (for example, 5-degree intervals). A line image 702 indicates the tilt relative to the horizontal direction displayed based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205 . The line image 702 may be displayed tilted according to the tilt of the imaging lens 2031 (for example, tilted at the same angle as the imaging lens 2031) in the same manner as the line image L described above. The user may rotate the housing 201 while viewing the line image 702 so that the line image 702 extends in the horizontal direction.

A vertical direction index image 703 indicates the vertical tilt of the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces. Using the reference line 7031 as a reference, the greater the number of graduations 7032, the greater the inclination with respect to the horizontal direction. When the imaging lens 2031 is tilted upward, the scales 7032 are stacked upward, and when the imaging lens 2031 is tilted downward, the scales 7032 are stacked downward. A horizontal direction index image 704 indicates the tilt in the horizontal direction of the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 faces. Using the reference line 7041 as a reference, the greater the number of graduations 7042, the greater the inclination with respect to the horizontal direction. If the imaging lens 2031 is tilted rightward, the scales 7042 are stacked rightward, and if the imaging lens 2031 is tilted leftward, the scales 7042 are stacked leftward.

When the imaging lens 2031 faces in the horizontal direction (here, in a non-tilted state), the control unit 11 may change the color of predetermined display elements such as the reference lines 7031 and 7041 .

<7-6-3> Configuration example 18
According to the instructions or the like attached to the photographing device 200, first, the power sources of the photographing devices 100 and 200 are temporarily connected, and both the photographing devices 100 and 200 are brought to the rear side of the vehicle. (for example, a line image L or an electronic level), a description may be provided such that the photographing device 200 is attached. In this way, the user can easily perform the work of attaching the photographing device 200 while viewing the display of the photographing device 100 without making a mistake.

<7-6-4> Configuration example 19
As an extension of configuration examples 16 to 18 described in <7-6-1> to <7-6-3>, the acceleration sensor 205 of the imaging device 200 on the rear side generates an event recording trigger. good too. Strictly speaking, the acceleration acting on the front-side imaging device 100 and the acceleration acting on the rear-side imaging device 100 are different, so both triggers for event recording are generated. The control unit 11 may determine that a specific event has occurred based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205 in the event recording function. This determination condition may be the same as when the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 is used. An image captured by the device 200 may be recorded, or when at least one of the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 and the acceleration sensor 205 determines that an event has occurred, the image capturing device 100 and the image capturing device 200 The captured image may be recorded. By doing so, it can be expected that the image can be recorded more appropriately when a specific event occurs.

<7-6-5> Configuration example 20
In the imaging device 100 , the control unit 11 may cause the display unit 13 to display information that serves as a guideline for the direction in which the imaging lens 151 of the imaging device 100 faces. In the photographing device, even a slight tilt appears as a large tilt in the recorded video. It is actually difficult to install horizontally and vertically straight on a large window without any standard, and knowledge and techniques are required. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical gradients may be measured using an acceleration sensor mounted on the imaging device 100 and displayed on the guide screen. Displaying horizontal and vertical levels on the display unit 13 is effective as a guide for straight installation.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen. A guide screen 710 shown in FIG. 27A includes a container image 711 , a liquid image 712 , bubble images 713 and 714 , and angle values 715 and 716 . The container image 711 is an image imitating a colorless and transparent container formed in a cross shape. The liquid image 712 is an image simulating the liquid contained in the container indicated by the container image 711 . Bubble images 713 and 714 are images simulating bubbles (bubbles) contained in the liquid indicated by the liquid image 712 . The bubble image 713 displays the degree of inclination in the front-rear direction (front-rear inclination) depending on its position. When the bubble image 713 is positioned at the center of the container image 711 in the vertical direction, it indicates that the imaging device 100 is not tilted in the front-rear direction and the imaging lens 151 is oriented horizontally. When the bubble image 713 is positioned above the center of the container image 711 in the vertical direction, it indicates that the photographing device 100 is tilted forward, and the higher the bubble image 713 is positioned, the greater the tilt. When the bubble image 713 is positioned below the center of the container image 711 in the vertical direction, it indicates that the photographing device 100 is tilted backward, and the lower the bubble image 713 is positioned, the greater the tilt. The bubble image 714 displays the degree of tilt in the left-right direction (front-rear tilt) depending on its position. When the bubble image 714 is positioned at the center of the container image 711 in the horizontal direction, it indicates that the imaging device 100 is not tilted in the horizontal direction and the imaging lens 151 is oriented horizontally. When the bubble image 714 is positioned to the right of the center of the container image 711 in the horizontal direction, it indicates that the photographing device 100 is tilted to the right, and the tilt is greater as the bubble image 714 is positioned to the right. When the bubble image 714 is located to the left of the center of the container image 711 in the horizontal direction, it indicates that the photographing device 100 is tilted to the left, and the further to the left, the greater the tilt. The angle value 715 is a numerical value of the degree of inclination in the front-rear direction (front-rear inclination). The angle value 716 is the numerical value of the degree of tilt in the left-right direction (front-rear tilt). In this manner, the guide screen 710 displays the tilt of the imaging device 100 in bubble levels. By viewing the guide screen 710 and adjusting the front, rear, left, and right bubble images 713 and 714 like a spirit level, as shown in FIG.・Can be installed vertically. In this way, the user can correctly attach the photographing device 100 and also obtain visual interest from the guide screen 710 . When the shooting direction is horizontal (no tilt), the control unit 11 may change the color of a predetermined display element such as the liquid image 712.

<7-6-6> Configuration example 21
The guide screen is not limited to the guide screen 710 shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, instead of the cross-shaped image, images 720 and 730 imitating a circular spirit level may be displayed, or the display may be switched with the guide screen 710. . An image 720 is an image simulating a circular container containing liquid and bubbles, and the tilt of the photographing device 100 is displayed at the bubble level. The top and bottom of the image 720 indicate vertical tilt, and the left and right indicate horizontal tilt. And if you adjust the front, back, left and right bubbles like a spirit level to the center, you can easily install this machine horizontally or vertically. An image 730 is an image imitating a spirit level using a circle in a circular area. The user should adjust so that the circle is in the center of the circular area.

<7-6-7> Configuration example 22
Based on the configuration in which information serving as a guideline for the shooting direction is displayed on the display unit 13 of the image capturing apparatus 100, as described in configuration examples 16 to 21 in <7-6-1> to <7-6-6>. , the control unit 11 changes the photographing direction for a predetermined period at predetermined timing such as when the photographing device 100 is activated, accessory power is turned off (ACC OFF), vehicle 400 is stopped, or battery backup operation is started. It is preferable to display information that serves as a guideline for After that, the control unit 11 terminates the display when a predetermined time has passed, when the image recording function is ready for operation (for example, recording), or when the image recording (recording) is started. good. For example, the control unit 11 may switch the display to an image captured by one or both of the imaging devices 100 and 200 (that is, a camera image) after finishing the display of the information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction.

<7-6-8> Configuration example 23
Under the configuration of configuration example 22, when the vehicle 400 is running and the vehicle 400 is parked on a slope or the like, the control unit 11 does not display information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, or It is preferable to provide a function for displaying unreliable information (that is, the fact that reliability has decreased) so that the user can understand it. For example, such display may be displayed in gray, and in other cases, may be displayed in color.

<7-6-9> Configuration example 24
Under the configuration of configuration example 22, the control unit 11 operates at a predetermined timing such as when the photographing device 100 is activated, when the accessory power source is turned off (ACC OFF), when the vehicle 400 is stopped, or when the battery backup operation is started. Display an object (for example, a soft button) to be operated to adjust the installation state of the imaging device on the display screen of , and when this object is operated (for example, pressed), without transitioning to the recording state , the display of information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be continued. After the object for adjusting the installation state of the photographing apparatus 100 is operated, an object for terminating the display is provided on the screen that displays the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction. After the object is pressed and the display is finished, the recording process should be started.

<7-6-10> Configuration example 25
At the start of recording by the constant recording function of the image capturing apparatus 100 or the like, the screen display of information that serves as a guideline for the image capturing direction may be recorded for a predetermined period such as several seconds.

<7-6-11> Configuration example 26
The control unit 11 of the photographing device 100 displays a display screen of information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction, and the display of the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction of a plurality of cameras connected to the photographing device 100 can be switched. You may

<7-6-12> Configuration example 27
The control unit 11 preferably configures, on one screen, information that serves as a guideline for shooting directions for at least two cameras out of the connected cameras. The information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be displayed together with information that allows a user (for example, an adjuster) to identify the camera, such as the name of the camera or the name of the input port.

<7-6-13> Configuration example 28
A setup wizard may be provided at the time of setting up the photographing device 100, and a period during which information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction of one or both of the photographing devices 100 and 200 may be provided in the setup wizard.

<7-6-14> Configuration Example 29
It is preferable to provide a program such as a PC viewer, a smartphone application, or the like, which is executed by a device other than the photographing device, with a function of displaying information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction. In particular, when the vehicle 400 is running or parked on a slope or the like as described above, information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is not displayed or is unreliable (that is, unreliable). It is preferable to provide a function equivalent to the function of displaying that the user can understand that the degree of deterioration is low.

<7-7> Configuration Example 30
The imaging device 100 may have a mechanism for automatically adjusting the imaging direction (that is, the direction in which the imaging lens 151 faces). The photographing device 100 has a drive section capable of changing the photographing direction. The drive unit has a drive mechanism exemplified by gears and motors, for example, and can change the orientation of the imaging lens 151 vertically and horizontally. The control unit 11 identifies the orientation of the housing 101 using the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17, and drives the driving unit so that the imaging lens 151 is oriented in a predetermined direction (e.g., horizontal direction) under that orientation. should be controlled. In this way, even if the user does not adjust the direction in which the imaging lens 151 faces, the photographing apparatus 100 can autonomously change the direction in which the imaging lens 151 faces to the horizontal direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the control unit 11 of the photographing apparatus 100 first displays an image photographed by the own apparatus and receives a setting operation from the user to align the guide line with the horizontal line of the road. Second, the control section 11 determines the camera position. Thirdly, based on this setting, the control unit 11 detects the horizontality of the road, and if it determines that the road is tilted, it autonomously changes (adjusts) the direction in which the imaging lens faces to make the road horizontal. should be kept.

<7-8> Other Functions Although unrelated to the function of displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction, an imaging apparatus having the following functions may be provided. In the following description, it is assumed that the imaging apparatus 100 has the functions described below, but this function may be implemented in an imaging apparatus that does not have the function of displaying information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction.

<7-8-1> A function for recording the setup wizard screen of the photographing apparatus 100 may be provided.
<7-8-2> It is preferable to provide a function of displaying the setting state of the photographing device 100 using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or other encoded images.
<7-8-3> It is preferable to have a function of recording the setting state of the photographing device 100 as video data of an encoded image. For example, this recording may be, for example, recording at the beginning of the video. For example, in the case of a type that creates a file every minute, the encoded image is recorded, for example, three seconds before. In particular, it is good to attach it to the beginning or end of the video file.
<7-8-4> It is preferable to provide a function of inserting a setting state screen into the video recorded by the photographing device 100 and recording it. For example, at the start of recording an image of the image capturing apparatus 100, it is preferable to insert an image of a setting screen of information, such as the state of the electronic level, that serves as a guideline for the image capturing direction.
<7-8-5> It is good to include both <7-8-3> and <7-8-4> screens.
<7-8-6> In the trigger recording such as event recording, the photographing apparatus 100 preferably inserts a video that is not the first video into the first frame (an image that becomes a thumbnail image on a PC or the like) afterward. In particular, if it is a G sensor, it is preferable to use the image immediately before the collision, and if it is a switch, it is preferable to use the image when the switch is pressed or the image a predetermined time before the switch is pressed.
<7-8-7> The imaging device 100 may record a combination of the screens <7-8-3> to <7-8-6>.

<7-9> Configuration example 31 (application example to wide-angle camera)
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging device 800 of configuration example 31. As shown in FIG. The imaging device 800 is an example of a wide-angle camera. FIG. 30 shows a side view of the imaging device 800. As shown in FIG. The photographing device 800 is attached to a predetermined attachment portion of the vehicle using a bracket 810 . The bracket 810 allows the imaging direction of the imaging unit to be adjusted with the housing 816 attached to a predetermined attachment site. The attachment site may be the same as that of the imaging device 100 or 200 . In the state shown in FIG. 30, the photographing device 800 is in a normal posture. It is assumed that the normal posture is a posture including the horizontal direction 820H1 as the imaging direction of the imaging device 800 . The operation surface 820 is a flat surface provided with an operation unit that receives user operations. The operation surface 820 is a surface facing the side where the user in the vehicle is located. In this example, the normal to the flat surface of the operation surface 820 faces the horizontal direction 820H2. The imaging lens 814 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ to the side opposite to the side on which the operation surface 820 exists with respect to the vertically downward direction 820V.

Imaging device 800 includes housing 816 . A housing 816 is provided with an imaging lens 814 . When the housing 816 is attached to the rear glass of the vehicle, the optical axis 814A is vertically downward 820V. It inclines by a predetermined angle θ toward the rear side where the rear glass of the vehicle exists. The angle of view X1° is the angle of view on the side where the operation surface 820 exists with respect to the vertically downward direction 820 V when the housing 816 is in the normal posture, and the angle of view X2° is the angle of view when the housing 816 is in the normal posture. At one time, the angle of view is on the side opposite to the side where the operation surface 820 exists with respect to the vertically downward direction 820V. The angle of view X°, the angle of view X1°, and the angle of view X2° satisfy the relationship X°=X1°+X2°. The angle θ preferably satisfies the relationship θ=((X−200)×0.5)° with respect to the angle of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114, for example. In this way, the photographing apparatus 800 can be arranged so that the optical axis 814A of the imaging lens 814 is ((X-200)×0.5)° on the side opposite to the operation surface 820 with respect to the vertically downward direction 820V. A wide area can be photographed vertically, including an area of (X-190)° above the horizontal direction 820H2. For example, when the angle of view X° of the imaging lens 814 is 240°, the predetermined angle θ is 20°, the angle of view X1° is 100°, and the angle of view X2° is 140°. , including the 50° region above. Do it like this. For example, the photographing device 800 can photograph a traffic signal located above the horizontal direction 820H1.

Such an imaging device 800 preferably displays information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, an index 830 may be used as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. The index 830 points in the horizontal direction when the photographing device 800 is in the normal posture. The index 830 does not indicate the direction in which the imaging lens 814 faces (the direction in which the optical axis 814A extends). With the understanding that the directions include the horizontal direction, the user can point to the housing 816 and adjust its posture. The information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction that can be used in the imaging apparatus 800 is not limited to this, and the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction described above can be used as appropriate.

<7-10> Application to imaging device having multiple imaging units , and a function of displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction. For example, when the photographing device includes a first photographing unit that photographs the outside of the vehicle (for example, the rear) and a second photographing unit that photographs the interior of the vehicle (for example, a camera that photographs the interior of the vehicle from the rear). may be provided with a function of displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction for the first shooting unit. In this case, if the imaging lens of the second imaging unit faces the interior of the vehicle and the user can see the imaging lens itself, there is no function to display information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the second imaging unit. no problem. An example of the configuration will be described below, taking as an example an image capturing apparatus 900 having a first image capturing unit and a second image capturing unit in one housing.

<7-10-1> Configuration example 32
31 and 32 are diagrams showing an example of an external configuration of an imaging device 900 of configuration example 32. FIG. FIGS. 31 and 32 show how the photographing device 900 is attached to the rear glass of the vehicle 400. FIG. FIG. 31(A) is a view of the photographing device 900 as seen from the upper right direction on the passenger compartment side. FIG. 31(B) is a diagram of the photographing device 900 viewed from the upper right direction on the rear side of the vehicle 400 . FIG. 32(A) is a diagram of the photographing device 900 viewed in the horizontal direction from the passenger compartment side. FIG. 312B is a diagram of the imaging device 900 viewed horizontally from the rear side of the vehicle 400. FIG. In FIGS. 32(A) and 32(B), when the imaging lenses 930 and 940 are indicated by dashed lines, they are illustrated to make the positions of these imaging lenses 930 and 940 easier to understand. It means that they are located on the opposite side of the body 910 . 32 to 37 (except for FIG. 34) mainly show characteristic portions, such as omitting the illustration of the heat radiation holes shown in FIG.

The imaging device 900 has a housing 910 . The housing 910 is cylindrical (or can also be called columnar). The housing 910 is longer than the housing 201 in the direction of the axis l. Housing 910 is attached to the rear glass using brackets 920 . The bracket 920 has the same configuration as the bracket 210 and has a ring portion 921 , a fixing plate 922 and a connecting portion 923 . The ring portion 921 and the fixing plate 922 are connected via a connecting portion 923 standing on the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 921 . The fixing plate 922 is fixed to the mounting portion of the vehicle 400 by affixing a double-sided tape or other adhesive member (not shown) to its upper surface. Housing 910 is configured to be rotatable about axis l while attached to the rear glass using bracket 920 . In particular, the housing 910 is coupled with the bracket 920 at the central position in the axial direction of the axis l.

The imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit and the imaging lens 940 of the second imaging unit are provided on the peripheral surface of the housing 910 . It is preferable that the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit each have a configuration similar to that of the imaging unit 203 . The imaging lenses 930 and 940 are arranged on one side and the opposite side of the bracket 920 (more specifically, the ring portion 921). Housing 910 has a first portion 911 on which a first imaging section having an imaging lens 930 is located, and a second portion 912 on which a second imaging section having an imaging lens 940 is located. The housing 910 is configured so that the imaging direction of the first imaging unit can be adjusted by changing the relative posture of the first part 911 and the second part 912 . In configuration example 32, the imaging direction of the second imaging unit can also be adjusted. With such a configuration, the housing 910 can independently adjust the direction in which the imaging lens 930 faces and the direction in which the imaging lens 940 faces. The first photographing unit is for photographing the vehicle rear side of the vehicle 400, and the imaging lens 930 is adjusted so as to face the horizontal direction of the vehicle rear side. The second photographing unit is for photographing the interior of the vehicle 400, and the imaging lens 940 is adjusted so as to face the interior of the vehicle in the horizontal direction. In configuration example 32, the desired photographing direction is when the imaging lens 930 and the imaging lens 940 are oriented in opposite horizontal directions, that is, oriented in directions rotated 180 degrees about the axis l. and A camera jack similar to the camera jack 2021 is provided on the side surface (bottom surface of the cylinder) of the housing 910 .

An indicator 950 (an example of a first indicator) is displayed on the peripheral surface of the housing 910 . The index 950 is information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. The imaging direction of the first imaging unit is the direction in which the imaging lens 930 faces, and is the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 930 here. The indicator 950 is displayed at a portion of the first portion 911 that faces the imaging lens 940 (for example, a portion facing in the opposite direction to the imaging lens 940). The indicator 950 may be displayed using any of the methods described so far, such as printing, engraving, or attaching a material. The index 950 is represented by a triangular figure (“Δ”) whose inside is filled with black, but it is preferable to use a figure such as an arrow pointing in a specific direction. The index 950 has three vertices arranged to indicate the direction in which the second portion 912 is located.

Next, the details of the user's adjustment when attaching the imaging device 900 will be described. First, the user adjusts the direction in which the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit faces. The user rotates the second part 912 of the housing 910 around the axis l to orient the imaging lens 940 of the second imaging unit in the horizontal direction toward the passenger compartment. Since the user is in the passenger compartment, it is preferable to adjust the orientation while visually observing the imaging lens 940 . Next, the user directs the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit in the horizontal direction on the rear side of the vehicle 400 . At this time, the user cannot see the imaging lens 930, or it is difficult to see. Therefore, the user should rotate the second portion 912 in the direction around the axis l to adjust the indicator 950 to point in the direction in which the imaging lens 940 is positioned. In this way, the imaging lens 930 faces the rear side of the vehicle 400 in the horizontal direction. Since the user can visually see the index 950 and the imaging lens 930, it is easy to perform this adjustment. After this adjustment, the photographing device 900 assumes the attitude described with reference to FIGS.

The photographing device 900 having the above configuration may be modified into configuration examples described below.

<7-10-2> Configuration example 33
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of an imaging device 900 of configuration example 33. As shown in FIG. The index 960 (an example of the first index) displayed on the first portion 911 may be used as information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. The index 960 is displayed at a position facing the imaging lens 940 on the peripheral surface of the housing 910, and particularly at a position within the range facing the imaging lens 930 in the first part 911. good. The index 960 may be, for example, a figure simulating an imaging lens (for example, similar to the index 271 described with reference to FIG. 18). It is preferable that the area 962 and the area 962 overlap each other. Each of the first area 961 and the second area 962 means an index as information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. The first region 961 is preferably circular, and more preferably overlaps with the outer edge of the imaging lens 940 . Desirably, the position of the optical axis is set to a position facing the first region 961 (for example, a position where at least one of the second region 962 and the indicator 950 overlaps), more preferably the center of the first region 961. The position or the barycentric position of the second region 962 may be the optical axis position.

The index 960 is also information that serves as a guideline for the position of the imaging lens 930 in the first portion 911 . A user who looks at the index 960 can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 930 is on the opposite side. The shooting direction of the shooting unit can be adjusted.

Since the indicator 960 is not a figure or the like pointing in a specific direction, it is possible to avoid misleading the user with information pointing in the direction in which the bracket 920 is positioned. The index 950 is located near the ring portion 921 of the bracket 920 and may appear to point in the direction of the ring portion 921, but such an intention may confuse the user. becomes lower.

As a modified example of the index displayed by the imaging device 900, the following index may be used. Indicators described below may be used instead of the indicator 960 or the second area 962 . For example, the indicator 962A may be represented by the figure shown in FIG. 34A, and the indicator 962A may be displayed so that the center of gravity of this figure overlaps (faces) the optical axis position. The index 962A is represented by a right-angled triangle having a right-angled vertex on the lower right and line segments of the same length extending leftward and upward from the vertex.

Alternatively, the index has at least one of the upper side and the lower side, and when viewed in the horizontal direction from the passenger compartment side, the sides overlap (for example, face each other) so as to pass through the optical axis position. It is even better if it is configured to be In this way, the user can easily grasp that the optical axis position is on the side of the figure.

Also, the index may be a figure having a second side that perpendicularly intersects the first side. In this case, the lower side of the first side and the second side should be positioned to intersect the optical axis. It is preferable that the position where the lower side and the right side intersect overlaps with the optical axis position. For example, in the case of index 962A shown in FIG. 34A, the intersection point (lower right vertex) of the lower side and right side of the figure expressing index 962A should be aligned with the optical axis position.

The index is not limited to a figure represented by a right triangle like the index 962A, and may be other letters, figures or symbols or a combination thereof, for example, FIGS. may be indicators 962B, 962C, and 962D represented by cross-shaped figures as shown in FIG. In particular, the index may be an index in which a cross-shaped figure is drawn in a circle. The cross-shaped figure may be positioned inside the circle but not in contact with the circle or in contact with the circle, but is preferably drawn so as to protrude from the circle. It is preferable that the index has a side and that side is aligned with the horizontal direction or the vertical direction of the first imaging unit. In this way, the user can instantly understand the horizontal and vertical states of the shooting direction of the first shooting unit just by looking at the index, and can easily adjust the shooting direction.

Although desirable indices have been described above in configuration example 33, indices of other configuration examples described so far may be employed.

<7-10-3> Configuration example 34
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of an imaging device 900 of configuration example 34. As shown in FIG. The index displayed on the photographing device 900 may be photographed by the camera of the information processing terminal T, and the index may be recognized from the photographed image. The information processing terminal T may be a mobile terminal device equipped with a camera such as a smart phone, or may be another in-vehicle camera. Then, the information processing terminal T may identify the direction in which the first imaging unit (for example, the rear camera) is facing based on the recognized index, and display the direction on, for example, a viewer (an example of a program). For example, the information processing terminal T displays a 3D object of a car (an example of a first object) on the viewer application, and based on the result of image recognition of the index, shoots from the position of the imaging lens 930 of the first shooting unit. It is preferable to display the area where the object is displayed by CG of a quadrangular pyramid (an example of the second object). The same may be applied to cameras other than the rear cameras. When the imaging lens can be seen by the user, the imaging lens itself may be used as an index for image recognition, but the index may also be displayed on the side where the imaging lens can be seen.

In FIG. 35, index M1 is a shape index with a pointing position, here with a vertex on the right (eg, right vertex of index M1). It is preferable to display another index M2 and M3 at the indicated position. In this way, image recognition by the information processing terminal T becomes easier, and the angle of the shooting direction of the second shooting unit can be recognized more precisely. A program that causes the information processing terminal T to implement such a function is preferably stored in a storage device such as a flash memory built into the information processing terminal T. FIG. The program is read into a storage area such as a RAM of the information processing terminal T and executed by an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU of the information processing terminal T, thereby realizing the functions of the program. It's good to be

<7-10-4> Configuration example 35
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of an imaging device 900 of configuration example 35. As shown in FIG. A scale 924 is displayed on a ring portion 921 of a bracket 920 of the imaging device 900 . The scale 924 may be printed, for example, but may be stamped or the like. The scale 924 is positioned at the boundary between the first portion 911 and the second portion 912 . The scales 924 are formed at predetermined intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 921 . The scale 924 is formed at the end on the index 950 side in the direction of the axis l. Since the inclination of the mounting portion of the rear glass or the like differs depending on the vehicle type, it is preferable for the user to check in advance which scale should be adjusted according to the vehicle type, and set the index 950 to that scale. For example, an instruction sheet (for example, an instruction manual for the photographing device 900) describing the relationship between the vehicle type and the scale to be adjusted may be attached to the photographing device 900 and sold. Alternatively, the user may measure the angle of the mounting portion (for example, the rear glass) to determine the position of the scale (that is, the horizontal position scale) for making the shooting direction of the first shooting unit horizontal. In this case, it is preferable that the instruction sheet or the like describes the relationship between the angle of the mounting portion and the scale to be aligned. When the scale 924 is displayed in this manner, the user feels that the shooting direction of the first shooting unit can easily be aligned with a desired direction (here, horizontal on the rear side), and adjustment is facilitated. It should be noted that if the bracket 920 provides a predetermined feeling such as a click feeling each time the first portion 911 is rotated in units of the scale 924, it will be easier to adjust.

<7-10-5> Configuration example 36
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of an imaging device 900 of configuration example 36. As shown in FIG. The imaging device 900 preferably has a second imaging unit (for example, a camera inside the vehicle) and has an index 970 (an example of a second index) on a second part 912 that rotates about the axis l. The index 970 is information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit, and although it is a triangular index here, it may be information that indicates a specific direction. The index 970 is displayed at a position facing the imaging lens 940 on the peripheral surface of the housing 910 and indicates the direction in which the first portion 911 is positioned. The index 970 is displayed on the second portion 912 by any of the methods described so far, such as printing, engraving, and attaching members.

Next, the user's adjustment when attaching the imaging device 900 will be described. First, the user orients the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit in the horizontal direction inside the vehicle compartment. Next, the user directs the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit in the horizontal direction on the rear side of the vehicle 400 . At this time, the user rotates the first part 911 around the axis l so that the direction indicated by the indicator 950 points in the direction of the indicator 970, and the indicators 950 and 970 point to each other. make it Here, the user sets the apexes of the index 950 and the index 970 on the ring portion 921 side to face each other. By doing so, the photographing device 900 is brought into the state shown in FIG. 37, and the photographing lens 930 is adjusted so as to face the horizontal direction toward the rear side of the vehicle. Since the user can see both the indicator 950 and the indicator 970, it is easy to make this adjustment.

<7-10-6> Configuration example 37
In configuration examples 32 to 36 described in <7-10-1> to <7-10-5>, the photographing device 900 is such that the housing 910 and the bracket 920 are located near the ends in the axial direction of the axis l direction. It may be embodied as an imaging device in the form of being coupled at a position.

<7-11> Variation of display method of information that serves as a guideline for shooting direction In the configuration up to this point, as a method of displaying information that serves as a guideline for shooting direction, paste that displays the information, such as printing or engraving on the housing. The method of attaching the member to the housing, forming the hole, displaying the image information on the display device, etc. has been described, but it is also possible to replace the method described in the above-described embodiment with another method. be. For example, it is possible to display image information as a guideline for the shooting direction, which has been displayed by printing, engraving, or attaching an attachment member. Further, there may be provided a photographing apparatus that displays two or more pieces of information serving as a guideline for the shooting direction among the information serving as a guideline for the shooting direction described above. In this way, the user may select and use information that serves as a guideline for a shooting direction that is easy for the user to use. For example, information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction may be displayed on both the side surface and the peripheral surface of the housing of the imaging device. Also, where the seal member, the protective sheet, etc. are attached to the photographing device 200, they may be sold separately from the photographing device 200 or distributed free of charge.

<7-12> The photographing apparatuses 100 and 200 are configured such that the photographing direction is changed by rotating the housing, but the photographing apparatus may be configured such that the posture is changed by a method other than rotation. The present invention may also be applied to a photographing apparatus provided with a mechanism (for example, a mechanism for moving an imaging lens) that allows the photographing direction to be changed without changing the posture of the housing.

<7-13> As a method of indicating information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction of the shooting unit, the user's sense of hearing (for example, when the desired shooting direction is adjusted, a specific sound is output), the user's sense of touch ( For example, a method that appeals to the user's senses, such as a click feeling, may be used.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention.

Some of the configurations and operations described in each of the above embodiments may be omitted or changed.

It should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations or limitations expressly set forth herein, and encompasses within its scope any combination of the various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. While the claimed features of the invention are identified in the appended claims, any configuration not presently specified in the claims is disclosed herein. We intend to claim such configurations in the future.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined. In addition, arbitrary constituent elements of each embodiment and modifications, arbitrary constituent elements described in Means for Solving the Invention, or constituent elements embodying arbitrary constituent elements described in Means for Solving the Invention and may be configured in any combination. We intend to acquire the rights for these as well in the amendment of the present application or in the divisional application. Even if there is a description of "in the case of" or "when", it is not described as a configuration limited to that case or that time. We disclose and intend to reserve these occasions and occasions. Moreover, the parts described with order are not limited to this order. It also discloses a configuration in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed, and there is an intention to acquire the right.

In addition, the applicant intends to acquire rights to the entire design or partial design by converting the design registration application. Although the entire device is drawn in solid lines in the drawing, the drawing includes not only the overall design but also the partial design claimed for a part of the device. For example, it is a drawing that includes a part of the device as a partial design regardless of the member, as well as a partial design of a part of the member of the device. The part of the device may be a part of the device or a part of the member. We intend to obtain rights not only for the overall design, but also for the partial design in which any part of the solid line part of the drawing is a broken line part. In addition, the modules, members, parts, etc. inside the housing of the device that are shown in the drawings are all subject to trade independently. It has the intention of making changes and obtaining rights.

1: System 11: Control Unit 12: Input Unit 13: Display Unit 14: Audio Output Unit 15: Shooting Unit 16: Communication Unit 17: Sensor Unit 18: Reader/Writer 19: Terminal Unit 20: Position Information Acquisition Unit 21: Light Emitting Unit 22 : Power control unit 100 : Photographing device 101 : Housing 102 : Joint rail 103 : Sound emission hole 104 : Microphone hole 111 : Processor 112 : Memory 113 : Clock unit 114 : Wide-angle lens 121 : Microphone 122 : Event recording button 123 : Operation unit 124 : Touch sensor 131 : Display surface 151 : Imaging lens 181 : Storage medium insertion slot 191 : Camera jack 192 : Terminal 200 : Photographing device 201 : Housing 201A : First part 201B : Second part 201C : Flat surface 202 : terminal unit 203 : imaging unit 204 : power control unit 205 : acceleration sensor 206 : control unit 209 : imaging device 210 : bracket 220 : index 230 : index 240A : seal member 240B : seal member 241 : index 242 : index 243 : index 250 : Character string 260 : Protective sheet 261 : Protective film portion 262 : Handle portion 270 : Index 271 : Index 272 : Index 280 : Radiation hole 281 : Hole 282 : Driver 283 : Shield case 290 : Level 291 : Index 292 : Index 300 : Cable 400 : Vehicle 500 : Storage medium 600 : Bracket 610 : Base portion 611 : Mounting surface 620 : Ball stud 621 : Ball portion 630 : Socket portion 640 : Nut 650 : Base portion 651 : Guide rail 652 : Tip portion 700 : Electronic level 701 : Circular area 702 : Line image 703 : Vertical direction index image 704 : Horizontal direction index image 710 : Guide screen 711 : Container image 712 : Liquid image 713 : Bubble image 714 : Bubble image 715 : Angle value 716 : Angle Value 720 : Image 730 : Image 800 : Photographing device 810 : Bracket 814 : Imaging lens 814A : Optical axis 816 : Housing 820 : Operation surface 820H1 : Horizontal direction 820H2 : Horizontal direction 820V : Vertical downward direction 830 : Index 900 : Photographing device 910 : housing 911 : first part 912 : second part 920 : bracket 921 : ring part 922 : fixing plate 923 : connecting part 924 : scale 930 : imaging lens 940 : imaging lens 950 : index 960 : index 961 : first Region 962 : Second region 962A : Index 962B : Index 962C : Index 962D : Index 970 : Index 1011 : Upper surface 1012 : First side 1013 : Second side 1014 : Third side 1015 : Fourth side 1231 : First button 1232 : Second button 1233 : Third button 1234 : Fourth button 2011 : Surrounding portion 2012 : Side surface 2013 : Side surface 2014 : Ventilation hole 2021 : Camera jack 2031 : Imaging lens 2101 : Ring portion 2102 : Fixed plate 2103 : Connecting portion 7031 : Reference line 7032 : Scale 7041 : Reference line 7042 : Scale

Claims (35)

It has a housing provided with a photographing unit, is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit with the housing attached to a predetermined mounting portion, and displays information as a guideline for the photographing direction. an imager configured to. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is displayed on the housing. 3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is information that serves as a guideline for a direction in which an imaging lens of the shooting unit faces. The predetermined mounting portion is a portion inside the vehicle compartment,
4. The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is displayed at a position where the imaging lens is not visible when a user in the vehicle interior views the information. The predetermined mounting portion is a portion inside the vehicle compartment,
5. According to any one of claims 1 to 4, the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction is displayed at a position of the housing facing the width direction of the vehicle when the housing is attached to the predetermined mounting portion. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 and 2. 6. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the direction in which the photographing unit faces includes information indicating the photographing direction. 7. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction includes a line extending along the photographing direction. 8. The information of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the imaging direction includes a first line extending along the imaging direction and a second line intersecting the first line. camera equipment. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction includes characters, figures, or symbols indicating the vertical direction. 10. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is displayed at a position in the housing facing the photographing lens of the photographing unit. 11. The photographing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction includes a figure that simulates the photographing lens and is displayed at a position facing the photographing unit of the photographing unit in the housing. 12. The photographing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction includes a character string displayed at a position facing the photographing lens of the photographing unit in the housing. 13. The photographing device according to claim 12, wherein the character string indicates a company that manufactures or sells the self photographing device or a type of the self photographing device. The display of the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is performed by opening a hole as the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction in the housing at a position facing the imaging lens of the shooting unit. The photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 1. configured to be able to insert a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction,
15. The photographing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction is composed of the hole and the member inserted into the hole. The photographing device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the hole is also used as a heat radiation hole opened in the housing. The photographing device according to claim 16, wherein the hole is opened along a direction intersecting with the photographing direction. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction includes printing or engraving the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction on the housing. camera equipment. 14. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein displaying information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction includes attaching an attachment member on which the information is formed to the housing. The housing includes a flat surface on its outer peripheral surface,
20. The imaging device according to claim 19, wherein the attachment member includes a linear side, and is attached to the housing such that the linear side is parallel to the flat surface. 20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction includes attaching a protective sheet having a handle as the information to the imaging lens of the shooting unit. camera equipment. 22. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the display of the information that serves as a guideline for the photographing direction is displayed by a spirit level provided on the housing. 23. Any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein displaying information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction includes displaying image information as information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction on a display unit that displays image information. 10. The photographing device according to the above paragraph. 24. The imaging device according to claim 23, wherein the image information includes an image of a line pointing the imaging direction. 25. The photographing device according to claim 23, wherein the display section is provided in a device provided at a position different from the housing. From claim 23, displaying the information that serves as a guideline for the shooting direction is displaying the image information when the self-shooting device is activated, when the power is turned off, when the vehicle is stopped, or when battery backup operation is started. 26. The imaging device according to any one of 25. The imaging unit is a first imaging unit,
The housing has a first section provided with the first imaging section and a second section provided with the second imaging section, and a relative position between the first section and the second section. By changing the posture, the imaging direction of the first imaging unit can be adjusted,
27. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit includes a first index displayed on the first region. An imaging lens of the first imaging unit is provided at the first part,
28. The photographing device according to claim 27, wherein the first index is information that enables the photographing direction of the first photographing unit to be adjusted by pointing the direction in which the imaging lens of the second photographing unit is positioned. 29. The photographing according to claim 28, wherein a scale indicated by the first index and serving as a guideline for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit is displayed at a boundary portion between the first portion and the second portion. Device. The information that serves as a guideline for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit includes a second indicator displayed on the second part,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the photographing direction of the first photographing unit can be adjusted by pointing the first index and the second index to each other. The first part is provided with an imaging lens of the first imaging unit,
The imaging lens of the second imaging unit is provided at the second part,
31. The photographing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit is displayed at a position of the first portion facing the imaging lens of the first photographing unit. a driving unit capable of changing the photographing direction;
a control unit that specifies the shooting direction and controls the driving unit so that the specified direction is directed to a predetermined shooting direction;
32. The imaging device of any one of claims 1-31, comprising: 33. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the information serving as a guideline for the photographing direction is information for orienting the photographing direction in a horizontal direction. The housing is cylindrical,
The imaging lens of the imaging unit is provided on the peripheral surface of the housing,
The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the photographing direction is adjustable by rotating the housing about the axis of the cylinder. 21. A system comprising the imaging device according to claim 19 or 20, and a document describing a method of attaching the attachment member to the housing.

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