WO2006093387A1

WO2006093387A1 - Panorama watch camera apparatus and the deferment unit thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2006093387A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/000718
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bae Hoon Kim
Original assignee: Youngkook Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-03-02
Filing date: 2006-03-02
Publication date: 2006-09-08

Abstract

Disclosed is a watch camera apparatus wherein panoramic images can be displayed without performing a complicated process using watch cameras of which optical distortions are minimized. A watch camera apparatus according to the present invention comprises: at least two or more watch cameras each having a lens with an optical distortion of 15% or less and a CCD sensor for converting a light signal into an electric signal; a support stand having the at least two or more watch cameras mounted thereon and rotating above and below; and an image combiner for rearranging an image group photographed from the at least two or more watch cameras and displaying it as a panoramic image. According to the present invention, there is a panoramic watch camera apparatus wherein monitoring the front is possible, and images obtained from a plurality of cameras can be displayed as a panoramic image with a minimal image processing.

Description

PANORAMA WATCH CAMERA APPARATUS AND THE DEFERMENT UNIT THEREOF

Technical Field The present invention relates to a watch camera apparatus, and more

particularly, to a watch camera apparatus which is capable of displaying panoramic

images without performance of complex process, using watch cameras of which

optical distortions are minimized and a support stand for supporting the watch

camera apparatus.

Background Art

As importance of security and necessity of remotely regulating violation of

law are increased, various kinds of watch systems have recently appeared. Further, it is a general tendency that ambient circumstances are watched in real time by

installing watch cameras not only in major buildings and apartments but also at

general homes and on general roads.

FIGS. 1 to 3 are views showing an example of an installation configuration

of watch cameras using 4, 9 and 16 dividers according to a related art.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the watch cameras 100 according to the related

art are connected to the divider 102, 110 or 120 and the monitor 106.

The plurality of watch cameras 100 receive supply of electric power through a power supply controller (not shown), and convert light signals into electric signals through CCD (Charge Coupled Device, not shown) or CMOS installed in the watch camera 100 and then output them to the divider 102, 110 or 120. The conventional dividers 102, 110 and 120 function to divide images input

from the watch cameras in accordance with the number and a ratio thereof. As

shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the 4, 9 and 16 dividers 102, 110 and 120 divide images

photographed from the plurality of cameras into 4, 9 and 16 images to be displayed

on a single monitor, respectively.

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 is a view showing the example of an installation

configuration of watch cameras using a DVR divider according to the related art. Contrary to VCR, DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is a device for converting image

signals into digital signals and storing them, and its use has been recently increased

in its convenience because edition and transmission of images are possible through

the DVR, and functions of the aforementioned 4, 9 and 16 dividers are added

thereto.

However, according to the installation configurations of watch cameras

shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the watch cameras photograph zones that are not adjacent to one another, and simply display images of the respective zones on a single monitor.

Generally, a view angle of the watch camera is limited to approximately 30 to 90°,

and there is a problem in that a dead zone is generated so that the watch camera cannot thoroughly watch a specific zone in a case where the watch camera watches

the specific zone with such a view angle.

Further, there is a problem in that a display through the conventional divider

102, 110 or 120 performs only a function of simply displaying individual images on a single monitor and does not provide a panoramic image display function of combining two or more images as one and showing it.

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a view showing another example of an installation

configuration of a watch camera apparatus according to the related art.

As shown in FIG. 5, according to another conventional example, at least two watch cameras 200 and 202 are installed to be adjacent to each other so as to

widely watch a specific zone, and an image processor 204 performs an image

process of signals input from the respective watch cameras 200 and 202 to display

them on a monitor 106.

The general watch camera 200 or 202 has a predetermined view angle in

accordance with a lens and a CCD specification, while in a case where the watch

cameras 200 and 202 are conventionally installed to be adjacent to each other, there

is an area b where image incident rays are overlapped with each other. The image

processor 204 calculates and processes the overlapping area b in accordance with a

predetermined image processing algorithm so that two images 302 and 304 are

displayed as one image 306 on the monitor 106 as shown in FIG. 8.

However, a watch camera mainly using a wide-angle lens (a view angle of

60 to 120°) with a wide view angle has an optical distortion factor. Referring to

FIG. 6, the conventional watch camera has an optical distortion factor of -80% with

1/3 inch CCD (a CCD standard generally used in watch cameras) as reference i.e.,

in the IMAGE HT (IMAGE HEIGHT: the intermediate value of a CCD diagonal

line) of 2.99mm. In case of the conventional wide-angle lens, a power (a reciprocal

of a focal distance) of a front group (a lens group positioned at a front portion of an iris) is -0.19 and that of a rear group (a lens group positioned between the iris and

the CCD) is 0.17 in a retrofocus type. As such, the conventional wide-angle lens

has a large optical distortion due to a difference of powers between the front and

the rear groups.

In such an optical distortion, there exists a monitor distortion of about

-26.7% (corresponding to 1/3 of the optical distortion factor), and thus, there is

generated a distortion in that an image is more distorted as it approaches its periphery in wide-angle photographing as shown in FIG. 7.

In a condition where there exists a large optical distortion, images

photographed by the respective watch cameras 200 and 202 are independently

displayed as the two images 302 and 304 as shown in FIG. 8.

Here, there is generated a distortion in that each of the two images is more

distorted as it approaches its periphery.

Therefore, the conventional image processor 204 uses a complex image processing algorithm to remove a portion of the overlapping area b and solve a

distortion of a residual overlapping area b.

The conventional image processor 204 provided with a CPU (not shown)

performs a function of artificially changing irregular images, and the image processing algorithm used in the image processor 204 is individually set in

accordance with circumstances of the two watch cameras installed to be adjacent to

each other, i.e., the respective watch cameras.

However, there is a problem in that since the image processing algorithm used in the related art should performs a very complicated calculation process to remove the distortion of the lens and the overlapping area b in adjacent images, the

cost of software is of high price, and since there is required a high-performance

image processor 204 for a complicated calculation, its cost is increased. Further,

there is a problem in that the image processing algorithm should be newly set in a

case where a location of the watch camera is out of from that initially set.

In other words, there is a problem in that since irregular factors (solution of

optical distortions and removal of overlapping areas) of input images are

conventionally processed with software, a modification of the software is

simultaneously accompanied in accordance with a condition change, and thus, a

great deal of cost is required.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

The present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a watch camera

apparatus using an image combiner, which can provide panoramic images without

high-priced image processing algorithm and image processor by minimizing a

distortion of a lens.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch camera apparatus using an image combiner, wherein it is not necessary to set an additional algorithm again although a watch camera is out of from an initial location.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a watch camera apparatus using an image combiner, which can concentratedly watch a zone

corresponding to a view angle range of one camera together with a panoramic

image of a wide zone in some cases.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a camera support

stand which is suitable for the foregoing camera apparatus and possible for

concentrated watch of a specific zone.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the object,

there is provided a watch camera apparatus for watching a front of approximately

85 to 285°, comprising: at least two or more watch cameras each having a lens with

an optical distortion of 15% or less and a CCD sensor for converting a light signal

into an electric signal; a support stand having the at least two or more watch

cameras mounted thereon and rotating above and below; and an image combiner for rearranging an image group photographed from the at least two or more watch

cameras and displaying it as a panoramic image.

Preferably, in the present invention, it is preferred that the power of a front

group of the lens is -0.024, that of a rear group is +0.183, and the lens has an

optical distortion of -10% or less. In the present invention, the at least two or more watch cameras may be

arranged on the support stand such that image incident rays of the watch cameras adjacent to each other are approximately parallel to each other. Further, in the present invention, the plurality of watch cameras are

composed of two, and each of the watch cameras may be positioned to have an

angle of 40 to 140°; the plurality of watch cameras are composed of three, and each

of the watch cameras may be positioned to have an angle of 30 to 95°; or the

plurality of watch cameras are composed of four, and each of the watch cameras

may be positioned to have an angle of 20 to 70°.

According to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the

object, there is provided a support stand of a panoramic camera using an image

combiner, comprising an adjusting bracket including camera fixing portions which

have a rear portion formed to seat a camera, a front opening portion formed to open

it to the front and frames surrounding it above and below, and a hinge fixing

portion extended from a side end portion of the rear portion.

In the present invention, the camera fixing portion may be positioned to

bend at an angle of 40 to 140°, and one or more fixing holes may be formed on a

plane of the frame.

Further, the camera seated on the upper and lower frames may be fixed by

means of a fastener passing through the fixing hole formed on the plane of the

upper and lower frames, and the support stand of the present invention may further

include a fixing bracket which is positioned at a rear of the adjusting bracket arranged at left and right, and hinge-combined with the hinge fixing portion.

In the present invention, the fixing bracket may have support frames, which are extended downward, formed at an interval after being hinge-combined with the hinge fixing portion and a support for supporting the support frames may be

connected to form in a single body.

According to a further aspect of the present invention for achieving the

object, there is provided a support stand of a panoramic camera using an image

combiner, comprising: an adjusting bracket including camera fixing portions which

have a rear portion formed to seat a camera, a front opening portion formed to open it to the front and frames surrounding it above and below; and a ball fastener

connected at a middle portion of the camera fixing portions to rotate the adjusting

bracket above and below.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention for achieving the

object, there is provided a support stand of a panoramic camera using an image,

comprising a rotatable watch camera which has a camera seated on the support

stand and is fixed on a surface of a wall or a ceiling to watch the front by fastening

or interlocking a rotation tip and a gear. At this time, the rotatable watch camera

may include a support frame for a support stand on which the camera is seated while rotating in a single body with the rotation tip; a rotation cover forming a

rotation gear on an outer surface thereof while passing through to rotate the rotation

tip; a fixing gear fastened with the rotation tip while passing through again to adjust

a rotation angle of the rotation cover; and a fixing frame interlocked with the fixing gear.

Advantageous Effects

A watch camera apparatus according to the present invention has an advantage in that watch cameras are arranged such that distortions of lenses are minimized and image incident rays of the watch cameras are approximately parallel

with each other, so that panoramic images are provided without a high-priced

image processor. In addition, there is an advantage in that since an additional

image processing is not performed, it is unnecessary to reset an additional

algorithm although the watch camera is out of from an initial position.

Further, according to the present invention, there is an advantage in that at

least two or more cameras are installed to watch a specific zone, and a view angle

range of one watch camera is decreased so that a clear image can be obtained with a

narrow zone, and accordingly, concentrated monitor of the specific zone is

possible.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since an image group is

implemented as a panoramic image, this is more profitable in understanding

on-the-spot circumstances than watching each image. Since the image group has a

fewer number by 1/2, 1/3 or 1/4 than a case where the respective cameras are installed, costs for installing the cameras are little required, and only a piece of

multi-cable is used to connect from one image group to an image combiner.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the image combiner is installed at a

field area adjacent to the camera apparatus, and it transmits or receives a image and

a signal with a monitor so that it can use various communications media.

Moreover, there is an advantage in that in a case where the watch camera apparatus are installed at several places, if the conventional image processor is used,

cables as many as the number of cameras should reach one by one to an image processor for processing images, but only a piece of cable can be used in the

present invention.

Meanwhile, according to a support stand of a panoramic camera of the

present invention, an camera installed minutely is controlled by means of two

camera fixing portions which are formed in a body and bent at a predetermined

angle, and a fasteners fastened therewith so that natural panoramic photographing is

possible. Particular, the camera fixing portions are rotatably combined with a

fixing bracket so that a minute photographing angle can be vertically adjusted

above and below, and reduction of manufacturing costs can be caused due to a

simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of an installation configuration of

watch cameras using a 4 divider according to a related art.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the example of an installation configuration of

watch cameras using a 9 divider according to the related art.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the example of an installation configuration of

watch cameras using a 16 divider according to the related art.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the example of an installation configuration of watch cameras using a DVR divider according to the related art.

FIG. 5 is a view showing another example of an installation configuration of a watch camera apparatus according to the related art. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an optical distortion factor of a watch camera

according to the related art.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a monitor distortion according to the related art.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a process of displaying a panoramic image

according to the related art.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an installation configuration of a watch camera

apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing an arrangement of a lens group

desirable to be used in a watch camera of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating an optical distortion factor of the lens group

of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a view conceptually showing a monitor distortion of a watch

camera with the lens group of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a process of displaying a panoramic image

according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view showing monitor screen configurations which can be

obtained according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure of a support stand in a

watch camera apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present

invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a watch camera apparatus and monitor screen configurations obtained therefrom according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view showing a watch camera apparatus and monitor screen

configurations obtained therefrom according to a further preferred embodiment of

the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a structure of a support stand according to a still

further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a camera housing according to a yet further

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the camera housing in

accordance with FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 15.

FIG. 22 is a view showing various rotation axes of a support stand for a

panoramic camera using an image combiner according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a watch camera apparatus using an

image combiner according to the present invention will be described in detail with

reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an installation configuration of a watch camera apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is

a view schematically showing an arrangement of a lens group desirable to be used

in a watch camera of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating an optical distortion factor of the lens group of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a view conceptually showing a monitor distortion of a watch camera with the lens group of FIG. 10, and FIG 13 is a view illustrating a process of displaying a panoramic image according to the

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, a plurality of watch cameras 420, 422, 424 and 426 are

installed in the watch camera apparatus 402, and the watch camera apparatus 402 is

connected to an image combiner 404.

The watch cameras according to the present invention convert light signals

into electric signals through a CCD sensor and then output them like the conventional camera. The image combiner 404 receives such image data and

displays them on a monitor 106.

In the monitor 106, "A, B, C and D" mean images photographed from the

four watch cameras 420, 422, 424 and 426, respectively, and each of the "A and B" and "C and D" constitutes a panoramic image.

As shown in this figure, the present invention provides a watch camera

apparatus having a plurality of cameras (2, 3, or 4 cameras) as a set to watch a front

range (a range of 85 to 285°) and provide one panoramic image for one front.

In the installation of practical watch camera apparatus, a watch camera

apparatus transmits an image group to the image combiner 404, and the image

combiner 404 transmits the plurality of image groups transmitted from the plurality of watch camera apparatus to the monitor 106.

Here, the image group refers to a plurality of images photographed from a

plurality of watch cameras installed in a watch camera apparatus, and the image group transmitted from the watch camera apparatus is displayed as one panoramic image on the monitor 106.

Through this, a watcher identifies the front range through the panoramic

image so that the watcher can more easily understand an atmosphere of an actual

spot.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned image combiner 404, which is a term

defined by the present inventor, is used as a term for comparison with the

conventional image processor 204 for performing a function of removing optical

distortions and overlapping areas.

That is, the image combiner 404 of the present invention performs a function of retransmitting an image group transmitted from a watch camera

apparatus to the monitor. In a case where a plurality of watch camera apparatus

are connected to the image combiner 404, it performs a function of enabling a

plurality of image groups transmitted from the watch camera apparatus to be

displayed as panoramic images in predetermined regions of the monitor 106,

respectively.

At this time, an image combination is defined as a function of simply

rearranging an image group received from a watch camera apparatus without an additional image process such as removal of optical distortions and overlapping areas with respect with image data and then displaying it as a panoramic image, or

selectively displaying only specific images of each image group on a monitor

screen.

Such an image combiner 404 may be implemented on a PCB using an element for performing only a function of data input/output of image data without a CPU, added to the aforementioned divider or DVR as a PCV form, and provided to

a field area in which the watch camera apparatus is installed. In this case, since

one image is transmitted from the image combiner 404 to the monitor 106, a variety of communication media, i.e., a power line, a microwave and Internet

communications can be used.

In order to display panoramic images using only the image combiner 404,

the present invention uses a low distortion lens, and watch cameras are arranged

such that image incident angles of the watch cameras installed in a watch camera

apparatus are approximately parallel.

As described above, the optical distortion factor of a wide-angle lens has

-80% in the conventional watch camera, and in a case where the wide-angle lens has such a large optical distortion, a complicated image processing is necessary to

display panoramic images.

However, the present inventor has found that in a case where a lens

provided with a minimized optical distortion is used, images photographed from

adjacent watch cameras with a little error can be displayed as a panoramic image.

That is, the present inventor has found that in a case where a distortion

factor the wide-angle lens (a view angle of 60° or more) is limited to + 15% (a

monitor distortion of 5%), and image incident lines of the adjacent watch cameras

are positioned to be approximately parallel to each other, it is not necessary to perform an additional image processing.

As an example, a method of minimizing a lens distortion by adjusting powers of front and rear groups with an iris as reference will be described below.

First, FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration of a low distortion wide-angle lens

unit 61 comprising 8 sheets of lenses. With an iris S as a center, 3 sheets of lenses

are arranged in the front to constitute a front group Ll, and 6 sheets of lenses are

arranged in the rear to constitute a rear group L2. It will be apparent that such arrangement and configuration may be modified and performed depending on a

performance condition. The configuration of the lenses shown in this figure has a

view angle of about 90°, but the low distortion wide-angel lens unit 61 is not

limited to a specific view angel to be applied. In a case where the wide-angle lens

of a view angel of 60° or more at which a distortion problem becomes serious,

preferably a view angle of 80° to 120° is applied to the low distortion wide-angel

lens unit 61, the watch camera apparatus can watch a front direction with a few

cameras while being combined with the image combiner 404 and process images of

the front direction without image processing so that it advantage is maximized.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, the lens unit 61 shown in FIG 10 is set such that

the power of the front group Ll is -0.024 and that of the rear group L2 is +0.183 in

the retrofocus type basically employed so that a focus is adjusted to minimize a

difference of powers between the front and rear groups Ll and L2. Accordingly,

the lens unit 61 can be implemented such that it has a distortion factor of approximately -10% (a monitor distortion factor is 1/3 of this value) within an

angle of 45.01° (total 90° or so) with a 1/3 inch CCD generally used as reference.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram depicting a monitor distortion in a case where a watch camera employs a lens group within the foregoing distortion factor

of -10%. As shown in this figure, it can be seen that distortions of the screen can

be hardly recognized with the naked eye.

By using ultra wide angle and low distortion cameras capable of minimizing

optical distortions in this manner, images photographing an internal space of an

elevator without an additional image processing algorithm can be clearly displayed

through a monitor without screen distortions in a state where a dead zone is

minimized.

Further, in this present, the watch camera are installed such that the image

incident lines in an area where they are adjacent to each other are approximately

parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 9, the two watch cameras are installed

such that the image incident lines 400 and 401 in a portion where the two watch

cameras 420 and 422 attached to a bracket are adjacent to each other are

approximately parallel to each other while having an interval as long as d (d is a

distance to a degree where it is difficult to recognize with human eyes and is only a

few millimeters).

As shown in FIG. 13, since the images photographed in such an

arrangement of the watch cameras have no overlapping area, it is unnecessary to perform an additional process for removing distortions in the overlapping areas and

the overlapping areas.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the image combiner 404 performing only a function of rearranging and magnifying input images is used

instead of the conventional image processor 204 performing complicated calculation so that a panoramic image 504 can be displayed with only a function of displaying images 500 and 502 provided by the image combiner 404 on a

predetermined region of the monitor.

Although an example of arranging the lenses to have the optical distortion

of approximately -10% has been described, it is not limited thereto but it is difficult

to recognize the distortion with the naked eye in a case of an optical distortion of

+ 15% or less, and an object of the present invention can be sufficiently achieved

within this range.

Meanwhile, in a case where two sets of the watch cameras, in which one set

thereof has two cameras, are installed as shown in FIG. 9, the image combiner 404

simply combines four images input from the watch cameras and displays them on

the monitor 106.

The watch cameras, in which one set has two cameras, for watching the

panoramic images (approximately 85 to 285°) are described above, but the

panorama images may be displayed in a range of 85 to 285° with the watch

cameras, in which one set has 3 or 4 cameras. This will be described in detail

below.

Further, a remote controller 408 is connected to the image combiner 404 so

that a watcher can control the bracket above and below through the remote controller 408, and images displayed on the monitor 106 may be changed as shown in FIG. 14.

A method of transmitting images from the watch camera apparatus or the image combiner 404 to the monitor 106 can be variously applied. For example,

optical cable or power line communications may be used, and transmission through

a wireless communication technique.

FIG. 14 is a view showing monitor screen configurations which can be

obtained according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

This will illustrate concentration monitoring using the watch camera

apparatus according to the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 14, if the

watcher inputs a predetermined signal using the remote controller 408 or a keypad

unit (not shown) to watch only the upper panoramic image while monitoring the

two panoramic images (A, B and C, D) as shown in FIG. 9, the image combiner 404 may display the images A and B displayed on the upper screen of the monitor

106 in an initial period as one image 600 on the entire screen thereof, and only the

"A" may be displayed on the entire screen thereof (see 602).

Meanwhile, the watch camera has a zoom function like a general camera, and a screen 604 on which the "A" portion is magnified by such a zoom function

may be displayed on the monitor 106.

FIGS. 15 and 21 are perspective and exploded perspective views of a

support stand for mounting a watch camera according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 21, the camera support stand 30 of the present

invention has an adjusting bracket 10 including a plurality of camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB which comprises a rear portion 12 formed to seat a camera

700, a front opening portion 14 formed to open it to the front and upper and lower frames 16a and 16b surrounding it above and below, and a hinge fixing portion 18

extended while being bent from a side end portion 12a of the rear portion 12.

The front used in this case means a direction where the camera 700

photographs forward, and the following left or right side means a left or right

horizontal direction.

According to the present invention, a set having a plurality of cameras is

mounted on a support stand, and a plurality of images (hereinafter, referred to as a

"image group") received from the set are displayed as a panoramic image on a

monitor. At this time, an image combiner for simply rearranging the image group

is used instead of a high-priced image processor for performing a process of

removing distortion and overlapping area of each of the images.

To this end, the camera support stand according to the present invention is

positioned such that adjacent image incident angles of the cameras installed as a set

are approximately parallel. Further, the camera uses a low distortion lens,

preferably, a lens of which optical factor is 15% or less so that it is possible to

display an image group as a panoramic image without the complicated performance

of a processor.

Meanwhile, the adjusting bracket 10 is preferably made of a molded general

iron material, aluminum, acryl, or other appropriate material that is solid and light.

Such an adjusting bracket 10 may include a plurality of camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB. Each of the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB has its inside surface-processed and the rear portion 12 opened to the front. The rear

portion 12 is formed to end at surrounding edges of the camera 700 and to have a structure surrounding a rear portion of the camera 700.

Further, the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB are formed in the shape of

a channel surface-processed to bend, preferably, in the shape of "[" as shown in

these figures.

Since a set of the cameras according to the present invention intends to

watch a front range, i.e., a range of 85 to 285°, in a case where two cameras are

mounted on a camera support stand, an angle made by the camera fixing portions is

adjusted such that the two cameras make an angle of 40 to 140° depending on a

desired watch range. The height of the front opening portion 14 is defined by the upper and lower

frames 16a and 16b surrounding it and formed larger than that of the camera seated

thereon, preferably, in a range of 2 to 15 mm.

The upper and lower frames 16a and 16b are spaced apart from each other

in a direction where the camera 700 photographs and then protruded, and their

length and area are formed larger than those of the camera 700. As described

above, the upper and lower frames 16a and 16b form the heights of the camera

fixing portions 1OA and 1OB.

At least one or more, preferably, two fixing holes 16c on a plane of each of

the upper and lower frames 16a and 16b, i.e., total four fixing holes 16c are formed

the upper and lower frames 16a and 16b spaced apart above and below.

It will be apparent by those skilled in the art that although what the frames are formed above and below is described above, it is not limited thereto but may be formed in left and right directions such that the frames fix the camera.

The fixing hole 16c has a screw thread formed therein. A fastener 17

fastened to combine the fixing hole 16c also has a screw thread formed

corresponding to the foregoing screw thread so that it can fix the camera 700 after

passing through the foregoing fixing hole 16c.

The fastener 17 may pass through the fixing hole 16a in a variety of lengths,

and a slip preventing implement 19 may be preferably combined with an end of the

fastener 17 so as to prevent a slip generated when the end of the fastener 17 and the

camera 700 are combined to fix.

Repeatedly, the hinge fixing portion 18 extended while being bent at a

certain angle is formed at the side end portion of the rear portion 12.

The hinge fixing portion 18 is preferably positioned at a center of the side

end portion of the rear portion 12 and protruded to extend therefrom. Preferably,

the size of the hinge fixing portion 18 is formed smaller than the height of the rear

portion 12.

Particularly, the hinge fixing portion 18 may be molded with the rear

portion 12 in a single body or combined with the rear portion 12 in a single body

through a combining method such as welding.

Continuously, the two camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB may be formed

at an angle of 90° as shown in FIGS. 15 and 21.

However, the angel of 90° is merely an example, and the camera fixing

portions 1OA and 1OB may be formed to have an angle of 40 to 140° such that the camera 700 seated inside each of them photographs forward in a range of 85 and

285°.

Moreover, in this embodiment shown in these figures, the camera 700 may

move at a variety of angles, e.g., perpendicularly, and this can be sufficiently

demonstrated with another embodiment by means of the foregoing fastener 17.

Repeatedly, a fixing bracket 20 is positioned on a rear surface of the

adjusting bracket 10 having the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB which are

arranged after being bent at the angle of 40 to 140°.

Preferably, the fixing bracket 20 is preferably is rotatably combined with the

hinge fixing portion 18 combined at one side of the side end portion 12a of the rear

portion 12, and the support frames 22 extended downward are formed at an interval

after being combined at left and right of the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB

attached with each other. A support 24 for supporting the support frames 22 is

formed in a single body to combine therewith.

The support frame 22 has an appropriate thickness with which it can endure

a load of the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB and the camera 700 and is

preferably combined with the hinge fixing portion 18 at a tip 22a of the support

frame 22.

At this time, the hinge fixing portion 18 and the tip 22a of the support frame

22 may be directly combined with each other, preferably with a bushing (not shown).

Preferably, one end of the bushing, which is not shown, is combined witn the hinge fixing portion 18 in a single body, and the other end is rotatably

combined with the tip 22a of the support stand 22 by means of the fastener 17.

On the tip 22a is formed a long hole with a certain size such that the

fastener 17 can pass therethrough, and this enables it to move to the front or rear of

the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB.

Preferably, a screw thread is formed in a certain depth inside the bushing,

which is not shown, so that it is fastened in the certain depth with the fastener 17.

In a state where the fastener 17 is released, if the upper and lower positions of the

camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB are changed between the support frames 22

spaced apart from each other and then fastened again, the upper and lower positions

of the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB can be changed at a desired angle.

The support 24 is formed into a flat palate such that it is fixed at a position

where the support stand 30 can be mounted and is not limited to its form such as a

circle, polygon or elliptical.

As can be seen in the aforementioned configuration, the camera 700 can

photograph a desired position in a front direction by means of the combination of

the camera fixing portions 1OA and 1OB molded in a simple form and the fixing

bracket 20.

Mode for Invention

Meanwhile, FIG. 16 is a view showing a watch camera apparatus and

monitor screen configurations obtained therefrom according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and three cameras are mounted on a support

stand. Further, a configuration of a case where the three watch camera apparatus are installed is illustrated.

The cameras is respectively denoted as a to i, and image corresponding

thereto are respectively denoted as a to i on a monitor.

Referring to FIG. 16, the three watch camera apparatus 800, 802 and 804

transmit three image groups (a first image group: -a, b, C-, a second image group: -d, e, f- and a third image group: -g, h, i-) to an image combiner 404.

The image combiner 404 transmits the respective image groups to the

monitor. At this time, a transmitting method may use a wireless transmitting

method through a microwave.

In a case where the three image groups are displayed on the entire screen of

the monitor 106, three panoramic images 810, 812 and 814 are displayed.

At this time, only the first image group a, b and c, the second image group d,

e and f, or the third image group g, h and i can be identified on the monitor in

accordance with a user's operation. Accordingly, the panoramic image

photographed from each of the watch cameras can be clearly identified.

Further, only a, b and c of the first image group may be displayed on the

entire monitor, and the second and third image groups may be displayed in the

same manner.

As such, in order to watch a front range of a specific zone, a plurality of cameras are installed in a watch camera apparatus, and a secure watch is possible through panoramic images transmitted from the plurality of cameras. Since only images photographed from the specific camera may be identified as necessary, a

concentrated watch is possible.

In a case where the camera watch apparatus shown in FIG. 16 is used, since

it has a view angle range (within a range of approximately 30 to 95°) narrower than

that of a case where two cameras are used in a camera, a clearer image can be

obtained with respect to the specific zone.

Meanwhile, FIG. 17 is a view showing a watch camera apparatus and monitor screen configurations obtained therefrom according to a further preferred

embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a configuration in that four

cameras are installed in a camera apparatus.

In a case where the four cameras are mounted on a bracket 910 to watch the

front (a range of approximately 85 to 285°), one of the four cameras may have a

view angle range of approximately 20 to 70°.

In a case where the watch cameras are installed in this manner, images

respectively photographed from the four cameras can be displayed as a panoramic image 900 through the image combiner 404 as shown in a lower end of FIG. 17,

and only the image photographed from one of the four cameras can be displayed as

shown in FIG. 14.

In the camera apparatus shown in FIG. 17, since each of the watch camera

can a range narrower than that of a case where two or three cameras are installed, a clearer image can be obtained with respect to a specific zone in the front range.

Accordingly, a concentrated watch is possible with respect to the specific zone. FIG. 18 is a view showing a structure of a support stand according to a still

further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The aforementioned camera apparatus used in FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate a

configuration in that the support stand 30 for fixing cameras is rotatably combined

with the support 24 by means of the hinge fixing portion 18 installed at the end

thereof. Although, the camera apparatus illustrate a case where a rotation axis of

the support stand 30 is positioned at a rear end (support side) thereof, FIG. 18

illustrates a case where a rotation axis of the support stand is positioned at a center of a frame.

That is, a rotation rod 1000 passing through the support stand 30 is installed,

and a handle 1002 is attached at a center position of the rotation rod 1000 so that

upper and lower angles of the frame can be adjusted as necessary.

Meanwhile, FIG. 22 is a view showing various rotation axes of a support

stand for a panoramic camera using an image combiner according to the present

invention and illustrates a case where a rotation axis is positioned a rear end 70 of a

camera fixing portion 120 as described above, a case where it is positioned at a

middle portion 72, and a case where it is positioned at a front end 74 of the camera fixing portion 120 by means of a gear train.

In the present invention, it goes without saying that other various

modification examples are possible. For example, it is not departed from the

present invention that a rotatable watch camera 50 that can be mounted on not only a ceiling but also a vertical surface of a wall as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is applied thereto. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the rotatable watch camera 50 does not rotate

the support stand 30 but rotates by means of an operation of a series of gear trains

52a and 54a and a rotation tip 53. The aforementioned rotatable watch camera 50

is fixed to the surface of a wall in particular, a fixing gear 52a is formed outside the

front, a rotation tip through-hole 52b is formed on a fixing frame 52, and a rotatable

rotation cover 54 interlocked with the fixing frame 52 is mounted on a front surface

of the fixing frame 52.

The rotation tip 53 rotating by means of a rotating force is mounted on the rotation cover 54. The rotation tip 53 passes through the rotation tip through-hole

52b of the fixing frame 52 and then is fastened by means of a fastener that is not

shown.

The rotation tip through-hole 52b is formed with a size in proportion with a

rotation angle, and the rotation tip 53 is rotated therein.

The rotatable rotation tip 53 is combined with a support frame 56 for a

support stand to which a camera 100 is fixed, and a cover 58 and glass 59 are

mounted in the front of the support frame 56 for a support stand.

If the support frame 56 for a support stand is rotated, the rotation tip 53 is

rotated while being coupled therewith due to a characteristic in that the rotation tip

53 is combined with the support frame 56 for a support stand, the rotation gear 54a

provided on the rotation cover 54 and the fixing gear 52a of the fixing frame 52 are

interlocked with each other, and its rotation angle is precisely adjusted when it is rotated.

Particularly, the fixing gear 52a is interlocked with the rotation gear 54a by applying a material such as urethane. The fixing gear 52a has a characteristic in

that it is slipped if a certain force is applied, and it is again interlocked with the

rotation gear 54a if a rotating force is disappeared.

Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection

with the preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the

art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto within the technical

spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing embodiments

of the present invention are only for illustrative purposes and should not be

construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present

invention shall be determined only by the terms of the appended claims but not limited by contents of this specification. Accordingly, it is also apparent that the

modifications and changes fall within the scope of the present invention defined by

the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention has an advantage in that product reliability, variety

and poularity of a camera for watching the front can be remarkably enhanced,

manufacturing costs of the camera for watching the front can be remarkably

lowered without employing an image processor so that the spread of the camera for

watching the front is facilitated. Further, there is advantage and effect in that a

watch camera apparatus of the present invention can be used not only as a camera for watching the front but also for advertisement or public relations by capturing a portion of an image.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A watch camera apparatus for watching a front of approximately 85 to

285°, comprising:

at least two or more watch cameras each having a lens with an optical

distortion of 15% or less and a CCD sensor for converting a light signal into an

electric signal; a support stand having the at least two or more watch cameras mounted

thereon and rotating above and below; and

an image combiner for rearranging an image group photographed from the

at least two or more watch cameras and displaying it as a panoramic image.

2. The watch camera apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power of

a front group of the lens is -0.024, that of a rear group is +0.183, and the lens has

an optical distortion of -10% or less.

3. The watch camera apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least

two or more watch cameras are arranged on the support stand such that image

incident rays of the watch cameras adjacent to each other are approximately parallel

to each other.

4. The watch camera apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of watch cameras are composed of two, and each of the watch cameras is positioned to have an angle of 40 to 140°.

5. The watch camera apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality

of watch cameras are composed of three, and each of the watch cameras is

positioned to have an angle of 30 to 95°.

6. The watch camera apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality

of watch cameras are composed of four, and each of the watch cameras is

positioned to have an angle of 20 to 70°.

7. A support stand of a panoramic camera using an image combiner,

comprising an adjusting bracket including camera fixing portions which have a rear

portion formed to seat a camera, a front opening portion formed to open it to the

front and frames surrounding it above and below, and a hinge fixing portion

extended from a side end portion of the rear portion.

8. The support stand as claimed in claim 7, wherein the camera fixing

portion is positioned to bend at an angle of 40 to 140°.

9. The support stand as claimed in claim 7, wherein one or more fixing holes are formed on a plane of the frame.

10. The support stand as claimed in claim 7, wherein the camera seated on

the upper and lower frames is fixed by means of a fastener passing through the

fixing hole formed on the plane of the upper and lower frames.

11. The support stand as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a fixing

bracket which is positioned at a rear of the adjusting bracket arranged at left and

right, and hinge-combined with the hinge fixing portion.

12. The support stand as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixing bracket has

support frames, which are extended downward, formed at an interval after being hinge-combined with the hinge fixing portion and a support for supporting the

support frames is connected to form in a single body.

13. The support stand as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support frame and

the hinge fixing portion are connected to each other with a bushing.

14. The support stand as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bushing is formed

in a single body with the hinge fixing portion.

15. The support stand as claimed in claim 14, wherein a screw thread is formed in a certain depth in the bushing.

16. The support stand as claimed in claim 7 or 13, wherein the hinge fixing portion and the bushing are combined with each other by means of the fastener.

17. A support stand of a panoramic camera using an image combiner,

comprising: an adjusting bracket including camera fixing portions which have a

rear portion formed to seat a camera, a front opening portion formed to open it to the front and frames surrounding it above and below; and a ball fastener connected

at a middle portion of the camera fixing portions to rotate the adjusting bracket

above and below.

18. A support stand of a panoramic camera using an image, comprising a rotatable watch camera which has a camera seated on the support stand and is fixed

on a surface of a wall or a ceiling to watch the front by fastening or interlocking a

rotation tip and a gear.

19. The support stand as claimed in claim 18, wherein the rotatable watch

camera includes a support frame for a support stand on which the camera is seated

while rotating in a single body with the rotation tip; a rotation cover forming a rotation gear on an outer surface thereof while passing through to rotate the rotation