JP7734403B2 - Imaging equipment and systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to imaging devices and systems, etc.

Patent Document 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 objectives of the present invention is to provide technology with improved functionality compared to conventional technology, for example, technology that makes it easier for users to adjust the shooting direction of a camera.

The purpose of the invention of this application is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to achieve the effects achieved by the components disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the phrase "can be" is read as "the problem is...". Each problem is described as an independent problem, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for the configurations that solve each problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problems are implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include part of the configuration described in this specification within the scope of the patent claim through amendments or divisional applications. Furthermore, the applicant has disclosed configurations that solve problems that combine these independent problems, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for these configurations.

(1) Provided is a photographing device that has a housing with a photographing unit mounted therein, is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit while the housing is attached to a predetermined attachment location, and displays information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction.

In this way, when attaching a housing equipped with a camera unit to a predetermined attachment location, the user can adjust the shooting direction using information that serves as a guide for the camera unit's shooting direction as a clue. For example, even if the user cannot or has difficulty directly viewing the camera unit when attaching the housing, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction by visually checking the information that serves as a guide for the camera unit's shooting direction and using it as a clue. If the information that serves as a guide for the camera unit's shooting direction is displayed in a location that is visible to the user attaching the housing, the user can adjust the shooting direction while visually checking the information. The camera unit may be configured to change its shooting direction as the user changes the orientation of the housing. For example, the housing may be attached to a predetermined attachment location using an attachment member, and, while attached, may accept operations by the user to change the orientation of the housing. The display method will be described in detail below. Furthermore, while the information that serves as a guide for the camera unit's shooting direction is preferably displayed by the camera device itself, it may also be displayed on a device other than the camera device or in another location. Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the shooting unit may be done in a way that makes the information visible to the user, such as by printing or engraving (or carving) on the housing, attaching an adhesive member that displays the information to the housing, forming a hole, or displaying image information on a display device.

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

This allows the user to adjust the shooting direction while visually checking both the housing and the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, making the adjustment easier.

(3) The information indicating the shooting direction may be information indicating the direction in which the imaging lens of the imaging unit is facing.

In this way, even if the user cannot or has difficulty seeing the imaging lens, they can use the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction as a clue to adjust the direction in which the imaging lens is facing.

(4) The specified mounting location may be a location inside the vehicle's cabin, and the information providing a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed in a position where the imaging lens cannot be seen when a user inside the vehicle visually checks the information.

In this way, even if the user cannot see the imaging lens when visually checking the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, they can use that information as a clue to adjust the direction in which the imaging lens is facing.

(5) The specified mounting location may be a location within the vehicle's cabin, and the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed on the housing at a position facing the vehicle's width when the housing is mounted to the specified mounting location.

In this way, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the camera's housing in a position facing the vehicle's width, allowing the user inside the vehicle to easily view this information and adjust the shooting direction.

(6) The information indicating the direction in which the imaging unit is facing may include information indicating the imaging direction.

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

(7) The information indicating the shooting direction may include a line extending along the shooting direction.

This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the line extending along the shooting direction of the camera unit, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, it is a good idea to use a line extending horizontally as information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction to ensure that the shooting direction is horizontal.

(8) The information indicating the shooting direction may include a first line extending along the shooting direction and a second line intersecting the first line.

This allows 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 it, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction to make the shooting direction horizontal may be such that the first line, which serves as a guide for the direction in which the shooting direction is facing, extends horizontally and the second line extends vertically.

(9) The information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may include characters, figures, or symbols that indicate a top-to-bottom orientation.

This allows the user to intuitively understand the shooting direction from the orientation of the characters, figures, or symbols, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, it is advisable to configure the shooting device to adjust to the desired shooting direction by aligning the orientation of the characters, figures, or symbols with the vertical direction, or the horizontal direction.

(10) The information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed at a position on the housing facing the imaging lens of the shooting unit.

In this way, the user can intuitively understand that the imaging lens is located opposite the information displayed on the housing as a guide for the shooting direction, without having to visually check the imaging lens itself, making it easier for the user to adjust the shooting direction. Displaying the information as a guide for the shooting direction in a position on the housing opposite the imaging lens only requires that at least a portion of the information be displayed in that position, but the entire information may also be displayed. Furthermore, the position on the housing opposite the imaging lens may be located on the opposite side of the housing from the imaging lens.

(11) The information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may include a graphic representing the imaging lens displayed in a position on the housing opposite the imaging lens of the imaging unit.

In this way, the user can intuitively understand that the imaging lens is located opposite the image displayed on the housing, without having to visually see the imaging lens itself, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. For example, it is advisable to configure the imaging device so that when the image representing the imaging lens is pointed toward the user inside the vehicle, the imaging device adjusts to the desired, predetermined shooting direction.

(12) The information indicating the shooting direction may include a character string displayed on the housing at a position facing the imaging lens of the imaging unit.

This allows the user to intuitively understand that the imaging lens is positioned opposite the character string displayed on the housing without having to visually inspect the imaging lens itself, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. The character string may be composed of letters, figures, symbols, or a combination of these. For example, the character string may be configured so that its length is horizontal, or the top-to-bottom direction of each character is aligned vertically, allowing the imaging device to adjust to the desired, predetermined shooting direction.

(13) The character string may indicate the company that manufactures or sells the selfie camera, or the type of selfie camera.

In this way, character strings that are often displayed on camera devices for advertising, product identification, and other purposes, such as the name of the company that manufactures or sells the camera or the type of camera, can also function as information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

(14) The display of the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be achieved by opening a hole serving as the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction in a position on the housing opposite the imaging lens of the shooting unit.

In this way, the hole opened in a position opposite the imaging lens of the imaging unit can also function as information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

(15) The hole is configured to allow a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction to be inserted, and the information serving as a guide for the imaging direction may be configured by the hole and the member inserted into the hole.

In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction by inserting a member with a predetermined longitudinal direction into the hole and applying force to that member, and can also grasp the direction in which the member extends as a guide for the shooting direction.

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

In this way, the holes drilled into the housing to provide information on the shooting direction can also function as heat dissipation holes.

(17) The holes may be opened in a direction intersecting the imaging direction.

In this way, a user who visually observes a hole drilled in a direction that intersects with the shooting direction can use the hole as a clue to adjust the shooting direction. For example, it would be ideal to configure the camera to adjust to the desired shooting direction by aligning the direction of the hole with the horizontal direction.

(18) Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may include forming the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction on the housing by printing or engraving.

This allows the user to adjust the shooting direction using information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, which is printed or engraved on the housing in advance. For example, since the manufacturing process for a camera device may include a process for printing or engraving on the housing, this also helps prevent the manufacturing process from becoming too complicated.

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

In this way, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction can be added later using an adhesive member that can be attached to the housing of the camera. For example, if the user needs to adjust the shooting direction, they can leave the adhesive member attached to the housing, and then remove the adhesive member after the adjustment, ensuring the camera's appearance remains beautiful.

(20) The housing may include a flat surface on its outer periphery, and the attachment member may include a straight edge, and may be attached to the housing so that the straight edge is parallel to the flat surface.

In this way, when attaching the adhesive member to the housing, the user only needs to ensure that the straight edges of the adhesive member are parallel to the flat surface provided on the outer periphery of the housing, making it easier to properly attach the adhesive member to the housing.

(21) Displaying information that serves as a guide 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 a guide for the shooting direction, ensuring the function of protecting the imaging lens while eliminating the need to separately display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

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

In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction using the level provided on the shooting device as a guide, eliminating the need to display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction separately. For example, if a commercially available level can be used as the level, there is no need to manufacture a level specifically for the shooting device.

(23) Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may include displaying the image information as a guide for the shooting direction on a display unit that displays image information.

In this way, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction can be displayed on the display unit when necessary, and this information can be hidden when not necessary. Furthermore, since the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction does not need to be displayed by printing, engraving, etc., it is easy to implement a function that displays information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, and the aesthetic appearance of the shooting device can be maintained.

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

In this way, by visually viewing the image of the line indicating the shooting direction, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction and easily adjust the shooting direction. For example, if the shooting direction is horizontal, the image of the line can be configured to extend horizontally, allowing the camera to adjust to the desired shooting direction. Also, for example, the line can be configured to be displayed tilted depending on the tilt of the shooting direction.

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

In this way, the user can visually check information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction using a display unit on a device installed in a different position from the housing. The device installed in a different position from the housing should preferably be a device separate from the shooting device. For example, even if the shooting device does not have a display unit, the user can visually check information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction displayed on the display unit. For example, if the shooting device is an in-vehicle device installed at the rear of a vehicle (e.g., a rear camera), another shooting device with a display unit (e.g., a front camera) may be installed in the same vehicle, and the display unit of that device can be used to display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

(26) The information serving as a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed when the self-photography device is started up, when the power is turned off, when the vehicle is stopped, or when battery backup operation begins.

In this way, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed at times when it is thought that the user is likely to look at the display, such as when the shooting device is started up, when the power is turned off, when the vehicle is stopped, or when battery backup operation begins, allowing the user to use the display as a clue to adjust the shooting direction.

(27) The photographing unit is a first photographing unit, and the housing has a first part in which the first photographing unit is provided and a second part in which a second photographing unit is provided, and is configured so that the photographing direction of the first photographing unit can be adjusted by changing the relative attitude of the first part and the second part, and information serving as a guide for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit may include a first indicator displayed on the first part.

In this way, in a camera device in which the housing has a first section in which the first image capturing unit is provided and a second section in which the second image capturing unit is provided, and the image capturing direction of the first image capturing unit and the second image capturing unit can be adjusted separately, the user can visually check the first indicator displayed on the first section and use this as a clue to adjust the image capturing direction of the first image capturing unit.

(28) The first portion may be provided with an imaging lens of the first imaging unit, and the first indicator may be information that indicates the direction in which the imaging lens of the second imaging unit is located, thereby enabling adjustment of the imaging direction of the first imaging unit.

In this way, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction of the first imaging unit by simply adjusting the direction indicated by the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the first imaging unit so that it is the direction of the imaging lens of the second imaging unit. For example, the first imaging unit can be set to capture images of the outside of the vehicle, and the second imaging unit can be set to capture images of the inside of the vehicle cabin. In this way, the user can easily visually check the imaging lens of the second imaging unit, making it easier to use this as a clue to adjust the shooting direction of the first imaging unit.

(29) A scale indicated by the first indicator and serving as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit may be displayed at the boundary between the first and second regions.

In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction of the first imaging unit by adjusting the first indicator so that it points to a specific scale. It is anticipated that the imaging device will be installed in a variety of vehicle models, and even if the inclination of the installation location varies, the user can easily adjust the shooting direction because the scale to which it should be aligned is already known.

(30) The information serving as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit may include a second index displayed on the second portion, and the first index and the second index may be configured to point to each other, thereby making it possible to adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit.

In this way, the user can adjust the shooting direction of the first shooting unit by adjusting the first index and second index so that they point at each other, making it easy for the user to understand the adjustments being made.

(31) The second portion may be provided with an imaging lens of the second imaging unit, and information indicating the imaging direction of the first imaging unit may be displayed at a position of the first portion opposite the portion where the imaging lens of the first imaging unit is provided.

This allows the user to adjust the shooting direction using the direction of the imaging lens of the second imaging unit and the information indicating the shooting direction of the first imaging unit as clues, making this adjustment easier. For example, the user can adjust the shooting direction so that the imaging lens of the second imaging unit and the information indicating the shooting direction of the first imaging unit are pointing in the same direction, and the imaging device can be configured to adjust to the desired, predetermined shooting direction.

(32) It is preferable that the imaging device has a drive unit that can change the imaging direction, and a control unit that identifies the imaging direction and controls the drive unit so that the identified direction becomes a predetermined imaging direction.

In this way, the camera can be autonomously controlled to achieve the specified shooting direction without the user having to manually adjust it.

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

This allows the user to easily adjust the shooting direction so that it is horizontal. For example, if the shooting device is attached to the rear of a vehicle, there may be cases where the user wants to shoot a vehicle behind that is tailgating or otherwise driving dangerously, and this makes it easier to make the necessary adjustments to shoot such footage.

(34) The housing may be cylindrical, the imaging lens of the imaging unit may be provided on the circumferential surface of the housing, and the imaging direction may be adjusted by rotating the housing around the axis of the cylinder.

In this way, in a photographing device where the housing is cylindrical, the imaging lens of the photographing unit is mounted on the periphery of the housing, and the direction of the imaging lens can be adjusted by rotating the housing around the axis of the cylinder, information that serves as a guide for the photographing direction of the photographing unit is displayed in a position visible to the user, making it easier for the user to adjust the photographing direction.

(35) It is preferable that the system includes any of the above-mentioned photographing devices using an adhesive member, and a document describing how to attach the adhesive member to the housing.

This makes it easier for users to correctly understand how to attach the attachment member to the housing of the imaging device.

The inventions described above in (1) through (35) can be combined in any manner. For example, it is desirable to combine all or part of the configuration of the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items. In particular, it is desirable to combine the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items. Furthermore, it is also possible to extract any configuration from the inventions described in (1) through (35) and combine the extracted configurations. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions that include these configurations. Furthermore, even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that are not in these cases or times. Furthermore, parts that are described in order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

The present invention provides technology with improved functionality compared to conventional technology, for example, technology that makes it easier for users to adjust the shooting direction of a camera.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to these; the effects achieved by the components disclosed in this specification and drawings are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to the components that achieve these effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, statements such as "can..." clearly state the effects achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate the effects even without the statement "can...". Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the components even without such statements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device of the embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration of a bracket according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the photographing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device of the embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of the bracket according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the photographing device according to the embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a first configuration example of the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a housing of the imaging device of the first configuration example of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a first configuration example of the embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a second configuration example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a third configuration example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a fourth configuration example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 5 of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a sixth configuration example of the embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a seventh configuration example of the embodiment, and diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of a protective film. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 8 of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a ninth configuration example of the embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 10 of the same embodiment. FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a twelfth configuration example of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a thirteenth configuration example of the same embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 15 of the same embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the external configuration of the imaging device of the configuration example 15 of the same embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an imaging device according to a sixteenth configuration example of the same embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing image information in configuration example 16 of the same embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing image information in configuration example 17 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a guide screen of configuration example 20 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a guide screen of configuration example 21 of the same embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for autonomously adjusting the imaging direction in configuration example 30 of the same embodiment. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 31 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 32 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 32 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 33 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing indicators applicable to the imaging device of configuration example 33 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to Configuration Example 34 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to a configuration example 35 of the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an imaging device according to Configuration Example 36 of the same embodiment.

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referenced in this embodiment, identical parts or parts with similar functions will be given the same or similar symbols (symbols consisting of a number followed by A, B, etc.), and repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, in the drawings referenced in the following description, the scale may be different from the actual scale in order to make each component, area, etc. recognizable.

[1. Overall system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle 400 viewed from the side. The system 1 includes an image capturing device 100 as a first image capturing device and an image capturing device 200 as a second image capturing device, both of which are disposed in the vehicle 400. The vehicle 400 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine vehicle having an engine as a drive source, a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a traction motor as a drive source, or an electric vehicle having a traction motor as a drive source. The vehicle 400 may be, for example, a four-wheeled automobile, but may also be any vehicle capable of accommodating the image capturing device 100 and the image capturing device 200. The vehicle may also be, for example, a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels, such as a car, bus, or truck, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or bicycle, or other vehicle. The vehicle may also be, for example, a transportation vehicle, such as a train, monorail, or linear motor car.

The image capturing device 100 is a front camera located at the front of the vehicle 400. For example, the image capturing device 100 is attached to a predetermined position at the front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 400, and captures images of the area in front of the vehicle 400 through the windshield. The image capturing device 100 is a drive recorder. Specifically, the image capturing device 100 has the functions of capturing images, recording image data representing the captured images, and recording image data obtained from the image capturing device 200.

Photographing device 200 is a rear camera located at the rear of vehicle 400. Photographing device 200 is attached, for example, to a predetermined position at the rear of the passenger compartment of vehicle 400, and photographs the area behind the vehicle through the rear window. Photographing device 200 has the function of photographing and the function of outputting image data representing the photographed image to photographing device 100.

The camera device 100 and the camera device 200 are connected via a cable 300. The cable 300 is a wired communication path connecting the camera device 100 and the camera device 200. The cable 300 includes, for example, a power line that supplies operating power from the camera device 100 to the camera device 200, and a signal line that transmits various signals between the camera device 100 and the camera device 200. The camera device 200 operates by receiving power from the camera device 100 via the cable 300. Note that the camera device 100 and the camera device 200 may be connected via a wireless communication path such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or another standard, rather than a wired communication path. The camera device 100 may also be used without being connected via communication with the camera device 200.

2. External Configuration of the Image Capturing Device 100
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 100. FIG. 2(A) is a diagram of the imaging device 100 as seen from the front diagonally upward right direction. FIG. 2(B) is a diagram of the imaging device 100 as seen from the rear diagonally upward right direction. The front side of the imaging device 100 faces the front of the vehicle 400, and the rear side of the imaging device 100 faces the rear of the vehicle 400. The imaging device 100 has a housing 101. The housing 101 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction and has a relatively small thickness. The housing 101 has a top surface 1011 that faces upward when attached to the vehicle 400, a first side surface 1012, a second side surface 1013, a third side surface 1014 located opposite the second side surface 1013, and a fourth side surface 1015 located opposite the first side surface 1012.

The top surface 1011 is provided with a joint rail 102 and a camera jack 191. The joint rail 102 is detachable to a bracket (e.g., bracket 600, described below) for attaching the image capture device 100 to a predetermined attachment location on the vehicle 400. The attachment location may be, for example, the windshield of the vehicle 400 (e.g., near the top edge of the windshield), or the rearview mirror or ceiling of the vehicle 400. When the image capture device 100 is attached to the vehicle 400, the first side surface 1012 faces the front of the vehicle 400. In this case, the second side surface 1013 faces the right side when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 400. The third side surface 1014 faces the left side when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 400. The fourth side surface 1015 faces the rear of the vehicle 400.

The camera jack 191 is a terminal to which one end of the cable 300 is connected. The camera jack 191 is compatible with the USB Type C standard, for example, and may also serve as a terminal through which the image capture device 100 communicates with the image capture device 200 in accordance with the Ethernet standard.

The first side surface 1012 is provided with an imaging lens 151, a sound output hole 103, and a microphone hole 104. The imaging lens 151 is a focusing lens provided in an imaging unit (imaging unit 15 described below) included in the imaging device 100. The sound output hole 103 is provided above the imaging lens 151 and is a hole that allows sound output from an audio output unit (audio output unit 14 described below) included in the imaging device 100 to pass 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 allows external sound to pass from the outside to the inside of the housing 101. The sound that has passed through to the inside of the housing 101 is input to a microphone (microphone 121 described below) included in the imaging device 100.

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

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

Terminal 192 may be connected to an OBDII adapter that can be connected to the OBDII ("II" is the Roman numeral for "2") connector of vehicle 400. The OBDII connector, also known as a diagnostic connector, is connected to the vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit) and outputs various vehicle information at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 0.5 seconds). By connecting terminal 192 to the OBDII connector using an OBDII adapter, image capture device 100 can receive a supply of operating power and acquire vehicle information.

Vehicle information is information relating to the state of vehicle 400. Vehicle information may include at least one of the following: vehicle 400 speed (vehicle speed), engine RPM, engine load factor, throttle degree, ignition timing, remaining fuel percentage, intake manifold pressure, intake air flow rate (MAF), injection open time, engine coolant temperature (coolant temperature), air temperature taken into the engine (intake temperature), air temperature outside the vehicle (outside air temperature), amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank (remaining fuel amount), fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator position, turn signal information (operation of left and right turn signals (ON/OFF)), brake position, steering wheel rotation angle, gear position, and door open/close status.

Storage medium insertion slot 181 is an insertion slot for inserting storage medium 500, which serves as external storage means, into image capture device 100. Storage medium 500 is a storage medium, such as an SD card, on which images captured by image capture device 100 or image capture device 200 are recorded. SD cards come in various forms, such as SD memory cards, miniSD cards, and microSD cards. Storage medium 500 may also store a viewer (e.g., a dedicated viewer) program for playing back stored images on an information display terminal such as a personal computer.

The 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. The first button 1231, the second button 1232, the third button 1233, and the fourth button 1234 are arranged vertically along the right side of the display surface 131. The functions that can be assigned to each of these buttons include, for example, the following functions:

When pressed and held, the first button 1231 functions as a button for switching images, and when pressed briefly, functions as a button for instructing formatting of the storage medium 500. The image displayed on the display surface 131 is, for example, one or both of the image currently being captured by the image capture device 100 and the image currently being captured by the image capture device 200. Formatting the storage medium 500 initializes the storage medium 500 and can be understood as, for example, erasing data such as images stored on the storage medium 500, writing setting information indicating the contents of the operational settings to the storage medium 500 so that the image capture device 100 can use the storage medium 500 (e.g., so that images can be recorded and read), and/or putting the storage medium 500 into a specific file state.

The second button 1232 is a button for displaying a selection screen for selecting the image to be played back by the image capture device 100. The third button 1233 is a button for displaying a menu related to the settings of the image capture device 100 and the image capture device 200. The fourth button 1234 is a button for instructing the start and stop of image recording. For example, if the fourth button 1234 is pressed briefly during recording using the continuous recording function described below, the recording is paused. If the fourth button 1234 is pressed briefly during this pause, the recording of images using the continuous recording function is resumed. If the fourth button 1234 is pressed and held down, the frame rate at which images are recorded can be changed.

The display surface 131 is an area where an image displayed by a display unit (display unit 13, described below) of the imaging device 100 is displayed. The display surface 131 is, for example, a rectangular or square area. A touch sensor 124 is provided over the display surface 131 to detect touch operations by the user.

The light-emitting unit 21 is located above the first button 1231 and emits light in a specified color.

The image capture device 200 may also function as a drive recorder, and may have a configuration similar to that of the image capture device 100, for example. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the image capture device 200, one or more image capture devices capturing images in other directions may be used as image capture devices connected via communication to the image capture device 100. Examples of other directions include the right rear diagonal direction, the left rear diagonal direction, and the width direction (side) of the vehicle 400.

[3. Bracket Configuration]
3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the bracket 600. Fig. 3A is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed from the upper right diagonal direction on the front side. Fig. 3B is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed from the side. Fig. 3C is a diagram of the bracket 600 viewed from the lower right diagonal direction on the front side. The bracket 600 is an example of a mounting member for mounting the image capturing device 100 to the vehicle 400.

Bracket 600 is an attachment component that uses a ball joint mechanism. In bracket 600, flat base portion 610 has an attachment surface 611 that is attached to the windshield of vehicle 400. Base portion 610 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the support of ball stud 620. An adhesive member such as double-sided tape is attached to attachment surface 611, and the bracket is attached to the windshield of vehicle 400 via the adhesive member.

The ball stud 620 is a portion of the base portion 610 that rises from the surface opposite 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 to the periphery of the socket portion 630. A thread groove is formed on the outer periphery of the socket portion 630. The nut 640, which 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 attached to the socket portion 630, before the nut 640 is tightened, the socket portion 630 can rotate in the desired direction along the circumferential surface of the ball portion 621, changing the position of the base portion 650. When the nut 640 is tightened, the position of the base portion 650 is fixed.

The base portion 650 is paired with the socket portion 630 and is the portion for mounting on the imaging device 100. The base portion 650 has a pair of guide rails 651 on its underside. The pair of guide rails 651 are configured to be slidable along the joint rails 102 of the imaging device 100. A claw-shaped tip portion 652 is provided at the tip of the base portion 650. The tip portion 652 is hooked onto the joint rails 102 near the end of the front side of the imaging device 100, thereby attaching the bracket 600 to the imaging device 100.

4. Electrical Configuration of the Image Capturing Device 100
4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device 100. 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 has, 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 Array). The memory 112 is a main storage device having, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The processor 111 temporarily stores a program read from the ROM of the memory 112 in the RAM. The RAM of the memory 112 provides a working area for the processor 111. The processor 111 performs various controls by temporarily storing data generated during program execution in the RAM while performing arithmetic processing. The control unit 11 further includes a clock unit 113 that keeps track of time. The clock unit 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 external to the processor 111.

The input unit 12 accepts information input from the user. The input unit 12 includes, for example, the microphone 121, event recording button 122, operation unit 123, and touch sensor 124 described above. The microphone 121 converts sound incident via the microphone hole 104 or the like into an electrical signal. The microphone 121 is, for example, a condenser microphone. The touch sensor 124 detects the position on the display surface 131 touched by the user. The touch sensor 124 is, for example, a capacitance 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 audio may include, for example, notification sounds, background music, and audio messages. The audio output unit 14 includes, for example, an audio processing circuit and a speaker.

The imaging unit 15 captures images and generates image data obtained by the capture. The imaging unit 15 has, for example, an imaging lens 151 and an imaging element that captures the light collected by the imaging lens 151. The imaging element is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary MOS) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The imaging unit 15 generates a color (multi-color) image consisting of, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components.

The communication unit 16 communicates with external devices. The communication unit 16 has a communication circuit for wirelessly communicating with external devices via, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication or short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 16 may also have a communication circuit for communicating in accordance with 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 (e.g., G sensor), a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The acceleration sensor is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the vehicle's acceleration in the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions. The gyro sensor is a sensor that detects the tilt of the image capture device 100. The acceleration sensor and gyro sensor may be used to estimate the position of the vehicle 400 using autonomous navigation, for example, when signals from GNSS satellites cannot be received. The barometric pressure sensor measures barometric pressure. The barometric pressure sensor is used, for example, to detect differences in elevation and determine whether the vehicle is on a highway or an ordinary road. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects illuminance, which indicates the brightness inside the vehicle cabin, which is the area around the image capture device 100. The illuminance sensor is used, for example, to adjust the display brightness of the display unit 13.

The reader/writer 18 functions as a medium holding unit 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, or may be configured to be able to hold two or more storage media 500 simultaneously.

Terminal unit 19 has terminals for electrically connecting to external devices. Terminal unit 19 has the camera jack 191 and terminal 192 described above. An external battery may be used as a device connected to terminal unit 19 so that image capture device 100 and image capture device 200 can operate without power supply from vehicle 400. The device connected to terminal unit 19 may be, for example, a device with a function to assist the user in safe driving. Examples of such devices include a device that captures an image of the driver (e.g., their face) and detects and notifies the driver of driver states such as distracted driving and drowsy driving, and a device that detects and notifies the driver of obstacles around vehicle 400 (e.g., a device used for vehicle detection for forward vehicle collision warning systems (FCWS)). Other devices connected to terminal unit 19 may also be in-vehicle devices such as radar detectors, laser detectors, car navigation systems, and display devices.

The location information acquisition unit 20 acquires location information indicating the location (more specifically, the current location) of the image capture device 100. The location of the image capture device 100 can be considered the same as the location of the vehicle 400 in which the image capture device 100 is located, the location of the image capture device 200 located in the vehicle 400, and the location of the driver and other people aboard the vehicle 400. The location information acquisition unit 20 acquires location information (latitude and longitude information) of the image capture device 100 based on signals from the GPS (Global Positioning System), which is one of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). The location information acquisition unit 20 may also use Michibiki as a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System).

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

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

The image capture device 100 may further include an auxiliary storage device, such as a flash memory (e.g., eMMC, SSD), as an internal storage means. Various types of storage media, such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media, can be used as the auxiliary storage device.

5. Image Recording Function of the Imaging Device 100
The image capturing device 100 has one or more of the following image recording functions. The image recording function is a function for recording images captured by the image capturing device 100 as image data in a predetermined file format. The image data is preferably image data in a moving image format, such as an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (e.g., MPEG2, MPEG4), AVI, MOV, WMV, etc.

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

<5-2. Event recording function>
The event recording function is a function for recording images captured by one or both of the image capture devices 100 and 200 in response to the occurrence of a specific event. The event is an occurrence for which images captured by the image capture device 100 or 200 should be recorded, such as when the user suddenly steers or brakes while the vehicle 400 is traveling, or when the vehicle 400 collides with another object. The control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred based on, for example, a 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 measurement value obtained by the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or when a predetermined change occurs over time. The conditions for determining the occurrence of an event are not limited to these. The control unit 11 may also determine that an event has occurred based on vehicle information, such as when the state of the vehicle 400, such as the vehicle speed or steering state, satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit 11 may analyze an image captured by the image capturing unit 15 or the image capturing device 200, and determine that an event has occurred when dangerous driving (e.g., tailgating, approaching, or abnormal approach) of the vehicle 400 or another vehicle is detected. The control unit 11 also determines that an event has occurred when the event record button 122 is operated.

When the control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred, it records images captured during a predetermined period before and after the event (hereinafter referred to as the "event recording period") on the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 may temporarily record images captured by the image capture unit 15 and the image capture device 200 in memory 112 (e.g., RAM), and when it determines that an event has occurred, it may read images from memory 112 and record them on the storage medium 500 during the event recording period. The control unit 11 may create a single file containing images for a total of 40 seconds, including 20 seconds before and 20 seconds after the event. The event recording period is an example and may vary depending on the type of event or may be changeable by the user. The control unit 11 may record multiple files of images for each event on the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 may also associate values measured by the sensor unit 17 during the event recording period (e.g., acceleration in each of the three axes) and location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 with the images and record them on the storage medium 500.

<5-3. Parking monitoring function>
The parking monitoring function is a function for recording images captured by one or both of the image capturing devices 100 and 200 while the vehicle 400 is parked. The parking monitoring function is a function for monitoring the interior of the parked vehicle 400 or the exterior surrounding the vehicle 400. When the engine of the vehicle 400 is off, the control unit 11 receives power from an external battery and records images in the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle 400 is parked based on one or more of the following: the accessory power source is turned off; the drive source is stopped; power supply from the external battery has started; the vehicle speed is 0 km/h or a predetermined speed or less; and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 is predetermined location information (e.g., location information of the home, workplace, or parking lot).

The parking monitoring function may have a time lapse mode and a motion detection mode. Specifically, when the user selects the time lapse mode, the control unit 11 records images at a frame rate lower than that of other image recording functions such as the continuous recording function and event recording function. For example, while the frame rate of other image recording functions is 20 to 30 frames per second, the frame rate of the time lapse mode is 1 frame per second. The motion detection mode is a mode in which images are recorded in response to the detection of a moving object. Specifically, when the user selects the motion detection mode and the control unit 11 detects a moving object based on changes in the images captured by the image capture device 100 and the image capture device 200, the control unit 11 records images captured within a predetermined period before and after the detection to the storage medium 500. The frame rate may be the same as that of the continuous recording function, event recording function, etc.

6. External Configuration of the Imaging Device 200
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 200. FIG. 5(A) is a view of the imaging device 200 as seen from the front side, diagonally upward to the right. FIG. 5(B) is a view of the imaging device 200 as seen from the rear side, diagonally upward to the right. The front side of the imaging device 200 faces the rear of the vehicle 400, and the rear side of the imaging device 200 faces the front of the vehicle 400. The imaging device 200 has a housing 201. The housing 201 is cylindrical (or may also be called columnar). The housing 201 can be divided into two parts along its axial direction, with the front side being a first part 201A and the rear side being a second part 201B. The outer periphery of the housing 201 is roughly divided into a peripheral surface part 2011, a side surface 2012, and a side surface 2013. The peripheral surface part 2011 is the peripheral (curved) part 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 further toward the front than other portions of the peripheral surface portion 2011. The optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031 coincides with the front-to-rear direction of the imaging device 200. A plurality of ventilation holes 2014 are formed in the peripheral surface portion 2011. The ventilation holes 2014 are holes that allow communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201 and release heat generated inside the housing 201 to the outside. The longitudinal direction of the ventilation holes 2014 is along the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 2011, and a plurality of ventilation holes 2014 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the cylinder.

Side 2012 and side 2013 are side surfaces of housing 201 and are each circular. Side 2012 and side 2013 are parts that correspond to the bottom of a cylinder. When housing 201 is placed on vehicle 400 with imaging lens 2031 facing the rear of vehicle 400, side 2012 is located on the left side (i.e., the right side in the direction of travel of vehicle 400), and side 2013 is located on the right side (i.e., the left side in the direction of travel of vehicle 400). Side 2013 is provided with a camera jack 2021. Camera jack 2021 is a terminal to which the other end of cable 300 is connected. Here, camera jack 2021 is a cylindrical hole, but it may also be compatible with the USB Type C standard, for example, and serve as a terminal for communication between image capture device 200 and image capture device 100 according to the Ethernet standard.

The imaging device 200 is configured so that the imaging direction of the imaging device 200 (which may also be read as the imaging unit 203 described below) changes as the user changes the orientation of the housing 201. To achieve this, the imaging device 200 has a bracket 210 for fixing the housing 201 to a predetermined mounting location. The housing 201 is attached to the predetermined mounting location using the bracket 210. In this mounted state, the housing 201, while attached to the rear window using the bracket 210, accepts user operation and rotates the housing 201 in an axial direction around axis 1.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the bracket 210. In this embodiment, the mounting location of the imaging device 200 is a location inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 400, which is the rear window of the vehicle 400. The bracket 210 is an example of a mounting member. The bracket 210 has a ring portion 2101, a fixing plate 2102, and a connecting portion 2103. The ring portion 2101 and the fixing plate 2102 are connected via the connecting portion 2103 that stands on the outer circumferential surface of the ring portion 2101.

The housing 201 fits inside the ring portion 2101. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the portion of the housing 201 facing the ring portion 2101 has a slightly smaller radial dimension than the remaining portion of the housing 201. The inner circumferential surface of the ring portion 2101 has a radial dimension that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the radial dimension of the portion facing the ring portion 2101. The ring portion 2101 can rotate around the axis relative to the housing 201 while fitted in the housing 201 when subjected to an axial force (i.e., an operating force) from the user.

Double-sided tape or other adhesive member 2104 is affixed to the upper surface of the fixing plate 2102. The housing 201 is attached to the rear glass by adhering the fixing plate 2102 to the rear glass. When attaching the housing 201, the user brings the upper surface of the fixing plate 2102 into contact with the rear glass to secure it, as shown in FIG. 6(B). With the housing 201 attached to the rear glass, the user adjusts the attitude of the housing 201 by rotating the housing 201 along the inner surface of the ring portion 2101. Changing the attitude 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) becomes the shooting direction. Because the housing 201 is cylindrical (in this embodiment, cylindrical), the rotation direction of the housing 201 is around the axis of this cylinder. As shown in FIG. 6(C), the user rotates the housing 201 to adjust the imaging lens 2031 so that it faces the desired imaging direction, and releases the housing 201 when the adjustment is complete. In this embodiment, the desired direction may be a predetermined imaging direction that is desirable for the imaging device 200, and may be the horizontal direction toward the rear (e.g., directly behind) of the vehicle 400 (see FIG. 6(C)). The imaging device 200 may also include a mechanism (e.g., a locking mechanism) or member (e.g., a fastener) for fixing the imaging lens 2031 in the adjusted orientation.

7. Electrical Configuration of the Image Capturing Device 200
7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image capturing device 200. The control unit 206 controls each unit of the image capturing device 200. The control unit 206 may have the same hardware configuration as the control unit 11. The terminal unit 202 has a terminal for electrically connecting to an external device. The terminal unit 202 has the camera jack 2021 described above. The terminal unit 202 is a terminal for outputting image data of an image captured by the image capturing unit 203 to the image capturing device 100 and receiving operating power from the image capturing device 100.

The imaging unit 203 captures images and generates image data obtained by the capture. The imaging unit 203 has, for example, an imaging lens 2031 and an imaging element that captures light collected by the imaging lens 2031. The imaging element is, for example, a CMOS or CCD. The imaging unit 203 generates a color (multi-color) image consisting of, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components.

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

The image capture device 200 may also have an auxiliary storage device, such as a flash memory (e.g., eMMC, SSD), as internal storage means. Various types of storage media, such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media, can be used as the auxiliary storage device.

Note that the image capture devices 100 and 200 may be image capture devices that capture spherical images such as full spheres and hemispheres. The image capture device 100 may be an image capture device that does not have a display unit 13. The image capture device 200 may be an image capture device that has various sensors and a display unit. The housing of the image capture device 100 does not have to be rectangular, and may be, for example, a cylindrical image capture device. The housing of the image capture device 200 does not have to be cylindrical, and may be, for example, a rectangular image capture device.

[7. Installation of imaging equipment]
The inventors have discovered the following problem when installing an image capture device in a vehicle cabin. When installing a front camera such as the image capture device 100 or a rear camera such as the image capture device 200, the image capture lens (also referred to as a camera lens) is located on the opposite side of the vehicle from the user, making it difficult or impossible for the user to directly see the image capture lens. As a result, it may be difficult for the user to install the image capture lens facing the desired direction. Therefore, the inventors conceived of configuring an image capture device to display information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction to assist the user in adjusting the image capture direction. The inventors believed that information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction would also serve as a guide for the user when adjusting the image capture direction, making the adjustment easier. The information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction of the image capture unit is displayed as information that the user can visually grasp and can be displayed in various ways. While a specific configuration will be described later, it is preferable for the image capture device to display the information on its own device, but it may also be displayed on a device other than the image capture device or in another location. Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the shooting unit can be done in any way that makes the information visible to the user, and methods that can be used include, for example, printing or engraving on the housing, attaching an adhesive member that displays the information to the housing, or displaying image information on a display device.

Unless otherwise specified, each configuration described below can be applied to both rear and front cameras, but the following mainly describes the installation of the imaging device 200 corresponding to the rear camera. In particular, because the imaging device 200 does not have its own display unit, it is not possible to display the image being captured on the display unit of the device. This is because the user cannot adjust the orientation of the imaging lens 2031 while looking at the display, which could make adjusting the orientation of the imaging lens more difficult.

<7-1> When displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, it is preferable to display the information in a position that is visible to the user who installs the housing 201, and it is particularly preferable to display the information on the housing 201. For example, it is preferable to display the information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction on a position on the housing 201 that faces the width direction of the vehicle 400. Such a position may be, for example, the side surface 2012 or the side surface 2013.

<7-1-1> Configuration example 1
8, 9, and 10 are diagrams showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of Configuration Example 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the image capturing device 200 as seen from the front side diagonally upward to the right.

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 guide 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 is facing. The index 220 is represented by a triangular shape ("△"), with each of the three vertices positioned to indicate the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing.

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

As shown in FIG. 9 , the indicator 220 may be formed, for example by engraving, into a convex portion that protrudes outward in the axial direction of axis l relative to other portions of the side surface 2012. In this case, the indicator 220 is a triangular prism-shaped portion. This makes it easy to see the indicator 220 even when the user is on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031. For example, the user can see the indicator 220 from a position on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, or they can go around to the side surface 2012 to see the indicator 220. Even if the user cannot see the imaging lens 2031 itself, the user can see the indicator 220 and use it as a clue to rotate the housing 201.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the indicator 220 may be formed, for example by engraving, in a recess that is recessed inward in the axial direction of the axis l relative to other portions of the side surface 2012. In this case, the indicator 220 is a triangular prism-shaped portion. The user can easily see the indicator 220 even when standing on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031. For example, the user can see the indicator 220 from a position on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, or they can go around to the side surface 2012 to see the indicator 220. Even if the user cannot see the imaging lens 2031 itself, the user can see the indicator 220 and use it as a clue to rotate the housing 201.

It is desirable that the indicator 220 be a different color from the other parts of the housing 201, as this makes it easier for the user to see. This also applies to the indicators in each configuration example described below. The indicator 220 may be represented by an arrow, for example, and it is advisable to use information such as a graphic that can point in a specific direction. This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing as the shooting direction, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction.

<7-1-2> Configuration example 2
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 2. Fig. 11 is a diagram of the imaging device 200 as seen from the upper right diagonal direction on the rear side. As shown in Fig. 11, an index 230 is displayed on the side surface 2013. The index 230 is an example of information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction. The index 230 is information indicating the imaging direction, that is, information indicating the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing. The index 230 is represented by a triangular shape ("△"), and each of the three vertices is arranged to indicate the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing.

The indicator 230 is formed on the side surface 2013 by, for example, printing (e.g., silk screen printing). Therefore, the indicator 230 forms approximately the same plane as the side surface 2013. The indicator 230 is displayed on the first portion 201A side of the side surface 2013, but may also be displayed on the second portion 201B side. The indicator 230 may be represented, for example, by an arrow, or may use information such as a graphic that can point to a specific direction. The user can easily see the indicator 230 even when located on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031. For example, the user can see the indicator 230 from the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, or can go around to the side surface 2013 to see the indicator 230. The user can see the indicator 230 without seeing the imaging lens 2031 itself, and use this as a clue to rotate the housing 201. This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction.

Furthermore, rear cameras manufactured and sold by the applicant may have "CAM" printed near the camera jack to indicate that it is a terminal for connecting a camera cable (however, this may differ from the example shown in Figure 11). For example, by using this printing process, it is possible to print indicator 230 on the same side surface 2013 without increasing costs or by minimizing such an increase. Alternatively, when creating a new mold, indicator 230 may be engraved (stamped) on side surface 2012. Current molds also have a sliding mechanism on side surface 2013, so even if it is engraved, it can be created at the same mold cost. It is thought that the indicator is easier for users to see when it is printed than when it is engraved, but engraving may make it easier to see indicator 230 even after cable 300 is attached.

<7-1-3> Configuration example 3
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 of Configuration Example 3. FIG. 12 is a view of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the upper right diagonal direction on the front side. As shown in FIG. 12 , an index 241 is displayed on the side surface 2012. The index 241 is a line extending along the image capturing direction. The index 241 is displayed by printing on a sticker 240A. The sticker is an example of an adhesive member attached to a housing. The sticker 240A is attached to the housing 201 when used. The sticker 240A is sold attached to the image capturing device 200 (for example, packaged). When installing the image capturing device 200, the sticker 240A is attached to the side surface 2012 so that the direction in which the index 241 extends coincides with the image capturing direction of the imaging lens 2031. The sticker 240A may be attached by the user or may be attached when the image capturing device 200 is shipped. If the configuration is such that the user is to apply the sealing member 240A, it is preferable that an instruction manual (for example, a paper or electronic data instruction manual for the photographing device 200) describing how to apply the sealing member 240A be attached to the photographing device 200 and sold.

In this way, the user can rotate the housing 201 with the direction in which the indicator 241 extends as the shooting direction, without having to visually check the imaging lens 2031 itself. By visually checking the indicator 241, the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction and easily adjust the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing. For example, if the shooting direction is horizontal, the user can adjust the shooting direction so that the indicator 241 extends horizontally. If the indicator 241 is a different color from the side surface 2012, it may be easier for the user to see. Furthermore, the sealing member 240A may have the same shape and dimensions as the indicator 241.

In addition, because the indicator 241 is displayed on the seal member 240A, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction can be attached to the housing 201 later. For example, if the seal member 240A is configured to be attachable by the user, if necessary to adjust the shooting direction, the seal member 240A can be left attached to the housing 201, and after the adjustment, the seal member 240A can be peeled off, ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the imaging device 200.

<7-1-4> Configuration example 4
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the image capturing device 200 according to Configuration Example 4. FIG. 13 is a view of the image capturing device 200 as seen from the upper right diagonal direction on the front side. As shown in FIG. 13 , indicators 242 and 243 are displayed on the side surface 2012. The indicator 242 is a line (an example of a first line) that extends along the image capturing direction displayed on the sticker 240B. The purpose and function of the indicator 242 may be the same as the purpose and function of the indicator 241. The indicator 243 is a line (an example of a second line) that is displayed on the sticker 240B and extends intersecting with the indicator 242. In this embodiment, the indicators 242 and 243 are perpendicular to each other and form a cross shape. The sticker 240B, like the sticker 240A, is attached to the housing 201 when in use. The sticker 240B is sold attached to the image capturing device 200 (for example, packaged).

When attaching the imaging device 200, the user can intuitively understand the imaging direction by visually checking the indicator 242 extending along the imaging direction and the indicator 243 intersecting it, without having to visually check the imaging lens 2031 itself, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction. For example, if the imaging direction is horizontal, the user can adjust the imaging direction so that indicator 242 extends horizontally and indicator 243 extends vertically. If the sealing member 240B is attached to the side surface 2012 so that indicator 243 is aligned with the boundary between the first portion 201A and the second portion 201B, it becomes easier for the user to attach it appropriately. If the indicators 242 and 243 are a different color from the side surface 2012, they can be easily visually identified by the user. In addition, configuration example 4 achieves the same effects as configuration example 3.

<7-1-5> Configuration example 5
When using an adhesive member as described in <7-1-3> and <7-1-4>, a configuration may be adopted that makes it easier to attach the adhesive member by utilizing the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201. The following describes a case where the sealing member 240B is attached, but the same applies when another adhesive member such as the sealing member 240A is used. The following also describes a case where the sealing member is attached to the side surface 2013, but the sealing member may also be attached to the side surface 2012.

14 is a diagram showing another example of the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 5. FIG. 14 is a view of the imaging device 200 as seen from the side 2013 side. Here, a flat surface 201C is provided on a portion of the peripheral surface 2011 of the housing 201. In Configuration Example 5, the flat surface 201C is used to assist in the attachment of the adhesive member. As shown in FIG. 14, when the housing 201 is viewed from the side 2013 side, the outline of the side 2013 has a linear portion resulting from the flat surface 201C. This linear portion is parallel to the imaging direction of the imaging unit 203 (i.e., the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031). On the other hand, the sealing member 240B is a rectangular sealing member with linear sides. Therefore, the linear sides of the sealing member 240B are attached so that they are parallel to the linear portions resulting from the flat surface 201C. Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging device 200 be sold with an instruction manual describing how to attach the sealing member 240B. In this way, when attaching the sealing member 240B to the housing 201, the user only needs to ensure that the straight edges of the sealing member 240B are parallel to the flat surface 201C provided on the outer periphery of the housing 201, making it easier to properly attach the sealing member 240B to the housing 201.

In configuration example 5, the linear portions resulting from the flat surface 201C are parallel to the shooting direction of the imaging unit 203 (i.e., the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 2031), but if the flat surface 201C is perpendicular to the shooting direction of the imaging unit 203, it is preferable to attach the sticker material bearing the index so that the linear sides are perpendicular to (i.e., orthogonal to) this flat surface.

Furthermore, in configuration example 5, a flat surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201, and this is parallel to the straight edges of the adhesive member, making it easier to attach. Furthermore, if the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 and the shape of the edges of the sealing member are the same, then it is believed that attaching the adhesive member can be made easier by having them align with each other. For example, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 and the shape of the edges of the sealing member may be the same curve (for example, curves with the same curvature).

<7-1-6> Configuration example 6
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of the image capture device 200 of Configuration Example 6. FIG. 15 is a view of the image capture device 200 as seen from the side 2013. An indicator 250, which is the character string "CAM," is displayed near the camera jack 2021 of a current image capture device. These "C,""A," and "M" are characters each having a top-to-bottom orientation. The indicator 250 is a character string that explains the function of the camera jack 2021, and more specifically, explains that the camera jack 2021 is a terminal for connecting a camera cable. In Configuration Example 6, the indicator 250 is used as information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction. The top-to-bottom orientation of the characters in the indicator 250 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the longitudinal direction of the indicator 250, in which the characters are arranged, corresponds to the image capture direction (here, the horizontal direction). In this case, since the image capture direction is horizontal, the top-to-bottom orientation of each character that constitutes the indicator 250 corresponds to the vertical direction. Therefore, if the housing 201 is installed upside down, the character string "CAM" will be upside down, making it easy for the user to see that it is installed incorrectly. The user can intuitively understand the shooting direction from the orientation of the characters that make up the index 250, making it easier to adjust the shooting direction. In the case of configuration example 6, the user can rotate the housing 201 so that the orientation of the characters of the index 250 matches the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the index 250 is horizontal.

In configuration example 6, the character string "CAM" is used as the indicator 250, but a similar effect can be achieved if at least characters, figures, or symbols with a vertical orientation are used. The number of characters making up the indicator 250 may be further reduced or increased. In particular, if the indicator 250 also functions as a character string related to the functions of the imaging device 200, such as the character string "CAM," the number of characters, figures, symbols, etc. that need to be displayed on the housing 201 can be reduced, which is also desirable in terms of ensuring an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

<7-1-7> Configuration example 7
Information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction that can be seen from the vehicle width direction side of the vehicle 400 (for example, the side of the side 2012 or 2013) may be displayed on the peripheral surface portion 2011. Note that, although the following describes a case where the information can be seen from the side of the side 2012, it may also be visible from the side of the side 2013.

In configuration example 7, information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction is configured by a member that is attached to the imaging lens 2031. Such a member may be a protective sheet 260 for protecting the lens, as shown in FIG. 16, which may be sold, for example, attached to the imaging device 200 (e.g., bundled). FIG. 16(A) is a diagram showing the protective sheet 260 attached to the imaging lens 2031. FIG. 16(B) is a diagram showing the protective sheet 260 as viewed from the front before being attached to the imaging lens 2031.

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, for example, colorless and transparent. The surface of the protective film portion 261 facing the lens portion of the imaging lens 2031 has adhesive properties. In this sense, the protective sheet 260 may be understood as an example of an adhesive member. The handle portion 262 is connected to the end of the protective film portion 261. The handle portion 262 is preferably configured to be easily visible to the user, and may be colored, for example, red. The handle portion 262 may not have adhesive properties. When peeling the protective sheet 260 from the backing or from the imaging lens 2031, the user will pinch the handle portion 262 with their 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 of the side surface 2012). Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging device 200 be sold with instructions explaining how to attach the protective sheet 260, and in particular how to set the position of the handle portion 262.

In this way, the handle portion, which makes the protective sheet 260 easier to handle, also functions as a guide for the shooting direction, ensuring the function of protecting the imaging lens 2031 while eliminating the need to separately display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. Furthermore, even if the user is positioned on the opposite side of the imaging lens 2031, the handle portion 262 is easy to see, and the user can use this handle portion 262 as a guide to rotate the housing 201.

<7-2> It is preferable to display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction on the peripheral portion 2011. When attaching the rear camera, it is thought that it is rare for a user to make the mistake of "pointing the lens backward." Therefore, it is thought that a user can roughly point the imaging lens backward without any information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, and that fine adjustments such as pointing it horizontally would be difficult. For this reason, when the bracket 210 is attached to the imaging device 200 and integrated, if there is some kind of mark (for example, a logo, lettering, or sticker) on the opposite side (back) of the imaging lens 2031, the user will likely notice it. For this reason, the inventors thought that the back side of the imaging lens on the housing 201 would be easier for users to see and more effective.

Next, a configuration example will be described in which information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the peripheral unit 2011. The imaging lens 2031 of the imaging device 200 is often located on the side opposite the user's location. Therefore, if information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the peripheral unit 2011 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031, it is easy for the user inside the vehicle to see and use as a clue to easily adjust the shooting direction. When displaying information serving as a guide for the shooting direction at a position facing the imaging lens 2031 on the housing 201, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the information is displayed at the opposing position, but the entire information may also be displayed. Furthermore, the position facing the imaging lens 2031 on the housing 201 may be on the opposite side of the housing 201 from the imaging lens 2031. In the imaging device 200, the position opposite the imaging lens 2031 may be, for example, a position on the housing 201 rotated 180 degrees around axis 1 from the position of the imaging lens 2031. In such cases, if the imaging lens 2031 is configured so that it is positioned opposite information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction when the user views that information horizontally (for example, when facing directly), the user can easily determine the position of the imaging lens 2031 and easily adjust it so that it is pointed in the desired direction. An example configuration is described below.

<7-2-1> Configuration example 8
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 8. FIG. 17 is a diagram of the imaging device 200 as viewed from the upper right diagonal direction on the rear side. As shown in FIG. 17 , an indicator 270 may be displayed on the peripheral surface 2011 of the housing 201 at a position facing the imaging lens 2031. In FIG. 17 , the indicator 270 is shown as a black circle, but this is not intended to be limited to displaying a black circle, and it means that information is displayed in some manner. The indicator 270 functions not only as an indication of the imaging direction but also as a guide for the position of the imaging lens 2031 on the housing 201. For example, a user visually checking the indicator 270 can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located at a position facing the indicator 270 on the peripheral surface 2011, and can adjust the imaging direction by visually checking the indicator 270 and rotating the housing 201 using this as a clue. For example, the user may adjust the shooting direction to the desired direction by aligning the index 270 so that it faces directly at the user or by orienting the index 270 horizontally.

<7-2-2> Configuration example 9
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 9. In configuration example 9, the indicator 270 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed as an indicator 271. The indicator 271 is a graphic that resembles the imaging lens 2031, and is a lens mark in this case. When a user sees the indicator 271, the user can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located opposite the indicator 271 and that the imaging lens 2031 faces away from the indicator 271, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction. For example, the user may rotate the housing 201 so that the indicator 271 faces horizontally and points toward the user.

<7-2-3> Configuration example 10
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 10. In configuration example 10, the indicator 270 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed as an indicator 272. Here, the indicator 272 is a string of characters "ABCDEFGH." A user visually checking the indicator 272 can easily intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is positioned opposite the indicator 272, which is a string of characters displayed on the housing 201, and that the imaging lens 2031 is facing the indicator 272, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction. The string of characters may be composed of characters, figures, symbols, or a combination of these. For example, the length of the string of characters may be horizontal, and the imaging direction may be adjusted to the desired direction when the top-to-bottom orientation of each character is aligned vertically.

<7-2-4> Configuration Example 11
The indicator 272 described in <7-2-3> can be any character string, but it is preferable to indicate the company that manufactures or sells the image capture device 200 or the type of image capture device 209 (for example, a character string identifying the model of the image capture device 200, such as a model number or product number). In this way, character strings that are often displayed on image capture devices for purposes such as advertising, product identification, and other purposes, such as the company that manufactures or sells the image capture device or the type of image capture device, can also function as information to guide the shooting direction. For example, in commercially available image capture devices, character strings indicating the company that manufactures or sells the image capture device or the type of image capture device are sometimes attached to the side where the imaging lens is located. If this character string also functions as the indicator 272, the amount of character string to be displayed on the housing 201 can be reduced, which is also desirable in terms of ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the image capture device 200.

<7-3> Providing Information as a Guide for the Shooting Direction Using a Hole To display information as a guide for the shooting direction, it is preferable that a hole serving as information as a guide for the shooting direction is opened in a position of the housing 201 facing the imaging lens 2031. In this way, the hole opened in the position of the housing 201 facing the imaging lens 2031 can also function as information as a guide for the shooting direction. Specifically, for example, the following configuration can be used.

<7-3-1> Configuration example 12
FIG. 20 is a view of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 12, viewed from the rear, diagonally upward right. As shown in FIG. 20 , a heat dissipation hole 280 is formed in the housing 201 at a position opposite the imaging lens 2031. The heat dissipation hole 280 is a hole drilled along the axial direction of the cylindrical axis l at a position opposite the imaging lens 2031 in the housing 201, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201. The heat dissipation hole 280 also serves as information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction. The heat dissipation hole 280 may be formed, for example, by molding a horizontal line and designed to also function as a heat dissipation hole. Because the imaging device 200 contains electronic circuits and other components that serve as heat sources, the increased heat dissipation effect provided by the heat dissipation hole 280 offers significant benefits. Furthermore, when a user visually checks the heat dissipation holes 280, the user can easily intuitively understand that the imaging lens 2031 is located at a position on the peripheral surface 2011 opposite the heat dissipation holes 280 and that the imaging lens 2031 faces away from the heat dissipation holes 280, making it 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 holes 280 with the horizontal direction.

<7-3-2> Configuration example 13
FIG. 21 is a view of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 13, viewed from the upper right on the rear side. FIG. 21(A) is a view of the imaging device 200 viewed from the upper right on the rear side. FIG. 21(B) is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 200 cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 21 , the hole 281 is configured to allow insertion of a member having a predetermined longitudinal direction. The member having a longitudinal direction may be a member having at least a portion that protrudes outward when inserted into the hole 281. The hole 281 is configured to allow insertion of, for example, a screwdriver 282, which is an example of a tool, as a member having a longitudinal direction. A user can rotate the housing 201 by directly touching the housing 201 with their hand, or can rotate the housing 201 by inserting the screwdriver 282 into the hole 281, gripping the screwdriver 282, and applying a force in the rotational direction. In this way, because the metal portion and handle portion of the driver 282 are configured in a rod shape, the user can easily rotate the housing 201, and the user can intuitively understand the shooting direction by visually checking the driver 282 (for example, it is easy to check whether the camera is level), and it is also easy to adjust the shooting direction. In this way, the hole 281 and the driver 282 form information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

When the shooting direction is horizontal, the user can rotate the housing 201 so that the screwdriver 282 extends horizontally. Since the housing 201 (main body) and the rear glass are close to each other, it can be difficult for the user to rotate it by hand. However, if the user can simply hold the screwdriver 282 and rotate the housing 201, it will be easier for the user to rotate the housing 201. Also, as a secondary effect, the tip of the screwdriver 282 can hold the shield case 283 inside the housing 201, preventing the shield case 283 from coming off. The member inserted into the hole 281 is not limited to a screwdriver; a tool other than a screwdriver may also be used, or a plastic rod or other member with a longitudinal direction may be used.

<7-4> Configuration Example 14
It is preferable to display information serving as a guide for the shooting direction on 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, there is a high possibility that the installation of the imaging device 200 will fail. Therefore, if an indicator such as a mark indicating the upward direction is displayed on the bracket 210 as information serving as a guide for the shooting direction, it will be easy for the user to understand the shooting direction.

<7-5> Displaying Information as a Guide for the Shooting Direction via a Level Provided on the Housing 201 Displaying information as a guide for the shooting direction may be achieved by a level provided on the housing 201. For example, a level may be attached to the image capture device 200, or the image capture device 200 may be sold with a level attached. The housing 201 may be provided with a level beforehand, or may be configured to allow an external level to be attached and detached. This level may be, for example, a commercially available level. To enable the level to be attached and detached, a mounting portion for mounting the level may be provided on the side surface 2012, 2013 or the peripheral surface 2011 of the housing 201. The mounting portion may be, for example, a convex portion or a concave portion. The level may be configured to be attachable to the mounting 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 attached to the housing 201 using an adhesive member such as double-sided tape, or the level may be integrally attached to the housing 201 .

<7-5-1> Configuration example 15
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of Configuration Example 15. FIG. 22(A) is a view of the vicinity of a side surface 2012 of the imaging device 200 from the upper right. FIG. 22(B) is a view of the vicinity of the side surface 2012 as viewed in a direction intersecting the axial direction of axis l. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), a level 290 is provided on the side surface 2012 of the housing 201. The level 290 is provided near the boundary between the first section 201A and the second section 201B. The user can rotate the housing 201 while checking the level 290 to determine the horizontal and vertical directions. In FIG. 22(A), an indicator 291 indicating a line that is horizontal when the imaging lens 2031 is oriented horizontally and an inverted "T"-shaped indicator 292 consisting of portions extending in both the horizontal and vertical directions when the imaging lens 2031 is oriented horizontally are also displayed on the side surface 2012. In this way, by displaying a plurality of pieces of information that serve as a guide for the shooting direction, the user can easily adjust the imaging lens 2031 so that it faces horizontally.

Figure 23 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the imaging device 200 of configuration example 15. As shown in Figure 23, instead of the inverted "T"-shaped indicator 292 described in Figure 22, a configuration may be adopted in which an indicator 293 that is a vertically extending portion is displayed.

As explained above, if the imaging device 200 is configured with a spirit level 290, the user can adjust the imaging direction while visually checking the spirit level 290, eliminating the need to separately display information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction. For example, if a commercially available spirit level is used as the spirit level 290, there is no need to manufacture a spirit level specifically for the imaging device.

<7-6> Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction means displaying image information including information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.Displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may preferably mean displaying image information including information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction on the display unit that displays the image.

<7-6-1> Configuration Example 16
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image capture device 200 of configuration example 16. In addition to the configuration described in FIG. 7 , the image capture device 200 includes an acceleration sensor 205. The acceleration sensor 205 is a sensor for detecting the direction of gravity (i.e., the direction in which Earth's gravity acts) and may be, for example, a G-sensor. The acceleration sensor 205 may be, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the image capture device 200 in the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions. The control unit 206 outputs the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205 to the image capture device 100 via the terminal unit 202. In this way, the control unit 206 has a function of using the image capture device 100 to display image information including information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction.

Figure 25 shows an example of image information displayed on the display unit 13 of the imaging device 100. The control unit 11 of the imaging device 100 may have a function to display a line image L indicating a horizon on the display unit 13 (e.g., the main body LCD) based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. The line image L is an example of information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction. For example, the control unit 11 measures a downward vector using Earth's gravity based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205, and displays the line image L. For example, when the imaging lens 2031 of the imaging device 200 is facing horizontally and its orientation is appropriately adjusted, the control unit 11 displays the line image L indicating the horizon so that it extends horizontally from the vertical center of the display area of the display unit 13, as shown in Figure 25. On the other hand, when the imaging lens 2031 is facing slightly upward, the control unit 11 may tilt the line image L by an amount corresponding to the degree of upward orientation, or display it above the vertical center of the display area. When the imaging lens 2031 is facing slightly downward, the control unit 11 may display the line image L downward by an amount corresponding to the degree of downward facing, or may display it below the vertical center of the display area. The user may visually check 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. The control unit 11 may display the line image L when a predetermined setting is made, such as during installation of the imaging device 200. The control unit 11 may also display the line image L together with the image being captured by the imaging device 200.

In this way, the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is composed of image information displayed on the display unit 13 of the imaging device 100, so it is possible to display the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction when necessary and not display it when not necessary. Furthermore, since the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction does not need to be formed by printing, engraving, etc., it is easy to implement a function that displays information serving as a guide for the shooting direction.

Furthermore, if the image information includes an image of a line indicating the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing, it will be easier for the user to intuitively understand the direction in which the imaging lens 2031 is facing, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction. For example, if the imaging lens 2031 is facing horizontally, the image of the line should extend horizontally.

The display unit 13 is provided in the imaging device 100, which is a device installed in a position different from the housing 201 of the imaging device 200. In this way, even if the imaging device 200 does not have a display unit, the user can visually check information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction using the display unit. For example, the imaging device 200 is an in-vehicle device (e.g., a rear camera) installed at the rear of the vehicle 400, but another imaging device 100 (e.g., a front camera) that has a display unit may be installed in the same vehicle 400, and the display unit 13 of that device can be used to display information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction. Note that the device installed in a position different from the housing 201 may be a device separate from the imaging device 100, and should preferably have 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 device 100, thereby displaying information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction.

<7-6-2> Configuration example 17
Under the configuration of <7-6-1>, an image representing a level (hereinafter referred to as an "electronic level") may be displayed on the display unit 13. In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 displays the electronic level on the display unit 13 (e.g., the main body LCD) based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. The electronic level 700 shown in FIG. 26 includes a circular area 701, a line image 702 indicating the horizon, a vertical direction indicator image 703, and a horizontal direction indicator image 704. The circular area 701 is an area for displaying the tilt of the imaging lens 2031. The circular area 701 may have a scale indicating the magnitude of tilt with respect to the horizontal direction, marked at predetermined angle intervals (e.g., 5-degree intervals). The line image 702 indicates the tilt with respect to the horizontal direction, which is displayed based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. Similar to the above-described line image L, the line image 702 may be displayed tilted in accordance with the tilt of the imaging lens 2031 (for example, tilted at the same angle as the imaging lens 2031). The user may visually view the line image 702 and rotate the housing 201 so that the line image 702 extends horizontally.

The vertical direction indicator image 703 indicates the tilt in the up-down direction of the imaging lens 2031. Using the reference line 7031 as a reference, the greater the number of scale marks 7032, the greater the tilt with respect to the horizontal direction. If the imaging lens 2031 is tilted upward, the scale marks 7032 will pile up upward, and if the imaging lens 2031 is tilted downward, the scale marks 7032 will pile up downward. The horizontal direction indicator image 704 indicates the tilt in the left-right direction of the imaging lens 2031. Using the reference line 7041 as a reference, the greater the number of scale marks 7042, the greater the tilt with respect to the horizontal direction. If the imaging lens 2031 is tilted to the right, the scale marks 7042 will pile up to the right, and if the imaging lens 2031 is tilted to the left, the scale marks 7042 will pile up to the left.

When the imaging lens 2031 is facing horizontally (in this case, without tilt), the control unit 11 may change the color of certain display elements such as the reference lines 7031 and 7041.

<7-6-3> Configuration example 18
An instruction manual or the like attached to the image capturing device 200 may include an explanation that the user should first temporarily connect the power supplies of the image capturing devices 100 and 200, bring both image capturing devices 100 and 200 to the rear of the vehicle, and then install the image capturing device 200 while looking at the display (e.g., the line image L or an electronic level) on the display unit 13 of the image capturing device 100. In this way, the user can easily install the image capturing device 200 without making any mistakes while looking at the display on the image capturing device 100.

<7-6-4> Configuration example 19
As an extension of configuration examples 16 to 18 described in <7-6-1> to <7-6-3>, an event recording trigger may be generated by the acceleration sensor 205 of the rear-side image capture device 200. Because the acceleration acting on the front-side image capture device 100 and the acceleration acting on the rear-side image capture device 100 are strictly different, an event recording trigger is generated by both. In the event recording function, the control unit 11 may determine that a specific event has occurred based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205. This determination condition may be the same as when the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 is used. For example, the control unit 11 may record images captured by the image capture device 200 when it determines that an event has occurred based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 205, or may record images captured by the image capture device 100 and the image capture device 200 when it determines that an event has occurred based on at least one of the acceleration sensors of the sensor unit 17 and the acceleration sensor 205. This configuration is expected to have the effect of enabling more appropriate image recording when a specific event has occurred.

<7-6-5> Configuration example 20
In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 may display information on the display unit 13 that serves as a guide for the direction in which the imaging lens 151 of the imaging device 100 is facing. Even a slight tilt in an imaging device can appear as a large tilt in the recorded image. Installing a camera straight horizontally and vertically on a large window without any reference points is actually difficult and requires knowledge and technique. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical tilt angles may be measured using an acceleration sensor mounted on the imaging device 100 and displayed on a guide screen. Displaying the horizontal and vertical levels on the display unit 13 is effective as a guide for straight installation.

Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen. The guide screen 710 shown in Figure 27 (A) 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 that resembles a colorless, transparent container formed in a cross shape. The liquid image 712 is an image that resembles the liquid contained in the container represented by the container image 711. The bubble images 713 and 714 are images that resemble bubbles contained in the liquid represented by the liquid image 712. The bubble image 713 displays the degree of tilt in the front-to-back direction (front-to-back tilt angle) depending on its position. When the bubble image 713 is located in the vertical center of the container image 711, this indicates that the imaging device 100 is not tilted in the front-to-back direction and the imaging lens 151 is facing horizontally. When the bubble image 713 is located above the vertical center of the container image 711, it indicates that the image capture device 100 is tilted forward, and the higher it is located, the greater the tilt. When the bubble image 713 is located below the vertical center of the container image 711, it indicates that the image capture device 100 is tilted backward, and the lower it is located, the greater the tilt. The bubble image 714 displays the degree of left-right tilt (forward/backward tilt) depending on its position. When the bubble image 714 is located at the horizontal center of the container image 711, it indicates that the image capture device 100 is not tilted left-right and the imaging lens 151 is facing horizontally. When the bubble image 714 is located to the right of the horizontal center of the container image 711, it indicates that the image capture device 100 is tilted to the right, and the further right it is located, the greater the tilt. If the bubble image 714 is positioned to the left of the horizontal center of the container image 711, it indicates that the image capture device 100 is tilted to the left, and the further to the left it is, the greater the tilt. The angle value 715 is a numerical value representing the degree of tilt in the front-to-back direction (front-to-back tilt). The angle value 716 is a numerical value representing the degree of tilt in the left-to-right direction (front-to-back tilt). In this way, the guide screen 710 displays the tilt of the image capture device 100 using a bubble level. The user can easily install the image capture device 100 horizontally and vertically by visually adjusting the guide screen 710 so that the front, back, left, and right bubble images 713 and 714 are centered like a level, as shown in Figure 27(B). This allows the user to correctly install the image capture device 100 and also provides visual interest from the guide screen 710. When the image capture direction becomes horizontal (not tilted), the control unit 11 may change the color of certain display elements, 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. 27 . For example, as shown in FIG. 28 , images 720 and 730 simulating a circular spirit level may be displayed instead of a cross-shaped image, or the display may be switchable between the guide screen 710 and the image 720. Image 720 is an image simulating a circular container containing liquid and bubbles, and the tilt of the image capture device 100 is displayed as a bubble level. The top and bottom of image 720 indicate vertical tilt, and the left and right indicate horizontal tilt. By adjusting the front, back, left, and right bubbles so that they are centered like a spirit level, the device can be easily installed horizontally and vertically. Image 730 is an image simulating a spirit level using a circle within a circular area. The user can adjust the circle so that it is centered in the circular area.

<7-6-7> Configuration example 22
In a configuration in which information serving as a guide for the shooting direction is displayed on the display unit 13 of the image capturing device 100 as described in configuration examples 16 to 21 in <7-6-1> to <7-6-6>, the control unit 11 may display the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction for a predetermined period of time at predetermined timings, such as when the image capturing device 100 is started, when the accessory power is turned off (ACC OFF), when the vehicle 400 is stopped, or when battery backup operation begins. The control unit 11 may then terminate the display when a predetermined time has elapsed, when the image recording function is ready to operate (e.g., video recording), or when image recording (video recording) has started. For example, after the control unit 11 terminates the display of the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction, it may switch the display to images (i.e., camera footage) captured by one or both of the image capturing devices 100 and 200.

<7-6-8> Configuration example 23
In the configuration of configuration example 22, the control unit 11 may have a function to not display information serving as a guide for the shooting direction when the vehicle 400 is traveling or when the vehicle 400 is parked at an angle on a slope or the like, or to display information so that the user can understand that the information is unreliable (i.e., the reliability is reduced). For example, such display may be displayed in gray, and in color in other cases.

<7-6-9> Configuration example 24
In the configuration of configuration example 22, the control unit 11 may display an object (e.g., a soft button) to be operated to adjust the installation state of the image capturing device on the display screen at a predetermined timing, such as when the image capturing device 100 is started, when the accessory power is turned off (ACC OFF), when the vehicle 400 is stopped, or when battery backup operation starts, and when this object is operated (e.g., pressed), the display of information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction may continue without transitioning to a recording state. After the object for adjusting the installation state of the image capturing device 100 is operated, an object for ending the display may be provided on the screen displaying the information serving as a guide for the image capturing direction, and the control unit 11 may start the recording process after the object is pressed to end the display.

<7-6-10> Configuration example 25
When starting recording using the continuous recording function of the image capturing device 100, the screen display of information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may be recorded for a predetermined period of time, such as a few seconds.

<7-6-11> Configuration example 26
The control unit 11 of the imaging device 100 may display a display screen for information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, and the display of information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of multiple cameras connected to the imaging device 100 may be switched.

<7-6-12> Configuration example 27
The control unit 11 may display information on one screen that serves as a guide for the shooting direction for at least two of the connected cameras. This information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may be displayed together with information that allows the user (e.g., the 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 when setting up the image capture device 100, and the setup wizard may include a period during which information serving as a guide for the image capture direction of one or both of the image capture devices 100, 200 is displayed on the screen.

<7-6-14> Configuration example 29
It is preferable to provide a function for displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction in a program executed on a device other than the shooting device, such as a PC viewer or a smartphone app. In particular, it is preferable to provide a function equivalent to the function described above that does not display information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction when the vehicle 400 is traveling or when the vehicle 400 is parked at an angle on a slope, or that displays information that lets the user know that the information is unreliable (i.e., that its reliability has decreased).

<7-7> Configuration Example 30
The image capturing device 100 may have a mechanism for automatically adjusting the image capturing direction (i.e., the direction in which the imaging lens 151 faces). The image capturing device 100 has a drive unit that can change the image capturing direction. The drive unit has a drive mechanism, such as a gear or a motor, and can change the orientation of the imaging lens 151 up and down and left and right. The control unit 11 may identify the orientation of the housing 101 using the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 and control the drive unit to orient the imaging lens 151 in a predetermined direction (e.g., horizontally) under that orientation. In this way, the image capturing device 100 can autonomously change the orientation of the imaging lens 151 to be horizontally oriented without the user having to adjust the orientation of the imaging lens 151.

For example, in the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 first displays an image captured by the device itself and accepts a setting operation from the user to align the guide lines with the horizon of the road, as shown in FIG. 29. Second, the control unit 11 determines the camera position. Third, the control unit 11 detects the horizontality of the road based on this setting, and if it determines that the road is tilted, it autonomously changes (adjusts) the direction in which the imaging lens is facing to keep it horizontal with respect to the road.

<7-8> Other Functions Although unrelated to the function of displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, a camera having the following functions may be provided. In the following, the camera 100 is described as having the functions described below, but these functions may also be implemented in a camera that does not have the function of displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction.

<7-8-1> It is preferable to provide a function for recording the setup wizard screen of the image capturing device 100.
<7-8-2> It is preferable to provide a function for displaying the setting status of the image capturing device 100 using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or other coded image.
<7-8-3> It is preferable to have a function for recording the setting state of the image capturing device 100 as video data of an encoded image. For example, this recording may be performed at the beginning of the video. For example, if a file is created every minute, an encoded image may be recorded from, for example, three seconds before. It is particularly preferable to attach the setting state to the beginning or end of the video file.
<7-8-4> It is preferable to provide a function for recording by inserting a screen showing the settings into the video recorded by the image capturing device 100. For example, when starting to record video from the image capturing device 100, it is preferable to insert an image of a setting screen showing information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction, such as the state of an electronic level.
It is a good idea to include both the <7-8-5>, <7-8-3> and <7-8-4> screens.
<7-8-6> In trigger recording such as event recording, the image capturing device 100 may insert a video other than the first video as the first frame (the image that will become a thumbnail image on a PC, etc.). In particular, in the case of a G-sensor, it may be the video immediately before the collision, and in the case of a switch, it may be the video when the switch is pressed or the video a predetermined time before the switch is pressed.
<7-8-7> The image capturing device 100 may record a combination of the screens <7-8-3> to <7-8-6>.

<7-9> Configuration Example 31 (Application to a wide-angle camera)
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an image capturing device 800 according to configuration example 31. The image capturing device 800 is an example of a wide-angle camera. FIG. 30 shows a side view of the image capturing device 800. The image capturing device 800 is attached to a predetermined mounting location on a vehicle using a bracket 810. The bracket 810 allows the image capturing direction of the image capturing unit to be adjusted while the housing 816 is attached to the predetermined mounting location. The mounting location may be the same as that of the image capturing device 100 or 200. In the state shown in FIG. 30, the image capturing device 800 is in a normal position. The normal position is an orientation in which the image capturing direction of the image capturing device 800 includes a horizontal direction 820H1. The operation surface 820 is a flat surface on which an operation unit that accepts user operations is provided. The operation surface 820 faces the side where the user is located inside the vehicle. In this example, the normal line of the flat surface of the operation surface 820 faces a horizontal direction 820H2. The imaging lens 814 is tilted at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a vertically downward direction 820V on the side opposite to the side on which the operation surface 820 exists.

The imaging device 800 includes a housing 816. The housing 816 is provided with an imaging lens 814. When the housing 816 is attached to the rear window of a vehicle, the optical axis 814A is tilted by a predetermined angle θ relative to the vertically downward direction 820V toward the rear where the vehicle's rear window is located. The angle of view X1° is the angle of view on the side where the operation surface 820 is located relative to the vertically downward direction 820V when the housing 816 is in the upright position, and the angle of view X2° is the angle of view on the side opposite the side where the operation surface 820 is located relative to the vertically downward direction 820V when the housing 816 is in the upright position. The angle of view X°, the angle of view X1°, and the angle of view X2° satisfy the relationship X° = X1° + X2°. For example, the angle θ may satisfy the relationship θ = ((X-200) × 0.5)° with respect to the angle of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114. In this way, the optical axis 814A of the imaging lens 814 of the imaging device 800 is tilted by ((X-200) x 0.5) degrees relative to the downward vertical direction 820V toward the side opposite the side where the operation surface 820 is located, and the imaging device 800 can capture a wide area both vertically and horizontally, including an area (X-190) degrees 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°, and the imaging device 800 can capture an area of 50° above the horizontal direction 820H2. In this way, for example, the imaging device 800 can capture an image of a traffic light located above the horizontal direction 820H1.

It is preferable for such an image capture device 800 to display information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, an index 830 can be used as information that serves as a guide for the image capture direction. The index 830 points to the horizontal direction when the image capture device 800 is in the normal position. The index 830 does not indicate the direction in which the imaging lens 814 is facing (the direction in which the optical axis 814A extends), but if the index 830 is facing horizontally, a user who sees the index 830 can point to the housing 816 and adjust its position, understanding that the image capture direction of the image capture device 800 is facing the desired direction, which includes the horizontal direction. The image capture direction information that can be used in the image capture device 800 is not limited to this, and any of the above-mentioned image capture direction information can be used as appropriate.

<7-10> Application to a Camera with Multiple Camera Units A camera with a function for displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction may include multiple camera units, and at least some of the camera units may be equipped with a function for displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. For example, if a camera has a first camera unit that captures the exterior of the vehicle (e.g., the rear) and a second camera unit that captures the interior of the vehicle (e.g., a camera that captures the interior from the rear), the camera may be equipped with a function for displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction for the first camera unit. In this case, if the imaging lens of the second camera unit is facing the interior of the vehicle and the imaging lens itself is visible to the user, it is not necessary for the second camera unit to have a function for displaying information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction. Below, an example configuration of a camera 900 having a first camera unit and a second camera unit in a single housing is described.

<7-10-1> Configuration Example 32
31 and 32 are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of configuration example 32. FIGS. 31 and 32 show the imaging device 900 attached to the rear window of the vehicle 400. FIG. 31(A) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as viewed from the upper right direction on the cabin side. FIG. 31(B) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as viewed from the upper right direction on the rear side of the vehicle 400. FIG. 32(A) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as viewed horizontally from the cabin side. FIG. 32(B) is a diagram of the imaging device 900 as viewed horizontally from the rear side of the vehicle 400. In FIGS. 32(A) and 32(B), the imaging lenses 930 and 940 are shown with dashed lines to make the positions of the imaging lenses 930 and 940 easier to understand, and actually mean that they are located on opposite sides of the housing 910. 32 to 37 (except for FIG. 34), mainly characteristic parts are shown, such as the omission of the heat dissipation holes shown in FIG. 31.

The imaging device 900 has a housing 910. The housing 910 is cylindrical (or columnar). The housing 910 is longer in the axial direction than the housing 201. The housing 910 is attached to the rear window using a bracket 920. The bracket 920 has a configuration similar to that of the bracket 210, including 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 the connecting portion 923 that stands on the outer periphery of the ring portion 921. The fixing plate 922 is fixed to an attachment location on the vehicle 400 by affixing double-sided tape or other adhesive material (not shown) to its upper surface. The housing 910 is configured to be rotatable about the axis l while attached to the rear window using the bracket 920. In particular, the housing 910 is connected to the bracket 920 at its center in the axial direction along the axis l.

The peripheral surface of the housing 910 is provided with an imaging lens 930 for the first imaging unit and an imaging lens 940 for the second imaging unit. The first imaging unit and the second imaging unit may 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 other side of the bracket 920 (more specifically, the ring portion 921). The housing 910 has a first part 911 on which the first imaging unit having the imaging lens 930 is located, and a second part 912 on which the second imaging unit having the 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 orientation 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 this configuration, the housing 910 can independently adjust the direction in which the imaging lens 930 and the imaging lens 940 face. The first imaging unit is used to capture images of the area behind vehicle 400, and imaging lens 930 is adjusted to face horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle. The second imaging unit is used to capture images of the interior of vehicle 400, and imaging lens 940 is adjusted to face horizontally toward the interior. In configuration example 32, the desired imaging direction is when imaging lens 930 and imaging lens 940 face in horizontal directions that are directly opposite each other, that is, when they face directions rotated 180 degrees around axis 1. A camera jack similar to camera jack 2021 is provided on the side surface (bottom surface of the cylinder) of housing 910.

An indicator 950 (an example of a first indicator) is displayed on the peripheral surface of the housing 910. The indicator 950 is information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the first imaging unit. The shooting direction of the first imaging unit is the direction in which the imaging lens 930 faces, which in this case is the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 930. The indicator 950 is displayed on a portion of the first part 911 that faces the imaging lens 940 (for example, a portion that faces in the opposite direction from the imaging lens 940). The indicator 950 may be displayed using any of the methods described above, such as printing, engraving, or using an adhesive material. The indicator 950 is represented by a triangular shape ("△") with the inside filled in black, but may also be a shape that points in a specific direction, such as an arrow. The indicator 950 has three vertices that are positioned so as to point in the direction in which the second part 912 is located.

Next, the adjustments that the user makes when installing the imaging device 900 will be described. First, the user adjusts the orientation of the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit. The user rotates the second part 912 of the housing 910 around axis l to orient the imaging lens 940 of the second imaging unit horizontally toward the vehicle interior. Since the user is inside the vehicle, the user can adjust the orientation of the imaging lens 940 while visually observing it. Next, the user adjusts the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle 400. At this time, the user cannot or has difficulty visually observing the imaging lens 930. Therefore, the user can rotate the second part 912 around axis l to adjust the indicator 950 so that it points in the direction of the imaging lens 940. In this way, the imaging lens 930 will be oriented horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle 400. This adjustment is easy for the user to make because they can visually check the index 950 and the imaging lens 930. After this adjustment, the imaging device 900 will be in the position described in Figures 32 (A) and (B).

The imaging device 900 configured as described above may be modified to the configuration examples described below.

<7-10-2> Configuration Example 33
FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of Configuration Example 33. An index 960 (an example of a first index) displayed on the first part 911 may be used as information providing a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. The index 960 is displayed on the peripheral surface of the housing 910 at a position facing the imaging lens 940, and preferably within a range of the first part 911 facing the area where the imaging lens 930 is located. The index 960 may be, for example, a graphic resembling an imaging lens (e.g., similar to the index 271 described in FIG. 18 ). In particular, the index 960 may be arranged such that a first region 961, which faces the area where the imaging lens 930 is located, overlaps with a second region 962. The first region 961 and the second region 962 each represent an index providing information providing a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. The first region 961 may be circular, and preferably overlaps the outer edge of the imaging lens 940. Preferably, the optical axis position should be an opposing position included in the first region 961 (for example, a position where there is overlap between at least one of the second region 962 and the indicator 950), and more preferably, the center position of the first region 961 or the center of gravity position of the second region 962 should be the optical axis position.

The indicator 960 also provides information that indicates where the imaging lens 930 is located in the first part 911. When a user visually looks at the indicator 960, they can intuitively understand that the imaging lens 930 is on the opposite side, and by rotating the first part 911 so that the indicator 960 faces horizontally toward the interior of the vehicle, they can adjust the imaging direction of the first imaging unit.

Indicator 960 is not a graphic or other symbol that indicates a specific direction, so it can be prevented from misleading the user into thinking that it is information indicating the direction in which bracket 920 is located. Indicator 950 is located close to ring portion 921 of bracket 920, and although it may appear that indicator 950 is pointing in the direction in which ring portion 921 is located, this reduces the likelihood of the user being confused by such an intention.

The following indicators may be used as variations of the indicators displayed by the imaging device 900. The indicators described below may be used in place of the indicator 960 or the second region 962. For example, the indicator 962A may be represented by the shape shown in FIG. 34(A), and the indicator 962A may be displayed so that the center of gravity of this shape overlaps (faces) the optical axis position. The indicator 962A is represented by a right-angled triangle with a right-angled interior vertex located at the bottom right, and line segments of equal length extending upward and to the left from that vertex.

Alternatively, the indicator may have at least one of the top and bottom sides, and when viewed horizontally from the vehicle interior, the sides may overlap (e.g., face each other) and pass through the optical axis position. This allows the user to easily understand that the optical axis position is located on the side of the figure.

The index may also be a graphic having a second side that intersects perpendicularly to the first side. In this case, the bottom side of the first and second sides may be placed at a position where it intersects with the optical axis. The position where the bottom side intersects with the right side should be aligned with the optical axis. For example, in the case of index 962A shown in Figure 34(A), the intersection of the bottom side and right side of the graphic representing index 962A (the vertex at the bottom right) should be aligned with the optical axis.

The indicator is not limited to a right-angled triangle like indicator 962A, but may be other characters, figures, symbols, or combinations thereof. For example, indicators 962B, 962C, and 962D may be cross-shaped indicators as shown in FIGS. 34(B), (C), and (D). In particular, the indicator may be a cross-shaped indicator within a circle. For example, any of indicators 962B, 962C, and 962D may be positioned inside first region 961. The cross-shaped indicator may be positioned within the circle, either tangent or non-tangent to the circle, but may extend beyond the circle. The indicator may have sides that align with the horizontal or vertical direction of the first imaging unit. This allows the user to instantly determine the horizontal and vertical state of the imaging direction of the first imaging unit by simply looking at the indicator, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction.

The above describes desirable indicators for configuration example 33, but indicators from other configuration examples described so far may also be used.

<7-10-3> Configuration Example 34
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of Configuration Example 34. An index displayed on the imaging device 900 may be captured by a camera of the information processing terminal T, and the index may be recognized from the captured image. The information processing terminal T may be a mobile terminal device equipped with a camera such as a smartphone, or may be a separate in-vehicle camera. The information processing terminal T may then determine the direction in which the first imaging unit (e.g., a rear camera) is facing based on the recognized index and display that direction, for example, on a viewer (an example of a program). For example, the information processing terminal T may display a 3D object (an example of a first object) of a car on a viewer app, and based on the results of image recognition of the index, display the range captured from the position of the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit using a CG pyramid (an example of a second object). The same may be true for cameras other than the rear camera. When the imaging lens is visible to the user, the imaging lens itself may be image-recognized as an index, or an index may also be displayed on the side from which the imaging lens is visible.

In Figure 35, index M1 is an index with a shape that has a vertex on the right side and a position to point to (for example, the right vertex of index M1). It is preferable to display other indexes M2 and M3 at the position that index M1 points to. This makes it easier for the information processing terminal T to recognize images and also allows for more precise recognition of the angle of the shooting direction of the second imaging unit. A program that enables the information processing terminal T to realize such functions is preferably stored in a storage device such as a flash memory built into the information processing terminal T. The program is preferably read into a storage area such as RAM of the information processing terminal T by an arithmetic processing device such as the CPU of the information processing terminal T and executed, thereby realizing the functions of the program.

<7-10-4> Configuration Example 35
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of Configuration Example 35. 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, or engraved. The scale 924 is located at the boundary between the first portion 911 and the second portion 912. The scale 924 is formed at a predetermined distance along the outer circumferential surface of the ring portion 921. The scale 924 is formed at the end of the axial direction on the index 950 side. Because the inclination of the mounting portion, such as the rear window, varies depending on the vehicle model, the user may determine in advance which scale to adjust depending on the vehicle model of the vehicle 400 and then adjust the index 950 to that scale. For example, the imaging device 900 may be sold with an instruction manual (e.g., an instruction manual for the imaging device 900) describing the relationship between the vehicle model and the scale to adjust. Alternatively, the user may measure the angle of the mounting location (e.g., the rear window) and determine the position of the scale (i.e., the horizontal position scale) for adjusting the shooting direction of the first imaging unit to the horizontal direction. In this case, the instruction manual or the like may describe the relationship between the angle of the mounting location and the scale to be adjusted. When the scale 924 is displayed in this manner, the user may find it easier to adjust the shooting direction of the first imaging unit to the desired direction (here, rearward horizontal). Note that the bracket 920 may be easier to adjust if a predetermined sensation, such as a clicking sensation, is felt each time the first part 911 is rotated by the scale 924.

<7-10-5> Configuration Example 36
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 900 of Configuration Example 36. The imaging device 900 may have a second imaging unit (e.g., a camera inside the vehicle) and an index 970 (an example of a second index) on a second part 912 that rotates around axis l. The index 970 is information that serves as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit. Here, the index 970 is a triangular index, but it may be information that indicates a specific direction. The index 970 is displayed on the peripheral surface of the housing 910 at a position facing the imaging lens 940 and indicates the direction in which the first part 911 is located. The index 970 is displayed on the second part 912 by any of the methods described above, such as printing, engraving, or using an adhesive.

Next, the user's adjustments when installing the imaging device 900 will be described. First, the user orients the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit horizontally toward the interior of the vehicle. Next, the user orients the imaging lens 930 of the first imaging unit horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle 400. At this time, the user rotates the first part 911 around axis l so that the direction indicated by the indicator 950 points toward the direction of the indicator 970, and the indicators 950 and 970 point toward each other. Here, the user orients the indicators 950 and 970 so that their vertices on the ring portion 921 side face each other. In this way, the imaging device 900 is in the state shown in FIG. 37, and the imaging lens 930 is adjusted to face horizontally toward the rear of the vehicle. This adjustment is easy for the user because they can visually observe both the indicators 950 and 970.

<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 may be implemented as a photographing device in which the housing 910 is connected to the bracket 920 at a position near the end in the axial direction of the axis l.

<7-11> Variations in the Display Method of Information for Guidance of Shooting Direction In the configurations described above, methods for displaying information for guidance of shooting direction have been described, such as printing or engraving on the housing, attaching an adhesive member displaying the information to the housing, forming holes, and displaying image information on a display device. However, the methods described in the above-described embodiments can be replaced with other methods. For example, the information for guidance of shooting direction displayed by printing, engraving, or attaching an adhesive member can also be implemented as displaying image information. Furthermore, a camera may be provided that displays two or more pieces of information for guidance of shooting direction from the above-described information for guidance of shooting direction. In this way, a user can select and use information for guidance of shooting direction that is most convenient for them. For example, information for guidance of shooting direction may be displayed on both the side and peripheral surface of the housing of the camera. Furthermore, the description that a sticker member, protective sheet, etc. is attached to the camera device 200 may be interpreted as being sold separately from the camera device 200 or distributed free of charge.

<7-12> While the image capture devices 100 and 200 are configured so that the image capture direction changes when the housing is rotated, the present invention may also be applied to image capture devices configured so that the orientation changes by a method other than rotation, or to image capture devices equipped with a mechanism (for example, a movable imaging lens mechanism) that allows the image capture direction to be changed while the orientation of the housing remains the same.

<7-13> Methods of presenting information that serves as a guide for the shooting direction of the shooting unit may include methods that appeal to the user's senses, such as the user's hearing (for example, a specific sound is output when the desired shooting direction is adjusted) or the user's sense of touch (for example, a clicking sensation).

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

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

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. The configurations of the present invention for which a patent is sought are specified in the accompanying claims. However, it is the intention of the present inventors to include configurations disclosed in this specification that are not currently specified in the claims in the future.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. It is our intention to obtain rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc. Even if a statement such as "in the case of..." or "when..." is included, it is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. Configurations that are not limited to those cases or times are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to them. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to them.

Furthermore, by converting the drawings to a design registration application, it is intended to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design. The drawings depict the entire device using solid lines, but they also include partial designs claimed for certain parts of the device. For example, not only can a partial design be made of a certain component of the device, but the drawings also include a certain part of the device as a partial design regardless of the component. A certain part of the device could be a component of the device, or a part of that component. It is intended to obtain rights not only for the overall design, but also for partial designs in which any part of the solid line portion of the drawings is made into a dashed line. Furthermore, the modules, components, parts, etc. inside the device's casing, all of which are shown in the drawings, are subject to trade independently, and it is intended to obtain rights to them similarly by converting the drawings to a design registration application.

1: System 11: Control unit 12: Input unit 13: Display unit 14: Audio output unit 15: Photography unit 16: Communication unit 17: Sensor unit 18: Reader/writer 19: Terminal unit 20: Position information acquisition unit 21: Light emitting unit 22: Power supply control unit 100: Photography device 101: Housing 102: Joint rail 103: Sound emission hole 104: Microphone hole 111: Processor 112: Memory 113: Timekeeping 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 port 191: Camera jack 192: Terminal 200: Photography device 201: Housing 201A: First part 201B: Second part 201C : Flat surface 202 : Terminal portion 203 : Photography portion 204 : Power supply control portion 205 : Acceleration sensor 206 : Control portion 209 : Photography device 210 : Bracket 220 : Indicator 230 : Indicator 240A : Sealing member 240B : Sealing member 241 : Indicator 242 : Indicator 243 : Indicator 250 : Character string 260 : Protective sheet 261 : Protective film portion 262 : Handle portion 270 : Indicator 271 : Indicator 272 : Indicator 280 : Heat dissipation hole 281 : Hole 282 : Driver 283 : Shield case 290 : Spirit level 291 : Indicator 292 : Indicator 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 indicator image 704 : Horizontal direction indicator 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 : Image capturing 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 : Indicator 900 : Image capturing device 910 : Housing 911 : First portion 912 : Second part 920 : Bracket 921 : Ring portion 922 : Fixing plate 923 : Connecting portion 924 : Scale 930 : Imaging lens 940 : Imaging lens 950 : Indicator 960 : Indicator 961 : First region 962 : Second region 962A : Indicator 962B : Indicator 962C : Indicator 962D : Indicator 970 : Indicator 1011 : Top surface 1012 : First side surface 1013 : Second side surface 1014 : Third side surface 1015 : Fourth side surface 1231 : First button 1232 : Second button 1233 : Third button 1234 : Fourth button 2011 : Peripheral surface portion 2012 : Side surface 2013 : Side surface 2014 : Ventilation hole 2021 : Camera jack 2031 : Imaging lens 2101 : Ring portion 2102 : Fixing plate 2103 : Connection portion 7031 : Reference line 7032 : Scale 7041 : Reference line 7042 : Scale

Claims (11)

The camera has a housing provided with a photographing unit, and is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit in a state where the housing is attached to a predetermined attachment portion, and is configured so that information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is displayed ,
The display of the information serving as a guide for the photographing direction means that a hole serving as the information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is opened in the housing at a position facing the imaging lens of the photographing unit.
Filming equipment. A member having a predetermined longitudinal direction can be inserted into the insertion hole.
The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the information serving as a guide for the imaging direction is configured by the hole and the member inserted into the hole. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the hole also serves as a heat dissipation hole opened in the housing. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the hole is formed along a direction intersecting the imaging direction. The camera has a housing provided with a photographing unit, and is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit in a state where the housing is attached to a predetermined attachment portion, and is configured so that information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is displayed ,
Displaying the information serving as a guide for the shooting direction includes attaching a protective sheet having a handle portion as the information to the imaging lens of the imaging unit.
Filming equipment. The camera has a housing provided with a photographing unit, and is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit in a state where the housing is attached to a predetermined attachment portion, and is configured so that information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is displayed ,
the imaging unit is a first imaging unit,
the housing has a first section in which the first photographing section is provided and a second section in which a second photographing section is provided, and is configured so that the photographing direction of the first photographing section can be adjusted by changing the relative attitude of the first section and the second section;
The information serving as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit includes a first index displayed on the first part.
Filming equipment. an imaging lens of the first imaging unit is provided in the first portion;
The photographing device according to claim 6 , wherein the first index is information that indicates a direction in which an imaging lens of the second photographing unit is located, thereby enabling adjustment of the photographing direction of the first photographing unit. The photographing device according to claim 7 , wherein a scale indicated by the first indicator and serving as a guide for the photographing direction of the first photographing unit is displayed at a boundary between the first portion and the second portion. the information serving as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit includes a second index displayed on the second portion;
The photographing device according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the photographing direction of the first photographing section can be adjusted by making the first index and the second index point to each other. an imaging lens of the first imaging unit is provided in the first portion;
an imaging lens of the second imaging unit is provided in the second portion;
The imaging device according to claim 9 , wherein the information serving as a guide for the imaging direction of the first imaging unit is displayed at a position of the first part facing the imaging lens of the first imaging unit. The camera has a housing provided with a photographing unit, and is configured so that a user can adjust the photographing direction of the photographing unit in a state where the housing is attached to a predetermined attachment portion, and is configured so that information serving as a guide for the photographing direction is displayed ,
The housing is cylindrical,
an imaging lens of the imaging unit is provided on a peripheral surface of the housing;
The imaging direction can be adjusted by rotating the housing around the axis of the cylinder.
Filming equipment.