JPH0533151U - Automatic shooting device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide an automatic image capturing device that enables complete automation of lightning capturing. [Structure] The camera 1 incorporates a shutter 12 and a film winding mechanism 13 which are operated by an external command, and a projector 14 arranged on the back side of the film 15. The camera control device 5 for controlling the shooting of the camera 1 includes a lightning detection unit 51 for detecting lightning, a lightning identification unit 52 for detecting approaching lightning and lightning based on a detection signal from the lightning detection unit 51, and a shutter 12. Also, a camera operation control unit 53 that controls the operation of the film winding mechanism 13, a timepiece 54, a time calibration device 55 that calibrates the timepiece 54, and a data storage unit 5 that stores time and the like.
6 and a signal from the lightning identification unit 52 to form a start-up command to control the camera operation control unit 53, fetch time data, record control the data storage unit 56, and capture control unit 57.
And a central processing unit 58 for driving and controlling

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial application]

 The present invention relates to an automatic image capturing device for automatically capturing lightning, and in particular, it is capable of reliably detecting lightning, reliably capturing lightning when a lightning strike occurs, and storing shooting data such as the time of lightning strike. Regarding the device.

[0002]

[Prior Art]

 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for photographing lightning, which is a contingent phenomenon, a photographing device that combines a camera that optically captures lightning and a special control device that controls photographing of the camera for the purpose of lightning photographing has been used. Since this imaging device is generally used for long-time unmanned observations in remote areas without a power source or communication means, it is necessary for all operations to be performed automatically and to be able to maintain stable operation for a long time. is there.

Therefore, in the case of the above-described image pickup apparatus, the power consumed by the apparatus is basically supplied from the battery, and the control circuit is configured to be a low consumption type in order to reduce the power consumption. , It is devised to activate the imaging device only when a thundercloud approaches.

In the case of such a photographing device, with respect to the approach of the thundercloud, the principle that discharge is generated from the tip of a metal rod standing upright when the thundercloud approaches, the current due to this discharge, the needle tip current It is common to judge by detecting the increase in

In addition, the opening and closing control of the shutter of the camera is performed by opening the shutter at the time of detection of lightning during the day and closing after a lapse of a certain time, and at night when the approach of a thundercloud is detected, the shutter is opened in advance for a certain time after detection of the lightning. Controls such as closing after a lapse of time or opening the shutter in advance regardless of the approach of a thundercloud are being performed. Then, the detection of lightning is distinguished by utilizing the fact that lightning is stronger than other light.

Further, the time data at the time of lightning photographing is imprinted on the film by operating the optical time imprinting device at the time of detection of lightning. The controller also drives the thermal printer to print out the lightning detection time.

Here, the above-mentioned optical time recorder is configured to combine a half mirror and a lens system to superimpose a small clock display on the optical image of the lightning and to transfer it onto the film.

If the above-mentioned configuration is adopted and its operation is controlled, it is possible to automatically shoot lightning under a certain usage environment.

[0009]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 However, in a cold region where the temperature is below freezing in winter, the output of a commercially available dry battery used as the power source of the image capturing apparatus is reduced, so that the power source voltage is likely to be reduced. In particular, in the case of the above-mentioned image capturing apparatus, when a lightning strike occurs, the thermal printer operates to print the time of occurrence, but at this time, the voltage drops significantly. Such a drastic drop in the power supply voltage may cause a malfunction of the central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU), making it impossible to continue automatic observation thereafter.

If such a malfunction occurs, it becomes a fatal problem when automatic observation for several months is required. As a measure to reduce the power supply voltage in cold regions, it is possible to increase the number of batteries, but it was not realistic to increase the number of batteries multiple times due to space constraints. Of course, it is conceivable to use a special-purpose high-performance battery, but there is a drawback that the battery is expensive.

Further, in the case of the conventional image pickup apparatus, the prior detection of lightning stroke is performed by the increase detection of the needle tip current, as described above. However, an increase in needle tip current indicates the approach of a thundercloud, and does not necessarily indicate that lightning is likely to occur. Therefore, even when a small thundercloud that does not generate lightning is approached, the image capturing device may start up, and batteries and film may be wasted more than necessary.

[0012] Furthermore, in the conventional photographing device, since it is set to judge that it is a thunderlight when strong light is detected, it is possible to respond to the moonlight between clouds or the light of a distant car to photograph. The device may start up.

In addition, in the case of the conventional photographing device, the optical time imprinting device provided in the camera forms the display time image of the small timepiece on the film by the half mirror and the lens system. In order to superimpose the displayed time image of the clock on the lightning image, it is necessary to adjust the focus and the location of the image with high accuracy. However, the optical adjustment is delicate and takes a considerable amount of time depending on the installation location. Moreover, since the imprinting clock is independent of the CPU clock in the control device, there is generally a difference between the time imprinted on the lightning photograph and the time imprinted on the CPU. .. Therefore, when analyzing the data, it was necessary to consider this clock shift and analyze it, which was not efficient. Moreover, if data such as the time of occurrence is not saved even if the lightning is successfully photographed, it is difficult to match it with the observation results such as lightning current and electromagnetic field waveforms, and the value as data is considered to be halved.

As described above, in the current situation where other lightning observation systems have been enriched, the conventional lightning imaging apparatus has many problems to be improved practically.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic photographing apparatus capable of fully automating lightning photographing.

[0016]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to achieve the above object, a camera equipped with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates according to an external command, and a camera that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operation of the shutter and film winding mechanism of the camera An automatic image capturing device including a control device, wherein the camera control device includes a lightning detection means for detecting lightning light, and a lightning light detecting approaching lightning and lightning light based on a detection signal from the lightning detection means. Based on the identification means, the camera operation control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the shutter of the camera and the operation of the film winding mechanism based on the activation instruction, and the activation instruction based on the signal from the lightning identification means. And a processing means for controlling the camera operation control means.

The lightning detection means may be a light receiver for receiving lightning and converting it into an electric signal, and a hood for allowing only light from a certain direction to enter the light incident surface of the light receiver.

Further, a camera equipped with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates in response to an external command, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operation of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. Preferably, the camera control device comprises a timepiece that outputs time data and a time adjustment device that calibrates the timepiece.

Further, a camera provided with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates according to a command from the outside, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operations of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. It is preferable that the camera control device is provided with a data storage device that stores a time and a device number when the lightning detection unit detects the lightning.

A camera provided with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates according to a command from the outside, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operations of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. In the automatic photographing device, the camera control device has a projector control unit that generates data for recording the time when the lightning is detected on the film and gives the data projector a projector, and the camera is A data display device, which is arranged on the back side of the film and displays data from the projection device control section, and a data projection device, which is provided on the back side of the data display device and includes an illumination lamp which is turned on only when data is printed, It may be a built-in automatic photographing device.

Further, a camera equipped with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates according to an external command, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operation of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. And a lightning detection means for detecting lightning, and a lightning identification means for detecting approaching lightning and lightning based on a detection signal from the light receiving means. A camera operation control means that controls the opening / closing operation of the shutter of the camera and the operation of the film winding mechanism based on a start command, a timepiece that outputs time data, a time calibration device that calibrates the timepiece, and a lightning detection. A data storage device that stores the time and device number when the lightning light is detected by the means, and the camera operation control by generating the start command based on the signal from the lightning light identification means. It is also possible to use an automatic photographing device comprising a processing means for controlling the means, taking in the time data of the timepiece, controlling the recording of the data storage device, and controlling the driving of the copying machine controller.

[0022]

[Action]

 In general, thunderclouds that generate cloud discharges have a high probability of causing lightning strikes, which are the targets of shooting, and can detect lightning in advance more accurately than detection of approaching thunderclouds by needle tip current, and that the detected light intensity changes rapidly. By adopting the method of determining that an object is a thunderlight, the probability that the automatic image capturing device will erroneously start due to disturbance light that changes more slowly than thunderlight, such as the light of a distant car or moonlight, is reduced. In addition, by attaching a hood to the lightning receiver, it is possible to prevent the reception of ambient light outside the field of view, so it is possible to more completely prevent false activation due to ambient light. Preventing erroneous activation in this way can prevent wasteful consumption of batteries and films, thus extending the replacement period of batteries and films. As a result, the automatic observation period becomes longer, and the efficiency of operations can be improved by reducing the number of inspections.

Further, since all the times from one clock are used, it is possible to unify the time and use the accurate time, and the clock is calibrated by the radio time signal so that it matches the standard time with high accuracy. Therefore, it is easy to compare and collate with other observation data.

In addition, the thermal printer, which consumes the most power, is eliminated from the components of the control device, and all the necessary data is stored in the data storage unit, so it is possible to prevent the power supply voltage from dropping due to printer operation. Even if the battery output drops at low temperatures, especially when used in cold regions, the malfunction of the CPU will be eliminated and the reliability of long-term automatic observation will be improved.

Since the data such as the time is stored in the data storage unit, it is possible to collect the data from the data storage unit with a dedicated data recorder at the time of camera inspection such as battery / film exchange. Since the data collected in this way can be transferred to an information processing device as it is, the output of a thermal printer has been read in the past, but the data can be organized and analyzed easily.

In addition, while the conventional time imprinting device was optical, it was difficult to make adjustments. On the other hand, a data display for displaying the data from the imprinter controller on the rear side of the film, and the above-mentioned data. Since an illumination lamp is placed on the back side of the display unit that lights up only when data is imprinted, the necessary data can be imprinted stably without adjustment.

In addition, the time corresponding to the standard time is used with high accuracy, and the lightning shooting data is stored in the data storage unit, and the lightning shooting data is given to the projection device to be printed on the film. Therefore, it is easy to compare and collate with other observation data, and the data such as the time imprinted on the film and the data recorded in the data storage unit match, so the data management is ensured. Therefore, it is possible to improve the certainty of camera control, streamline and rationalize the operation of the device, and improve the value of the photographed image as observation data.

[0028]

【Example】

 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic photographing apparatus according to the present invention. The automatic image capturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a camera 1 for capturing lightning, and a camera control unit 5 which is connected to the camera 1 via a control line 3 and controls image capturing by the camera 1.

Here, the camera 1 includes a lens system 11, a shutter 12 operated by an external command, a film winding mechanism 13 including a motor drive operated by an external command, and the camera control device 5. And a copying machine 14 for copying the data such as the time and the like on a predetermined place of the film.

The camera control device 5 also includes a lightning detection unit 51 for detecting lightning, a lightning identification unit 52 for detecting approaching lightning and lightning based on a detection signal from the lightning detection unit 51, and a start command. On the basis of the above, a camera operation control section 53 for controlling the opening / closing operation of the shutter 12 of the camera 1 and the operation of the film winding mechanism 13; a clock 54 for outputting time data; and a time calibrating device 55 for calibrating this clock 54. And a data storage unit 56 that stores the time and device number when the lightning detection unit 51 detects the lightning, a copying control unit 57 that gives data such as the time to the copying machine 14, and a lightning detection unit 51. The start command is generated based on the signal from the camera control unit 53 to control the camera operation control unit 53, fetch the time data of the clock 54, store the data in the data storage unit 56, and drive the copy control unit 57. You Central processing unit 58. The time calibration device 55 of the camera control device 5 is connected to the signal output section of the radio receiver 7 via a signal line 71 and a photo coupler 72. The lightning identification unit 52 is further connected to an external lightning detection unit 9 via a signal line L. The lightning detector 51 includes a light receiver 511 for inputting lightning light and converting it into an electric signal, and a hood 512 for making only the light from a certain direction incident on the light incident surface of the light receiver 511. Similarly, the external lightning detection unit 9 includes a light receiver 91 that receives lightning light and converts it into an electric signal, and a hood 92 that allows only light from a certain direction to enter the light incident surface of the light receiver 91. Further, the data storage unit 56 can be configured by a RAM or the like attached to the central processing unit 58 in the camera control device 5, or by providing a dedicated RAM separately.

2 and 3 show the configuration of the projector 14 built in the camera 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the projector 14, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the projector 14.

The copying machine 14 fits the liquid crystal display 141 into a part of the film pressing plate 16 that holds the film 15 as shown in FIG. 3, and the data such as the copying time is stored in the photographing area Ar on the film 15. It can be imprinted on the right and left lower places. The liquid crystal display 141 is of a transmissive type and displays data from the display control circuit 142. The display control circuit 142 can blink the data imprinting backlight 143. The display control circuit 142 is driven and controlled by the image capturing control unit 57 of the camera control device 5.

The operation of the embodiment thus configured will be described.

The light receiver 511 of the lightning detection unit 51 that receives lightning outputs an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the received light to the lightning identification unit 52. The lightning identifying unit 52 identifies a lightning-changing one from among electrical signals as a lightning-light. In general, the lightning intensity is not only high in intensity but also changes rapidly. Therefore, the lightning identification unit 52 can identify the lightning from the light or moonlight of a distant vehicle whose light intensity changes slowly. Since the hood 512 having an appropriate size is attached in front of the light receiver 511, it is possible to prevent the ambient light from directly entering the light receiver 511, thereby ensuring the detection of lightning light. Further, by using the external lightning detection unit 9 cut off from the camera control device 5, it is possible to surely and easily adjust the installation direction of the light receiver 91.

The central processing unit 58, which has received the lightning detection signal from the lightning identification unit 52, operates the camera operation control unit 53 by detecting that lightning has been detected when the camera control unit 5 is at rest and operates the camera. 1. After the shutter 12 is opened and closed and the film winding mechanism 13 performs the film feeding photographing operation, the camera operation control unit 53 is operated again to open the shutter 12 of the camera 1 and wait for the next lightning That is, set the device in the lightning strike mode. In the lightning strike mode, the camera operation control unit 53 is operated to close the shutter 12 after a lapse of a certain time, and after the film is wound by the film winding mechanism 13, the shutter 12 is opened again to emit the next lightning. Set the automatic shooting device to the waiting state. Since lightning strikes, which are the main purpose of photography, often occur after several cloud discharges, lightning strikes can be sufficiently detected in advance by the above-mentioned operation.

The imprinting of the lightning detection time on the film is performed by operating the imprinting device 14 by the imprinting control unit 57. The image capturing device 14 is configured as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the data such as the time from the image capturing control unit 57 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 141, and the backlight 143 is turned on at the time of a lightning strike. The time of the lightning strike is copied on the film 15 by. This makes it easy to organize the photographs after development and collate them with the data stored in the data storage unit 56 of the camera control device 5.

All the time data such as the lightning detection time is based on the clock 54 incorporated in the camera control device 5. This clock 54 is based on the hourly signal received by the radio receiver 7 and is used by the time calibration device 55. Due to this, it is automatically calibrated at least once a day. Therefore, the accuracy of time is sufficiently high. Since the signal line 71 that connects the time calibration device 55 and the radio receiver 7 is electrically insulated by the photocoupler 72, noise generated by the camera control device 5 may be input to the radio receiver 7. It is possible to secure a good reception condition for FM or AM broadcasting.

Further, the lightning occurrence time is recorded on the film 15 by the projector 14 of the camera 1, and is also stored in the data storage unit 56 built in the camera control device 5. Since the data stored in the data storage unit 56 can be transferred to the data recorder 2 or the processing device 4 such as a personal computer through the interface RS232C, it is possible to surely organize and analyze the film.

[0040]

[Effect of the device]

 As described above, selective detection of lightning enables the automatic image capturing device to be activated with less waste and to save power and extend the life of the battery.

Further, it is not necessary to match the lightning detection time recorded on the film with the time recorded in the data, and the efficiency of analysis can be improved.

Further, the lightning detection time can be directly recorded on the film based on one clock and can be stored in the memory for efficient and reliable storage, which improves the accuracy of data at the time of shooting, It is possible to improve the efficiency of organization and analysis.

In addition, since the optical system is not used, the lightning detection time can be adjusted without adjustment, and stable printing can be performed.

Further, it is possible to save the power of the battery, prolong the life of the battery, realize unmanned observation for a long time, improve the accuracy of data at the time of photographing, and improve the efficiency of organizing and analyzing the photographed films.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view for explaining a copying machine used in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Camera 2 Data Recorder 3 Control Line 4 Processing Device 5 Camera Control Device 12 Shutter 13 Film Winding Mechanism 14 Photographer 15 Film 16 Film Holding Plate 51 Thunder-Light Detection Unit 52 Thunder-Light Discrimination Unit 53 Camera Operation Control Unit 54 Clock 55 Time Calibration Device 56 Data storage unit 57 Imaging control unit 58 Central processing unit

Claims (6)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A camera provided with a shutter and a film winding mechanism which are operated by an external command, and a camera control device which detects the approach of lightning and controls the operation of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. An automatic image capturing apparatus comprising: the camera control device, a lightning detection means for detecting lightning, a lightning identification means for detecting approaching lightning and lightning based on a detection signal from the lightning detection means, and a start command. Based on the above, the camera operation control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the shutter of the camera and the operation of the film winding mechanism, and the camera operation control means for generating the start command based on the signal from the lightning identification means. An automatic image capturing device, comprising: 2. The lightning detector according to claim 1, wherein the lightning detector includes a light receiver for inputting lightning light and converting the lightning light into an electric signal, and a hood for allowing only light from a certain direction to enter a light incident surface of the light receiver. An automatic image capturing device characterized in that 3. A camera provided with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates according to a command from the outside, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operation of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. An automatic image capturing apparatus provided with the camera control device, wherein the camera control device includes a clock that outputs time data and a time calibrating device that calibrates the clock. 4. A camera provided with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operate according to a command from the outside, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operation of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. An automatic image capturing device provided with the camera control device, wherein the camera control device includes a data storage device that stores a time and a device number when lightning light is detected by the lightning detection unit. 5. A camera provided with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates according to a command from the outside, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operation of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. An automatic image capturing apparatus provided with, wherein the camera control device has a projector control unit that generates data for projecting a time when lightning is detected on a film and gives the data projector a camera, and the camera is , A data indicator disposed on the back side of the film for displaying data from the projector control section, and a data projector including an illumination lamp disposed on the back side of the data indicator and turned on only when data is imprinted. An automatic image capturing device characterized by being built in. 6. A camera provided with a shutter and a film winding mechanism that operates according to a command from the outside, and a camera control device that detects the approach of lightning and controls the operations of the shutter and the film winding mechanism of the camera. An automatic image capturing apparatus comprising: the camera control device, a lightning detection means for detecting lightning, a lightning identification means for detecting approaching lightning and lightning based on a detection signal from the light receiving means, and a start command. Based on the above, the camera operation control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the camera shutter and the operation of the film winding mechanism, a timepiece for outputting time data, a time calibrating device for calibrating the timepiece, and a lightning detecting means for detecting lightning When detected, it controls the camera operation control means by generating the start command based on the signal from the data storage device that stores the time / device number and the lightning identification device. An automatic photographing apparatus comprising: processing means for taking in time data of the timepiece, recording control of the data storage device, and driving control of a copying machine controller.