Patent Publication Number: US-2022214603-A1

Title: Versatile camera device mountable to pole

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2021-001411, filed Jan. 7, 2021; and No. 2021-099524, filed Jun. 15, 2021, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention described herein relate generally to a versatile camera device mountable to a pole, which is easy to handle and suitable for observation in a variety of occasions. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventional observation cameras are used in a variety of locations. Conventional observation cameras have been devised in their form (shape, equipment, accessories, etc.), installation method, etc., depending on the place where they are used and the conditions of the location. For this reason, various types of observation cameras have developed independently and are expensive. 
     As a result, conventional observation cameras may be regarded to be inferior in terms of versatility. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment, a versatile camera device to be mounted to a pole, includes a cylindrical portion, a leg portion, and a light-transmitting portion provided in a axial middle portion of the cylindrical portion and forming a part of the cylindrical portion. Further included are a reflector which receives light entering from the light-transmitting portion and an image pickup camera which receives light reflected from the reflector at an image pickup unit. The device further includes a control substrate including a transmitter which generates radio waves including an image signal from the image pickup camera. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a versatile camera device that can be mounted to a pole according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of a light-transmitting portion  113  seen from below (a leg portion side), as cutting the pole along line A 1 -A 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting portion  113  seen from above (a cylindrical portion side), as cutting the pole along line B 1 -B 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an explanatory diagram showing a part of a cylindrical portion  112  in which a camera device  300  is installed, which illustrates an example of a method of holding a micro-electronic camera  310 . 
         FIG. 4  is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a signal processing system of the camera of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a camera device that can be mounted to a pole according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a signal processing system of the camera according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of still another embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of still another embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an image pickup system using the camera device shown in  FIG. 1, 5, 7 or 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a leg portion and an example of use of the camera device, according to still another embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the structure of a leg portion and another example of use of the camera device, according to still another embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the structure of a leg portion and another example of use of the camera device, according to still another embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data format adopted by a transmitter/receiver provided in the camera device according to this embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiment described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions. Further, with regard to the structural components recited in the claims, they may be represented in divisions and/or combinations by any form, but they are still encompassed within the scope of the inventions. Furthermore, two or more embodiments may also be combined, and such examples of the combination are also within the scope of the invention. 
     The drawings may be schematically represented with respect to the width, thickness, shape, etc., of each part compared to the actual state in order to make the explanation clearer. Further, the names and terms used here are not limited, and even if other expressions are used, they are included in the present invention as long as they are of substantially the same contents and purports. 
     The embodiments of the present invention provides a versatile camera device to be mounted on a pole that is of a simple configuration, multiple uses, and implementable at low cost. 
     According to one embodiment, the basic configuration comprises, for example, a cylindrical portion, a leg portion mounted to the cylindrical portion to extending one end portion of the cylindrical portion, a light-transmitting portion provided in a axial middle portion of the cylindrical portion toward the other end and forming a part of the cylindrical portion, a reflector which receives light entering from the light-transmitting portion and guides the light to one axial side thereof, and an image pickup camera disposed inside the cylindrical portion and receiving the light reflected from the reflector at an image pickup unit. 
     The basis configuration further comprises a control substrate disposed inside the cylindrical portion and comprising a transmitter which generates radio waves including the image capture signal from the image capture camera and a controller, a battery disposed inside the cylindrical portion and driving the transmitter, the controller and the image pickup camera and a lid which seals the other end of the cylindrical portion and encloses the reflector, the image pickup camera, the control substrate and the battery. The first embodiment will now be described. This embodiment is extremely advantageous when used in the following situations. 
     (1) There is a demand of viewing, for example, the ball on the green heading for the cup from the cup side to as to enjoy golf more. There is also a demand of being able to observe how the golf ball changes its course near the cup and rolls in a direction away from the cup. 
     There is also a demand of viewing how the ball flying away around the pole. An example of such a scene is a situation that, when a player hits a ball from a bunker aiming at the flagpole, the ball may hit the flagpole directly, or fly to the right or left of the flagpole. 
     To meet such demands, according to an embodiment, there is provided a versatile camera device mountable to the pole, which can shoot such a scene of how a golf ball rolling on the green toward at least the cup from the cup side. More specifically, according to this embodiment, there is provided a versatile camera device mountable to a pole, which is placed in the axial middle of the pole comprising leg portions to stand on the bottom of the cup. 
     (2) There is also a demand for a camera device that is effective and easy to use when observing living things in rivers, forests, woods, fields, grounds, gardens, etc., or when observing winds and rains, their influences on the ground and changes in the ground surface. 
     (2-1) Under these circumstances, such a versatile camera device is provided that is to be mounted on a pole, whose multiple camera installation modes (usage types or installation states) can be easily changed over therebetween. 
     Thus, the leg portion includes a locking section, to which an adapter can be mounted to extend the distal end portion of the leg portion or change the direction of the end portion thereof. 
     (2-2) Further, a versatile camera device to be mounted to a pole is provided, which can be used as hanging a cylindrical portion containing a built-in image pickup camera, from a branch or the like when the adapter is formed into a hook shape. With this device, it is easy to observe insects living on tree branches, small birds gathering on tree branches, bird nests on tree branches, etc. 
     (2-3) Furthermore, such a versatile camera device to be mounted to a pole is provided, that can be used with the leg portions standing up, for example, on the bottom of a river, when the adapter is flange-shaped. With this device, it is possible to observe the ecology of various living organisms in rivers, lakes, and the sea. 
     (2-4) Furthermore, such a versatile camera device to be mounted to a pole is provided, that can be used by easily sticking the leg portions into any position on the ground when the adapter is arrowhead-shaped. With this device, it is easy to observe wildlife (insects, reptiles, wild animals, or livestock) in the wilderness. 
     According to the above-described versatile camera devices to be mounted to a pole, it is possible to easily observe and monitor insects, animals, plants, agricultural products, rivers, road conditions, and areas around houses. 
     (2-5) Furthermore, the above-described versatile camera devices can also be used as a sensor and/or guide for a guidance system when multiple devices are set. For example, multiple devices are placed along a mountain trail or along a predetermined pathway. In this manner, the guidance system can monitor passersby on the trail or along the predetermined pathway, and can also alert passersby who goes off the track by voice or wireless system. In this case, the multiple devices are connected to the server via relay means/network, and the server is connected to the control center. 
     The embodiment in  FIG. 1  provides a versatile camera device that is mounted to a pole placed in a axial middle portion of the pole (in this case, it may be referred to as a flagpole), which used with its leg portion standing on the bottom of a cup. 
     The embodiment comprises a cylindrical portion  112 , a leg portion  111  attached by extending one end of the cylindrical portion  112  and tapering off towards its distal end, and a light-transmitting portion  113  provided in the middle portion along the axial direction toward the other end of the cylindrical portion  112 , which also forms a part of the cylindrical portion  112 . The device also comprises a reflector  303  that receives light incident from the light-transmitting portion  113  and guides it to one side of the axial direction, and an image pickup camera  310  disposed inside the cylindrical portion  112  and receives light reflected from the reflector  303  at an image pickup portion. 
     Moreover, the device comprises a control substrate  320  disposed inside the cylindrical portion  112  and equipped with a transmitter and a controller that generate radio waves including an image pickup signal from the image pickup camera  310 , and a battery  1000  disposed inside the cylindrical portion  112 , which drives the transmitter and the controller mounted on the control substrate  320  and the image pickup camera  310 . Further, a lid  450  is provided to seal the other end side of the tube  112  and confine the reflector  303 , the image pickup camera  310 , the control substrate  320  and the battery  1000  inside the cylindrical member  112 . 
     The above-described embodiment is effective when applied to a flagpole.  FIG. 1  shows a hole  11  in a green, a cup  12  disposed in the hole  11 , and a pole  100  is set to stand in the center of the cup  12 . A distal end (one end) of a leg portion  111 , which is one end of the pole  100 , is inserted into a pole insertion hole formed in the bottom of the cup  12 . With this structure, the pole  100  stands upright vertically. 
     A proximal end (the other end) of the leg portion  111  is joined coaxially to the cylindrical portion  112  of the pole  100 . The cylindrical member  112  and the leg portion  111  are different from each other in diameter, the light-transmitting portion  113  is used as a coupling means. The light-transmitting portion  113  forms a part of the cylindrical portion  112  and may be referred to as a coupling or joining tool. 
     One end of the light-transmitting portion  113  forms a bottom portion, and the bottom portion is joined to the other end of the leg portion  111 , for example by welding. The other end portion of the light-transmitting portion  113  is open and is integrated with and joined to the opening of the cylindrical member  112 . 
     Thus, in this case, the light-transmitting portion  113  comprises an inclined side wall. Window portions  201  to  204  are formed in multiple locations on the side wall. The window portions  201  to  204  are arranged, for example, circumferentially around the side wall. The window portions  201  to  204  may be of a flat type, such as transparent synthetic resin or glass in practice, or a wide angle lens or a fisheye lens may as well be disposed. The light-transmitting portion  113  which includes the window portions  201  to  204  described above can be regarded as a part of the cylindrical portion  112 . 
     Note that the wall thickness of the light-transmitting portion  113  including the window portions  201  to  204  should preferably be greater than that of the cylindrical portion  112  for reinforcement. 
     The pole  100  includes the cylindrical portion  112 , the leg portion  111  and the light-transmitting portion  113  which is a part of the cylindrical portion  112 . The leg portion  111  is located in the axial one end of the cylindrical portion  112  and is less than the cylindrical portion  112  in thickness. The light-transmitting portion  113  includes a large diameter portion continuously joined to one end of the cylindrical portion  112  and a small diameter portion continuously joined to the leg portion  111 . Furthermore, the light-transmitting portion  113  comprises an inclined wall that is inclined with respect to the axis between its large and small diameter portions, and the multiple window portions  201  to  204  made in the inclined wall. 
     Further, to the leg portion  111 , an adapter can be attached to extend its distal end portion or changes the direction thereof. Therefore, the leg portion  111  is formed with a lock portion  461  which locks the adapter. In this example, the lock portion  461  has a screw structure. When, for example, a hook-type adapter is mounted to the lock portion  461 , the extended posture of the leg portion  111  is bent, for example, into a V- or U-shape. Then, with the adapter, the pole  100  can be hanged on a tree branch, for example. Further, it can be used in a variety of ways, making it easy to use. For example, it is easy to hang the camera device for storage or install in a high position. 
       FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the pole  100  cut along line A 1 -A 2  in  FIG. 1 , viewing the light-transmitting portion  113  from below (a leg portion side) and above the pole.  FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the pole  100  cut along line Bl-B 2  in  FIG. 1 , viewing the light-transmitting portion  113  from above (a cylindrical portion side). 
     The window portions  201  to  204  may be released open, but usually a window material such as glass or plastic is fit therein with waterproof and dustproof process. A reflector  303  is disposed in a deep section of each of the window portions  201  to  204 . The reflector  303  is, for example, a mirror and comprises a mirror (a reflective component) corresponding to the respective one of the window portions  201  to  204 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the reflective components  303   a,    303   b,    303   c  and  303   d  correspond respectively to the window portions  201  to  204 . The reflective components  303   a,    303   b,    303   c  and  303   d  are combined in a pyramidal shape of a structure to ensure a view around the axis (360 degrees). The reflective components  303   a,    303   b,    303   c  and  303   d  are mounted to a fixation base  304 , for example, at a set reflection angle. Therefore, surfaces on which the reflective components  303   a,    303   b,    303   c  and  303   d  are placed respectively on the fixation base  304  are precisely manufactured so as to introduce the reflection light accurately to the lens of the microelectronic camera  310 . Note that the reflector  303  has a square pole-like shape in appearance, but it may as well be a triangle pole. The window portion may as well be constituted by three windows to correspond to a triangular prism-shaped reflector. Furthermore, the reflector  303  may as well be a conical cylindrical mirror. The image processing unit of the camera, which will be described later, may be equipped with a distortion adjustment function to adjust the ratio between vertical and lateral directions (aspect ratio) of the captured images. Thus, it is possible to adjust the distortion of the image captured with a lens such as a wide-angle lens or a fisheye lens, for example, and the distortion of images can be corrected. 
     With the above-described configuration, the reflector  303  reflects the light entering from outside through the window portion (which may be referred to as a window as well) and directs it toward the other end (the upper portion) of the cylindrical portion  112 . The light reflected by the reflector  303  then enters the image pickup section of the microelectronic camera  310 . The microelectronic camera  310  is disposed and fixed inside the cylindrical portion  112  via a camera holder  311 . Therefore, the microelectronic camera  310  can shoot a subject (for example, a golf ball) on the green through the reflector  303  and the window portion  201 . For example, in order to shoot a golf ball  10  rolling on the green and approaching a cup  12 , when viewing on the green from the lens of the camera through the reflector  303 , it is preferable that the installation angle of each reflective component be adjusted to capture the front and obliquely downward side of the ball. It is then important that the camera device  300  catches the golf ball  10  located at the edge of the hole  11  or cup in its field of view through the reflector  303 . In other words, it is important that the area including a part of the edge of the hole  11  or a part of the edge of the cup  12  is covered by the shooting area. 
     Further, a substrate  320  is mounted to the camera holder  311 , and on the substrate  320 , the control unit that controls the microelectronic camera  310 , the image processing unit and a communication unit (transmitter/receiver) are mounted. The camera holder  311  holding the microelectronic camera  310  is held by stoppers  121  to  124  formed to protrude from the inner wall of the cavity of the cylindrical portion  112 . Note that, although not shown in the figure, a flag can be tied to the extension of the other end of the cylindrical portion  112 . 
     In the cylindrical portion  112 , a battery holder  330  is further disposed above the substrate  320 . The battery holder  330  is cup-shaped with a bottom, and a thin battery  1000  can be placed therein. The power from the battery  1000  is supplied to the various circuits of the above-described substrate  320  and the microelectronic camera  310 . As in the case of the above-described camera holder  311 , the battery holder  330  is also held by stoppers  131  to  134  formed to protrude from the inner wall of the cavity of the cylindrical portion  112 . 
     Note that the battery holder  330  may be configured to be integrated with the camera holder  311  as one body. With this configuration, the camera  310 , the substrate  320  and the battery  1000  can be mounted to the camera holder  311  beforehand, and the camera holder  311  can be incorporated to the cylindrical portion  112 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a part of the cylindrical portion  112  of the camera device  200  described above, to illustrate an example of how to hold the microelectronic camera  310 . The cylindrical portion  112  can be divided, for example, into two parts along the diameter direction, to prepare symmetrized half-cylindrical portions  112   a  and  112   b.  To the half-cylinder portion  112   b,  stoppers  121  to  124  are formed to be integrated therewith in advance, to clip the camera holder  311  from above and below in the axial direction. The camera holder  311  is pushed into the groove of the semi-cylindrical portion  112   b  before the semi-cylindrical portions  112   a  and  112   b  are combined together, held by the stoppers  121  to  124  as shown in  FIG. 1 , and further fixed by adhesive. 
     Although not shown, the battery holder  330  is also fixed to the semi-cylindrical portion  112   b  in a similar manner. After that, the semi-cylindrical portions  112   a  and  112   b  are assembled together to be integrated as one body. The method of integrating the semi-cylindrical portions  112   a  and  112   b  is not limited to that discussed in this embodiment, but various methods may as well be possible. Various methods can be adopted, for example, a cap method used for the body and cap of a fountain pen, and the tightening method using a screw structure, for example. 
       FIG. 4  is an explanatory diagram showing the above-described microelectronic camera and the various circuit portions provided on the substrate  320 . An image signal from the microelectronic camera is input to the image processing unit  331  and subjected to processing including a compression process (encoding) and the like. The encoded image signal is converted into a transmission signal in the transmitter/receiver unit  332 , which includes a transmitter and a receiver, and is sent to the user&#39;s wireless receiver (not shown), for example, by a wireless signal such as Blue Tooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The wireless receiver can, for example, relay the received signal and transmit it to the recording device. Or, the wireless receiver can transmit the received signal to the monitor room of the broadcasting facility. The image processing unit  331  comprise a distortion adjustment function to adjust the ratio between vertical and lateral directions (aspect ratio) of the captured images, or the aspect ratio may be adjusted by the signal processing unit in the monitor room. Further, the wireless receiver may be a smart phone. 
     The transmitter/receiver unit  332  can also receive a control signal from a remote control device (remote controller) or a smart phone, and the received control signal is interpreted by the control unit  333  to control the microelectronic camera  310 . The contents of the controlling include, for example, focus, aperture, and the like. 
     As described above, the light-transmitting portion  113  includes an inclined wall that is inclined between the large and small diameter portions with respect to the axis and the window portions  201  to  204  provided in the inclined wall. The camera device  300  comprises a reflector  303  disposed inside the light-transmitting portion  113  so as to reflects light entering from outside through the window portions  201  to  204  and guides it towards the other end portion of the cylindrical portion  112 , and the camera  310  disposed inside the cylindrical portion  112  so as to capture optical images from the reflector  303  with its image pickup unit. 
     The embodiment described above is of a fixed type in which the reflector  303  and the microelectronic camera  310  are fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The basic idea remains the same as that of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , but in other embodiments, the microelectronic camera  310  can be rotated along with the reflector  303  by a motor and its rotational position can be remotely controlled. 
       FIG. 5  shows another embodiment, and the same parts as those of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  are marked with the same referential signs as those used in  FIG. 1 . The parts that differ from the structure shown in  FIG. 1  will be explained below. According to this embodiment, a motor M is provided with respect for the battery holder  330 . The rotation shaft SH of the motor M penetrates the substrate  320  and the bottom of the camera holder  311 , and is coupled to the microelectronic camera  310 . 
     With this structure, in this embodiment, the microelectronic camera  310  can be rotated by controlling the rotation of the motor M. 
     In order for the microelectronic camera  310  to be able to rotate, the camera holder  311  is configured separately from a fixed side and a rotating side. The fixed side rotatably supports the rotating side via ball bearings b 11 , b 12 , b 21  and b 22 . The ball bearings b 11 , b 12 , b 21  and b 22  are also used as power supply components for the circuits of the microelectronic camera  310  and substrate  320  just as slip ring terminals. Although not shown in the figure, with a wiring system using slip ring terminals, control signals can as well be given to the motor M from the control unit provided on the substrate  320 . By controlling the rotational position of the motor M, the rotational position of the microelectronic camera  310  is also controlled. Note that each slip ring terminal comprises one terminal provided on the fixed side and the other terminal provided on the rotating side, which forms a mechanism to maintain the contact state at all times. 
     To the rotating side of the camera holder  311 , a reflector  303  is mounted via an arm  305 . The reflector  303 , according to its rotational position, can reflect the light entering from the window portions  201  to  204 , and guide it to the lens of the microelectronic camera  310 . 
       FIG. 6  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the above-described microelectronic camera  310  and the various circuit parts provided on the substrate  320 . An image signal from the microelectronic camera  310  is input to the image processing unit  331  and subjected to processing including a compression process (encoding) and the like. The encoded image signal is converted into a transmission signal in the transmitter/receiver unit  332  and sent to the user&#39;s wireless receiver (not shown), for example, by a wireless signal such as Blue Tooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The wireless receiver can, for example, relay the received signal and transmit it to the recording device. Alternatively, the wireless receiver can transmit the received signal to the monitoring room of the broadcasting facility or to a smart phone. 
     The transmitter/receiver unit  332  can also receive a control signal from a remote control device (remote controller) or a smart phone, and the received control signal can be interpreted by the control unit  333  to control, for example, the microelectronic camera. The contents of the control include, for example, focus, aperture and the like. Further, the control unit  333  can control the rotational position (rotational angle) of the motor M according to an operation signal from outside. Thus, it is possible to change or adjust the shooting direction. 
     It is preferable that the diameter of the above-described leg portion  111  be about 12.7 mm, the diameter of the cup be about 108 mm (±5 mm), and the distance from the inner wall of the cup to the outer circumferential surface of the leg portion be about 47.7 mm (±5 mm). Further, the height from the green surface to the bottom of the joined portion should desirably be 7.62 cm (±5 mm). The diameter of the cylindrical portion should desirably be about 25.5 mm (±5 mm), but it may be greater. When used as a golf-related device, the device should conform to the standards set by golf-related authorities. 
     Moreover, the camera device used in the embodiment may be equipped with a function to display a level mark to check the levelness of the screen, and naturally may be provided with an anti-shake function as well. 
       FIG. 7  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of still another embodiment. The same functional parts as those of the previous embodiment are marked with the same referential signs as those used in the embodiment. Note that in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the window portions  201  to  204  are formed in the inclined wall of the light-transmitting section  113 . 
     However, the configuration of the light-transmitting section  113  is not limited to those of the above-provided embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pole  100  may include a cylindrical portion  112 , a leg portion  111 , and a cylindrical light-transmitting portion  113 A. Here, the cylindrical portion  112  of the pole is formed of carbon fiber or plastic, for example, and a reinforcement cylindrical member  401  made of iron or aluminum may be inserted in its inner circumferential portion so as to increase the strength of the cylindrical portion  112 . 
     The above-described cylindrical light-transmitting section  113 A is made of transparent reinforced plastic, and can join the cylindrical portion  112  and the leg portion  111  coaxially with each other. Various methods are possible to join these together. 
     In this embodiment, threaded grooves are formed in an outer circumference of the upper and lower end portions of the cylindrical light-transmitting portion  113 A, respectively. Threaded grooves are formed in the inner circumference of the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion  112  and also in the inner circumference of the ring-shaped head portion of the leg portion  111 . With this structure, the threaded grooves in the upper end portion of the cylindrical light-transmitting portion  113 A are screwed into the threaded grooves in the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion  112 , and also the threaded grooves in the lower end portion of the cylindrical light-transmitting portion  113 A are screwed into the threaded grooves in the head portion of the leg portion  111 . Thus, the cylindrical portion  112  and the leg portion  111  are continuously integrated together as one body through the cylindrical light-transmitting portion  113 A. 
     The camera device  300  is mounted on its camera holder  311 . The camera holder  311  is a cylinder molded of synthetic resin, a lower end and an upper end of which are held by the stoppers  121 ,  122 ,  133  and  134  in the cylindrical portion  112 . The camera  310  is disposed in the hollow on the lower side of the camera holder  311 , and the camera  310  is coaxially mounted on the rotation shaft SH of the motor M. The positions where the motor M and the camera  310  are disposed are designed so that the rotation axis SH coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical portion  112 . In the longitudinal middle of the hollow of the camera holder  311 , a bearing  341  of the motor M is provided to partition the hollow. Further, the substrate  320  on which the control unit for controlling the camera  310  and motor M, is mounted to the bearing  341 . 
     In an upper portion of the hollow of the camera holder  311 , a mounting portion  342  of the motor M is formed. Further, a battery  1000  is disposed on the head portion side of the motor M. The positive and negative electrodes of the battery  1000  are connected to a power supply terminal of the substrate  320  and a power supply terminal of the camera  310 , respectively, via a power line that runs in through the wall of the camera holder  311 . The power supply terminal of the camera  310  and the power supply terminal of the battery  1000  are electrically connected to each other via a contact terminal using a slip ring. 
     To the camera  310 , a control signal from the control unit provided in the substrate  320  is given via a control line C 1 . The control line C 1  and the camera  310  are also electrically connected to each other via a contact terminal using a slip ring. Further, the control unit of the substrate  320  can control the on/off operation of the motor M, rotational position, focus and the like. The control signal from the substrate  320  is also supplied to the motor M via a control line C 2 . With this structure, the position of the rotation angle of the motor M can be controlled. 
     The above-described embodiment is configured to rotate the camera  310  by using the rotation motor M. But, a pyramid-shaped reflector or a cone-shaped reflector as shown in  FIG. 1  may be used as its reflector. When such a fixed reflector is used, the motor M is not necessary. Note that since the captured image may be deformed, a correction circuit is required in the image processing unit to correct the deformed image. 
     In the above-described embodiment as well, it is important that the camera device  300  catches the ball  10  located on the rim of the hole  11  in its field of view through the above-described reflector  303 . In other words, it is important that the area including a part of the rim of the hole  11  or a part of the rim of the cup  12  is covered in the shooting area. Therefore, the field of view of the camera device  300  should desirably include a part of the area 30 mm to 50 mm away from the center of the leg portion  111 . 
     In the above-described embodiment, the camera holder  311  holds the motor M and the battery  1000  as well. Further, around the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion  112 , a reinforcement cylinder  401  made of steel or aluminum is provided to reinforce the strength of the pole  100 . With the camera  310 , the surroundings of the pole  100  can be shot through the reflector  303  and the cylindrical light-transmitting section  113 A. With this structure, when the rotation of the motor M is controlled to change the rotational angular position of the camera  310 , and thus the shooting direction is changed. Regardless of the rotational angular position of the camera  310 , the field of view is not obstructed because the cylindrical light-transmitting portion  113 A is used. 
     The above-described example is described in connection with a case where one camera device  300  is provided for one pole, but a plurality of camera devices  300  may be mounted to one pole. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram showing an example in which multiple camera devices  300 A,  300 B and  300 C are mounted to a single pole  100 . The basic structure is the same as that of  FIG. 7 . The angle of the reflector may be different from one camera to another. In this case, it is also important that the camera device  300 A, which is located at the lowest (closest to the green surface), catches the ball  10  located at the rim of the hole  11  in its field of view through the reflector  303 . In other words, it is important that the area including the hole  11  or part of the rim of the cup is covered in the shooting area. Therefore, the field of view of the camera device  300  should desirably cover a part of the area 30 mm to 50 mm away from the center of the leg portion  111 . 
     On some greens, the surface is not necessarily flat and has a large undulation. In such a case, depending on the putting position of the ball, the ball may not be in the field of view of the camera device  300 A. Here, by switching from the camera device  300 A to the camera device  300 B or the camera device  300 C for shooting, it is possible to capture the ball located at a position higher than that of the cup. 
     Further, the pole  100  comprises a power generation panel  601  mounted to the outer circumference of the upper part of the cylindrical portion(, which is a cylindrical portion  112 D). As shown in the cross section taken along line D 1 -D 2 , the power generation panel  601  is fixed to the cylindrical portion  112 D by, for example, adhesive  604 . Further, in the cylindrical portion  112 D, a power storage circuit  602  is provided. Based on the electric current generated from the power generation panel  601 , a voltage is stored in the power storage circuit  602 . The voltage is then charged to a battery (secondary battery) that drives the camera devices. With this structure, it is possible to realize a regenerative energy device that utilizes sunlight, thus contributing to the conservation of the natural environment. Note that, in the figure, the outer circumferential surface of the power generation panel  601  protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the pole  100  (a surface at a different position from the outer circumferential surface of the power generation panel  601 ). However, when used as a golf tool, the outer circumferential surface of the power generation panel  601  and the outer circumferential surface of the pole  100  are actually designed to be the same surface. 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a shooting system using the camera device shown in  FIG. 1, 5, 7 or 8 . On the camera device  300 A is shown as a typical one. The functions of the camera device  300 A are the same as those described in  FIG. 6 . The signal captured by the camera device  300 A is converted into a transmission signal by the transmitter/receiver unit  332 , and the transmission signal is received by a transmitter/receiver  501  of a monitor device  500 . The image processing unit  331  includes an encoder. There are various encoding modes for the encoder, which are not particularly limited. 
     The monitor device  500  receives the transmission signal at the transmitter/receiver  501  and demodulates the image signal at a demodulator unit  502 . Note here that the demodulator unit  502  includes a decoder, which corresponds to the encoder on the transmission side of the image signal. The image signal decoded by the demodulator unit  502  is input to a locus processing unit  503  and a synthesizer unit  504 . The locus processing unit  503  arranges the captured image signal in the time-axis direction in units of frames, and processes the image signal into a thin shadow, which is then supplied to the synthesizer unit  504 . Particularly, the image signal obtained at this time is a signal obtained by detecting the motion vector and extracting the image of a moving object. In this case, it is a video of a ball, and the locus processing unit  503  creates a time-lapse image of the ball (locus image) and supplies it to the synthesizer unit  504 . 
     The synthesizer unit  504  synthesizes the locus image and the real image from the demodulator unit  502 , and inputs it to a display unit  505 . Thus, the user can see how the ball is rolling on the green on the display unit  505 . The thus synthesized image of about a few seconds may be stored in a memory not shown in the figure. The storage may be automatic or may be based on user operation. The memory may be a built-in memory inside the monitor or an IC memory installed from outside. 
     The monitor device  500  described above may be a smart phone, a monitor device of a TV station, or a repeater. 
     According to the embodiments of  FIGS. 7, 8, and 9  described above, there is provided a camera device to be mounted in an axial middle portion of a pole when used, whose leg portion is let to stand on the bottom of a cup. The pole includes the cylindrical portion and the leg portion located in one axial end of the cylindrical portion and having a thickness less than the thickness of the cylindrical portion. Further, in the middle of the cylindrical portion, it comprises a cylindrical transparent coupling section constituted by a transparent member disposed coaxially with the cylindrical portion. 
     Next, in the vicinity of an upper portion of the cylindrical transparent member and the inside of the coupling portion of the cylindrical portion, downward-facing cameras  310  are provided and the cameras  310  are coupled with the rotation shaft of the motor M mounted on the camera holder  311  so as to be rotated under the controlled of the motor M. On the lens side of the camera  310 , the reflector  303  is arranged which rotates in unison with the camera. The reflector  303  reflects the image of an external scenery transmitted through the coupling portion of the cylindrical transparent member and directs it to the image pickup lens of the camera  310 . 
     The pole includes the above-described camera as a first camera device and also a second camera device with the same configuration as the first camera device above the first camera device. 
     Further, a power generation panel  601  is mounted to the outer circumference of the upper portion of the cylindrical portion (a cylindrical portion  112 D). According to the current generated from the power generation panel  601 , the power is stored at a voltage in the power storage circuit  602 . The voltage is then charged to the battery (secondary battery) that drives the camera device. 
     Here, the leg portion  111  further comprises a lock portion  461  which locks an adapter when the adapter is to be attached to extend its distal end portion or change the direction thereof. 
     Various types of adapters can be mounted to the lock portion  461 . Thus, the camera device can be made versatile. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  is an example in which the distal end of the leg portion  111  has a threaded structure (bolt), whereas the adapter  700  has a threaded hole (nut)  701 . The distal end of the adapter  700  forms a hook  711  that modified into a V or U shape, for example. When the adapter  700  and the leg portion  111  are integrated as one body, the adapter  700  can be used to hang the pole  100  from a twig  811  of a tree  810 , for example. With such a structure, the camera device is effective for observing small birds flying to the twig  811  or insects gathering on the twig  811 . The preparatory operation for observation is simply hooking the adapter  700  onto the twig  811 , and thus it is extremely easy to use. 
     To the end portion of the cylindrical member section  112 , a cap  750  is mounted for waterproof. In other words, measures are taken to prevent water and unwanted objects from entering the cylindrical member section  112 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 11  shows an example where one end portion of the adapter  700 , which includes the threaded hole portion  701 , comprises a flange  721 . With such an adapter  700 , for example, the camera device can be placed in the water of a stream, and a number of stones  822  are placed on the flange  721 , to let the pole  100  stand. In this case, it is preferable that, for example, the camera device  300 A is placed within the water and, for example, the camera device  300 C is placed on the water surface. The camera device using such an adapter  700  is effective in observing and monitoring insects and fish in the water or on the surface of the water. The device is not only for use in a stream, but it may be placed in a water tank used for aquaculture, or even in a harbor or the like with use of a larger camera device(s). It is natural that the pole is waterproofed to prevent water from entering the inside. 
     The embodiment in  FIG. 12  is an example in which an adapter  700  comprising a threaded hole portion  701  and a sharp arrowhead portion  731  at one end thereof. The camera device employing the adapter  700  can be placed by easily piercing the end portion thereof into the ground of, for example, a hill, meadow, field, garden, forest, mountainous area, pasture, etc. By placing a great number of camera devices of this type dispersedly, it is possible to observe and monitor various subjects over a large area. 
     It is naturally possible to use camera devices using the adapters shown in  FIGS. 10, 11 and 12  in any combinations, according to the conditions of the monitoring/observation area. 
     Further, in the above-described embodiments, any of the camera devices  300 A,  300 B, and  300 C may be an infrared camera. With use of an infrared camera, the usage will be greatly expanded into a wide range of applications. For example, it can be used to monitor animals at night. 
     Further, not only a camera, but also a microphone, speaker, ultrasonic generator and ultrasonic receiver may be added to the pole in selective combinations. With addition of a microphone, it is possible to collect the sounds emitted by various animals, birds, insects, etc., thereby making it possible to analyze the ecosystem. By using the microphone and speaker to output sounds generated by birds and animals, it is possible to study the interaction with birds and animals. Furthermore, with the use of an ultrasonic generator and ultrasonic receiver, it is possible to study interaction with living creatures in the sea and underwater. Moreover, in the water, multiple camera devices are linked between their poles, ultrasonic waves can be utilized. 
     Alternatively, the versatile camera devices can be used for a guidance system to guide a climber walking along a trail or a passerby passing through a predetermined passage. 
       FIG. 13  shows an example of the format of data transmitted from the transmitter of the transmitter/receiver unit  332  that transmits image signals of the camera devices. The transmitted data contains headers  900  and data  902  repetitiously. Each header  900  contains a pole ID  90 , a first camera ID  91 , a second camera ID  92  and a third camera ID  93 . The data  902  contains packetized data  911 ,  912  and  913  of the first camera, the second camera and the third camera respectively. Audio data may as well be contained. Further, some other sensor data such as temperature data may as well be contained. The data  902  forms a packet stream, and each packet contains a packet ID (PID) and encoded data (Edata). In each of the embodiments described above, the field of view of the camera device  300 A closest to the leg portion should desirably include a part of the area 30 mm to 50 mm away from the center of the leg portion  111 . Depending on the object to be monitored, the field of view of the camera device  300 A may include a part of the area 10 mm or more from the center of the leg portion  111 . 
     In some of the embodiments described above, the drawings may be schematically represented with respect to the width, thickness, shape, etc., of each part, as compared to the actual state, in order to make the description clearer. In addition, it is within the scope of the present invention if multiple embodiments are combined and implemented. 
     Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.