JP2021048608A - Camera, camera control method, control device, control device control method, system, and system control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To satisfactorily confirm images captured by a plurality of cameras that sequentially capture moving subjects.SOLUTION: Each camera counts a frame number from a frame corresponding to reception timing of a start trigger signal from a confirmation device, and writes image data of each frame during a period in which a subject exists in a memory in association with the frame number. Further, when the confirmation device reproduces a frame image of a predetermined frame number, the confirmation device selectively transmits a transfer request with the frame number to the camera having the image data of the frame, and displays an image by the image data transmitted from the predetermined camera.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present technology relates to a multi-camera system, a camera, a processing method of a camera, a confirmation device, and a processing method of a confirmation device.

If you want to shoot from the start to the goal in close-up for short-distance practice on land, it costs money to put a camera on the lane, so multiple cameras are installed along the course to shoot. At that time, I would like to check the video immediately to check the form etc., but in the past, it was played on one camera body at a time, or it was imported to a personal computer etc. and played back one file at a time. It took time and effort to reproduce the image captured by the camera. Also, when a player passes through the imaging range of each camera, he wants to see it as a movie in which the cameras are automatically switched, but there is no means for that.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for accurately determining a ranking in a foot race by using a plurality of cameras. However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to record everything from the start to the goal and immediately reproduce it.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-339703

An object of the present technology is to make it possible to satisfactorily confirm images captured by a plurality of cameras that sequentially capture moving subjects.

The concept of this technology is
It consists of a plurality of cameras and a confirmation device connected to the plurality of cameras by wire or wirelessly.
The above camera
Imager and
Memory and
When the start trigger signal is received from the confirmation device, the process of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal and the moving subject among the image data obtained by the imager. The process of writing the image data of each frame in the period in which is present to the memory in association with the counted frame number, and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory. To the confirmation device and when a transfer request accompanied by a frame number is received from the confirmation device, the image data of the frame specified by the frame number is read from the memory and transferred to the confirmation device. Equipped with a control unit to control
The above confirmation device
With the display
Based on the process of transmitting the start trigger signal to the plurality of cameras and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the respective memories sent from the plurality of cameras. The process of transmitting a transfer request with a frame number to a predetermined camera selected from the plurality of cameras, and receiving the image data of the frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera, the image data. It is in a multi-camera system including a control unit that controls a process of displaying an image according to the above on the display.

In the present technology, a multi-camera system comprises a plurality of cameras and a confirmation device connected to the plurality of cameras by wire or wirelessly. For example, a plurality of cameras may be configured to divide a range in which the subject moves linearly and take an image.

The camera is equipped with an imager, a memory, and a control unit. When the start trigger signal is received from the confirmation device, the control unit controls the process of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal. In addition, the control unit controls the process of writing the image data of each frame in the period in which the moving subject exists among the image data captured by the imager to the memory in association with the frame number.

In addition, the control unit controls the process of sending the frame number information associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory to the confirmation device. Further, when the control unit receives a transfer request accompanied by a frame number from the confirmation device, the process of reading the image data of the frame specified by the frame number from the memory and transferring the image data to the confirmation device is controlled.

For example, even if the image data of each frame is intraframe-compressed and written to the memory, and the intraframe-compressed image data of the frame specified by the frame number is transferred to the confirmation device. Good. As a result, the amount of data can be reduced and the transfer can be performed smoothly. Further, the image data of each frame may be loop-recorded in the memory in units of at least a period in which a moving subject exists in the imaging range of the imager. This makes it possible to save memory capacity.

The confirmation device is provided with a display and a control unit. The control unit controls the process of transmitting start trigger signals to a plurality of cameras. In addition, a predetermined control unit selects from a plurality of cameras based on the frame number information associated with the image data of each frame written in the respective memories sent from the plurality of cameras. The process of sending a transfer request with a frame number to the camera is controlled. In addition, the control unit controls the process of receiving the image data of the frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera and displaying the image based on the image data on the display.

For example, it may be provided with an operation unit for manipulating the reproduction frame position. In this case, for example, the operation unit may be configured to be composed of a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display. Then, in this case, for example, the display may display a scroll bar for manipulating the playback frame position. Thereby, the operation of the reproduction frame position can be performed easily and easily.

As described above, in the present technology, in a plurality of cameras, the frame number is counted from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the start trigger signal from the confirmation device, and the image data of each frame during the period in which the subject exists is associated with the frame number. When the confirmation device reproduces a frame image having a predetermined frame number, a transfer request with the frame number is selectively transmitted to the camera having the image data of the frame, and the confirmation device selects the predetermined camera. The image based on the image data sent from is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily confirm the captured images of a plurality of cameras that sequentially capture the moving subject in the confirmation device.

According to the present technology, it is possible to satisfactorily confirm the captured images of a plurality of cameras that sequentially capture moving subjects. The effects described in the present specification are merely exemplary and not limited, and may have additional effects.

It is a block diagram which shows the configuration example of the multi-camera system as an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the installation state of a plurality of cameras. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a camera. It is a block diagram which shows the configuration example of the confirmation device. It is a figure which shows the counting of the frame number performed in each camera, and an example of the recording frame in each camera. It is a figure which shows an example of the camera switching table. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for reproducing the image (moving image content) captured by a multi-camera displayed on the panel of a confirmation device. It is a figure which shows the sequence example of the communication with each camera at the time of reproduction by a confirmation device. It is a figure which shows another example of the camera switching table. It is a block diagram which shows the other configuration example of a multi-camera system. It is a block diagram which shows the other configuration example of a multi-camera system. It is a block diagram which shows the other configuration example of a multi-camera system.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described. The explanation will be given in the following order.
1. 1. Embodiment 2. Modification example

<1. Embodiment>
[Multi-camera system configuration example]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the multi-camera system 10A as an embodiment. This multi-camera system 10A has a plurality of cameras (video cameras), that is, a camera (camera A) 101-A, a camera (camera B) 101-B, and a camera (camera C) 101-C. are doing. Further, the multi-camera system 10A has a confirmation device 102 composed of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, a personal computer, or the like.

The cameras 101-A, 101-B, 101-C and the confirmation device 102 are connected to the LAN by wire or wirelessly. For example, the confirmation device 102 constitutes a master device, and each of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C constitutes a slave device. FIG. 2 shows the installation state of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C. The cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C are arranged so as to divide and image a range in which the subject moves linearly, for example, so that a 100 m athlete runs on a straight course. In this case, the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C are arranged side by side along the course. As a result, the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C can capture the entire image from the beginning to the end of the race. In this case, the imaging ranges of adjacent cameras are set to overlap slightly.

The confirmation device 102 can trigger the start / end of imaging for each camera according to the user operation. In this case, the confirmation device 102, which is the master device, issues a trigger signal (command) for starting / ending imaging to each camera. Each camera receives this trigger signal via the control interface (control I / F) that constitutes the communication portion, and operates according to the instruction. The control interface of each camera is built in the camera. Further, the confirmation device 102 includes a panel (display), and after the shooting is completed, the image captured by each camera can be confirmed on this panel.

The cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C each include an imager and a memory for writing image data obtained by being imaged by the imager. In this case, in the memory, among the image data obtained by capturing the image with the imager, the image data of each frame during the period in which the moving subject exists (for example, the frame rate is 60 Hz) is compressed by intraframe. In the embodiment, it is JPEG-compressed and written.

When the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C receive the start trigger signal from the confirmation device 102, the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C count the frame numbers from the frames corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal. For example, the frame number of the first frame is set to "1", and the frame numbers of the subsequent frames are sequentially incremented.

As described above, the image data written in the memories of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C is associated with the frame number. Further, in the memory of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C, the image data of each frame is loop-recorded in a unit of at least a period in which a moving subject exists in the imaging range of the imager. It is not always necessary to perform loop recording, and the image data of each frame may be encoded by AVC or the like and written to the memory. Each of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C sends the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory to the confirmation device 102.

Each of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C stops the writing (recording) operation to the memory when the end trigger signal is received from the confirmation device 102 (the imaging operation does not necessarily have to be stopped). However, the imaging operation may also be stopped). When each of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C receives a transfer request with a frame number from the confirmation device 102, each of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C reads the image data of the frame specified by this frame number from the memory and confirms it. Transfer to device 102.

The confirmation device 102 sends a start trigger signal to each camera in response to the user's imaging start operation. Further, the confirmation device 102 sends an end trigger signal to each camera in response to the user's imaging end operation. The confirmation device 102 includes an operation unit for operating the reproduction frame position. The user can operate the playback frame position from this operation unit.

When the confirmation device 102 reproduces a frame image having a predetermined frame number, the confirmation device 102 selectively transmits a transfer request accompanied by the frame number to the camera having the image data of the frame. In this case, the confirmation device 102 selects the camera to which the transfer request should be transmitted based on the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory from each camera.

The confirmation device 102 receives the image data of the frame specified by the frame number transferred from the camera that sent the transfer request as described above, and displays the image based on the image data on the panel (display). In this case, the confirmation device 102 can continuously receive the image data of each continuous frame by continuously transmitting the transfer request of the continuous frame number, and can reproduce the moving image.

"Camera configuration example"
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the camera 101 (101-A, 101-B, 101-C). The camera 101 includes a CPU 111, a memory 112, an imager / lens unit 113, a camera signal processing unit 114, and a codec processing unit 115. Further, the camera 101 has a panel processing unit 116, a panel 117, a wired communication processing unit 118, a wired LAN terminal 119, a wireless communication processing unit 120, and an antenna 121.

The CPU 111 controls the operation of each part of the camera 101. The memory 112 constitutes a storage of control software, data storage, a work area of the CPU 111, and the like. The memory 112 also constitutes a frame buffer for loop recording the captured image data.

The imager / lens unit 113 includes an image pickup lens and an imager, and images a subject to obtain an image pickup signal. The camera signal processing unit 114 processes the image pickup signal obtained by the imager / lens unit 113 to generate image data (captured image data) corresponding to the subject. The codec processing unit 115 performs JPEG compression processing on the image data of each frame obtained by the camera signal processing unit 114. In the frame buffer of the memory 112, the image data of each frame during the period in which the moving subject exists is recorded in a loop. Whether or not there is a moving subject is detected by, for example, the CPU 111 performing motion detection processing on the captured image data.

The panel processing unit 116 drives the panel 117 based on the image data obtained by the camera signal processing unit 114, and displays the captured image on the panel 117. The panel 117 is composed of an LCD, an organic EL panel, or the like. The panel 117 has a touch panel function, and if necessary, the panel 117 also displays a UI for user operation.

The wired communication processing unit 118 performs wired communication with the external device, in this embodiment, the confirmation device 102 through the wired LAN terminal 119. The wireless communication processing unit 120 wirelessly communicates with an external device, in this embodiment, the confirmation device 102 through the antenna 121. Either wireless communication or wired communication is selectively performed.

"Configuration example of confirmation device"
FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the confirmation device 102. The confirmation device 102 includes a CPU 131, a memory 132, a codec processing unit 133, and a graphic processing unit 134. Further, the confirmation device 102 includes a panel processing unit 135, a panel 136, a wired communication processing unit 137, a wired LAN terminal 138, a wireless communication processing unit 139, and an antenna 140.

The CPU 131 controls the operation of each part of the confirmation device 102. The memory 132 constitutes a storage of control software, data storage, a work area of the CPU 131, and the like. Further, the memory 132 temporarily records the image data of each frame transferred from the camera 101 (see FIG. 3).

Further, the memory 132 stores the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory of each camera sent from each camera. This information is used to identify the camera having the image data of the frame when reproducing the frame image of a predetermined frame number as described above.

The codec processing unit 133 reads the image data of each frame temporarily recorded in the frame buffer of the memory 132 for image display, and performs decompression processing. The panel processing unit 135 drives the display panel 136 based on the image data obtained by the decompression processing by the codec processing unit 133, and displays the image on the panel 136. The panel 136 is composed of an LCD, an organic EL panel, or the like. The panel 136 has a touch panel function, and if necessary, the panel 136 also displays a UI for user operation.

The wired communication processing unit 137 performs wired communication with an external device, in this embodiment, with the camera 101 through the wired LAN terminal 138. The wireless communication processing unit 139 wirelessly communicates with an external device, in this embodiment, with the camera 101 through the antenna 140. Either wireless communication or wired communication is selectively performed.

"Example of frame number counting and recording frame by start trigger"
FIG. 5 shows a count of frame numbers performed by each camera when a start trigger signal is sent from the confirmation device 102 to each camera, and an example of recording frames in each camera. The range of recording frames in each camera corresponds to the frames included in the period in which a moving subject exists in the imaging range of each camera.

At time t1, the confirmation device 102 sends a start trigger signal (recording instruction signal) to each camera based on, for example, a user operation. Upon receiving this start trigger signal, each camera is in a recordable state and counts the frame number from the frame corresponding to this time t1. In this case, the frame number of the first frame is set to "1", and the frame number is incremented for each frame thereafter. As a result, the same frame number is assigned to the frame at the same time in each camera.

Each camera does not record (write) the image data of all frames in the frame buffer of the memory 112, but records only the image data of each frame during the period in which the moving subject exists. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption and save the frame buffer in the memory 112.

In the illustrated example, the camera (camera A) 101-A uses frames with frame numbers "1" to "497" as recording frames, and associates the image data of each frame with the frame number in the frame buffer of the memory 112. The recording frame number information that the recording start frame number is "1" and the recording end frame number is "497" is sent to the confirmation device 102.

Further, in the illustrated example, the camera (camera B) 101-B uses frames with frame numbers from "496" to "501" as recording frames, and the image data of each frame is stored in the frame buffer of the memory 112 as the frame number. In addition to recording in association with each other, the recording frame number information that the recording start frame number is "496" and the recording end frame number is "501" is sent to the confirmation device 102.

Further, in the illustrated example, the camera (camera C) 101-C uses frames having frame numbers from "499" to "600" as recording frames, and the image data of each frame is stored in the frame buffer of the memory 112 as the frame number. In addition to recording in association with each other, the recording frame number information that the recording start frame number is "499" and the recording end frame number is "600" is sent to the confirmation device 102.

The confirmation device 102 generates and holds a camera switching table as shown in FIG. 6 based on the recording frame number information from each camera.

Although not shown, after a predetermined time after the start trigger signal (recording instruction signal) is sent to each camera, for example, after 10 seconds in the case of a sprint of 100 m, for example, for user operation. Based on this, the confirmation device 102 sends an end trigger signal (recording stop signal) to each camera. Upon receiving this end trigger signal, each camera is in a non-recordable state.

The recordable state of each camera may be preset at a predetermined time after the start trigger signal (recording instruction signal) is sent. In this case, the confirmation device 102 does not need to send an end trigger signal (recording stop signal) to each camera. Further, each camera does not necessarily have to have the same exposure phase due to Genlock or the like. Further, there may be a timing fluctuation before the start trigger signal (recording instruction signal) from the confirmation device 102 reaches each camera. However, if the exposure phase and trigger timing are the same, it is possible to make a beautiful transition between camera switching during playback.

"Example of user interface on confirmation device"
FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen for reproducing an image (moving image content) captured by the multi-camera displayed on the panel 136 of the confirmation device 102. In this example, the reproduction frame position corresponds to the recording period in the camera (camera A) 101-A, and the captured image 300 is displayed. On this screen, a UI screen for user operation is superimposed on the captured image.

On this screen, normal playback operations such as playback, pause, fast forward, rewind, and frame advance of the captured image of the selected camera can be performed by user operation from the playback operation unit 301 on which the playback icon is displayed. It can be carried out. Here, a scroll bar is also attached to the playback icon, and by scrolling with a finger, it is possible to advance frames back and forth, and to fast forward and rewind.

The user can perform a playback operation as a series of images from the start to the goal without being aware of the plurality of cameras. The confirmation device 102 automatically switches the camera according to the reproduction frame position (reproduction frame number position). At this time, the confirmation device 102 refers to the above-mentioned camera switching table (see FIG. 6). Switching is performed within the period of overlapping frame positions between the two cameras, for example near the center thereof. The switching timing information may also be saved as a file and can be used for automatic editing of the main line moving image.

The camera switching position may be determined in advance, for example, at the moment when the first player is photographed by two adjacent cameras at the same time, or two frames after the timing. It is also conceivable to use information obtained by detecting an ID on a wireless tag or clothes with a camera, and switching may be performed at the moment when an individual specified by face recognition or the like is photographed. Of course, it can be applied not only to people but also to car races.

"Communication sequence between confirmation device and each camera"
The sequence diagram of FIG. 8 shows an example of a sequence of communication with each camera during reproduction by the confirmation device 102. Here, an example of communication when displaying an image frame by frame is shown.

The confirmation device 102 requests the camera (camera A) 101-A to transfer the image data of the frame of # 495 (in this case, it is JPEG-compressed and encoded). On the other hand, the camera (camera A) 101-A reads out the image data of the frame # 495 in its own frame buffer and transfers it to the confirmation device 102. As a result, in the confirmation device 102, the image based on the image data of the frame of # 495 is displayed on the panel 136.

Next, similarly, the confirmation device 102 requests the camera (camera A) 101-A to transfer the image data of the frame of # 496. On the other hand, the camera (camera A) 101-A reads out the image data of the frame # 496 in its own frame buffer and transfers it to the confirmation device 102. As a result, in the confirmation device 102, the image based on the image data of the frame of # 496 is displayed on the panel 136.

Next, the confirmation device 102 performs a switching determination based on the camera switching table (see FIG. 6), and switches to (camera B) 101-B. The confirmation device 102 requests the camera (camera B) 101-B to transfer the image data of the frame # 497. On the other hand, the camera (camera B) 101-B reads out the image data of the frame # 497 in its own frame buffer and transfers it to the confirmation device 102. As a result, in the confirmation device 102, the image based on the image data of the frame of # 497 is displayed on the panel 136. Hereinafter, the operation is the same.

"Example of improvement of display latency"
In the above description, when displaying the image of the predetermined frame of the predetermined camera on the confirmation device 102, an example of acquiring the image data of the predetermined frame from the predetermined camera each time is shown. In this case, especially in the case of wireless LAN connection, it is expected that the display latency will be extended depending on the condition of the communication path.

In order to improve the display latency, it is conceivable to provide a frame buffer in the memory 132 (see FIG. 4) of the confirmation device 102 and download the playback content of each camera to the frame buffer in advance. After this buffering, the confirmation device 102 is closed and the reproduction is performed, so that the display latency is improved without being affected by the condition of the communication path.

As described above, in the multi-camera system 10A shown in FIG. 1, in each camera, the frame number is counted from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the start trigger signal from the confirmation device 102, and each frame during the period in which the subject exists is counted. The image data is written to the memory 112 in association with the frame number, and when the confirmation device 102 reproduces the frame image of the predetermined frame number, the transfer with the frame number is selectively performed to the camera having the image data of the frame. The request is transmitted, and the confirmation device 102 displays an image based on the image data sent from the predetermined camera. Therefore, the confirmation device 102 can satisfactorily confirm the captured image of each camera that sequentially captures the moving subject.

In this case, the confirmation device 102 grasps the video frame numbers in all the cameras based on the trigger, and by compressing the intraframe in the camera, the confirmation terminal 102 communicates only the desired frame with the camera. By doing so, it can be acquired with low latency and low transmission band. In addition, since the intraframe-compressed data is reproduced, less processing is required on the confirmation terminal 102 side, and the data can be reproduced at a stress-free display latency / frame rate.

<2. Modification example>
In the above-described embodiment, the recording frame number information of the recording start frame number and the recording end frame number is sent from each camera to the confirmation device 102, and the confirmation device 102 is generated based on the recording frame number information from each camera. An example is shown in which the camera switching table (see FIG. 6) is held and the cameras are switched with reference to the camera switching table.

However, the camera switching table is not limited to the one generated based on the recording frame number information in this way. For example, FIG. 9A shows a camera switching in each camera when the moving image file is not compressed by an intraframe such as JPEG as in the above embodiment but is encoded by a GOP structure such as AVC. An example of the table is shown. In this case, the confirmation device 102 uses the GOP number and the frame number in the GOP number to specify the frame to be displayed.

In this case, when the start trigger signal (recording instruction signal) is sent from the confirmation device 102, each camera encodes the frame at that timing assuming that the GOP number is # 1 and the frame number is # 1. Each camera records at least the image data of each GOP including the image data of each frame during the period in which the moving subject exists in the frame buffer of the memory 112. Then, each camera has a GOP number and a frame number "photographed IN GOP / frame #" in the start frame of a period in which a moving subject exists in the imaging range of the imager, and a GOP number and a frame number "subject OUT" in the end frame. The information of "GOP / frame #" is sent to the confirmation device 102.

Further, for example, FIG. 9B shows an example of a camera switching table when each camera is time code synchronized. In this case, the confirmation device 102 uses the time code to specify the frame to be displayed.

In this case, each camera records at least the image data of each frame during the period in which the moving subject exists in the frame buffer of the memory 112 together with the time code. Then, each camera sends the time code "subject IN Time code" in the start frame of the period in which the moving subject exists in the imaging range of the imager and the time code "subject OUT Time code" in the end frame to the confirmation device 102.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the frame rate of the captured image data of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C is 60 Hz. This technique can be similarly applied to cases where the frame rate of the captured image data of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, 101-C is other than that, for example, when the frame rate is high, for example, 240 Hz shown in FIG. It can be applied in the same way.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the number of cameras is three is shown. The present technology can be similarly applied to the case where there are two or four or more cameras.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a control interface is provided inside each camera is shown. However, the camera does not have a control interface, and it is conceivable to provide a control device outside the camera.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the multi-camera system 10B in that case. In FIG. 10, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. The cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C do not have a control interface (control I / F), unlike the multi-camera system 10A shown in FIG. 1, respectively. Outside the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C, a control device (control device A) 101-A and a control device (control) that have the same functions as the control interface (control I / F), respectively. Equipment B) 101-B and control equipment (control equipment C) 101-C are provided.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the confirmation device 102 is provided separately from the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C. However, it is conceivable that the confirmation device 102 is not provided and any of the cameras 101-A, 101-B, and 101-C also serves as the confirmation device. FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the multi-camera system 10C in that case. In FIG. 11, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The multi-camera system 10C shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the multi-camera system 10A shown in FIG. 1, but it goes without saying that a system corresponding to the multi-camera system 10B shown in FIG. 10 can be similarly configured. Although detailed description is omitted, FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the multi-camera system 10D in that case.

In addition, the present technology can also have the following configurations.
(1) It consists of a plurality of cameras and a confirmation device connected to the plurality of cameras by wire or wirelessly.
The above camera
Imager and
Memory and
When the start trigger signal is received from the confirmation device, the process of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal and the moving subject among the image data obtained by the imager. The process of writing the image data of each frame in the period in which is present to the memory in association with the counted frame number, and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory. To the confirmation device and when a transfer request accompanied by a frame number is received from the confirmation device, the image data of the frame specified by the frame number is read from the memory and transferred to the confirmation device. Equipped with a control unit to control
The above confirmation device
With the display
Based on the process of transmitting the start trigger signal to the plurality of cameras and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the respective memories sent from the plurality of cameras. The process of transmitting a transfer request with a frame number to a predetermined camera selected from the plurality of cameras, and receiving the image data of the frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera, the image data. A multi-camera system including a control unit that controls the process of displaying the image of the above on the display.
(2) The multi-camera system according to (1) above, wherein the plurality of cameras divide and image a range in which the subject moves linearly.
(3) Imager and
Memory and
When the start trigger signal is received from the confirmation device, the process of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal and the moving subject among the image data obtained by imaging with the imager are The process of writing the image data of each frame in the existing period to the memory in association with the counted frame number, and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory. The process of sending to the confirmation device and the process of reading the image data of the frame specified by the frame number from the memory and transferring it to the confirmation device when the transfer request with the frame number is received from the confirmation device. A camera equipped with a control unit to control.
(4) The image data of each frame is compressed and written in the memory, and the intra-frame compressed image data of the frame specified by the frame number is transferred to the confirmation device (3). ) Described in the camera.
(5) The above-described (3) or (4), wherein the image data of each frame is loop-recorded in the memory in a unit of at least a period in which the moving subject exists in the imaging range of the imager. camera.
(6) A processing method for a camera equipped with an imager and a memory.
When the start trigger signal is received from the confirmation device, the step of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal and
A step of writing the image data of each frame of the period in which a moving subject exists among the image data captured by the imager to the memory in association with the counted frame number.
The step of sending the frame number information associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory to the confirmation device, and
A processing method of a camera having a step of reading image data of a frame specified by the frame number from the memory and transferring the image data to the confirmation device when a transfer request accompanied by a frame number is received from the confirmation device.
(7) Display and
The above is based on the process of transmitting the start trigger signal to a plurality of cameras and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in each memory sent from the plurality of cameras. A process of transmitting a transfer request with a frame number to a predetermined camera selected from a plurality of cameras, and receiving image data of a frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera and using the image data. A confirmation device including a control unit that controls the process of displaying an image on the display.
(8) The confirmation device according to (7) above, further including an operation unit for operating the playback frame position.
(9) The confirmation device according to (8) above, wherein the operation unit is composed of a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display.
(10) The confirmation device according to (9) above, wherein a scroll bar for operating the playback frame position is displayed on the display.
(11) This is a processing method of a confirmation device provided with a display.
Steps to send start trigger signals to multiple cameras,
Based on the frame number information associated with the image data of each frame written in each memory sent from the plurality of cameras, the frame number is assigned to a predetermined camera selected from the plurality of cameras. And the step of sending a transfer request with
A processing method of a confirmation device having a step of receiving image data of a frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera and displaying an image based on the image data on the display.
(12) It consists of a plurality of cameras and a confirmation device connected to the plurality of cameras by wire or wirelessly.
The above camera
Imager and
Memory and
The process of writing the image data of each frame of the period in which the moving subject exists among the image data captured by the imager to the memory and the frame period information of the image data written in the memory are described above. A control unit that controls a process of sending to the confirmation device and a process of reading the image data of the reproduction frame from the memory and transferring the image data to the confirmation device when a transfer request accompanied by the reproduction frame information is received from the confirmation device. Prepare,
The above confirmation device
With the display
Based on the frame period information sent from the plurality of cameras, a process of transmitting a transfer request accompanied by playback frame information to a predetermined camera selected from the plurality of cameras, and a process of being transferred from the predetermined camera. A multi-camera system including a control unit that controls a process of receiving image data of the reproduction frame and displaying an image based on the image data on the display.
(13) The multi-camera system according to (12) above, wherein the frame period information is information indicated by a frame number, a GOP number and a frame number, or a time code.
(14) Imager and
Memory and
Of the image data captured by the imager, the process of writing the image data of each frame during the period in which the moving subject exists to the memory and the frame period information of the image data written to the memory are confirmed. It is provided with a control unit that controls a process of sending to the device and a process of reading the image data of the playback frame from the memory and transferring the image data to the confirmation device when a transfer request accompanied by the playback frame information is received from the confirmation device. camera.
(15) Display and
Based on the frame period information sent from the plurality of cameras, a process of transmitting a transfer request accompanied by playback frame information to a predetermined camera selected from the plurality of cameras, and a process of transmitting the transfer request from the predetermined camera. A confirmation device including a control unit that controls a process of receiving image data of a reproduction frame and displaying an image based on the image data on the display.

10A, 10B, 10C, 10D ... Multi-camera system 101, 101-A, 101-B, 101-C ... Camera 102 ... Confirmation device 103-A, 103-B, 103-C ... Control equipment 111 ・ ・ ・ CPU
112 ・ ・ ・ Memory 113 ・ ・ ・ Imager / Lens unit 114 ・ ・ ・ Camera signal processing unit 115 ・ ・ ・ Codec processing unit 116 ・ ・ ・ Panel processing unit 117 ・ ・ ・ Panel 118 ・ ・ ・ Wired communication processing unit 119 ・・ ・ Wired LAN terminal 120 ・ ・ ・ Wireless communication processing unit 121 ・ ・ ・ Antenna 131 ・ ・ ・ CPU
132 ... Memory 133 ... Codec processing unit 134 ... Graphic processing unit 135 ... Panel processing unit 136 ... Panel 137 ... Wired communication processing unit 138 ... Wired LAN terminal 139 ... Wireless communication processing unit 140 ・ ・ ・ Antenna

This technology, camera, method of controlling a camera control device, a control method of the control apparatus, a control method of the system and the system.

Claims (15)

A plurality of cameras and a confirmation device connected to the plurality of cameras by wire or wirelessly are provided.
The above camera
Memory and
In response to the reception of the trigger signal from the above confirmation device, there is a process of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal, and a moving subject among the image data obtained by imaging with the imager. The process of writing the image data of each frame of the period to be associated with the counted frame number to the memory and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written to the memory are described above. Controls the process of sending to the confirmation device and the process of reading the image data of the frame specified by the frame number from the memory and transferring it to the confirmation device in response to the reception of the transfer request with the frame number from the confirmation device. Equipped with a control unit
The above confirmation device
With the display
Based on the process of transmitting trigger signals to the plurality of cameras and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the respective memories sent from the plurality of cameras, the above A process of transmitting a transfer request with a frame number to a predetermined camera selected from a plurality of cameras, and receiving image data of a frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera and using the image data. A multi-camera system including a control unit that controls the process of displaying an image on the display. The multi-camera system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cameras divide a range in which the subject moves linearly and take an image. Memory and
In response to the reception of the trigger signal from the confirmation device, there is a process of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal, and a moving subject among the image data obtained by imaging with the imager. The process of writing the image data of each frame of the period to the memory in association with the counted frame number and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory are confirmed above. Controls the process of sending to the device and the process of reading the image data of the frame specified by the frame number from the memory and transferring it to the confirmation device in response to the reception of the transfer request accompanied by the frame number from the confirmation device. A camera with a control unit. The third aspect of claim 3, wherein the image data of each frame is intraframe-compressed and written to the memory, and the intraframe-compressed image data of the frame specified by the frame number is transferred to the confirmation device. camera. The camera according to claim 3, wherein the image data of each frame is loop-recorded in the memory in a unit of at least a period in which the moving subject exists in the imaging range of the imager. It is a processing method of an imager and a camera equipped with memory.
In response to the reception of the start trigger signal from the confirmation device, the step of counting the frame number from the frame corresponding to the reception timing of the trigger signal, and
A step of writing the image data of each frame of the period in which a moving subject exists among the image data captured by the imager to the memory in association with the counted frame number.
The step of sending the frame number information associated with the image data of each frame written in the memory to the confirmation device, and
A processing method of a camera having a step of reading image data of a frame specified by the frame number from the memory and transferring the image data to the confirmation device in response to receiving a transfer request accompanied by a frame number from the confirmation device. With the display
The above is based on the process of transmitting the start trigger signal to a plurality of cameras and the information of the frame number associated with the image data of each frame written in each memory sent from the plurality of cameras. A process of transmitting a transfer request with a frame number to a predetermined camera selected from a plurality of cameras, and receiving image data of a frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera and using the image data. A confirmation device including a control unit that controls the process of displaying an image on the display. The confirmation device according to claim 7, further comprising an operation unit for operating the reproduction frame position. The confirmation device according to claim 8, wherein the operation unit is composed of a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display. The confirmation device according to claim 9, wherein a scroll bar for operating the reproduction frame position is displayed on the display. It is a processing method of a confirmation device equipped with a display.
Steps to send start trigger signals to multiple cameras,
Based on the frame number information associated with the image data of each frame written in each memory sent from the plurality of cameras, the frame number is assigned to a predetermined camera selected from the plurality of cameras. And the step of sending a transfer request with
A processing method of a confirmation device having a step of receiving image data of a frame specified by the frame number transferred from the predetermined camera and displaying an image based on the image data on the display. It consists of a plurality of cameras and a confirmation device connected to the plurality of cameras by wire or wirelessly.
The above camera
Memory and
Of the image data obtained by imaging with the imager, the process of writing the image data of each frame during the period in which the moving subject exists to the memory and the frame period information of the image data written to the memory are confirmed above. It is provided with a control unit that controls a process of sending to the device and a process of reading the image data of the playback frame from the memory and transferring the image data to the confirmation device when a transfer request accompanied by the playback frame information is received from the confirmation device. ,
The above confirmation device
With the display
Based on the frame period information sent from the plurality of cameras, a process of transmitting a transfer request accompanied by playback frame information to a predetermined camera selected from the plurality of cameras, and a process of being transferred from the predetermined camera. A multi-camera system including a control unit that controls a process of receiving image data of the reproduction frame and displaying an image based on the image data on the display. The multi-camera system according to claim 12, wherein the frame period information is information indicated by a frame number, a GOP number and a frame number, or a time code. Memory and
A device for writing the image data of each frame of the period in which a moving subject exists among the image data captured by the imager to the memory and the frame period information of the image data written in the memory. A camera including a control unit that controls a process of sending to the confirmation device and a process of reading the image data of the reproduction frame from the memory and transferring the image data to the confirmation device when a transfer request accompanied by the reproduction frame information is received from the confirmation device. .. With the display
Based on the frame period information sent from the plurality of cameras, the process of transmitting a transfer request accompanied by the playback frame information to the predetermined cameras selected from the plurality of cameras, and the playback transferred from the predetermined cameras. A confirmation device including a control unit that controls a process of receiving image data of a frame and displaying an image based on the image data on the display.

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