JP3523656B2 - TV camera operation control device using pan head - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a television camera operation control device using a camera platform, and more particularly to a television camera which can be pointed in an arbitrary direction by remote control and has a predetermined setting condition. The present invention relates to a configuration of an operation control for photographing with a camera. 2. Description of the Related Art In photographing with a television camera, one or a plurality of television cameras can be remotely operated to photograph while changing the position and angle of a target subject in various ways according to set conditions. For this reason, a system device having a television camera mounted on a camera platform is used. FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a conventional TV camera operation control device using a camera platform. A TV camera 2 having a lens unit 1 is mounted on a camera platform 4 supported by a support 3. I have. The head 4 has a driving mechanism housed therein. The driving mechanism rotates the TV camera 2 to pan (left and right directions) by right and left rotation and rotates the television camera 2 to tilt (up and down direction) by vertical rotation. be able to. A monitor 5 for inputting a video signal from the television camera 2 and an operation control unit 6 for controlling the operations of the television camera 2 and the camera platform 4 are arranged in an operation room or the like. According to such an apparatus, by operating the camera platform 4 by the operation control unit 6, the television camera 2 is pointed in an arbitrary direction, and operation control such as zooming and focusing of the lens unit 1 is performed. Is And
A photographing operation (shot operation) can be performed in a state where the operation parameters of the pan, tilt, zoom (magnification magnification), and focus (focal position) are set in advance. That is, in the basic image displayed on the monitor 5 in FIG. 12, each parameter of the shot operation corresponding to the selected position of A, B, C, D. are set in advance to b, c, d... Therefore, the buttons a, b, c, d of the switch 7
.. Can be shot to a predetermined position. A conventional pan head control apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-228473. [0005] However, in the above-described conventional television camera operation control device using a camera platform, a plurality of shot positions A, B, C, and C set on the basic image as described above. D ... are arbitrarily selected, so that the shot positions A, B, C, D ... and the buttons a,
There is a problem in that it is difficult to grasp the correspondence between b, c, d,. That is, after the setting, the shot positions A, B,
C, D... Cannot be confirmed on the screen, and it is determined by the memory of the operator or a memo or the like which shot position each button a, b, c, d. are doing. Accordingly, an erroneous operation of performing a shot operation at a different position may occur, and the photographing operation cannot be easily performed. In addition, the setting operation of the shot operation itself is complicated, and there is a demand for an operation that makes the shooting operation simple including this point. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a camera platform capable of accurately selecting a plurality of arbitrary photographing ranges by two-point input operation and facilitating camera operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a television camera operation control device used. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a television camera using a camera platform in which the position of a camera lens unit and the photographing operation of the lens unit are controlled by the camera platform. In the operation control device, a touch panel that is arranged on a monitor screen that displays an image captured by the television camera and that has a touch input unit attached so that the monitor screen is divided into a matrix is attached. A new shooting range in the monitor screen is determined by an input operation of the two touch input units, and
The corresponding operating parameters of the pan head drive and lens drive
Calculation and controls the operation of the platform and the television camera lens unit by the operation output, put on the touch input unit
After the input operation of the above two points, the input operation of the third point
Either inside or outside the rectangular area determined by the two points
Execute or reset the shooting operation
Is controlled . According to the above arrangement, each of the divided touch input units is pressed (input operation) with a finger or the like while watching the image observed through the transparent touch panel. When two points of the section are selected (input), the coordinates of the two points on the touch panel are equivalently converted into the coordinates of pan and tilt on the camera platform (operating area of the camera platform), and the intermediate point between the two points of the coordinates The television camera is driven by the head. In addition, a zoom ratio (focal length) for calculating a new shooting range determined by the two points within the angle of view of the lens is calculated, and the camera lens is driven to have the zoom ratio. this
In this way, the area specified by the two points is
Shooting a new range according to the shooting aspect ratio of the camera
Is done. The above operation can be executed by a third pressing operation of the touch input unit. In this case, for example, the operation is performed within a rectangular area determined by the two points of the first input operation. When the third point is pressed, the photographing operation is executed, and when the third point is pressed outside the rectangular area, the operation is reset. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a television camera operation control apparatus using a camera platform according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration thereof. In FIG. 1, a television camera 2 having a lens unit 1 is attached to a camera platform 4 supported by a column 3 as in the related art. The camera platform 4 allows the television camera 2 to be panned (left-right direction) and tilted ( Vertical direction)
It can be driven to rotate. A monitor 10 for inputting a video signal and displaying a captured image is connected to the television camera 2, and a touch panel 11 is attached on the screen of the monitor 10 so as to overlap the entire screen. The touch panel 11 is formed of a transparent material, and has a plurality of touch input sections 12 set in a matrix. Each of the touch input sections 12 includes a capacitive type, a surface acoustic wave type, a resistive type, an infrared type, etc. The method is applicable. For example, in the case of the capacitance method, the state of contact with the panel surface can be detected by a change in capacitance, and the contact position can be detected by a change in a minute AC (alternating current) (signal) supplied to the touch panel 11. The contact position is output as information of the XY coordinate data, whereby each position of the touch input unit 12 is identified. In the embodiment, the touch panel 11 is divided into 256 parts vertically and horizontally, and thus 65536 touch input units 12 are formed on the entire screen (the number of divisions is not limited to the above-mentioned 256 divisions). An operation control unit 14 is connected to the lens unit 1 and the camera platform 4 of the television camera 2.
The touch panel 11 of the monitor 10 is operated by the operation control unit 1
4 is connected. The operation control unit 14 has a joystick 15A for panning and tilting movement and a joystick 15B for zooming, focusing, and the like. The joysticks 15A and 15B operate the camera platform 4 and the television camera 2 independently. be able to.
Therefore, it is possible to actually operate the lens unit 1 to an arbitrary position and set each parameter of the operation. In addition,
The operation control unit 14 is provided with a reset button 16. As shown in FIG. 2, when the touch panel 11 is assigned, for example, Y1 to Y256 in the vertical axis (Y axis) direction and X1 to X256 in the horizontal axis (X axis) direction, X1 Y1
, X2 Y1,..., X255 Y256, X256 Y256. The operation control unit 14 has a CPU (central processing unit) that calculates operation parameters and performs supervision control processing.
The CPU 18 has a built-in ROM (read-only memory) in which data of a zoom ratio corresponding to the zoom position of the lens unit 1 and the like are stored. The CPU 18 is connected to a RAM (read / write memory) 19 for storing parameters and the like of the reference image, an A (analog) / D (digital) converter 20, and a D / A converter 21. Is supplied to the CPU 18 via the A / D converter 20. The D / A converter 21 includes an amplifier 22
A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are provided.
Output to the pan motor 24A of the pan head 4 and the amplifier 22B
Is output to the tilt motor 24B of the pan head 4 and the amplifier 22
The output of C is output to the zoom motor 24C of the lens unit 1, and the output of the amplifier 22D is output to the focus motor 24C of the lens unit 1.
D. FIG. 3 shows a driving area of the camera platform 4. In the embodiment, the pan is driven in a range of 320 degrees from left to right as shown in FIG.
A 12-bit value of 0 is assigned to the left end and 4095 [(FFF) 16] is assigned to the right end, and the tilt is driven in a range of 180 degrees from the bottom to the top as shown in FIG.
A 12-bit value of 0 is assigned to the lower end and 4095 [(FFF) 16] is assigned to the upper end. Here, when the horizontal shooting range based on the current zoom position is Ps, the horizontal shooting angle (the angle when the shooting range is viewed from the camera) θH,
On the other hand, when the shooting range in the vertical direction is Ts, the vertical shooting angle θV is obtained. For example, assuming that θH = 40 degrees and θV = 30 degrees, the pan head 4 pans at 1/1 of the total stroke.
8. At tilt, 1/6 of the image is taken, and the photographing angles θH and θV are the angle of view of the lens unit 1 (the photographable range).
If the zoom ratio is converted to fall within the range, the selected range can be photographed. The embodiment has the above configuration, and its operation will be described below. FIG. 4 shows coordinates [FIG. (A)] on the touch panel 11 and coordinates of an area operated by the camera platform 4, that is, coordinates [FIG. (B)] on the camera platform. The coordinate conversion operation on the camera platform performed at the time of input operation of the touch panel 11 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, in step 101, the current position (operation parameter information) in the camera platform 4 and the lens unit 1 by the CPU 18 in FIG.
, The current pan position Pm, the current tilt position Tm, the current zoom position Zm, and the current focus position Fm. Then, in step 102, data Zd of the zoom ratio corresponding to the current zoom position Zm is read out from the ROM.
From d, the focal length fm (= Zd × focal length at wide-angle end) is obtained. Next, in step 104, the focal length fm and the V (vertical) and H of the image size of the TV camera 2 to be used (the size of a rectangular area where an image is formed)
(Horizontal), the horizontal shooting angle (the angle of the shooting range as viewed from the camera) θH = 2 tan ⁻¹ (H
/ 2fm), the vertical shooting angle θ shown in FIG.
V = 2 tan ^-1 (V / 2fm) is calculated. In step 105, as shown in FIG. 4B, the left end of the pan constituting the screen, PL = Pm-{(FFF) 16 ×
(ΘV / 320 degrees)} / 2, right end PR = Pm + ｛(FF
F) 16 × (θV / 320 degrees)｝ / 2 and upper end T of tilt
U = Tm + {(FFF) 16 × (θV / 180 degrees)} /
2. Lower end TD = Tm + ｛(FFF) 16 × (θV / 180
Degree)｝ / 2 is required. And the last step 10
At 6, the coordinate point (Xp, Yp) on the camera platform with respect to the coordinate point (Xt, Yt) on the touch panel 11 is obtained. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the embodiment, the coordinates of the XY axis of the touch panel 11 are 0 to 2
55 [center point is set to (128, 128)], and the coordinate point (Xt, Yt) of the touch panel 11 is
Coordinates on the platform in FIG. 4B [center point is (Pm, Tm)]
At (Xp, Yp). Therefore, the above X
p is Xp = Pm + {255 / (PR−PL)} × (X
t-128), Yp is Yp = Tm + ｛255 / (TU
−TD)｝ × (Yt−128). FIGS. 6 to 8 show the operation of the embodiment. First, initial setting is performed in step 201, and information of the basic image (home position) set by the operation of the operation control unit 14 is shown. Is stored. Then, in step 202, the input reading of the touch panel 11 is performed, and in the next step 203, the first touch input unit 1
It is determined whether or not 2 has been input (pressed). Here, in the case of "NO", the process proceeds to step 204, in which the input is read from the operation panel provided in the operation control unit 14. If the operation is performed on the operation panel, the control information is followed. The operation is performed. Then, in the next step 205, the current position is updated, and the current position is
A is output to the A converter 21 (step 20).
6). On the other hand, if "YES" in the step 203, that is, as shown in FIG. 9A, for example, when the touch input section 12 of the frame number Na is pressed at the first point, the touch panel Then, the process proceeds to step 208. In this step 208, it is determined whether or not the input of the second point of the touch input unit 12 has been performed. If “NO”, the input of the operation panel is read (step 209). It is determined whether or not there is. If there is an input ("YES"), the above-described 1 is set in step 211.
Erase the dot data and give priority to the operation of the operation panel. Next, in step 208, for example, FIG.
By pressing the touch input unit 12 of the frame number Nb shown in (b), it is determined that the second point has been input ("").
If “YES”), the process proceeds to step 212 in FIG. 7 (I), and the input reading of the touch panel 11 is executed. In the next step 213, it is determined whether or not the third point has been input. In the case of "", similarly to the above, the input of the operation panel of the operation control unit 14 is read (step 214), and it is determined whether or not there is an input of the operation panel (step 215). In step 216, the data of the first and second points is deleted, and the process proceeds to step 205 in FIG.6 (II) On the other hand, in step 213, the third point is input ("YES"). )), The next step 2
17 and the third touch input unit 12
A determination is made as to whether or not there is a rectangular area having the point and the second point as diagonals. In the case of “NO” in this step 217, for example, as shown in FIG. 9C, when Nc existing outside the rectangular area is pressed, the process proceeds to the next step 218, where the camera platform 4 and the lens unit 1 are moved. Is returned to the home position, and the data of the first and second points is deleted in step 219, and the process proceeds to step 205 in FIG. 6 (III). That is, the basic image before the input operation is performed on the touch panel 11 is displayed. However, when the frame number Nd in the rectangular area is pressed in step 217 as shown in FIG. 9C, for example, the process shifts to step 220 in FIG. The coordinate points on the touch panel 11, such as (Xt1, Yt1) and (Xt2, Yt2), are converted to coordinate points (Xp1, Yp1),
(Xp2, Yp2). In the next step 221, the coordinates of the middle point of the straight line connecting the two converted points,
{(Xp1 + Xp2) / 2, (Yp1 + Yp2) / 2} is obtained, and the CPU 18 outputs a pan / tilt control signal for driving to the middle point to the amplifiers 22A and 22B. Accordingly, the lens unit 1 is moved toward the above-mentioned middle point by driving the camera platform 4. In the next step 223, the designated photographing angle is calculated from the coordinates of the two points. In the embodiment, the horizontal photographing angle θH and the vertical photographing angle θV shown in FIG. 3 are obtained. The ratio is corrected so as to match the aspect ratio of 3: 4. That is, a smaller value is multiplied by a predetermined value so that θV / 3 = θH / 4, so that the designated area is always included in the photographing range. FIG. 10 shows the state of the correction, and as shown in FIG.
When two points 1 and p2 are pressed, the shooting range of the solid line 301 (a: b = 3: 4) is set, and when two points p3 and p4 are pressed, the shooting range of the solid line 302 is set. The specified area will always be included. In the next step 224, the photographing angle θH
, ΘV, the focal length f is obtained, where f = H / 2tan (θH / 2) or f = V / 2tan.
(ΘV / 2) [H (horizontal), V (vertical) is the image size of the image sensor], and the next step 225
Move to. In this step 225, the focal length f
The zooming of the lens unit is performed at the position (1), and by setting the shooting angles θH and θV to coincide with the angle of view of the lens unit 1, the designated shooting range is monitored as shown in FIG. It will be projected on the screen of 10. FIG. 11 shows a case where the photographing state obtained in FIG. 9 is shifted to the next photographing.
From the operated photographing state of (d), the first point is pressed in FIG. (A), the second point is pressed in FIG. (B), and the third point is set by the two points in FIG. When the user presses the outside of the rectangular area to be set, the embodiment returns to the basic image (home position) as shown in FIG. Of course, if the user presses the inside of the rectangular area where the third point is set by two points in FIG. (C), a captured image of the area is displayed. In the above-described embodiment, the reset button 16 is provided in the operation control unit 14. By operating the reset button 16, the operation can be released. The reset button 16 can be used to return to the basic image during photographing. The reset button 16 may be provided on the monitor 10.
May have a reset function. As described above, according to the present invention, the photographing range to be projected can be controlled by inputting two points, but a method of directly driving the center of the camera to the position of one input point is also conceivable. Point input driving and two-point input driving can be switched and used together by an external switch. Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the TV camera 2 having the camera platform 4 and the monitor 10 are one set has been described, but the plural TV cameras 2 and the plural monitors 1
0, for example, the touch panel 11
, The basic image is displayed, and the other monitor 10 displays an enlarged / reduced image, and other various combinations are possible. Further, in the above embodiment, the touch input section 12 of the touch panel 11 is divided into 256 parts.
It is possible to divide the X and Y axes of the screen into hundreds or thousands and set many touch input units 12 to execute fine shooting operation control. The touch input of the touch panel 11 can be performed by means other than the finger, such as a pen. As described above, according to the present invention,
The screen is divided into a matrix and a touch panel on which a touch input unit is set is provided on the monitor screen, and a new shooting range in the monitor screen is determined by an input operation of two touch input units on the touch panel. Corresponding to the shooting range
Calculate the operation parameters of the pan head drive and lens drive, and
Movement of the camera platform and TV camera lens
Control the operation and the two points in the touch input section.
After the input operation, the third input operation is determined by the above two points.
Depending on whether it is inside or outside the rectangular area
Since the photographing operation is controlled to be executed or reset, the next photographing operation can be executed while confirming the position on the photographed image, and setting of a new photographing range can be performed. There is an advantage that it becomes easy. Further, it is easy to execute or cancel the photographing range selected by the two points, and it is possible to obtain a user-friendly device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a television camera operation control device using a camera platform according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a pan and tilt drive range and a shooting angle by a camera platform. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing coordinates [FIG. (A)] on a touch panel and coordinates [FIG. (B)] on a camera platform. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation until a coordinate on the touch panel is converted into a coordinate on the camera platform. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment that is executed subsequently to I in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment that is executed subsequently to IV in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an input operation on the touch panel according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a shooting range set by two input points. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an input operation on the touch panel executed after FIG. 9 in the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional TV camera operation control device using a camera platform. [Description of Signs] 1 ... Lens unit, 2 ... TV camera, 4 ... Head head, 10 ... Monitor, 11 ... Touch panel, 1
2 ... touch input unit, 14 ... operation control unit, 15
… Joystick, 18… CPU, 22…
Amplifier, 24 ... Motor.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/232

Claims (1)

(1) A television camera operation control device using a camera platform in which the position of a camera lens unit and the imaging operation of the lens unit are controlled by the camera platform. A touch panel that is arranged on a monitor screen that displays the selected image and that has a touch input unit set so that the monitor screen is divided into a matrix is attached, and input operations of two touch input units on the touch panel are performed. Determine a new shooting range in the monitor screen and
Operating parameters of pan head drive and lens drive corresponding to the range
Calculates the data controls the operation of the platform and the television camera lens unit by the operation output, after the input operation of the two points in the touch input unit,
The third input operation is performed within the rectangular area determined by the two points.
Executes the shooting operation depending on whether it is on the side or outside
What is claimed is: 1. A television camera operation control device using a camera platform, which controls whether to perform or reset .