JPH11234658A - Camera controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the camera controller by which a desired present button is selected not depending on user's memory of a camera photographing direction and a photographic magnification set to the preset button. SOLUTION: Video data photographed based on data set to preset buttons 151-158 are displayed with the preset buttons 151-158 superimposed. Thus, in the case of selecting any of the preset buttons 151-158 by the user, the user selects a desired preset button easily, since the user can select any button while observing the video data displayed with each button superimposed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera control device, and more particularly, to a function capable of remotely controlling a photographing direction and a photographing magnification of a camera and setting the photographing direction and the photographing magnification in advance (hereinafter referred to as a "preset function"). ).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
Conventional camera control device (not shown) disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No.
Is a configuration diagram of a camera control screen 240 provided on a display unit (not shown) such as a CRT.
241 is an up button, 242 is a right button, 243
Is a down button, 244 is a left button, 245 is a wide-angle button, 246 is a telephoto button, 250 is an imaging display area, and 261 to 266 are preset buttons. It is assumed that a predetermined photographing direction and a photographing magnification are set to the preset buttons 261 to 266, respectively.

Next, the operation will be described. When a user (not shown) controls the camera control device to display the camera control screen 240 on the display unit, image data from a camera (not shown) is output to the image display area 250. Accordingly, the user can move the imaging data displayed on the imaging display area 250 up, down, left, and right by moving the imaging range of the camera up, down, left, and right using the up button 241 to the left button 244. Further, the user can widen the image data with the wide-angle button 245 and telephotoize the image data with the tele button 246.

[0004] In addition, when the user presses the preset buttons 261-
When any one of 266 is selected, the camera operates according to the shooting direction and the shooting magnification set in the selected preset button, and the image data from the camera is displayed in the image display area 2
50 is displayed. Also, the preset buttons 261-2
66 is displayed on the imaging display area 250 by selecting any one of the buttons 66 to 66.
44, the wide-angle button 245 and the telephoto button 246.

[0005]

The conventional camera control device is configured as described above, and has the following problems. (1) When the user selects any of the preset buttons 261-266, the preset buttons 261-2
The shooting direction and the shooting magnification of the camera set in 66 must be stored. For this reason, it is difficult to perform camera control using the preset buttons 261 to 266. (2) When, for example, fog occurs between the installation position (not shown) of the camera and the image area imaged by the camera, the imaging data is displayed in the imaging display area 250 by selecting the preset buttons 261 to 266. Even so, the fog or the like is uniformly displayed on the screen, so that the preset button that the user really wants to display may not be known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to prevent a user from storing a photographing direction and a photographing magnification of a camera set on a preset button. Is also to provide a camera control device capable of selecting a desired preset button. A second object of the present invention is to provide a camera control device capable of selecting a desired preset button even if the displayed video data is not visible due to fog or the like.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a camera control apparatus comprising: a display unit for displaying image data from a camera; a preset table in which preset data of the camera is set; and a preset table of the preset table. A video data recording unit that records imaging data from the camera based on the video data, a preset button displayed on the display unit and provided in correspondence with the preset table, and the video data corresponding to the preset button. Video data display means for displaying on the display unit.

A camera control device according to the next invention is
The display unit displays image data from a plurality of cameras in the same area.

[0009] A camera control device according to the next invention is characterized in that:
The video data display means superimposes and displays the video data on the preset button.

[0010] Further, a camera control device according to the next invention comprises:
When a plurality of preset buttons are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, the horizontal fields of view of the preset data corresponding to the adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other.

[0011] Further, a camera control device according to the next invention comprises:
When a plurality of preset buttons are arranged in the vertical direction, the vertical fields of view of the preset data corresponding to the adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other.

Further, a camera control device according to the following invention is provided.
When a plurality of preset buttons are set in a two-dimensional arrangement, the horizontal fields of view of the preset data corresponding to the preset buttons adjacent to the same row are linked to each other, and the preset data corresponding to the preset buttons adjacent to the same column are associated with each other. Are linked to each other in the vertical direction.

Further, a camera control device according to the following invention is provided.
A video data updating means for updating video data in the video data recording unit is provided.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a camera control device according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a camera, and 11 denotes a camera driving unit. Reference numeral 20 denotes a camera control unit arranged in a monitoring room (not shown) or the like, and reference numeral 21 denotes a camera control unit 20 including a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.
, A display unit such as a CRT, and a data recording unit 23 for recording video data and the like. FIG.
Is a configuration diagram of a camera control screen 240a displayed on the display unit 22. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 10 indicate the same or equivalent functions, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the drawing, reference numeral 121 denotes a far focus button for moving the focus of the camera 10 to a far distance, and 122 denotes a camera far button.
Is a focus near button for moving the focus of the camera closer. Reference numerals 151 to 158 denote preset buttons on which video data is superimposed, and reference numeral 300 denotes an update button. FIG. 3 shows a preset table 11 provided in the camera driving unit 11.
0 is a configuration diagram of 111, and 111 is a preset button 151-
An item to be set in 158 and 112 are data corresponding to the item 111.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a camera table 113 provided in the camera driving section 11, wherein 114 is an operation item and 115 is current data. FIG. 5 shows a video data table 231 provided in the data recording unit 23.
232 is a configuration diagram of the preset buttons 151-1.
58 is video data recorded as a still image. FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of a video data update operation performed by the camera control unit 20 when the update button 300 is pressed.

Next, the operation of the camera control device according to the present invention will be described. In the preset table 110, data 112 corresponding to the item 111 of the preset buttons 151 to 158 is set in advance. It is also assumed that the video data table 231 previously records video data 232 in which image data captured by the camera 10 is a still image based on the data 112 corresponding to each of the preset buttons 151 to 158. When the camera control device is started, a camera control screen 240a is displayed on the CRT 22, and the video data 232 recorded in the video data table 231 is displayed so as to be superimposed on each of the preset buttons 151 to 158.

The method of displaying the video data 232 so as to be superimposed on each of the preset buttons 151 to 158 is performed by using the preset buttons 151 to 1 on the camera control screen 240a.
The icon that becomes 58, Visual Basic (Vis
This can be easily realized by pasting the video data 232 for each of the preset buttons 151 to 158 by using a pasting command included in ual Basic (hereinafter abbreviated as VB).
When the camera control device is started, the preset table 11 is added to the current data 115 of the camera table 113.
Data 112 corresponding to the preset button 151 in 0
Shall be transferred. As a result, video data captured by the camera 10 is displayed in the imaging display area 250 based on the data 112 registered in the preset button 151.

Thus, when the user selects any of the preset buttons 151 to 158, the user can select the preset button while viewing the video data 232 superimposed and displayed on each of the preset buttons 151 to 158. Easier to do. Further, since the video data 232 is superimposed on each of the preset buttons 151 to 158 and output, the preset buttons 151 to 158 are displayed on the camera control screen 240a.
In addition, an area used for displaying the video data 232 can be saved.

Further, the video data 232 superimposed on the preset buttons 151 to 158 can be compared with the image data output to the image display area 250. For example, when fog or the like is generated in the imaging range of the camera 10, the fog may be uniformly displayed on the imaging data displayed in the imaging display area 250 regardless of which preset button 151 to 158 is selected. is there. Even in such a case, the situation can be roughly grasped while comparing the video data 232 superimposed on the preset buttons 151 to 158 and the image data output to the image display area 250. Especially,
Even when the imaging data output to the imaging display area 250 is difficult to see due to smoke generated in an accident or the like, the video data 232 superimposed on each of the preset buttons 151 to 158
This has the effect that the source of the smoke can be specified while roughly giving an idea.

Next, the operation of updating the video data 232 superimposed on the preset buttons 151 to 158 will be described with reference to FIG. When the user presses the update button 300, the flowchart of FIG.
Move to 1. In S1, 151 is input to the work table in which the number of the preset button can be set as the initial setting, and the process proceeds to S2. In S2, it is determined whether or not the value of the work table is 158 or more. If the value is 158 or more, the process is terminated. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S3. In S3,
The camera control unit 20 requests the camera driving unit 11 for the imaging data of the preset button corresponding to the value of the work table, inputs the imaging data from the camera driving unit 11, and shifts to S4.

In this case, the camera driving unit 11 sets the data 112 in the preset table 110 corresponding to the preset button requested by the camera control unit 20 as the current data 115 in the camera table 113, and captures the image by the camera 10. And transfer the image data to the camera control unit 20.
Output to In S4, the imaging data input from the camera control unit 20 is recorded as a still image in the video data 232 in the video data table 231, and the process proceeds to S4. In S4, the work table is incremented, and the process proceeds to S2. Thus, when the user presses the update button 300, the preset button 1 in the video data table 231
The video data 232 corresponding to each of 51 to 158 is sequentially updated.

When the update process is completed by pressing the update button 300, the image data set by the preset button 158 is displayed in the image display area 250. However, the update button 30 is displayed in the imaging display area 250.
When the user wants to display the image data before pressing 0, for example, a save table (not shown) for recording the contents of the camera table 113 may be provided in the camera driving unit 11. This allows the contents of the retraction table to be transferred to the camera table 113 at the end of the update processing.
In the case of 0, the imaging data before the update button 300 is pressed can be displayed.

Thus, when the user presses the update button 300, the video data 232 superimposed on the preset buttons 151 to 158 can be easily updated. This allows
For example, video data 2 when the user is sunny and in good condition
If 32 is recorded, the above comparison becomes easier.
When there are a plurality of cameras 10, by performing the above-described processing for each camera, it becomes possible to display video data for each camera and select a preset button based on the video data. Further, even when there are a plurality of cameras 10, if the imaging display area 250 is shared as one, the camera control screen 2
The area on 40a can be saved.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 7 shows a camera control screen 240b displayed on the display unit 22 of the camera control device in FIG.
The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same or equivalent functions, and a description thereof will not be repeated. In the figure, 161 to 16
Reference numeral 8 denotes a preset button on which the video data 232 is superimposed. In the preset buttons 161 to 168, the horizontal visual fields set to the adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other. Specifically, when the horizontal angle of view of the camera 10 is 30 °, the tilt angles of the preset buttons 161 to 168 are matched, and the pan angles are 0 °, 30 °, 60 °, 9 °.
0 °...

As a result, the preset buttons 161-1
The video data 232 superimposed on 68 becomes a series of video data in which the horizontal visual fields are connected. For this reason, the user can grasp the video data 232 corresponding to each of the preset buttons 161 to 168 in a panoramic manner, and can more easily select the preset buttons 161 to 168.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 8 shows a camera control screen 240c displayed on the display unit 22 of the camera control device in FIG.
The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same or equivalent functions, and a description thereof will not be repeated. In the figure, 171 to 17
Reference numeral 8 denotes a preset button on which the video data 232 is superimposed. In the preset buttons 171 to 178, the vertical visual fields set to the adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other. Specifically, when the vertical angle of view of the camera 10 is 15 °, the pan angles of the preset buttons 171 to 178 are matched, and the tilt angles are set to 0 °, 15 °, 30 °, and 4 °.
5 °...

As a result, the preset buttons 171-1
The video data 232 superimposed on 78 is a series of video data in which the vertical visual fields are connected. Therefore, the user can grasp the video data 232 corresponding to each of the preset buttons 171 to 178 in a panoramic manner, and can more easily select the preset buttons 171 to 178.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 9 shows a camera control screen 240d displayed on the display unit 22 of the camera control device in FIG.
The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same or equivalent functions, and a description thereof will not be repeated. In the figure, 211 to 21
5, 221-225, 231-235, 241-245
And 251 to 255 are preset buttons on which the video data 232 is superimposed. Preset buttons 211-21
5, 221-225, 231-235, 241-245
And 251 to 255, the horizontal visual fields set on the adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other. Also,
Preset buttons 211-251, 212-252, 2
13 to 253, 214 to 254, and 215 to 255, the vertical visual fields set on the adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other.

Specifically, when the vertical angle of view of the camera 10 is 15 ° and the horizontal angle of view is 30 °, the tilt angles of the preset buttons 211 to 215 are 0 °, and the pan angles are 0 ° and 30 °. °, 60 ° ... Next, assuming that the tilt angle of the preset buttons 221 to 225 is 15 °,
The pan angles are associated with 0 °, 30 °, 60 °,.... Similarly, the tilt angles of the preset buttons adjacent in the vertical direction are shifted by 15 °, and the pan angles of the preset buttons adjacent in the horizontal direction are shifted by 30 °, so that the fields of view of the adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other.

As a result, the preset buttons 211-2
15, 221-225, 231-235, 241-24
5 and the video data 232 superimposed on 251 to 255
It becomes a series of video data in which the vertical and horizontal visual fields are connected. For this reason, the user presses the preset button 21
1-215, 221-225, 231-235, 241
To 245 and 251 to 255 can be grasped in a panoramic manner, and the preset buttons 211 to 215 and 221 to 22 can be more easily obtained.
5, 231-235, 241-245 and 251-25
5 can be selected.

[0032]

According to the present invention, the camera control device comprises:
A video data recording unit records image data from a camera based on preset data in a preset table as video data, and a preset button provided corresponding to the preset table is displayed on a display unit. Since the video data corresponding to the button is displayed on the display unit, the user can select a preset button while watching the video data,
Selection becomes easy.

Further, according to the next invention, in the camera control device, since the display unit displays the image data from a plurality of cameras in the same area, the area of the display unit can be saved.

According to the next aspect of the present invention, in the camera control device, the video data display means superimposes and displays the video data on the preset button, so that the area of the display section can be saved.

According to the next invention, when a plurality of preset buttons are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, the camera control device links the horizontal views of the preset data corresponding to the adjacent preset buttons with each other. The user can grasp the video data corresponding to the preset button in a panoramic manner, which has the effect of making it easier to select the preset button.

According to the next invention, when a plurality of preset buttons are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the camera control device links the vertical views of the preset data corresponding to the adjacent preset buttons with each other. The user can grasp the video data corresponding to the preset button in a panoramic manner, which has the effect of making it easier to select the preset button.

Further, according to the next invention, when a plurality of preset buttons are set in a two-dimensional array, the camera control device sets the horizontal view of the preset data corresponding to the preset buttons adjacent to the same row. In addition to linking the preset buttons adjacent to the same row with each other, the vertical views of the preset data corresponding to the same row are linked to each other, so that the user can grasp the video data corresponding to the preset buttons in a panoramic manner. Has the effect of making it easier to make a selection.

Further, according to the next invention, since the camera control device is provided with the video data updating means for updating the video data in the video data recording section, there is an effect that video data in a good state can be recorded.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a camera control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram according to a first embodiment of a camera control screen displayed on a display unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a preset table provided in the camera driving unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a camera table provided in the camera driving unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a video data table provided in the data recording unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a video data update operation of the camera control unit.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a camera control screen displayed on a display unit illustrated in FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment.

8 is a configuration diagram of a camera control screen displayed on a display unit shown in FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram according to a fourth embodiment of a camera control screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a conventional camera control screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Camera 11 Camera drive part 20 Camera control part 21 Operation part 22 Display part 23 Data recording part 110 Preset table 111 Item 112 Data 113 Camera table 114 Operation item 115 Current data 151-158, 161-168, 171-178, 2
11-215, 221-225, 231-235, 24
1-245, 251-255 Preset buttons 240a-240d Camera control screen 250 Imaging display area 300 Update button

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A display unit for displaying image data from a camera, a preset table in which preset data of the camera is set, and image data from the camera based on preset data in the preset table are recorded as video data. A video data recording unit; a preset button displayed on the display unit and provided in correspondence with the preset table; and video data display means for displaying the video data corresponding to the preset button on the display unit. Camera control device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The camera control device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays image data from a plurality of cameras in the same area. 3. The camera control device according to claim 1, wherein the video data display means superimposes and displays the video data on the preset button. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of preset buttons are arranged in a horizontal direction, the horizontal fields of view of preset data corresponding to adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other. The camera control device according to any one of the above. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of preset buttons are arranged in a vertical direction, the vertical fields of view of preset data corresponding to adjacent preset buttons are linked to each other. The camera control device according to any one of the above. 6. When a plurality of preset buttons are set in a two-dimensional arrangement state, the horizontal directions of the preset data corresponding to the preset buttons adjacent to the same row are linked to each other, and the preset buttons adjacent to the same column are linked. 4. The vertical fields of view of preset data corresponding to the first and second sets of data are linked to each other.
The camera control device according to any one of the above items. 7. The camera control device according to claim 1, further comprising video data updating means for updating video data in the video data recording unit.