JP2000188747A - Target search method by aircraft and target search system by aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an inexpensive target search method and system by an aircraft where a target is searched without being limited by a searching area on land or on sea. SOLUTION: The system is provided with an image pickup device, a turning means 3 that turns the image pickup device 2, a control means 4 that controls the operation of the image pickup device 2 and the turning means 3, a plurality of display devices 14a-14e that are placed at a prescribed turning position of the image pickup device 2 sequentially, and an image distribution means 13 that distributes a still picture signal at a prescribed turning position from the image pickup device 2 to the display devices 14a-14e corresponding to each turning position. Then an aircraft 1 uses the turning means 3 to repetitively turn the image pickup device 2 to allow the image pickup device 2 to photograph a still picture at each sequential turning position and the image distribution means 13 distributes the still picture signal to the corresponding display devices 14a-14e, where the signal is displayed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a target search method for performing a rescue search by an aircraft, for example, and a target search device using an aircraft for performing the search.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional rescue search method using an aircraft, a searcher who has boarded an aircraft generally searches visually using binoculars, or a visual search method using the above-mentioned binoculars by mounting a radar device on the aircraft. In addition, a method of searching by radar is known.

[0003]

However, in the above-described visual search method using binoculars, when a target is found, for example, it is difficult to confirm an accurate direction of the target. There is a problem that it is difficult to locate the target, and there is a concern that the search itself may be difficult particularly under dark conditions such as at night.

On the other hand, the radar search method using the radar device can solve the problem of the visual search using the binoculars, but this search method causes ground clutter when the search area is on land. Therefore, there is a concern that it may be difficult to extract a target. Further, the radar device is heavy, about 100 kg,
Since it is difficult to mount on a small machine and the price is very high, there is a problem that the machine to be mounted is limited and it is difficult to use it flexibly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to be made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to be able to search for a target without being limited to a search area on land or at sea, and to easily locate a target searched for. It is an object of the present invention to provide a target search method using an aircraft that can be implemented at a low cost and that can be easily mounted on a small aircraft.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for searching for a target by an aircraft, wherein the imaging device capable of outputting an image signal is repeatedly rotated from the aircraft to sequentially perform predetermined operations. The still image is captured at each of the rotation positions, and a still image signal based on the imaging is distributed and supplied to a display corresponding to each rotation position and displayed.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image pickup device is repeatedly rotated, and the still image signals at the predetermined predetermined rotation positions are distributed to the display corresponding to each rotation position and displayed. Therefore, it is possible to search for a target by observing a still image displayed on each display device without being limited to a search area on land or at sea, and an imaging device corresponding to the display device that has found the target. Since the accurate orientation of the search target can be easily detected from the turning position of the target, the target position can be easily located, and the search efficiency can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the target searching method by the aircraft according to the first aspect, the still image signals at the predetermined rotation positions are wirelessly communicated from the aircraft to the ground station. The received still image signal is distributed and supplied to a display corresponding to the rotation position of the imaging device, and is displayed.

According to the invention of claim 2, since the searcher can search for the target by observing the display on the ground without boarding the aircraft, the aircraft can be operated wirelessly or only the pilot can be boarded. And it can be easily mounted on small aircraft.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for searching for a target by an aircraft, comprising: an imaging device capable of outputting an image signal; rotating means for rotating the imaging device; Control means for controlling the operation of the imaging device and the rotating means so as to capture a still image at each of the sequential predetermined rotating positions of the imaging device; and An aircraft having a plurality of corresponding displays, and image distribution means for distributing and supplying still image signals from the imaging device at predetermined sequential rotation positions to the displays corresponding to the respective rotation positions; The image pickup device is repeatedly rotated by the rotation means, and still images are respectively taken at predetermined rotation positions of the rotation, and a still image signal based on the imaging is rotated by the image distribution means. The above indicator corresponding to the position Characterized by being configured so as to display the dispensed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the target searching method of the first aspect can be performed by the imaging device, the rotating unit, the control unit, and the image distributing unit. It can be inexpensive, light in weight, and easily mounted on small machines.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the target search device by an aircraft according to the third aspect, the turning means includes a gimbal mechanism.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image pickup apparatus can be rotated in the horizontal plane while correcting the vibration of the body by the gimbal mechanism. It is possible to stably obtain a still image with good image quality without image distortion or the like.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the target search device by an aircraft according to the third or fourth aspect, the control means controls the rotating means to rotate within a predetermined angle range around the nose direction of the aircraft. It is characterized in that the image pickup device is controlled so as to be repeatedly rotated back and forth, and that the image pickup device is controlled so as to capture still images at predetermined sequential rotation positions in the forward movement or the backward movement.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the timing of repeatedly capturing a still image at each rotation position can be made equal. As a result, the update timing of the still image displayed on each display can be equalized, so that the control is facilitated and the rotating means is reciprocated in a predetermined angle range around the nose direction. The nose direction after the target is found can be easily set, and a more detailed search can be quickly performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the target search apparatus by an aircraft according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the control means includes:
When a still image is captured by the imaging device, the rotation of the rotation unit is controlled to temporarily stop.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the control means may control the rotating means to rotate intermittently, that is, stepwise, and to capture a still image by the imaging device in the rotation stopped state. Therefore, with a relatively simple control, a clear still image without an image flow or the like can be displayed, and a target search can be more easily performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the target search device by an aircraft according to the third to sixth aspects, the control means includes:
The imaging magnification of the imaging device is controlled so that the imaging regions of the sequential still images by the imaging device partially overlap.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the imaging regions of the still images at the predetermined predetermined rotational positions are partially overlapped, it is possible to reliably search for the target.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the target search apparatus by an aircraft according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, the control means is selected so as to stop the imaging device at a desired rotation position and obtain a moving image signal. Operating means for controlling the image distributing means so as to simultaneously supply an operation signal and simultaneously supply and display the moving image signal to the plurality of displays.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to position the image pickup device with respect to the target and display the moving image on a plurality of displays simultaneously, so that the position of the target can be easily located. The targets can be tracked in real time by multiple searchers each observing multiple indicators.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the target search apparatus by an aircraft according to the eighth aspect, the image pickup device, the rotating unit, the control unit, the plurality of displays, the image distribution unit, and the operating unit are mounted on the aircraft. It is characterized by having done.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of searchers board the aircraft to search for a target, it is possible to quickly respond to rescue or the like after the target is found.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a target searching apparatus by an aircraft according to the eighth aspect, wherein the imaging device comprises:
While mounting the turning means and the control means on the aircraft,
The aircraft is equipped with wireless communication means, the plurality of indicators,
Image distribution means and operation means are installed at the ground station,
A wireless communication means is installed at the ground station, and an image signal obtained by the imaging device is wirelessly communicated to the ground station, and an operation signal from the operation means is wirelessly communicated to the control means. And

According to the tenth aspect, the second aspect is provided.
Similar to the invention of the above, the searcher did not board the aircraft,
Since the target can be searched for by observing the display on the ground, it is possible to operate the aircraft wirelessly or with only the pilot on board, and it is easier to mount the aircraft on a small aircraft.

[0026] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the target search device by an aircraft according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the plurality of displays are respectively displayed on the plurality of displays based on the control of the image distribution means by the operation means. The image display device further includes a main display for selectively displaying still images corresponding to sequentially predetermined rotation positions of the imaging device and displaying a moving image at the desired rotation position.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, for example, when an operator operating the operating means observes the main display, and when the operator or a searcher observing another display finds a target, the operator is notified of the target. Quickly position the imaging device on the target,
The moving image signal can be supplied to the main display and a plurality of displays at the same time and displayed, so that the position of the target can be easily determined, and the target can be tracked in real time by an operator and a plurality of searchers. Becomes possible.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a target searching apparatus using an aircraft, wherein the imaging device includes a visible light camera such as a CCD camera.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the visible image is displayed on each display, it is easier to confirm the target and to search easily than when searching for the target from an image using a radar or the like. .

[0030] The invention described in claim 13 is the invention according to claims 3-1.
2. The target searching device by an aircraft according to item 1, wherein the imaging device comprises an infrared camera.

According to the thirteenth aspect, since the infrared image is displayed on each display, it is possible to search at night.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an aircraft target search method and an aircraft target search apparatus for implementing the method according to the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a target search device for executing a target search method using an aircraft according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial side view, and FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the main part.

In the present embodiment, a target is searched for by taking an image using the aircraft 1, transmitting the image to the ground station by radio, and displaying the image on the ground station. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, the aircraft 1 is provided with an imaging device 2, a gimbal mechanism 3, which constitutes a rotating means, a control means 4, a transceiver 5, which constitutes a wireless communication means, and a transmitting and receiving antenna 6, The ground station is provided with a transmitting / receiving antenna 11 and a transmitter / receiver 12, which constitute wireless communication means, an image distribution means 13, displays 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, a main display 15, and an operation means 16.

The imaging device 2 comprises a visible light camera such as a CCD camera or an infrared camera, and is rotatably mounted on the aircraft 1 via a gimbal mechanism 3 as shown in FIG. The operation of the imaging device 2 and the gimbal mechanism 3 is controlled by the control unit 4 based on the operation of the operation unit 16.

In this embodiment, in the process of searching for a target,
Based on the operation of the operation means 16, the control means 4 causes the gimbal mechanism 3 to reciprocate repeatedly in a predetermined angle range centered on the nose direction according to a predetermined sequence, and in each forward movement thereof, at every equal angle. The gimbal mechanism 3 is rotated intermittently, that is, in a stepped manner while being temporarily stopped, and stops rotating at five sequential rotation stop positions including a rotation start point and a rotation end point of the forward movement. The still images S1, S2, S
3, S4 and S5 are imaged. In addition, the gimbal mechanism 3
It is equipped with a stabilizer that can compensate for vibration and shaking of the aircraft and capture images.

FIG. 3 shows a timing chart of the timing of capturing a still image by the imaging device 2 and the rotation angle of the gimbal mechanism 3 about the nose direction (0 °) in this case.

In this case, the imaging magnification of the still image by the imaging device 2 is a sequential still image, that is, still images S1 and S1.
2, the control means 4 is operated by the operation means 16 so that S2 and S3, S3 and S4, S4 and S5 partially overlap each other.
Control through.

As described above, the still image signal obtained from the image pickup device 2 at the sequential rotation stop position of the gimbal mechanism 3 is converted into a television signal such as NTSC by the control means 4, and is transmitted to the transmitter / receiver 5, It is wirelessly transmitted to the ground station via the transmitting / receiving antenna 6.

On the other hand, the ground station receives a television signal transmitted from the aircraft 1 via the transmission / reception antenna 11 and the transmission / reception device 12, and supplies the received still image signal to the image distribution means 13. The image distributing means 13 is provided with five frame memories (not shown) corresponding to the five rotation stop positions of the gimbal mechanism 3 so that the input still image signal is stored in the frame memory corresponding to the rotation stop position. Each still image signal stored in each frame memory is updated and read out repeatedly until a still image signal at the next same rotation stop position is input.
4a to 14e to display the still images S1 to S5, respectively.

Further, the still image signal supplied to each of the display units 14a to 14e is selectively supplied to the main display unit 15 through the image distribution unit 13 by operating the operation unit 16 to display the still image. To do.

After the target has been found, the gimbal mechanism 3 is rotated by the control means 4 based on the operation of the operation means 16 to position the imaging device 2 at the target position. The moving image signal is simultaneously supplied to each of the displays 14a to 14e and the main display 15 via the image distributing means 13 at the ground station to display the moving image on each of the displays.
Try to locate the target.

Next, a specific operation example of the target search device according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, in the process of searching for a target, the gimbal mechanism 3 is repeatedly reciprocated in a predetermined angle range centered on the nose direction, and each still image S1 at the sequential rotation stop position of the forward movement is sequentially obtained. To S5 are partially superimposed by the imaging device 2 and imaged, and displayed on the corresponding displays 14a to 14e, and an arbitrary display image is displayed on the main display via the image distribution unit 13 by operating the operation unit 16. The searcher 2 displays the screens of the displays 14a to 14e on the display 15 respectively.
The operator 22 observes the screen 1a to 12e, and observes the screen of the main display 15 by the operator 22.

Here, it is assumed that each of the searchers 21a to 21e performs only a search for a target while viewing the screens of the corresponding displays 14a to 14e.
Observation of the screen and operation of the operation means 16 are performed.

One of the searchers 21a to 21e, for example, the searcher 21d displays the target 23 from the screen of the corresponding display.
Search, the searcher 21d promptly reports to the operator 22, whereby the operator 22 operates the operation means 16 to transmit an operation signal to the aircraft 1 via the transceiver 12 and the transmission / reception antenna 11, and , Indicators 14a to 14
The image distribution means 14 is controlled so that the same image signal is supplied to e and the main display 15.

Thus, in the aircraft 1, the operation signal from the ground station is received by the transceiver 5 via the transmission / reception antenna 6 and supplied to the control means 4, and based on the operation signal, the imaging device is transmitted via the gimbal mechanism 3. 2 is positioned at the target position to capture a moving image, and the moving image signal is simultaneously supplied to the displays 14a to 14e and the main display 15 via the image distribution means 13 at the ground station to display the moving images. In this way, processing such as position determination of the target 23 is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the imaging device 2 is supported by the gimbal mechanism 3 and rotated, the imaging device 2 rotates in a horizontal plane while correcting the shaking of the aircraft 1 and the like. Can be moved. Therefore, even when obtaining a still image or a moving image, it is possible to stably obtain a high-quality image without distortion or the like.

In the target search process, the gimbal mechanism 3
Is repeatedly reciprocated in a predetermined angle range centered on the nose direction of the aircraft 1, and is temporarily stopped at the five successive rotation positions of the forward movement, and a still image is obtained by each imaging device 2. , The timing of repeatedly capturing a still image at each rotation stop position can be made equal. As a result, control becomes easy, and a clear image having no image flow or the like can be obtained as a still image, and a target search becomes easy. Further, since the gimbal mechanism 3 reciprocates in a predetermined angle range around the nose direction, the nose direction can be easily set after the target is found, and a more detailed search can be quickly performed. Become.

Further, since the still images S1 to S5 at the predetermined rotation stop positions are sequentially superimposed and picked up, still images of the entire rotation range of the image pickup device 2 can be obtained. The target 23 can be reliably searched.

After the target is found, the imaging device 2 is positioned at the target position and a moving image is picked up by operating the operating means 16, and the moving image signal is simultaneously displayed on the displays 14 a to 14 e and the main display 15. Since the moving image is displayed by being supplied, the position of the target 23 can be easily located, and the target 23 can be tracked in real time.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image signal obtained by imaging from the aircraft 1 by the imaging device 2 is wirelessly communicated to the ground station and displayed on the ground station. It can be operated with only the pilot on board. Therefore, it can be easily mounted on a small machine.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the target searching apparatus for executing the target searching method by the aircraft according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration. In this embodiment, the imaging device 2 can be rotated via the gimbal mechanism 3 on an aircraft 31 controlled by the pilot 25 and the co-pilot 26. And the control means 4, the image distribution means 13, the displays 14a to 14e, and the operation means 16 to search for the target 23 in the aircraft 31. Is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Here, the main display is omitted, and the operator 22 who operates the operation means 16 also serves as a searcher who observes the display 14c.

In the case of the second embodiment, the aircraft 3
Since the searcher and the operator are on board to search for the target 23, there is an advantage that it is possible to quickly respond to the rescue or the like after the target is found, and the transceiver and the transceiver as in the first embodiment are provided. Since no wireless communication means including an antenna is required, the entire apparatus can be made more inexpensive.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, each still image signal in the search process or a moving image signal including the target 23 imaged by the imaging device 2 after the target is found may be recorded on a recording medium such as a video tape. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the imaging device 2 is reciprocated in a predetermined angle range around the nose direction, but the rotation range is set to an arbitrary angle around an arbitrary direction. As well as being able to rotate in one direction. In addition, the number of step positions for capturing still images can be set arbitrarily without being limited to five, and depending on the rotation speed of the imaging device 2, a still image can be captured without stopping rotation. . Further, as the rotating means for rotating the imaging device 2, various known rotating mechanisms can be used without using the gimbal mechanism 3.

[0057]

According to the above-described method for searching for a target by an aircraft according to the present invention, the imaging device is repeatedly rotated from the aircraft to sequentially generate still image signals at predetermined rotation positions.
Since it is distributed and displayed on the display corresponding to each rotation position,
It is possible to search for a target by observing a still image displayed on each display unit without being limited to a search area on land or at sea, and to turn the imaging device corresponding to the display unit that has found the target. Since it is possible to easily know the exact direction of the target from the moving position, it is easy to locate the target,
Search efficiency can be improved.

Further, according to the target searching apparatus by the aircraft of the present invention, the imaging device is repeatedly rotated by the rotating means from the aircraft, and each still image signal at the predetermined predetermined rotating position is distributed to the image distributing means. By distributing and supplying the display to the display corresponding to each rotation position, it is possible to reduce the overall cost and weight as compared with the case of using a radar device, and it is possible to easily mount it on a small machine. Become. In addition, by configuring the imaging device with a visible light camera such as a CCD camera, it is easy to confirm the target and search is facilitated. By configuring the imaging device with an infrared camera, search at night becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a first embodiment of a target search device that performs a target search method using an aircraft according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining an operation of a main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a second embodiment of a target search device that performs a target search method using an aircraft according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 aircraft 2 imaging device 3 gimbal mechanism 4 control means 5 transceiver 6 transmission / reception antenna 11 transmission / reception antenna 12 transceiver 13 image distribution means 14 a display 14 b display 14 c display 14 d display 14 e display 15 main display 16 operation means 21 a Searcher 21b searcher 21c searcher 21d searcher 21e searcher 22 operator 23 target 25 pilot 26 co-pilot 31 aircraft

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An aircraft that repeatedly outputs an image signal capable of outputting an image signal from an aircraft, sequentially captures still images at predetermined rotation positions, and outputs a still image signal based on the imaging to each rotation position. A method for searching for a target by an aircraft, wherein the target is distributed and supplied to a corresponding display. 2. The wireless communication of the still image signal at the predetermined rotation position from the aircraft to the ground station, and the display of the still image signal received at the ground station corresponding to the rotation position of the imaging device. The target search method using an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the target is distributed and supplied to a device. 3. An imaging device capable of outputting an image signal, a rotation unit for rotating the imaging device, and a still image taken at a predetermined predetermined rotation position of the imaging device by the rotation unit. Control means for controlling the operations of the imaging device and the rotating device; a plurality of indicators corresponding to the sequentially predetermined rotation positions of the imaging device; and a predetermined predetermined rotation from the imaging device. Image distributing means for distributing and supplying a still image signal at the moving position to the display corresponding to each rotating position, wherein the image capturing device is repeatedly rotated from the aircraft by the rotating means, and Still images are respectively captured at predetermined rotation positions in the order of movement, and a still image signal based on the imaging is distributed and supplied to the display corresponding to each rotation position by the image distribution means and displayed. Characterized by aircraft Target search devices. 4. The target search device according to claim 3, wherein the rotating means includes a gimbal mechanism. 5. The control means controls the revolving means to repeatedly reciprocate in a predetermined angle range around the nose direction of the aircraft, and sequentially performs predetermined reciprocation in the forward or backward movement. The target search device by an aircraft according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the imaging device is controlled so as to capture a still image at each of the rotation positions. 6. The aircraft according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the rotation of the rotation unit to temporarily stop when a still image is captured by the imaging device. Target search device by. 7. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls an imaging magnification of the imaging device so that an imaging region of a sequential still image by the imaging device partially overlaps. Target search device by aircraft. 8. An operation signal is selectively supplied to the control means so as to obtain a moving image signal by stopping the imaging device at a desired rotation position, and the moving image signal is transmitted to the plurality of displays. 4. An operation means for controlling said image distribution means so as to be supplied and displayed at the same time.
8. The target search device by an aircraft according to any one of Items 7 to 7. 9. The target search device by an aircraft according to claim 8, wherein said imaging device, rotating means, control means, a plurality of displays, image distribution means and operation means are mounted on said aircraft. 10. The image pickup apparatus, the rotating means and the control means are mounted on the aircraft, the aircraft is provided with a wireless communication means, and the plurality of displays, image distribution means and operation means are installed at a ground station. And wireless communication means is installed in the ground station to wirelessly communicate an image signal obtained by the imaging device to the ground station, and to wirelessly communicate an operation signal from the operation means to the control means. The target search device by an aircraft according to claim 8, wherein 11. A still image selectively displayed on the plurality of displays and corresponding to a predetermined predetermined rotation position of the image pickup device, based on the control of the image distribution means by the operation means. The target search device by an aircraft according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a main display for displaying a moving image at the desired rotation position. 12. The target search device by an aircraft according to claim 3, wherein the imaging device is a visible light camera such as a CCD camera. 13. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the imaging device comprises an infrared camera.