JP2000350196A - Industrial television system and its image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the title system to automatically and continuously display pictures captured from a plurality of image pickup means even when a zoom ratio is changed. SOLUTION: The industrial television system is provided with a 1st image pickup means 1 that picks up an image of an object from a prescribed direction, a 2nd image pickup means 2 that picks up the image of the object from another prescribed direction, a 1st detection means that detects a zoom ratio of the 1st image pickup means 1 and the 2nd image pickup means 2, a 2nd detection means that detects an elongation between the 1st image pickup means 1 and the 2nd image pickup means 2, a drive means 6 that changes the image pickup direction of the 1st image pickup means 1 and the 2nd image pickup means 2, a control means 7 that controls the drive means 6 on the basis of information of the zoom ratio and the elongation detected by the 1st detection means and the 2nd detection means, and an image receiving means 8 that displays the video image picked up by the 1st image pickup means 1 and the 2nd image pickup means 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an industrial television system, and more particularly to a method for panoramic imaging.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional industrial television systems use two cameras as image pickup means for observing one image pickup object. In this apparatus, the cameras are mounted on independent support mechanisms, and the support mechanisms are driven to set each camera in a desired direction. Normally, the camera is set so that the edges of the angles of view of the two camera images substantially overlap. FIG. 6 shows the positional relationship between the two cameras at this time. In FIG. 6, 1 is an imaging camera for imaging the right screen of the imaging target, 2 is an imaging camera for imaging the left screen of the imaging target, 3 is a zoom lens of the right screen imaging camera 1, and 4 is a left screen imaging. 4 is a zoom lens of the camera 2. The angle of view 22 is determined by the zoom ratio set by the zoom lenses 3 and 4.
2 is set by the support mechanism so that the ends of the angle of view overlap at the position 23 as shown in FIG. The angle 21 between the imaging center of the camera 1 and the imaging center of the camera 2 is called a separation angle.
Further, as a method of displaying images captured by these cameras, a method of displaying one camera image on one monitor having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 and a method of displaying two camera images on one monitor have an aspect ratio of one camera. There is a method of displaying the image on a 3: 4 monitor.

[0003]

As described above, in the conventional system, since the two cameras are mounted on independent support mechanisms, respectively, the ends of the angles of view of the two camera images with respect to the object to be imaged. It is difficult to position the imaging range of the camera so as to substantially overlap, and there is a problem that a complicated operation is required particularly when the zoom ratio is changed.

Further, in the conventional system, when a method of displaying an image of one camera on one monitor is used as a method of displaying an image captured by a camera,
If an attempt is made to increase the angle of view in the horizontal direction from an image displaying the object, the zoom ratio of the camera must be reduced, and the size of the object becomes smaller, making it difficult to observe the object. There was a point.

Further, in the conventional system, when a method of displaying an image captured by a camera by combining two camera images on one monitor is used, the camera image is compressed or reduced. And so on, and cannot display all the acquired images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide an industrial television system capable of automatically and continuously displaying images acquired from a plurality of image pickup means even if the zoom ratio is changed. It is to provide the imaging device.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention according to claim 1 comprises a first image pickup means for picking up an image of an object from a predetermined direction, A second imaging unit that captures an image from one direction, a first detection unit that detects a zoom ratio of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit, the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit, A second detecting means for detecting a separation angle formed by a driving means for changing an imaging direction of the first imaging means and the second imaging means, and a first detecting means and a second detecting means. Control means for controlling the driving means based on the detected information of the zoom ratio and the angle of departure is provided, and image receiving means for displaying images picked up by the first image pickup means and the second image pickup means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first image pickup means for picking up an image of a target in one predetermined direction, a second image pickup means for picking up an image of the target in another predetermined direction, and A third imaging unit that images the object from another predetermined direction, a fourth imaging unit that images the object to be imaged from another predetermined direction, and a zoom ratio of the first to fourth imaging units. A first detecting means for detecting an angle, a second detecting means for detecting a separation angle formed by each of the first to fourth imaging means, and an imaging direction of the first to fourth imaging means. Drive means, control means for controlling the drive means based on information on the zoom ratio and the angle of separation detected by the first detection means and the second detection means, and the first to fourth imaging means Receiving means for displaying a video taken by the means

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first image pickup means for picking up an image of an object from a predetermined one direction, a second image pickup means for picking up an image of the object from another predetermined direction, and First detection means for detecting the zoom ratio of the one imaging means and the second imaging means, and second detection means for detecting the angle between the first imaging means and the second imaging means, A driving unit for changing an imaging direction of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit, and a zoom ratio and an angle of departure detected by the first detection unit and the second detection unit. Control means for controlling the driving means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first image pickup means for picking up an image of an object from a predetermined one direction, a second image pickup means for picking up an image of the object from another predetermined direction, A third imaging unit that images the object from another predetermined direction, a fourth imaging unit that images the object to be imaged from another predetermined direction, and a zoom ratio of the first to fourth imaging units. A first detecting means for detecting an angle, a second detecting means for detecting a separation angle formed by each of the first to fourth imaging means, and an imaging direction of the first to fourth imaging means. And control means for controlling the driving means based on information on the zoom ratio and the angle of separation detected by the first detection means and the second detection means.
According to the present invention, since the respective image pickup means are linked so as to have an optimal angle of separation in accordance with the zoom ratio, a continuous image of the object to be imaged can be automatically obtained.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an imaging camera for imaging the right screen of the imaging target, 2 is an imaging camera for imaging the left screen of the imaging target, 3 is a zoom lens of the right screen imaging camera 1, and 4 is a zoom of the left screen imaging camera 2. Lens.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a video cable for transmitting video signals obtained from the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2. Reference numeral 6 denotes a drive unit for turning the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2. Reference numeral 7 denotes a control unit for controlling the drive unit for controlling the zoom ratio of the zoom lenses 3 and 4 and the drive unit 6 such that the angle between the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2 is linked based on the zoom ratio. . Reference numeral 8 denotes a receiver having a 9:16 aspect ratio for displaying video signals obtained from the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2 (hereinafter, referred to as a landscape television).
It is. FIG. 2 is a top view and FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment in which the driving unit 6 is configured by a gear and a motor. 9 is a gear for turning the right screen imaging camera 1 and 10 is a gear for turning the left screen imaging camera 2. Reference numeral 11 denotes an angle control gear for transmitting a turning amount according to a control signal from the control unit 7 to the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2.
Driven by the motor 12. Reference numeral 19 denotes a gear of a turning axis for the right screen imaging camera 1, and reference numeral 20 denotes a gear of a turning axis for the left screen imaging camera 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the control unit 7. Reference numeral 13 denotes a zoom motor for driving the zoom lenses 3 and 4 to change the zoom ratio.
Is a potentiometer for detecting this zoom ratio. Reference numeral 15 denotes a potentiometer for detecting a separation angle between the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2 driven by the motor 12. 16 is potentiometer 14, 1
5 is a comparator for comparing the detection values of 5, and the output forms a feedback loop for driving the motor 12. FIG. 5 shows a screen configuration diagram of the landscape television 8. Reference numeral 17 denotes a left screen display unit for displaying an image of the left screen imaging camera 2;
Reference numeral 8 denotes a right screen display unit that displays an image of the right screen imaging camera 1. Hereinafter, the operation of the embodiment will be described.

First, using the motor 13, the zoom lenses 3 and 4 are set to a desired zoom ratio for the object to be imaged. In the control unit 7, the potentiometer 14 detects the zoom ratio. The comparator 16 compares the detected value with the separation angle between the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2 detected by the potentiometer 15. The right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera are fed back to a motor 12 for driving an angle control gear of the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2 so as to obtain an optimum angle for a preset zoom ratio. 2 is driven. The optimum separation angle for the zoom ratio is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the right screen imaging camera in a state where the edges of the angle of view of the image of the right screen imaging camera 1 and the image of the left screen imaging camera 2 substantially overlap. An angle 21 formed by the imaging center 1 and the imaging center of the left screen imaging camera 2. Generally, the larger the zoom ratio, the smaller the angle of separation. An output signal from the comparator 16, that is, a drive amount is input to the motor 12 of the drive unit 6. The motor 12 rotates the angle control gear 11, and rotates the right screen imaging camera 1 by the gears 9 and 19, and the left screen imaging camera 2 by the gears 10 and 20. The captured image of the right screen imaging camera 1 and the captured image of the left screen imaging camera 2 are transmitted to the landscape television 8 using the video cable 5. In the landscape television 8, the image of the left screen imaging camera 2 is displayed on the left screen display unit 17, and the image of the right screen imaging camera 1 is simultaneously displayed on the right screen display unit 18, which divides the screen into two equal parts.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the zoom ratio and the separation angle of the right screen imaging camera 1 and the left screen imaging camera 2 can be linked, and the left and right images can be displayed continuously. In addition, by using the landscape television, the imaging target can be observed on one large screen without any seams.

Hereinafter, a modified example of the present invention will be described.
First, in the above embodiment, a gear and a 1
Although two cameras are configured to be mechanically interlocked using two motors, each camera may be provided with a driving motor and configured to be interlocked by electronic control from a control unit.

Next, in the above embodiment, two cameras, a right screen imaging camera and a left screen imaging camera, are used as the imaging means. However, any two or more cameras may be used. Using four cameras, an upper left screen imaging camera, a lower right screen imaging camera, and a lower left screen imaging camera, the separation angles of the four cameras are linked to the zoom ratio so that the edges of the angles of view of the respective camera images almost overlap. Is also good. Also,
Even when two cameras are used, the upper screen and the lower screen may be imaged instead of the right screen and the left screen.

Next, in the above-described embodiment, one horizontal television is used as the image receiving means. However, when four cameras are used as in the above-described modified example, the left and right screens for displaying the upper screen and the lower screen are displayed. Two horizontally long televisions for displaying the left and right screens of the screen may be used. Instead of a horizontally long television, a plurality of ordinary televisions having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 may be used.

[0017]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the respective image pickup means are linked so as to have an optimal angle of separation according to the zoom ratio, a continuous image of the object to be imaged can be obtained automatically.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing a driving unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a driving unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a screen configuration diagram of a landscape television according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between an angle of view and a separation angle.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Right screen imaging camera 2 Left screen imaging camera 3 Right screen imaging camera zoom lens 4 Left screen imaging camera zoom lens 5 Video cable 6 Drive unit 7 Control unit 8 Horizontal television 9 Right screen imaging camera turning gear 10 Left screen imaging Camera turning gear 11 Angle control gear 12 Angle control motor 13 Zoom lens control motor 14 Potentiometer for zoom ratio detection 15 Potentiometer for angle detection 16 Comparator 17 Left screen display section 18 Right screen display section 19 Right screen imaging camera rotation Gear of axis 20 Left screen imaging camera Gear of axis of rotation 21 Separation 22 Angle of view

Continued on front page F term (reference) 2H044 DA02 DB02 DE01 DE06 DE08 5C022 AA00 AB61 AB62 AB66 AB68 AC21 AC27 AC69 AC74 5C054 AA02 CC02 CF05 CF06 CG02 CH02 CH03 FC11 FC12 FD02 FF01 HA01

Claims (5)

[Claims] A first imaging unit for imaging the imaging target from one predetermined direction; a second imaging unit for imaging the imaging target from another predetermined direction; and the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. First detecting means for detecting the zoom ratio of the imaging means, and second detecting means for detecting the separation angle between the first imaging means and the second imaging means, the first imaging means and A driving unit for changing an imaging direction of the second imaging unit, and a control for controlling the driving unit based on information on a zoom ratio and a separation angle detected by the first detection unit and the second detection unit. And an image receiving means for displaying images picked up by the first image pickup means and the second image pickup means. A first imaging means for imaging the imaging target from one predetermined direction; a second imaging means for imaging the imaging target from another predetermined direction; A third imaging unit for imaging from a direction, a fourth imaging unit for imaging an object to be imaged from another predetermined direction, and a first detection for detecting a zoom ratio of the first to fourth imaging units. Means, a second detecting means for detecting an angle formed by each of the first to fourth imaging means, a driving means for changing an imaging direction of the first to fourth imaging means, and A control unit for controlling the driving unit based on information on the zoom ratio and the angle of departure detected by the first detection unit and the second detection unit; and an image captured by the first to fourth imaging units. And an image receiving means for displaying. Vision system. 3. A first image pickup means for picking up an image of a target in one predetermined direction, a second image pickup means for picking up an image of the target in another predetermined direction, and the first image pickup means and the second image pickup means. First detecting means for detecting the zoom ratio of the imaging means, and second detecting means for detecting the separation angle between the first imaging means and the second imaging means, the first imaging means and A driving unit for changing an imaging direction of the second imaging unit, and a control for controlling the driving unit based on information on a zoom ratio and a separation angle detected by the first detection unit and the second detection unit. An imaging apparatus comprising: 4. An imaging device for imaging an object to be imaged from a predetermined one direction, a second imaging device for imaging an object to be imaged from another predetermined direction, and an imaging device for imaging an object to be imaged at another predetermined one direction. A third imaging unit for imaging from a direction, a fourth imaging unit for imaging an object to be imaged from another predetermined direction, and a first detection for detecting a zoom ratio of the first to fourth imaging units. Means, a second detecting means for detecting an angle formed by each of the first to fourth imaging means, a driving means for changing an imaging direction of the first to fourth imaging means, and An image pickup apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls the driving unit based on information on a zoom ratio and a separation angle detected by one of a detecting unit and a second detecting unit. 5. The industrial television system according to claim 1, wherein the image receiving means is a monitor having an aspect ratio of 9:16.