JP2001016559A - Image pickup device, image pickup system, image pickup method and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid a shadow from being formed on an image by attaining control to move a photographing direction within a photographing permissible range. SOLUTION: The image pickup system is provided with a camera, a universal head to move a photographing direction of the camera, a photographing direction detection means 4, 6 that detect the photographing direction of the camera, an operation control range memory means 8 that stores information of an operation control range set properly, and an arithmetic control means 10 that calculates the photographing permissible range of the basis of the information of the operation control range and attains control to move the photographing direction within the photographing permissible range. Thus, it is possible to avoid a shade from being formed on an image by preventing an obstacle from entering the photographing range.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image photographing apparatus, an image photographing system, an image photographing method, and a computer-readable recording medium. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG.
A camera 51 whose photographing magnification can be changed is fixed to a camera platform 52 so that images from zoom in to zoom out, images in arbitrary photographing directions, and the like can be photographed.
That is, by operating an operator such as a remote controller arranged near the user, the photographing magnification of the camera 51 can be changed, and the photographing direction of the camera 51 can be changed by the camera platform 52 in the pan direction (horizontal direction) and the tilt direction ( Vertical direction).

A video conference system or a video telephone system which is an image capturing system using the above image capturing apparatus,
As shown in FIG. 15, the transmitting side (point A) and the receiving side (B
The camera 51 and the camera platform 52 at the TV monitor 5
3 and is connected to a communication partner via a public line or the like so as to be capable of bidirectional transmission and reception. More specifically, an image captured by the camera 51 is digitally encoded, and data is compressed together with an audio signal or the like input from a microphone, so that ISDN (Integrated Services Digita)
l Network) Send to the other party via a line. Conversely, a series of data transmitted from the other party is decompressed, separated into image signals and audio signals, and the image is displayed on the television monitor 53 as display means, and the audio is output to the speaker.

Further, both the transmitting side (point A) and the receiving side (point B) remotely communicate with each other by operating the respective cameras 51 and the camera platform 52 so that an image to be viewed can be obtained.

[0005]

However, in the above conventional example, when the photographing magnification of the camera 51 is changed, the camera 51 photographs the upper surface of the television monitor 53,
The image may have shadows.

Further, depending on the structure of the camera 51 and the camera platform 52, as shown in FIG.
In some cases, the distances X1 and Y1 must be taken between the four centers and the vertical axis of pan rotation and the horizontal axis of tilt rotation of the camera platform 52, respectively. In this case, for example, when the photographing direction is moved rightward, the upper surface of the television monitor 53 does not fall within the photographing range of the camera 51.
There is a possibility that the upper surface of 3 enters the shooting range of the camera 51 and a shadow is formed on the image.

The relationship between the photographing magnification and the photographing direction of the camera 51 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
FIGS. 16A to 24A show a state in which the camera 51 is viewed from above the television monitor 53.
FIGS. 16 (a) to 24 (b) show (b) to FIG.
(A) shows the photographing range in each state.

[0008] In the following description, the wide angle (closer side), the middle point,
The three points at the telephoto end (telephoto side) are represented as α, β, and γ, respectively. Here, the shooting range of each shooting magnification has an aspect ratio, and α
x: αy, βx: βy, γx: γy, and the angle of view usually indicates an angle on the vertical and horizontal diagonal lines. However, in the following description, the horizontal direction is assumed as viewed from above the television monitor 53 for easy understanding. Will be described in place of α, β, and γ.

In order to make it easy to understand that the situation differs between the right and left photographing directions, a case where the distance X1 between the center of the lens unit 54 and the vertical axis of the pan rotation is long will be described. 16A to 24A, the camera 5
The left and right directions of the photographing direction of the TV monitor 53
The horizontal direction is seen from the screen. FIG. 16 (b)
In FIG. 24B, it is assumed that “Hiragana, alphabet, katakana” is photographed as a subject image to be photographed.

FIGS. 16 to 18 show that the situation differs between the rightward photographing direction and the leftward photographing direction. FIG.
(A) is a state where the shooting magnification is the wide end, that is, the angle of view α, and the shooting direction is the front of the television monitor 53. In this state, as shown in FIG. 16B, a character is projected within the shooting range. FIG. 17A shows a state in which the shooting direction has been moved to the right side of the television monitor 53 with the shooting magnification at the wide end, that is, the angle of view α. Even in this state, as shown in FIG. 17B, characters are projected within the shooting range. FIG. 18A shows a state in which the shooting direction is moved to the left side of the television monitor 53 while the shooting magnification is set to the wide end, that is, the angle of view α. In this state, the position of the lens unit 54 of the camera 51 is deepened, and the upper surface of the television monitor 53 enters the shooting range, and a shadow is formed on the image as shown by a hatched portion C in FIG. I will.

FIGS. 19 to 21 show that the situation is different between the upward photographing direction and the downward photographing direction. FIG.
In (a), the photographing magnification is set to the intermediate point, that is, the angle of view β, and the photographing direction is set to the left side of the television monitor 53.
The vertical shooting direction is horizontal. In this state,
As shown in FIG. 19B, characters are projected within the shooting range, and the upper surface of the television monitor 53 enters, resulting in a shadow (hatched portion C) in the image. In FIG. 20A, the vertical shooting direction is moved downward while the shooting magnification is set to the intermediate point, that is, the angle of view β, and the shooting direction is set to the left side of the television monitor 53. In this state,
As shown in FIG. 20 (b), within the shooting range, FIG.
Characters located below the characters shown in (b) are displayed, and the upper surface of the television monitor 53 enters a wider area, resulting in a large shadow (hatched portion C) in the image. In FIG. 21A, the vertical shooting direction is moved upward while the shooting magnification is set to the intermediate point, that is, the angle of view β, and the shooting direction is set to the left side of the television monitor 53. In this state, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), characters located above the characters shown in FIG. 19 (b) are projected in the shooting range, and no shadow is formed on the image.

FIGS. 22 to 24 show that the situation differs depending on the photographing magnification. FIG. 22A shows a state in which the shooting direction is the left side of the television monitor 53 and the shooting magnification is the wide end, that is, the angle of view α. This state is the same as the state shown in FIG. 18, in which the position of the lens unit 54 of the camera 51 is deepened, and the upper surface of the television monitor 53 is within the shooting range as shown by the hatched portion C in FIG. Contains
Shadows are created in the image. FIG. 23A shows a state where the shooting direction is set to the left side of the television monitor 53 and the shooting magnification is set to an intermediate point, that is, the angle of view β. In this state, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22B, the characters appear larger in the photographing range than in FIG. 22B, and the area of the shadow (shaded portion C) becomes smaller. This state is the same as the state shown in FIG. FIG. 24A shows a state in which the shooting direction is the left side of the television monitor 53 and the shooting magnification is the tele end, that is, the angle of view γ. In this state, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), the characters appear even larger in the shooting range, and no shadow is formed on the image.

As described above, depending on the photographing magnification and photographing direction of the camera 51, the television monitor 53 may be within the photographing range.
May enter the upper surface of the image and cause shadows on the image.
In particular, the camera 5 on the receiving side (point B) and the transmitting side (point A)
When the remote control 1 and the camera platform 52 are remotely controlled, the information on the transmitting side (point A) can be confirmed only on the monitor screen of the receiving side (point B), and the entire image cannot be grasped. Therefore, there is a problem in that if a shadow is formed on an image, the image becomes confused, and it becomes difficult to determine how much the photographing magnification and the photographing direction must be corrected before reaching the target image, resulting in poor operability. At this time, the transmitting side (point A) must once return the photographing magnification and the photographing direction to the home position, which causes inconvenience on both sides. Further, the situation in which the shadow is formed differs depending on not only the photographing magnification and the photographing direction but also the installation position of the camera 51 on the television monitor 53.

The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and enables control of moving the photographing direction only within the photographing allowable range, for example, to avoid a situation in which an image is shadowed. An object is to improve operability.

[0015]

An image photographing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an image photographing means; photographing direction changing means for moving the photographing direction of the image photographing means; and an operation control range setting for setting an operation control range. Means, a photographing direction detecting means for detecting a photographing direction of the image photographing means, an operation control range memory means for storing information of an operation control range set by the operation control range setting means, and an operation control range memory means And an arithmetic control unit that calculates a permissible photographing range based on the information on the operation control range stored in the control unit and enables control to move the photographing direction only within the permissible photographing range.

In the image photographing apparatus of the present invention,
The photographing magnification of the image photographing means can be changed, and photographing magnification detecting means for detecting the photographing magnification is provided,
The arithmetic control unit is configured to calculate a photographing allowable range according to the photographing magnification detected by the photographing magnification detecting unit based on the information on the operation control range stored in the operation control range memory unit. Also have features.

Further, in the image photographing apparatus of the present invention,
A photographing area allowable ratio input means for designating and inputting a photographing area allowable ratio which is an area ratio at which photographing is possible in the photographing area, and a photographing operation for storing information of the photographing area allowable ratio input by the photographing area allowable ratio inputting means. And an area tolerance rate memory means,
The arithmetic control means is configured to calculate a photographing allowable range in accordance with the photographing area allowable rate detected by the photographing area allowable rate memory means based on the information on the operation control range stored in the operation control range memory means. It is also characterized by

Further, in the image photographing apparatus of the present invention,
In addition to being able to selectively designate whether or not to place an arbitrary part within the photographing allowable range, the arithmetic control means includes:
Another feature is that the movement in the photographing direction is controlled so that the designated portion is located outside the photographing range.

Further, in the image photographing apparatus of the present invention,
The operation control range setting means is configured to move and set the center of the photographing screen of the image photographing means along the edge of a place where photographing is not performed, and the operation control range memory means includes:
Another feature is that information on the movement locus at the center of the shooting screen is stored.

In the image photographing apparatus of the present invention,
It is also characterized by having communication means for enabling mutual reception and transmission with other devices.

An image photographing system according to the present invention is an image photographing system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other, and at least one of the plurality of devices is an image photographing device according to the present invention. The feature is that it has a function.

An image photographing method according to the present invention is an image photographing method for photographing an image using image photographing means and photographing direction changing means for moving the photographing direction of the image photographing means. A procedure for setting a photographing direction of the image photographing means, a procedure for calculating a photographing permissible range based on the information of the operation control range, and moving the photographing direction only within the photographing permissible range. The feature is that it has.

A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for photographing an image using image photographing means and photographing direction changing means for moving the photographing direction of the image photographing means. A recording medium, a procedure for setting an operation control range,
In order to cause a computer to execute a procedure of detecting a photographing direction of the image photographing means and a procedure of calculating a photographing allowable range based on the information of the operation control range and moving the photographing direction only within the photographing allowable range. The feature is that the program was recorded.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the photographing allowable range is calculated based on the information of the set operation control range, and it is possible to control to move the photographing direction only within the photographing allowable range. ing. For example, if there is an obstacle in the shooting direction and the image casts a shadow on it, setting an appropriate operation control range will prevent the obstacle from entering the shooting range. Can be avoided.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Reference numeral 1 denotes a zoom motor that changes a photographing magnification by moving a lens of a camera 51 (see FIG. 14) as an image photographing unit, and 2 denotes a photographing magnification detecting unit that detects the photographing magnification.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a pan motor for moving the pan head 52 (see FIG. 14) as a photographing direction changing means to move the photographing direction of the camera 51 in the pan direction (horizontal direction). This is a horizontal direction detection unit. Also,
Reference numeral 5 denotes a tilt motor that moves the camera platform 52 to move the shooting direction of the camera 51 in the tilt direction (vertical direction).
Reference numeral 6 denotes a vertical direction detection unit that detects a position in the tilt direction.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an angle-of-view memory unit in which information on the angle of view at each photographing magnification is stored. An operation control range memory unit 8 stores information on the set operation control range. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, to set the operation control range,
The center of the shooting screen of the camera 51 is moved along the edge of the upper surface of the television monitor 53 on which the camera 51 is mounted, and information on the movement locus of the center of the shooting screen is stored in the operation control range memory unit 8. I remember. Reference numeral 9 denotes an operation unit for selecting whether or not to perform operation control. Reference numeral 10 denotes a calculation control unit (CPU) that calculates a photographing allowable range based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 and controls movement in the photographing direction.

Next, based on the flowchart of FIG.
An example of a flow from photographing an image to displaying the image on a television monitor 53 as an image display means will be described. When a photographing command is issued from the user side, photographing of an image of a subject is started by the camera 51 (step S101). In addition, it is determined whether or not the operation control according to the present embodiment is selected by a user's operation of a keyboard or a button on the operation unit 9 (step S102).

If the operation control is not selected, the flow shifts to step S113 to perform normal image capturing and mutual transmission and reception, and the image captured by the camera 51 is displayed on the television monitor 53 as it is. When the operation control is selected, the process proceeds to step S103, and it is determined whether or not the setting of the operation control range is changed. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the input value stored in the operation control range memory unit 8 has been changed. If there is a change, the information of the operation control range is newly read from the operation control range memory unit 8 and reset (step S104).

Next, in step S105, it is determined whether or not a command to move the photographing direction in the pan direction or the tilt direction has been issued from the user side. If there is no movement command in the shooting direction, the process proceeds to step S113 and the camera 51
The image shot at is displayed on the television monitor 53 as it is. If there is a movement command in the shooting direction, step S1
In step 06, it is determined whether or not the photographing magnification has been changed. If the photographing magnification has not been changed, the current photographing magnification is checked (step 107). If the photographing magnification has been changed, a new photographing magnification is checked (step 107). S108).

When the photographing magnification is confirmed, a photographing allowable range is calculated (step S109). Hereinafter, FIG.
The allowable photographing range will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 show the operation range of the camera platform 52, and the X axis and the Y axis show the movement directions in the pan direction and the tilt direction, respectively. In FIGS. 3 to 5, a range surrounded by a two-dot chain line, that is, a range of 30 degrees upward, 30 degrees downward, 90 degrees rightward, and 90 degrees leftward is a shooting operation range A.

The range surrounded by the solid line in FIG.
FIG. 3 shows a photographing range B at a wide-angle view angle α, FIG. 4 shows a photographing range B at an intermediate point view angle β, and FIG. 5 shows a photographing range B at a telephoto end view angle γ. I have. In addition, a range indicated by oblique lines in the drawing is a range C in which an image is shadowed by the upper surface of the television monitor 53. This shadow is not symmetrical because the distance between the center of the lens unit 54 of the camera 51 and the vertical axis of the pan rotation as described above. The portion indicated by C1 is a portion corresponding to the left front corner of the television monitor 53.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3 to 5, if the movement in the photographing direction is controlled so that the photographing range B at each of the angles of view α, β, and γ does not protrude into the shadow area C,
In other words, if the movement in the photographing direction is controlled such that the center of the photographing range B does not fall below the boundary line D shown by the solid line in each figure, it is possible to prevent the shadow from being formed on the image. . That is, a range in which the center of the photographing range B is not located below the boundary line D in the drawing is the photographing allowable range.

Here, as described above, when the operation control range is set, the center of the shooting screen of the camera 51 is moved along the edge of the upper surface of the television monitor 53, so that the range C which is a shadow is set. The edge coordinates have already been specified. Therefore, the coordinates of the boundary line D can be obtained by calculating based on the coordinates of the edge of the shadow area C in consideration of the width of the shooting range B at each of the angles of view α, β, and γ. .

Returning to FIG. 2, step S10
After the photographing allowable range is calculated in step 9, it is confirmed in step S110 whether or not a movement command in the photographing direction has been issued.
It is determined whether or not the photographing range in the photographing direction in which the command is issued is within the photographing allowable range. That is, FIG.
As described with reference to FIG. 5, it is determined whether the center of the shooting range in the shooting direction in which the command is issued is located below the boundary line D in the drawing.

If the photographing is within the photographing allowable range, the photographing direction is moved according to the instruction (step S111).
The photographed image is displayed on the television monitor 53 (step S113). If the photographing is not within the photographing allowable range, the moving target amount is corrected so as to move in the photographing direction only within the photographing allowable range (step S112), and the photographing direction is moved according to the correction (step S111). ),
The photographed image is displayed on the television monitor 53 (step S113).

In step S114, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end shooting has been issued. If shooting is to be continued, the process returns to step S101.

According to the first embodiment described above, a photographing allowable range is calculated in accordance with the photographing magnification based on the information on the set operation control range, and the photographing direction is moved only within the photographing allowable range. When the photographing magnification and photographing direction of the camera 51 are changed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which, for example, the upper surface of the television monitor 53 enters the photographing range and the image is shadowed.

In particular, even when the receiving side (point B) remotely controls the camera 51 and the camera platform 52 on the transmitting side (point A), there is no confusion since the image cannot be shadowed. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently understand how to correct the photographing magnification and the photographing direction to reach the target image while looking at the monitor screen of the user, and improve operability. The camera 5 on the TV monitor 53
Even in the case of changing the installation position of 1, the shadow can be prevented by setting the operation control range again.

The operation control range is set on the transmitting side (A
(Point B), and of course, they can be performed on the receiving side (point B).

The photographing allowable range can be freely determined depending on the setting of the operation control range. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, in addition to the range C that is shadowed by the upper surface of the television monitor 53, the range E to the left of the position at 75 degrees in the left direction is a non-photographing range. Also in this case, when the operation control range is set, the center of the shooting screen of the camera 51 is moved while moving along the edge of the upper surface of the television monitor 53, and the center of the shooting screen is located at a position of 75 degrees leftward. When it comes, it can be moved upward. Thereby, the coordinates of the edge of the range C and the range E serving as the shadow are specified, and the movement in the photographing direction can be controlled by calculating the photographing allowable range.

If the operation control range is set using the center of the shooting screen of the camera 51 as in the above embodiment, it is not necessary to set the operation control range for each shooting magnification.
Since the input value is determined irrespective of the photographing magnification, it is possible to obtain the photographing allowable range corresponding to all the angles of view α, β, γ based on the one setting. Of course, the method of setting the operation control range is not limited to the example of the above-described embodiment, but may be input by operating a keyboard or a button.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an image capturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. Reference numeral 11 denotes a zoom motor that changes a shooting magnification by moving a lens of a camera 51 (see FIG. 14) as an image shooting unit, and 12 denotes a shooting magnification detection unit that detects a shooting magnification.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a pan head 52 as a photographing direction changing means.
(See FIG. 14) to move the shooting direction of the camera 51 in the pan direction (horizontal direction).
Reference numeral 4 denotes a horizontal direction detection unit that detects a position in the pan direction.
Reference numeral 15 denotes a tilt motor that moves the camera platform 52 to move the shooting direction of the camera 51 in the tilt direction (vertical direction). Reference numeral 16 denotes a vertical direction detection unit that detects a position in the tilt direction.

Reference numeral 17 denotes an angle-of-view memory unit in which the angle of view at each photographing magnification is stored. Reference numeral 18 denotes an operation control range memory unit that stores information on the set operation control range. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, to set the operation control range, the center of the shooting screen of the camera is moved while moving along the edge of the upper surface of the television monitor on which the camera is mounted. The information of the movement locus of the center of the shooting screen is stored in the operation control range memory unit 8.

Reference numeral 21 denotes an input unit which allows the user to designate and input a photographing area allowable ratio. Reference numeral 22 denotes a photographing area allowable ratio memory unit which stores information on the designated and input photographing area allowable ratio. In the present embodiment, by operating the keyboard of the input unit 21 or the like,
Enter the numerical value of the area ratio at which the photographing range can be reliably photographed. That is, the percentage of the photographing area to be used is specified and stored in the photographing area allowable rate memory unit 22. Specifying the imaging area allowable ratio in this way is effective, for example, when a sufficient amount of information can be obtained at the receiving side (point B) without using the entire area of the image to be captured. In addition, the free range of the operation of the camera platform 52 can be expanded.

Reference numeral 19 denotes an operation unit for selecting whether or not to perform operation control. Reference numeral 20 denotes a calculation control unit (CPU) for calculating a photographing allowable range based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and controlling movement in the photographing direction. It is.

Next, based on the flowchart of FIG.
An example of the flow from photographing an image to displaying the image on the television monitor 53 will be described. In the flowchart, the same steps as those in the flowchart described with reference to FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The camera 51 starts capturing an image of a subject (step S101), and determines whether the operation control according to the present embodiment is selected (step S102).

If the operation control has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S113, where normal image capturing and mutual transmission and reception are performed, and the image captured by the camera is displayed on the television monitor as it is, while the operation control is selected. If so, the process proceeds to step S103 to determine whether there is any change in the setting of the operation control range. If there is a change, a new operation control range is read from the operation control range memory unit 8 and reset. Is performed (step S104).

Subsequently, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the setting of the photographing area allowable ratio has been changed. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the input value stored in the photographing area allowable rate memory unit 22 has been changed. If there is a change, the photographing area allowable rate is newly read from the photographing area allowable rate memory unit 22 and reset (step S20).
2).

Next, in step S105, it is determined whether or not the user has issued an instruction to move the photographing direction in the pan direction or the tilt direction. If there is no movement command in the shooting direction, the process proceeds to step S113 and the camera 51
Is displayed on the television monitor 53 as it is, and if there is an instruction to move in the shooting direction, step S
At 106, it is determined whether or not the photographing magnification has been changed.
Check the photographing magnification (Step 107, Step S10)
8).

When the photographing magnification is confirmed, a photographing allowable range is calculated (step S109). Hereinafter, FIG.
The photographing allowable range will be described with reference to FIGS.
9 to 11, A indicates an operation imaging range, B indicates an imaging range, C indicates a shadow area, and D indicates a boundary line. 9 to 11 show states in which the imaging area allowable rate is 90% or more, 80% or more, and 70% or more, respectively, in the state of the angle of view α at the wide end.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 to 11,
If the movement in the shooting direction is controlled so that the range of the area ratio in which the image can be reliably shot out of the shooting range B at the angle of view α does not protrude into the shadow area C, in other words, the center of the shooting range B However, if the movement in the photographing direction is controlled so as not to be located below the boundary line D shown by a solid line in each figure, it is possible to prevent a shadow from being formed on the image. That is, shooting range B
Is not located below the boundary line D in the figure,
That is, the photographing allowable range.

Here, as described in the first embodiment, the coordinates of the edge of the shadow area C have already been specified.
Therefore, the coordinates of the boundary line D are determined based on the coordinates of the edge of the shadow area C in consideration of the width of the imaging area B at each of the angles of view α, β, and γ, and further, the imaging area allowable rate (90 %
(80% or more, 70% or more).

Although only the angle of view α has been described in FIGS. 9 to 11, the relationship between the angles of view α, β, and γ is the same as that described in the first embodiment. And FIG.
The relationship due to the difference in the imaging area permissibility at each of the angles of view β and γ not described in FIG. 11 is the same as in the case of the described angle of view α.

Returning to FIG. 8, step S10
After the photographing allowable range is calculated in step 9, it is confirmed in step S110 whether or not a movement command in the photographing direction has been issued.
It is determined whether or not the photographing range in the photographing direction in which the command is issued is within the photographing allowable range.

If the photographing is within the photographing allowable range, the photographing direction is moved in accordance with the instruction (step S111). If the photographing is not within the photographing allowable range, the photographing is performed only within the photographing allowable range. After the movement target amount is corrected to move in the direction (step S112), the shooting direction is moved according to the correction (step S11).
1) The photographed image is displayed on the television monitor 53 (step S113).

In step S114, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the photographing has been issued. If photographing is to be continued, the process returns to step S101.

Next, according to FIGS. 12 and 13, in addition to the area C shadowed by the upper surface of the television monitor 53,
A case where the range E on the left side of the position at 5 degrees is also set as a range where no image is captured will be described. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a state where the imaging area allowable rate is 70% or more in the state of the angle of view α at the wide end. When the photographing area allowable ratio is set to 70% or more and the photographing allowable range is determined, as shown in FIG. 12, the range E on the left side from the position of 75 degrees in the left direction is photographed.

Therefore, it is possible to selectively designate whether or not an arbitrary part is to be included or not within a photographing allowable range calculated based on the photographing area allowable ratio by operating a keyboard or the like. Then, the arithmetic and control unit 20 controls the movement in the photographing direction so that the designated portion is located outside the photographing range.

For example, in this example, if a range E on the left side of the position 75 degrees in the left direction is designated and input, as shown in FIG. 13, the shooting direction is set so that this range E is located outside the shooting range. Is controlled, so that this range E is not photographed.

In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the camera 51 and the camera platform 52 are installed on the television monitor 53 has been described. However, the installation positions of the camera 51 and camera platform 52 are naturally limited. It does not do.

In order to operate various devices to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment, software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is provided to a device connected to the various devices or a computer in the system. The present invention also includes a program code supplied and implemented by operating the above-described various devices according to a program stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the program code of the software implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer are provided.
For example, a recording medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) or other operating system running on the computer. Needless to say, even when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with application software and the like, such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided on a function expansion board of a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the first embodiment performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

It should be noted that the shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and these limit the technical scope of the present invention. It must not be interpreted in a way. That is, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention, if an appropriate operation control range is set, for example, there is an obstacle in a certain shooting direction, and when the obstacle is projected, a shadow is formed on the image. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the obstacle from entering the shooting range and prevent the image from being shadowed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image photographing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from capturing an image to displaying the image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an image photographing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from capturing an image to displaying the image.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a photographing allowable range.

FIG. 14 is an external view showing a camera 51 and a camera platform 52.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an image photographing system.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a shooting magnification is a wide end, that is, an angle of view α, a shooting direction is in front of a television monitor 53, and a shooting range in that state.

17 shows a state in which the shooting magnification is set to the wide end, that is, the angle of view α, and the shooting direction is moved to the right side of the television monitor 53;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a shooting range in that state.

18 shows a state in which the shooting magnification is set to the wide end, that is, the angle of view α, and the shooting direction is moved to the left side of the television monitor 53;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a shooting range in that state.

19 is a diagram showing a state in which the shooting magnification is an intermediate point, that is, an angle of view β, the shooting direction is the left side of the television monitor 53, the vertical direction is horizontal, and the shooting range in that state.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a shooting magnification is set to an intermediate point, that is, an angle of view β, a shooting direction is set to the left side of the television monitor 53, and a vertical direction is moved downward, and a shooting range in that state. .

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the photographing magnification is set to an intermediate point, that is, an angle of view β, the photographing direction is set to the left side of the television monitor 53, and the upward and downward directions are moved upward, and the photographing range in that state. .

FIG. 22 shows the photographing direction as the left side of the television monitor 53.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a shooting magnification is set to a wide end, that is, an angle of view α, and a shooting range in that state.

FIG. 23 shows the shooting direction as the left side of the television monitor 53.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a shooting magnification is set to an intermediate point, that is, an angle of view β, and a shooting range in that state.

FIG. 24 shows a photographing direction on the left side of the television monitor 53.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state where a shooting magnification is set at a tele end, that is, an angle of view γ, and a shooting range in that state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 11 Zoom motor 2, 12 Photographing magnification detecting unit 3, 13 Pan motor 4, 14 Horizontal detecting unit 5, 15 Tilt motor 6, 16 Vertical detecting unit 7, 17 Angle of view memory unit 8, 18 Operation control range memory unit 9, 19 operation unit 10, 20 operation control unit 21 input unit 22 shooting area allowable ratio memory unit 51 camera 52 pan head 53 TV monitor 54 lens unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image photographing means, a photographing direction changing means for moving a photographing direction of the image photographing means, an operation control range setting means for setting an operation control range, and detecting a photographing direction of the image photographing means. A photographing direction detecting unit, an operation control range memory unit for storing information of the operation control range set by the operation control range setting unit, and an operation control range information stored in the operation control range memory unit. An image photographing apparatus comprising: an arithmetic control unit that calculates a photographing allowable range and enables control to move a photographing direction only within the photographing allowable range. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a photographing magnification detecting means for changing a photographing magnification of the image photographing means and detecting the photographing magnification, wherein the arithmetic control means comprises an operation control memory stored in the operation control range memory means. 2. A photographing allowable range is calculated based on photographing magnification detected by the photographing magnification detecting means based on information on the range.
The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. A photographing area allowable ratio input means for designating and inputting a photographing area allowable ratio which is an area ratio at which photographing is possible among the photographing range areas, and a photographing area allowable ratio input by the photographing area allowable ratio inputting means. A photographing area allowable rate memory means for storing information, wherein the arithmetic control means is detected by the photographing area allowable rate memory means based on the information on the operation control range stored in the operation control range memory means. 3. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing allowable range is calculated according to the photographing area allowable ratio. 4. It is possible to selectively designate whether or not an arbitrary portion is to be included in the photographing allowable range, and the arithmetic control means causes the designated portion to be located outside the photographing range. 4. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a movement of the photographing direction is controlled. 5. The operation control range setting means is configured to move and set the center of a photographing screen of the image photographing means along an edge of a place where photographing is not performed, and the operation control range memory means stores the photographing screen. The information of the movement locus of the center of the screen is stored.
An image capturing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising communication means for enabling mutual reception and transmission with another device. 7. An image capturing system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is one of the first to sixth devices.
An image photographing system having the function of the image photographing device described in the section. 8. An image photographing method for photographing an image using image photographing means and photographing direction changing means for moving the photographing direction of the image photographing means, wherein a procedure for setting an operation control range is provided. And detecting a photographing direction of the image photographing means; calculating a photographing allowable range based on the information on the operation control range, and moving the photographing direction only within the photographing allowable range. Characteristic image shooting method. 9. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for photographing an image using image photographing means and photographing direction changing means for moving the photographing direction of the image photographing means, comprising: an operation control range. A procedure for setting the photographing direction, a procedure for detecting the photographing direction of the image photographing means, a photographing allowable range is calculated based on the information on the operation control range, and the photographing direction is moved only within the photographing allowable range. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the steps is recorded.