JP2006014173A - Imaging apparatus and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus and its control method in which preset control can be appropriately performed to determine an imaging starting spot and an imaging ending spot and to linearly image a gap between said points. <P>SOLUTION: A camera apparatus 100 changes a pan angle and a tilt angle to horizontally and vertically incline an imaging direction for imaging an object. A pan angle and a tilt angle at the time of imaging an imaging starting spot and an imaging ending spot are acquired from a preset memory section 18, imaging is started and the pan angle is detected. In such a case, a microcomputer 17b operates, based on the detected pan angle, the tilt angle of the camera apparatus 100 in the case of imaging the object located on a straight line connecting the imaging starting spot and the imaging ending spot. The object is then imaged until the camera apparatus reaches the imaging ending spot while changing the imaging direction of the camera apparatus 100 at the pan angle and the operated tilt angle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including a turning mechanism that moves the imaging direction of a camera left and right and up and down, and a control method thereof.

  The imaging device of the camera includes a lens, an imaging device unit including an imaging device such as a CCD, a signal processing unit that outputs a captured image signal, and left and right (horizontal), vertical ( A swiveling device for swiveling in the (vertical) direction is provided.

  Here, the camera device is provided with a focus lens moving motor for moving the lens for focusing, and a zoom lens moving motor for moving the (zoom) lens during zooming. The swivel device also has a pan direction rotation motor for driving the entire camera device in a horizontal (pan) direction (panning) and a tilt direction rotation for driving the camera device in a vertical (tilt) direction (tilting). A motor is provided.

  Furthermore, the camera device and the turning device are provided with a position sensor that detects the movement and rotation position of each motor, and a motor drive circuit that drives each motor. Furthermore, the camera device and the swivel device have preset data such as control of each built-in motor and camera pan angle, tilt angle, focus value, zoom value, etc. when imaging an imaging start point and an imaging end point. A microcomputer for controlling the entire imaging apparatus, such as reading of operation keys and reading of operation keys, a preset memory unit for storing preset data, and an operation unit for executing preset control operations and the like.

  Next, a description will be given of a preset control operation in which a pan angle, a tilt angle, and the like at the time of imaging an imaging start point and an imaging end point are given as preset data using the conventional imaging device having the above-described configuration, and an image is captured between them. To do. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the preset control operation in the conventional imaging apparatus. In the conventional imaging apparatus, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined preset (execution) key has been input by the operator via the operation unit (step S101). As a result, when it is determined that there is an input (Yes), the preset data recorded in the preset memory unit is referred to (step S102). Then, the zoom lens movement motor, the focus lens movement motor, the pan direction rotation motor, and the tilt direction rotation motor are rotated and moved in accordance with the referenced preset data (step S103). Further, the current position information from each position sensor is detected (referenced) (step S104).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the imaging end point matches the current position information detected from the position sensor (step S105). If both data match (Yes), it is determined that the preset setting has been completed. If so, the driving of the various motors is stopped (step S106). This completes the preset operation. On the other hand, if the preset setting has not been completed, the process returns to step S102 to repeat the above processing.

Also, as an example of the prior art related to the present invention, trace data for storing a series of pan, tilt and focus operations of a television camera is created and registered, and the pan position is controlled based on the barycentric coordinates of a moving object to be tracked. An automatic tracking device that automatically tracks a moving object with an easy-to-view video by controlling the tilt, zoom, and focus positions based on trace data is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-247440 A

  However, the conventional imaging apparatus and its control method as described above have the following problems, and improvements have been demanded. That is, since the panning operation of the turning device is an arc motion, a pan angle and a tilt angle for imaging the imaging start point and the imaging end point are given as preset data, and the imaging start point and the imaging end point are connected. When imaging a subject located on a straight line by preset control, it is not possible to appropriately capture the subject that is the imaging target.

  For example, in the camera device CA installed on the ceiling of a dome-type baseball stadium, the first base-based imaging conditions (zoom, focus, pan, tilt position) are stored as preset data as preset data in advance, and the second base-based imaging conditions (Zoom, focus, pan, tilt position) is stored as position B. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a preset imaging control operation of a camera device installed on the ceiling of a conventional dome type baseball field. Here, in order to capture an image in which the camera's imaging direction moves linearly from the first base to the second base during a baseball broadcast, after calling the position A imaging condition, the position B imaging condition is changed. Call and preset control will be performed.

  In this case, according to the conventional method, the video imaged by the camera device is not an image obtained by linearly controlling the gap, but an image captured while drawing the arc M. Therefore, for example, when performing a scene where the first runner steals the second base or an image between the furrows, it is not possible to perform appropriate image pickup control such as tracing a line drawn between the runner and the furrow. As a result, when the viewers feel uncomfortable, there is a possibility that the commercial value of the camera that can perform only such imaging control may be reduced.

  Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a method of performing linear control of imaging by preset control by extracting a line drawn between the furrows and the runner himself by image processing and causing the camera to follow is conceivable. However, enormous software processing is required to execute the image processing, and the development cost of the software is enormous, and the calculation cost also increases, so that there is a problem that imaging with good response becomes difficult.

  Furthermore, a plurality of elapsed points (for example, P1 to P3 shown in FIG. 9) are set in advance between the imaging start point and the imaging end point so that the operation during the preset control becomes a straight line, and the preset control is performed. A trace preset method is also conceivable in which pseudo-linear control is realized by passing through an elapsed point in the middle. However, when performing linear imaging between various two points as well as linear imaging from the first to the second, it is very laborious and cumbersome to always set multiple elapsed points in all of them. Work. In order to control more linearly, more elapsed points need to be set.

  Furthermore, recent camera devices tend to be able to capture subjects with higher magnifications and higher pixels as the zoom magnification and the number of pixels increase, and the realism tends to be further enhanced.

  However, the shooting range becomes narrow due to high-magnification shooting, and the subject moves out of the screen during shooting, or the depth of field becomes shallow as the number of pixels increases. Since the moving subject has a variable subject distance, a focus blur phenomenon occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an imaging apparatus capable of suitably performing preset control for determining an imaging start point and an imaging end point and linearly imaging between the imaging starting point and the imaging end point, and the control thereof It aims to provide a method.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention provides:
Imaging means for imaging the subject by tilting the imaging direction horizontally and vertically by changing the pan angle and the tilt angle;
Storage means for storing a pan angle and a tilt angle of the imaging means when imaging an imaging start point and an imaging end point;
Detecting means for detecting a pan angle of the imaging means after the start of imaging;
A calculation unit that calculates a tilt angle of the imaging unit that images a subject located on a straight line connecting the imaging start point and the imaging end point based on a pan angle detected by the detection unit;
The imaging means picks up an object from the imaging start point to the imaging end point while changing the imaging direction at a pan angle and a tilt angle corresponding to the pan angle calculated by the calculating means. To do.

In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the imaging unit captures an image of a subject by changing only the pan angle, and an imaging distance when the subject is imaged by changing the pan angle and the tilt angle. Detecting means for detecting a difference distance from
And a focus correction unit that corrects the focus of the imaging unit based on the difference distance.

Furthermore, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is:
The image pickup means has a zoom mechanism for picking up an image of the subject by enlarging and reducing the subject,
An angle-of-view detection means for detecting an angle of view when the imaging means images the subject;
Zoom correction means for correcting the change in the angle of view accompanying the change in the subject distance to make the angle of view substantially constant using the zoom mechanism of the imaging means.

  Furthermore, in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, when the imaging unit images a subject while changing a pan angle from the imaging start point to the imaging end point, the zoom correction unit substantially reduces the angle of view. It is characterized by decreasing or increasing at a constant rate.

Furthermore, the present invention is a method for controlling an imaging apparatus that images a subject by tilting an imaging direction horizontally and vertically by changing a pan angle and a tilt angle.
An acquisition step of acquiring a pan angle and a tilt angle of the imaging unit when imaging an imaging start point and an imaging end point from a storage device connected to the imaging device;
A detection step of detecting a pan angle of the imaging device after the start of imaging;
A calculation step of calculating a tilt angle of the imaging device based on the pan angle detected by the detection step when imaging a subject located on a straight line connecting the imaging start point and the imaging end point;
An imaging step of imaging the subject from the imaging start point to the imaging end point while changing the imaging direction of the imaging device at the pan angle and the tilt angle calculated by the calculation step. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably perform preset control in which an imaging start point and an imaging end point are determined and images are linearly captured between the points.

  Hereinafter, a preset control method for suitably imaging a subject moving on a straight line connecting two points using an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus is roughly divided into a camera apparatus 100 for imaging a subject, and a turning apparatus 200 for turning the camera apparatus 100 in a horizontal (pan) direction and a vertical (tilt) direction. The controller 300 is configured to perform an operation of imaging a subject moving on a straight line connecting an imaging start point where an imaging operation is performed using the camera device 100 and an imaging end point.

  In the camera device 100, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens, 2 denotes an image sensor unit made up of an image sensor such as a CCD, and 3 denotes a signal processing unit that outputs a video signal of the camera device. Reference numeral 5 denotes a focusing lens moving motor for moving the lens 1 during focusing to adjust the focus, and reference numeral 6 denotes a zoom lens moving motor for moving the lens 1 during zooming for zooming. Reference numeral 4 denotes an autofocus (AF) calculation unit, which can measure the distance between the imaging device (specifically, the lens 1) and the subject.

  On the other hand, in the swivel device 200, 7 is a horizontal rotation motor for rotating the camera device 100 having the above-described parts in the horizontal (pan) direction, and 8 is a vertical for rotating the camera device 100 in the vertical (tilt) direction. Directional rotation motor.

  Reference numerals 9, 10, 11 and 12 denote position sensors for detecting the movement and rotation positions of the respective motors. Furthermore, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are drive circuits for driving the respective motors.

  Furthermore, the microcomputer (camera microcomputer) 17a included in the camera device 100 controls the zoom and focus lens moving motors 5 and 6, and processes the signals input from the image sensor unit 2 in the signal processing unit 3. Various controls in the camera device 100 are performed. On the other hand, the microcomputer 17b included in the turning device 200 controls the horizontal (pan) and vertical (tilt) rotation motors 7 and 8, reads preset data from the controller 300, reads input operations, and presets. The entire turning device 200 that turns the camera device 100 such as a linear control process of the camera device 100 based on the data is controlled. The microcomputers 17a and 17b each incorporate a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  In the controller 300, reference numeral 18 denotes a preset memory unit that stores preset data. Reference numeral 19 denotes an operation unit for executing a preset operation or the like. In the case of a cameraman or a remote camera for remote operation, it is usually installed in a control room and operated by an operator.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the microcomputer 17b according to the first embodiment. In the microcomputer 17b, a CPU 201 is a processor that controls the entire imaging apparatus. A RAM 202 is a system work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and is also a program memory for storing a program and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 203 stores a system boot program, system software, application programs, and various data. Note that a hard disk drive (not shown) may be externally attached to the microcomputer to store system software and various data.

  The camera device I / F 205 is an interface for connecting to the camera device 100 and inputting / outputting information. The operation unit I / F 206 is an interface unit with the operation unit 19 of the controller 300, and receives various kinds of information and operation instructions from the operation unit 19. In addition, the memory unit I / F 207 receives information such as an imaging start point and an imaging end point stored in the preset memory unit 18 of the controller 300. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 208 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the preset control processing executed by the microcomputer 17b according to the first embodiment. The microcomputer 17b executes preset control processing in cooperation with the camera device 100 and the controller 300. The preset control processing program is stored in advance in the ROM 203 and executed under the control of the CPU 201. Further, variables, data, and the like at the time of program execution are stored in the RAM 202, and these variables, data, and the like are appropriately read or written into the RAM 202 under the control of the CPU 201.

  First, it is determined by a cameraman or the like via the operation unit 19 whether or not there is a preset control imaging execution command for automatically performing linear imaging between the imaging start point and the imaging end point (step S1). If it is determined that there is an execution command by inputting a preset key or the like (Yes), the zoom value, focus value, pan angle, tilt of the imaging start point and the imaging end point recorded in the preset memory unit 18 are recorded. Reference is made to preset data (memory information) including an angle and the like (step S2). Then, using the referenced preset data as a target, rotation and movement of the lens and the camera device itself are started with the zoom, focus, pan angle, and tilt angle as target values (step S3).

  Here, with reference to the drive mode, it is determined whether or not the imaging by the execution command is the linear control mode (step S4). As a result, when it is determined that the linear control mode is selected (Yes), the current pan angle is detected based on the input signal from the position sensor 11 (step S5), and the preset control between the two points becomes a curve. Instead, the optimum tilt angle is calculated from the subject distance and pan angle information so as to be a straight line (step S6). Then, the tilt angle is corrected based on the current tilt angle indicated by the input signal from the position sensor 12 while interlocking with the current pan angle (step S7).

  Here, a specific example of the tilt angle calculation method will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of linear control of the camera device when the first base is set as the imaging start point B and the second base is set as the imaging end point C using the imaging device installed on the ceiling of the dome type baseball stadium. FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which a right-angled triangle is configured by a point A vertically below (directly below) the ceiling on which the imaging device is installed, a 1-base B, and a 2-base C. Here, let LA be the distance from the focus position and tilt angle when imaging from the camera position to just below. Further, the first base is imaged, and the distance between the point A and the first base B is LB from the focus position and the tilt angle. Similarly, the distance between the point A and the base 2 C is LC.

  In this case, an angle V formed by a line segment AB connecting the point A and the first base B and a line segment BC connecting the first base B and the second base C can be expressed by LC = LB · tanV. Further, LD = LB · sinV is obtained by using D as the point where the perpendicular extending from the point A to the line segment BC intersects the line segment BC and the distance LD between the point A and the point D. Therefore, LE = LD / cos (Y− (π / 2−V)) using the distance LE between the point E and the point A on the line segment BC and the angle Y formed by the line segment AE and the line segment AB. Is obtained. In this embodiment, V = π / 4.

  As described above, the ideal tilt angle Z is tanZ = LE / LA = LD / (LA · cos () when performing linear control when the camera device 100 directed toward the imaging start point is directed in the horizontal (pan) direction by Y degrees. Y- (π / 2-V))).

  Thereafter, the sensor information of the position sensors 11 and 12 of the imaging apparatus after the tilt angle and pan angle correction is read (step S8). Then, it is determined whether or not the memory information of the preset data matches the read sensor information (step S9). As a result, if the two data match (Yes), it is determined that the preset operation has been completed, and each control motor is stopped to output preset operation end information (step S10). On the other hand, if the two data do not match (No), the imaging end point has not been reached yet, so the process returns to step S2 and the above process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the imaging between presets is linear control, and the scenes and the intercostal imaging that the runner steals can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where LB = LC (that is, the angle formed by the line segment AB and AC is 90 degrees) has been described. However, LB ≠ LC depending on the installation position of the imaging apparatus. There may be cases. Therefore, hereinafter, a case where the angle formed by the line segment AB and the line segment AC is less than 90 degrees and a case where the angle is 90 degrees or more will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating the angle V when the angle between the line segment AB and the line segment AC is less than 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees. First, an example in which the angle formed by the line segment AB and the line segment AC is less than 90 degrees will be described with reference to FIG.

  A perpendicular to the line segment AC is drawn from the first base (point B), and the intersection is B2. In this case, the distance LB2 between the point B2 and the point B is LB2 = sinW · LB, where W is the imaging angle between the first base B and the second base C. The angle W is an angle formed by the point A between the imaging start point and the imaging end point. Similarly, the distance LC2 between the point A and the point B2 is LC2 = cosW · LB.

  Here, the angle X formed by the line segment AC and the line segment BC can be expressed by tanX = LB2 / (LC-LC2). Therefore, an angle V formed by a straight line parallel to the line segment BB2 from the point A and the line segment BC can be expressed by V = π− (π / 2 + X). Thereafter, the ideal tilt angle Z can be obtained in the same manner as in the case of the right triangle described above.

  Next, an example in which the angle formed by the line segment AB and the line segment AC exceeds 90 degrees will be described with reference to FIG. Therefore, a perpendicular to the extension line of the line segment AC is drawn from the first base (point B), and the intersection is defined as B3. In this case, the distance LB3 between the point B3 and the point B is LB3 = cos (W−π / 2) · LB, where W is the imaging angle between the first base B and the second base C. Similarly, the distance LC3 between the point A and the point B3 is LC3 = sin (W−π / 2) · LB.

  Here, the angle X formed by the line segment AC and the line segment BC can be expressed by tanX = LB3 / (LC + LC3). Therefore, the angle V formed by the line segment AB and the line segment BC can be expressed by V = π− (W + X). Thereafter, the ideal tilt angle Z can be obtained in the same manner as in the case of the right triangle described above.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, in the camera apparatus including preset means that can set imaging conditions such as zoom, focus, pan, and tilt, the non-occurrence that occurs during preset control between two points. It is possible to preferably perform linear imaging by performing tilt angle correction based on subject distance, pan angle, and tilt angle information. Therefore, it is possible to supply the viewer with scenes and furrow images that the runner steals without a sense of incongruity.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, control processing of the camera device using the imaging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same electrical configuration as the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, but performs processing different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the second embodiment, control is performed to avoid the out-of-focus phenomenon accompanying the change in the subject distance by the tilt angle correction by the focus correction.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a preset control processing program executed by the microcomputer 17b in the second embodiment. The microcomputer 17b executes preset control processing in cooperation with the camera device 100 and the controller 300. The preset control processing program is stored in advance in the ROM 203 and executed under the control of the CPU 201. Further, variables, data, and the like at the time of program execution are stored in the RAM 202, and these variables, data, and the like are appropriately read or written into the RAM 202 under the control of the CPU 201.

  First, it is determined whether or not there is a preset imaging execution command for automatically performing linear imaging by giving an imaging start point and an imaging end point by a cameraman or the like via the operation unit 19 (step S201). If it is determined that there is an execution command by inputting a preset key or the like (Yes), the zoom value, focus value, pan angle, tilt of the imaging start point and the imaging end point recorded in the preset memory unit 18 are recorded. Reference is made to preset data (memory information) including an angle and the like (step S202). Then, with the referenced preset data as a target, rotation and movement of the lens and the camera device itself are started with the zoom, focus, pan angle, and tilt angle as target values (step S203).

  Here, with reference to the drive mode, it is determined whether or not the imaging by the execution command is the linear control mode (step S204). As a result, when it is determined that the linear control mode is selected (Yes), the current pan angle is detected based on the input signal from the position sensor 11 (step S205), and the preset control between the two points becomes a curve. Instead, the optimal tilt angle is calculated from the subject distance and pan angle information based on the input signal from the position sensor 9 so as to be a straight line, and linked to the current pan angle in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The tilt angle is corrected based on the input signal from the position sensor 12 (step S206).

  Also, in order to correct focus shift due to changes in subject distance caused by tilt correction while referring to the current pan angle, the optimum focus position is calculated from the pan angle and tilt angle information, and the position is linked to the tilt angle. The focus position is corrected based on the input signal from the sensor 9 (step S207).

  Then, the sensor information of each of the position sensors 9 to 12 is read while rotating or moving the zoom motor, the focus motor, the horizontal motor, and the vertical motor in accordance with the memory information of the referenced preset data (step S208). Then, it is determined whether or not the memory information of the preset data at the imaging end point matches the read sensor information (step S209). As a result, if the two data match (Yes), it is determined that the preset operation has been completed, and each control motor is stopped to output preset operation end information (step S210). On the other hand, if the two data do not match (No), it has not yet reached the imaging end point, so the process returns to step S202 and the above process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, the focus blur phenomenon that occurs at the time of tilt correction in the camera apparatus including preset means that can set imaging conditions such as zoom, focus, pan, and tilt. By performing focus position correction based on subject distance, pan angle, and tilt angle information, straight line control without focus blur is achieved even during straight line control, and scenes where the runner steals or intercostal imaging can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, control processing of the camera device using the imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same electrical configuration as that of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, but performs processing different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the third embodiment, control is performed to avoid the phenomenon that the imaging size of the subject that occurs due to linear control varies, by the angle of view correction.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a preset control processing program executed by the microcomputer 17b in the third embodiment. The microcomputer 17b executes preset control processing in cooperation with the camera device 100 and the controller 300. The preset control processing program is stored in advance in the ROM 203 and executed under the control of the CPU 201. Further, variables, data, and the like at the time of program execution are stored in the RAM 202, and these variables, data, and the like are appropriately read or written into the RAM 202 under the control of the CPU 201.

  First, it is determined whether or not a preset imaging execution command for automatically performing linear imaging is given by a cameraman or the like via the operation unit 19 given an imaging start point and an imaging end point (step S301). If it is determined that there is an execution command by inputting a preset key or the like (Yes), the zoom value, focus value, pan angle, tilt of the imaging start point and the imaging end point recorded in the preset memory unit 18 are recorded. Reference is made to preset data (memory information) including an angle and the like (step S302). Then, with the referenced preset data as a target, rotation and movement of the lens and the camera device itself are started with the zoom, focus, pan angle, and tilt angle as target values (step S303).

  Here, with reference to the drive mode, it is determined whether or not the imaging by the execution command is the linear control mode (step S304). As a result, when it is determined that the linear control mode is selected (Yes), the current pan angle is detected based on the input signal from the position sensor 11 (step S3205), and the preset control between the two points becomes a curve. An optimal tilt angle is calculated from the subject distance and pan angle information so as to form a straight line, and the input signal from the position sensor 12 is linked to the current pan angle in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Based on the above, the tilt angle is corrected (step S306).

  Also, in order to correct focus shift due to changes in subject distance caused by tilt correction while referring to the current pan angle, the optimum focus position is calculated from the pan angle and tilt angle information, and the position is linked to the tilt angle. The focus position is corrected based on the input signal from the sensor 9 (step S307).

  Further, with reference to the current tilt angle, the optimum zoom position can be determined from the subject distance, pan angle, and tilt angle information based on the input signal from the position sensor 9 with respect to the field angle deviation caused by the subject distance change caused by the tilt correction. And the angle of view is corrected based on the input signal from the position sensor 10 in conjunction with the tilt angle (step S308).

  Then, the sensor information of each of the position sensors 9 to 12 is read while rotating or moving the zoom motor, the focus motor, the horizontal motor, and the vertical motor in accordance with the memory information of the referenced preset data (step S309). Then, it is determined whether or not the memory information of the preset data at the imaging end point matches the read sensor information (step S310). As a result, if the two data match (Yes), it is determined that the preset operation has been completed, each control motor is stopped, and preset operation end information is output (step S311). On the other hand, if the two data do not match (No), the imaging end point has not been reached yet, so the process returns to step S302 and the above processing is repeated.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment, in the camera apparatus including preset means that can set imaging conditions such as zoom, focus, pan, and tilt, the angle of view generated at the time of tilt correction is set. By performing zoom correction based on the subject distance, pan angle, and tilt angle information, the angle of view can be suitably avoided even during linear control. As a result, it is possible to realize linear control with imaging between presets in a state where the angle of view is uniform, and it is possible to carry out scenes and furrow imaging where the runner steals without a sense of incongruity.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention can take embodiments as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium (recording medium). The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a single device or an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In addition, a part of the preset control processing executed by the microcomputer 17b in the above description (for example, calculation of optimum values of focus and angle of view, determination of coincidence / mismatch with optimum values, calculation of correction amount, etc.) Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where the computer 17a is executed. Further, it is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where one microcomputer is provided in the turning device 200 or the camera device 100 and the processes executed by the microcomputer 17a and the microcomputer 17b are executed together. Yes.

  In the present invention, the swivel device 200 or the camera device 100 includes a communication unit (LAN, RS-232C, etc.) with the outside, or the controller 300 further includes a program storage unit. A software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the figure) is directly or remotely supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus reads and executes the supplied program code In some cases, it can be achieved by

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the microcomputer 17b in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the processing operation | movement of the preset control process performed by the microcomputer 17b which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the linear control of a camera apparatus when using the imaging device installed in the ceiling of the dome type baseball stadium as the imaging start point B for the first base and the imaging end point C for the second base. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of the angle V in case the angle which line segment AB and line segment AC make is less than 90 degree | times or more than 90 degree | times. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the preset control processing program performed by the microcomputer 17b in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the preset control processing program performed by the microcomputer 17b in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the preset control operation | movement in the conventional imaging device. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the preset imaging control operation | movement of the camera apparatus installed in the ceiling of the conventional dome type baseball field.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens 2 Image pick-up element part 3 Signal processing part 4 AF calculating part 5 Lens movement motor for focus 6 Lens movement motor for zoom 7 Horizontal direction rotation motor 8 Vertical direction rotation motor 9, 10, 11, 12 Position sensor 13, 14, 15 , 16 Drive circuit 17a, 17b Microcomputer (microcomputer)
18 Preset Memory Unit 19 Operation Unit 100 Camera Device 200 Swivel Device 300 Controller

Claims (5)

Imaging means for imaging the subject by tilting the imaging direction horizontally and vertically by changing the pan angle and the tilt angle;
Storage means for storing a pan angle and a tilt angle of the imaging means when imaging an imaging start point and an imaging end point;
Detecting means for detecting a pan angle of the imaging means after the start of imaging;
A calculation unit that calculates a tilt angle of the imaging unit that images a subject located on a straight line connecting the imaging start point and the imaging end point based on a pan angle detected by the detection unit;
The imaging means picks up an object from the imaging start point to the imaging end point while changing the imaging direction at a pan angle and a tilt angle corresponding to the pan angle calculated by the calculating means. An imaging device. Detecting means for detecting a difference distance between an imaging distance when the imaging means changes the pan angle only and images the subject and an imaging distance when the pan angle and tilt angle are changed and the subject is imaged;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a focus correction unit that corrects the focus of the imaging unit based on the difference distance. The image pickup means has a zoom mechanism for picking up an image of the subject by enlarging and reducing the subject,
An angle-of-view detection means for detecting an angle of view when the imaging means images the subject;
3. The imaging according to claim 1, further comprising: a zoom correction unit that corrects a change in the angle of view due to a change in the subject distance by using a zoom mechanism of the imaging unit to make the angle of view substantially constant. apparatus.   The zoom correction unit decreases or increases the angle of view at a substantially constant rate when the imaging unit images a subject while changing a pan angle from the imaging start point to the imaging end point. The imaging device according to claim 3. A method of controlling an imaging apparatus that images a subject by tilting an imaging direction horizontally and vertically by changing a pan angle and a tilt angle,
An acquisition step of acquiring a pan angle and a tilt angle of the imaging unit when imaging an imaging start point and an imaging end point from a storage device connected to the imaging device;
A detection step of detecting a pan angle of the imaging device after the start of imaging;
A calculation step of calculating a tilt angle of the imaging device based on the pan angle detected by the detection step when imaging a subject located on a straight line connecting the imaging start point and the imaging end point;
An imaging step of imaging the subject from the imaging start point to the imaging end point while changing the imaging direction of the imaging device at the pan angle and the tilt angle calculated by the calculation step. Control method of imaging apparatus.

Images