JP2009147465A - Camera control device, camera control method, camera system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the feeling of incompatibility of a user by reducing the difference of color reproducibility between a plurality of images in the case of simultaneously displaying a plurality of images photographed by a plurality of cameras on a display device. <P>SOLUTION: This camera control device for controlling a plurality of cameras having a color adjusting means through a network is provided with: a reception means for receiving a photographic image from a plurality of cameras; a camera determination means for determining a reference camera as the reference of a color about the photographic images received from the plurality of cameras, and for changing the reference camera determined based on prescribed conditions; a reference region determination means for determining a reference region whose color should be equivalent between the received photographic images; a storage means for storing prescribed conditions; an adjustment value determination means for determining a color adjustment value to the other camera from the color of the reference region of the photographic image of the reference camera and the color of the region equivalent to the reference region in the photographic image of the other camera; and a transmission means for transmitting the color adjustment value and the command to perform the color adjustment through a network to the other camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing technique for displaying a plurality of images connected via a network.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a camera system that simultaneously displays a plurality of still images and moving images (hereinafter referred to as images) taken by a plurality of digital still cameras and digital video cameras (hereinafter referred to as cameras) connected via a network on a display device. . In this camera system, auto white balance (AWB) control of captured images is performed in each camera.

  In the AWB process, a white (achromatic) portion of the image data obtained by the image sensor is detected, and the color temperature of the irradiation light source for the subject in the captured image is obtained from the detection result (white portion). Then, the image data obtained by the image sensor is multiplied by a color adjustment value (control value for making the subject area of the white portion achromatic) according to the color temperature.

  Here, in Patent Document 1, when photographing the same subject with a plurality of cameras, correction data necessary to match the reference data is calculated in order to make the image colors substantially the same, and the correction is performed. A technique for correcting an image of each camera based on data is described.

Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe techniques for sharing a reference color temperature in order to control AWB processing in a plurality of cameras under the same color temperature.
JP 2002-135789 A JP 2002-271825 A JP 2004-349951 A

  Conventionally, when AWB processing is performed for each camera and each captured image is displayed independently, it can be said that it is difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable regarding the color reproducibility of the image. However, when a plurality of captured images of each camera are displayed in parallel at the same time, the user may feel discomfort due to a difference in color reproducibility between the plurality of cameras.

  In Patent Document 1, for example, in an environment where the shooting range changes from the sun to the shade with time and the color temperature changes, such an environmental change is not reflected, and the same area as the reference data is the reference area. The color reproducibility of the data, and the other areas are unnatural color reproducibility. In addition, when the user determines that the subject is white instead of the same subject, and the subject cannot be color-matched, and multiple cameras are placed in a state where the same subject is not reflected However, there is a problem that correction cannot be performed.

  In addition, when the color temperature is shared as in Patent Document 2, unnatural color reproducibility occurs in at least one installation environment between images taken by cameras having different installation environments such as indoor and outdoor, and following light and backlight. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when displaying a plurality of images taken by a plurality of cameras on a display device at the same time, the difference in color reproducibility between the plurality of images is reduced to make the user feel uncomfortable. Realize technology that can be mitigated.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, a camera control device of the present invention is a camera control device that controls a plurality of cameras having color adjustment means for adjusting the color of a captured image via a network. And receiving means for receiving photographed images from the plurality of cameras; determining a reference camera as a color reference for the plurality of photographed images received from the plurality of cameras from the plurality of cameras; and a predetermined condition Camera determination means for changing the determined reference camera based on the reference area, reference area determination means for determining a reference area that should be equivalent among a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras, and the predetermined Storage means for storing the condition, the color of the reference area of the image captured by the reference camera, and the color of the area corresponding to the reference area in the image captured by another camera Adjustment value determining means for determining a color adjustment value for the other camera, and instructions for causing the other camera to perform color adjustment by the color adjustment means based on the color adjustment value and the color adjustment value via the network. Transmitting means for transmitting.

The camera system of the present invention is a camera system in which a plurality of cameras having color adjustment means for adjusting the color of a photographed image and a camera control device are connected via a network, and the camera control device includes: Receiving means for receiving captured images from the plurality of cameras;
Camera determining means for determining a reference camera as a color reference for a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras and changing the determined reference camera based on a predetermined condition from the plurality of cameras A reference area determining means for determining a reference area that should be the same color among a plurality of photographed images received from the plurality of cameras, a storage means for storing the predetermined condition, and a photographed image of the reference camera Adjustment value determining means for determining a color adjustment value for another camera from the color of the reference area and the color of the area corresponding to the reference area in a photographed image of the other camera, and the color adjustment via the network Transmission means for transmitting a value and a command for executing color adjustment by the color adjustment means to the other camera based on the color adjustment value, and The color adjustment based on the color adjustment value received from the camera control device via the network and an instruction to execute color adjustment, the transmission means transmitting the image to the camera control device via the network Color adjustment is performed by means.

  The camera control method of the present invention is a method of controlling a plurality of cameras having color adjustment means for adjusting the color of a photographed image via a network, and receiving a photographed image from the plurality of cameras. And determining a reference camera as a color reference for a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras, and the determination based on a predetermined condition stored in a storage unit. A camera determination step of changing a reference camera, a reference region determination step of determining a reference region that should be the same color among a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras, and the reference of the captured image of the reference camera An adjustment value determining step for determining a color adjustment value for another camera from a color of the area and a color of an area corresponding to the reference area in a captured image of the other camera; And a transmission step of transmitting an instruction for executing the color adjustment to the other cameras based on the color adjustment value and the color adjustment value through the network.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when displaying the image image | photographed with the some camera simultaneously on a display apparatus, the difference in color reproducibility between images can be reduced and a user's discomfort can be reduced.

  In addition, when the WB control becomes necessary with the passage of time or environmental change, it is possible to automatically switch the reference camera serving as a reference for color adjustment.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed according to the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It is not limited to the embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera system having the camera control device of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera control apparatus of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, cameras 5 a to 5 c are a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like having a function capable of communicating via the network 2. In the present embodiment, there are three units, but the number is not limited to this.

  The network 2 is a general purpose network such as a local area network (LAN) or a dedicated line, and is a communication line that can be used for communication purposes.

  The display device 3 is a display device having a CRT, an LCD, etc., and receives and displays data of images taken by the cameras 5a to 5c via the network 2. The display device 3 may be realized by a display of a personal computer (PC) that can communicate through the network 2.

  The input operation device 4 is a device for the user to operate the camera control device 1 and the display device 3, and may be realized with a keyboard, buttons, a mouse, a remote controller, or the like, or may be realized with a touch panel. It may be realized as a unit. The input operation device 4 may be realized by a keyboard of a PC.

  The camera control device 1, the cameras 5 a to 5 c, the display device 3, and the input operation device 4 are connected to be communicable via the network 2.

  Note that the method of the operation signal output from the input operation device 4 to the camera control device 1 or the display device 3 may be any of a wired communication method, a wireless communication method, and an optical communication method, and is not limited.

  Next, the configuration of the camera control device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the camera control device 1, a ROM, a RAM, and the like necessary for the operation of the CPU.

  A network interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a network I / F unit) 12 receives images from the cameras 5 a to 5 c and stores them in an image memory (not shown), and displays the received images on the display device 3 connected to the network 2. Send to.

  Further, the network I / F unit 12 receives a reference area designation command and a camera control command transmitted by the input operation device 4 installed in the vicinity of the display device 3.

  The reference area designation command is a command for designating a white or achromatic area for each camera image that should have the same color reproducibility. The user visually recognizes images taken by the cameras 5 a to 5 c displayed on the display device 3 connected to the network 2, and operates the input operation device 4 installed in the vicinity of the display device 3 to determine camera determination criteria. Send information and reference area specification commands.

  The reference camera determination unit 14 includes a determination reference storage unit 13 that stores determination conditions for a camera (reference camera) that is capturing an image to be used as a reference for color reproducibility. And the process which determines and changes the camera used as the reference | standard of color gain adjustment based on the predetermined determination conditions memorize | stored in the determination reference | standard memory | storage part 13 from the cameras 5a-5c is performed. The user visually recognizes images taken by the cameras 5a to 5c displayed on the display device 3 connected to the network 2 and operates the input operation device 4 installed in the vicinity of the display device 3 to perform the reference. A camera designation command or a change command may be transmitted.

  Next, reference camera determination processing by the reference camera determination unit 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the following, it is assumed that whether or not the determination condition of the reference camera is met in order from the camera 5a.

  First, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reference camera was determined or changed (S101). If it has not elapsed, the present process is terminated, and if it has elapsed, the captured image of the camera 5a is taken. Obtain (S102).

  Next, it is determined whether the color temperature of the captured image acquired from the camera 5a is within a predetermined range stored in the determination reference storage unit 13 (S103). If the color temperature is within the predetermined range, the camera 5a is set as a reference camera. Determine (S104).

  On the other hand, if it is not within the predetermined range, it is determined whether or not it is determined whether or not all photographed images match the determination conditions of the reference camera (S105).

  Here, since all the captured images have not been determined, a captured image of the next camera 5b is acquired (S102), and it is determined whether or not the determination condition of the reference camera is met as in the case of the camera 5a. If the camera 5b also does not meet the criteria for determining the reference camera, the captured image of the camera 5c is acquired and the same determination is performed. If the camera 5c also does not meet the criteria for determining the reference camera, all the cameras do not match the criteria for determining the reference camera, and the process ends without changing the criteria camera.

  Here, the color temperature of the captured image acquired from the camera is used as the determination condition of the reference camera. However, it may be configured to determine whether the luminance value of the captured image is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

  Further, the number of pixels (hereinafter referred to as W pixels) in the color difference range of the white extraction range W shown in FIG. 6 from the captured image is equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13, or the number of W pixels is The most cameras may be determined as reference cameras.

  Further, a camera in which the area of consecutive W pixels from the captured image is equal to or larger than a threshold stored in the determination reference storage unit 13 or a camera having the largest continuous W pixel area may be determined as the reference camera.

  Furthermore, when the captured image does not include a high frequency component equal to or higher than the frequency stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13, the captured image of the next camera may be acquired as an unfocused image.

  The reference area determination unit 16 includes the reference area storage unit 15 and, when receiving the reference area designation command, the area designated by the reference area designation command in the images taken by the cameras 5a to 5c. The reference area of each camera is determined and stored in the reference area storage unit 15.

  On the other hand, when the reference area designation command has not been received, W pixels that are within the color difference range of the white extraction range W shown in FIG. 6 are included from the images captured by the cameras 5a to 5c. Each area is determined as a reference area of the camera and stored in the reference area storage unit 15. At this time, if the reference area of the reference camera when the color adjustment has been performed previously is stored in the reference area storage unit 15 and the W pixels in the reference area are included in the predetermined pixels or more, the reference area is left as it is. Use as

  When the reference area is determined, the adjustment value determination unit 17 calculates the color adjustment value according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the average value (Ba, Ra) of the color difference signals (BY, RY) of the W pixels in the reference area of the camera 5a is calculated (S201).

  Next, the average value (Bb, Rb) of the color difference signals (BY, RY) of the W pixels in the reference area of the camera 5b before adjustment is calculated (S202).

  Then, a B gain adjustment value (Ba-Bb) and an R gain adjustment value (Ra-Rb) are calculated from these values (S203).

  These B gain adjustment value and R gain adjustment value are determined as color gain adjustment values for approximating W pixels in the reference areas of the cameras 5a and 5b (S204).

  Based on the color gain adjustment value composed of the B gain adjustment value and the R gain adjustment value, a camera control command for requesting a change in AWB control is transmitted to the camera 5b via the network I / F unit 12 (S205).

  Then, the average value (Bc, Rc) of the color difference signals (BY, RY) of the W pixels in the reference region of the camera 5c before adjustment is calculated (S206).

  A B gain adjustment value (Ba-Bc) and an R gain adjustment value (Ra-Rc) are calculated from these values (S207).

  The B gain adjustment value and the R gain adjustment value are determined as color gain adjustment values that approximate the W pixels in the reference regions of the cameras 5a and 5c (S208).

  Based on the color gain adjustment value composed of the B gain adjustment value and the R gain adjustment value, a camera control command for requesting a change in AWB control is transmitted to the camera 5c via the network I / F unit 12 (S209).

  The example in which the color gain adjustment value is calculated from the average value of the color difference signals of the W pixels in the reference area has been described above. However, the color gain adjustment value is calculated based on the color difference signal of a specific W pixel in the reference area. May be.

  Further, the example in which the color gain adjustment value of the camera 5c is determined and the camera control command is transmitted to the camera 5c after transmitting the camera control command to the camera 5b has been described. However, the color gain adjustment value of the cameras 5b and 5c has been determined. A camera control command may be transmitted to the cameras 5b and 5c later.

  In addition, the configuration in which the reference area of the camera 5a is used in common to calculate the color gain adjustment value of both the cameras 5b and 5c has been described. However, when calculating the color gain adjustment value of the camera 5b and the calculation of the color gain adjustment value of the camera 5c. The reference area may be different from time to time.

  Further, after the camera control device 1 transmits the camera control command, the cameras 5b and 5c that have received the camera control command change the AWB control based on the color gain adjustment value, but the offset value of the AWB control of the cameras 5b and 5c. Thereafter, this color gain adjustment value may be used continuously.

  Here, the controller 11, the reference camera determination unit 14, the reference region determination unit 16, and the adjustment value determination unit 17 have been described as separate configurations. However, all or part of the controller 11 is mounted on an LSI and has equivalent functions. It is good.

  Further, although the configuration for receiving the reference area designation command has been described, an area in which the reference area determination unit 16 always includes a predetermined number of W pixels or more from each image captured by the cameras 5a to 5c is the reference area of each camera. It is good also as a structure determined as.

  In addition, the reference area determination unit 16 has been described as having a function of determining, as the reference area of each camera, an area including W pixels or more from each image captured by the cameras 5a to 5c. It is good also as a structure which does not have a function. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which the area designated by the reference area designation command is always determined as the reference area for each camera.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the cameras 5a to 5c will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the cameras 5a to 5c having a WB adjustment function.

  An imaging unit 51 including an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal. Here, as an example, electrical signals are extracted as R, G, and B color signals.

  The gain control amplifiers 52a and 52b control the gains of the R signal and the B signal, and the signal processing unit 53 processes the R, G, and B signals obtained from the imaging unit 51 and the gain control amplifiers 52a and 52b to obtain the luminance signal Y. And color difference signals RY and BY.

  The image processing unit 54 is an image format (size, compression method, etc.) for outputting the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals RY and BY obtained by the signal processing unit 53 to an external device or the like via the network 2. Image processing is performed so that

  A white balance control unit (WB control unit) 55 controls the gain control amplifiers 52a and 52b based on the color difference signals RY and BY, and increases or decreases the R signal and the B signal with respect to the G signal. Control the WB of the signal.

  Here, the AWB control by the camera having the above configuration will be described.

  The WB control unit 55 controls the gains of the gain control amplifiers 52a and 52b based on the color difference signals RY and BY. As a result, the R signal and the B signal are increased or decreased, and control is performed so that the signal components of the color difference signals RY and BY are minimized.

  When the camera control command is received from the camera control device 1, the gain of the gain control amplifiers 52a and 52b that minimizes the signal components of the color difference signals RY and BY in the white portion is given by the camera control command. Adjust based on the color gain adjustment value.

  For example, when the camera 5a is designated by the camera designation command, the WB control unit 55 determines the B gain adjustment value and the R gain adjustment value from the BY and RY signals input to the camera 5b. The gains of the amplifiers 52a and 52b are adjusted so that the signal component of the value obtained by subtracting is minimized.

  The camera control device described above may be built in the camera. In this case, it goes without saying that if at least one of the plurality of cameras has a built-in camera control device, a system similar to this embodiment can be constructed and the same effect can be exhibited.

  According to the present embodiment, a camera control command that requests a change in WB control based on the color gain adjustment value is transmitted to a camera that is not specified by the camera specifying command. Thereby, it can utilize as an offset value which can be added or subtracted with respect to the color gain adjustment value for performing white balance control in each camera. Therefore, in an environment where the shooting range changes with time and the color temperature changes, the adjustment for the environmental change by the AWB control of each camera and the adjustment by the color gain adjustment value are executed repeatedly, so that natural color reproducibility is achieved. Can be realized.

  In addition, by setting the area designated by the reference area designation command as the reference area of each camera, the user can determine that the area is the same white color for any different subject and color-match the location. it can.

  In addition, by determining an area including W pixels or more from each image photographed by a plurality of cameras as a reference area for each camera, it is equivalent not only for the same subject but also for different subjects. It is possible to color match a portion considered to be white.

  Also, by storing the elapsed time since the last change of the reference camera, it is possible to automatically switch the reference camera serving as a reference for color adjustment when WB control becomes necessary after a predetermined time has elapsed. it can.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 illustrates the configuration of a camera system to which the camera control device of the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the camera control device of the second embodiment. 1 and FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the system of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, an illumination switch 7 as a peripheral device is added to the camera control device 1 via a contact detection cable 8.

  In FIG. 8, the camera control device 1 of the present embodiment includes a contact input unit 18 connected to the contact detection cable 8. The contact input unit 18 detects that the illumination switch 7 is turned on via the contact detection cable 8 and notifies the reference camera determination unit 14 via the controller 11.

  Next, reference camera determination processing by the reference camera determination unit 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 9, the same processes (S102 to S105) as those in FIG.

  In the following, it is assumed that whether or not the determination condition of the reference camera is met in order from the camera 5a.

  In the present embodiment, when it is detected that the illumination switch 7 is turned on by the contact input unit 18 (S301), the processing after S102 in FIG. 4 is executed.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the determination reference storage unit 13 does not store the elapsed time since the previous change of the reference camera, and is triggered by the lighting switch 7 being turned on as a trigger. Similar effects can be obtained.

  In addition, although the structure which has the contact input part 18 in the inside of the camera control apparatus 1 was demonstrated, the contact input part 18 exists in the exterior of the camera control apparatus 1, and receives the state change of the illumination switch 7, and notifies it of the packet May be transmitted via the network 2.

  Here, as an example of a state change outside the apparatus, the determination condition of the reference camera linked with the illumination switch 7 is used. However, the determination condition of the reference camera can also be determined by detecting the operation state of each camera such as power ON / OFF. Good.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 illustrates the configuration of a monitoring system to which the camera control apparatus of the third embodiment is applied, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the system of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, illuminance sensors 6a to 6c are mounted on the cameras 5a to 5c, respectively. The illuminance sensors 6a to 6c are optical sensors that detect the brightness of the shooting ranges of the cameras 5a to 5c. The values detected by the illuminance sensors 6a to 6c are periodically transmitted from the cameras 5a to 5c to the camera control device 1 every predetermined time. Periodic transmission is preset in each camera 5a to 5c. It can also be realized by requesting the camera control device 1 to periodically transmit values detected by the illuminance sensors 6a to 6c.

  Here, although it demonstrates as each illuminance sensor 6a-6c being mounted in each camera 5a-5c, even if it is not mounted in a camera, the brightness of an imaging | photography range can be detected, the camera control apparatus 1 and information It only needs to be able to communicate.

  Next, reference camera determination processing by the reference camera determination unit 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 11, the same processes (S102 to S105) as those in FIG. Further, x, y, and z in FIG. 11 correspond to any one of the identifiers a, b, and c of the cameras 5a to 5c to be processed.

  In the following, it is assumed that whether or not the determination condition of the reference camera is met in order from the camera 5a.

  First, a value Xa (hereinafter referred to as Xa) of the illuminance sensor 6a is acquired (S401).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the previously acquired value Ya (hereinafter, Ya) of the illuminance sensor 6a is stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13 (S402). If it is stored, it is determined whether Ya is greater than a predetermined value Ka (hereinafter referred to as Ka) stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13 (S403). If Ya is not stored, Xa is stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13, and the processing from S102 onward in FIG. 4 is executed.

  If the value of Ya is larger than Ka in S403, the value of Xa is stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13, and it is determined whether the value of Xa is smaller than Ka (S404). When the value of Xa is smaller than Ka, the processing after S102 in FIG. 4 is executed. If the value of Xa is larger than Ka, it is determined whether the values of all illuminance sensors have been determined (S406). Here, since the values of all the illuminance sensors are not determined, the value Xb of the illuminance sensor 6b is acquired (S401), and the same determination is performed for the illuminance sensor 6b. When the values of all the illuminance sensors are determined, this process is terminated without executing the change of the reference camera.

  If the value of Ya is smaller than Ka in S403, the value of Xa is stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13 and it is determined whether the value of Xa is larger than Ka (S405). When the value of Xa is larger than Ka, the processing after S102 in FIG. 4 is executed. If the value of Xa is smaller than Ka, it is determined whether the values of all illuminance sensors have been determined (S406). Since the values of all the illuminance sensors have not been determined, the value Xb of the illuminance sensor 6b is acquired (S401), and the same determination is performed for the illuminance sensor 6b.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the determination reference storage unit 13 does not store the elapsed time since the previous change of the reference camera, and uses the value of the illuminance sensor that is periodically acquired, and the first embodiment. Similar effects can be obtained.

  Here, an example has been described in which the reference camera is changed every time the value of the illuminance sensor is acquired, but the reference camera is changed using an average value of the illuminance sensor value acquired periodically, etc. Also good.

  Although an example using an illuminance sensor has been described here, other various sensors that can acquire a change in the state of a captured image may be used.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating reference camera determination processing by the camera system according to the fourth embodiment.

  Note that the configurations of the camera system and the camera control apparatus of the present embodiment are the same as those in FIGS.

  Further, in FIG. 14, the same processes (S101 to S105) as those in FIG.

  In the following, it is assumed that whether or not the determination condition of the reference camera is met in order from the camera 5a.

  If a predetermined time has elapsed since the reference camera was determined or changed in S101, information related to the operating state of the camera 5a is acquired (S501). Here, examples of the operation state include information such as power ON / OFF of the camera 5a, attachment / detachment of the lens cap, and ON / OFF of the focusing motor.

  Next, the reference camera determination unit 14 determines whether the operation state of the camera 5a is abnormal (S502). If the operation state is abnormal, the reference camera determination unit 14 determines whether the operation state of all cameras has been determined (S503). Since all the cameras are not determined here, the operation state of the camera 5b is acquired (S501), and the operation state is determined in the same manner as the camera 5a (S502).

  If the operation state of all the cameras is determined in S503, since all the cameras are abnormal, the process is terminated without changing the reference camera.

  On the other hand, if the operation state of the camera 5a is not abnormal in S502, the processing after S102 is executed.

  According to the above embodiment, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reference camera is determined or changed, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained according to the operating state of the camera.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of a camera system to which the camera control device of the fifth embodiment is applied. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the camera control device of the fifth embodiment. 1 and FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the system of the fifth embodiment, the display device 3 and the input operation device 4 are removed from the configuration of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 13, and instead the display unit 19 and the input unit 20 are controlled by the camera as shown in FIG. Built in the device 1.

  The display unit 19 is a display device such as a CRT or LCD, and displays an image received from another camera, a user interface (UI) screen of the camera control device 1, and the like.

  The input unit 20 may be realized with a keyboard, buttons, a mouse, or the like, or may be realized with a touch panel and integrated with the display unit 19.

  The user visually recognizes the images taken by the cameras 5 a to 5 c displayed on the display unit 19 and operates the input unit 20 to transmit a reference area designation command.

  The configurations and operations of the reference camera determination unit 14 and the cameras 5a to 5c are as described in the first embodiment.

  As described above, even when the display unit and the input unit are built in the camera control device 1, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be exhibited.

[Sixth Embodiment]
The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a computer program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a system or apparatus that reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

  The computer system 100 includes a CPU 101, a memory 102 used as an area for developing and executing program codes, and a storage medium 103 storing program codes. The computer system 100 also includes an input unit 20 for inputting necessary operation commands, a display unit 19 for displaying captured images and UI screens, and a network I / F for communicating with other computer systems and cameras via the network 2. Part 12.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of functions realized by the program according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 16, when the color temperature of the captured image acquired from the camera 5a in S103 is not within the predetermined range stored in the determination criterion storage unit 13, the determination conditions of the reference camera are met for all captured images. The process returns to S102 without determining whether such a determination has been made. In addition, the same processes (S101 to S104) as those in FIG.

  After the reference camera is determined in S104, it is determined whether all past reference areas are included in the W pixel in FIG. 6 and can be reused (S601). The area is determined (S604).

  On the other hand, if it is not reusable in S601, it is determined whether a reference area designation command has been received (S602). If the reference area designation command has been received, the area designated by the reference area designation command in the images taken by the cameras 5a to 5c is determined as the reference area of each camera (S604).

  On the other hand, when the reference area designation command has not been received, an area including at least a predetermined number of W pixels within the color difference range of the white extraction range W of FIG. 6 from the images taken by the cameras 5a to 5c. Is detected (S603). And it determines as a reference area of each camera (S604).

  When the reference area is determined, a color gain adjustment value that approximates the color difference signal RY and the color difference signal BY in the pixels in the reference areas of the cameras 5a and 5b is calculated and determined (S605). For example, in FIG. 6, when the pixel in the reference area of the camera 5a is the value of Wa and the pixel in the reference area of the camera 5b before adjustment is the value of Wb, the pixel in the reference area of the camera 5b is brought close to the value of Wa. The R gain adjustment value and B gain adjustment value at this time are calculated. Based on the color gain adjustment value composed of the R gain adjustment value and the B gain adjustment value, a camera control command for requesting a change in AWB control is transmitted to the camera 5b (S606).

  The process of S604 and S605 is executed for the camera 5c as well as the procedure for the camera 5b.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, a DVD, or the like is used. it can.

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

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the CPU of the board or the like performs a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, it can be realized by performing all of them.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system which has the camera control apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera control apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of the reference | standard camera of 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating color gain adjustment value determination processing according to the first embodiment. It is the figure which showed the color difference range of the white extraction range W of this embodiment, and the coordinate of W pixel on the color difference signal RY and BY coordinate. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera control apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of the reference | standard camera of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of the reference | standard camera of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of the reference | standard camera of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera control apparatus of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the computer system of 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example which implement | achieved each embodiment by the program.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera control apparatus 2 Network 3 Display apparatus 4 Input operation apparatus 5a-5c Camera 6a-6c Illuminance sensor 7 Illumination switch 8 Contact detection cable 11 Controller 12 Network I / F part 13 Determination reference memory | storage part 14 Reference camera determination part 15 Reference | standard Area storage section 16 Reference area determination section 17 Adjustment value determination section 18 Contact input section 19 Display section 20 Input section 51 Imaging sections 52a, 52b Gain control amplifier 53 Signal processing section 54 Image processing section 55 WB control section 56 Network I / F section 100 Computer system 101 CPU
102 memory 103 storage medium

Claims (13)

A camera control device for controlling a plurality of cameras having color adjustment means for adjusting the color of a photographed image via a network,
Receiving means for receiving captured images from the plurality of cameras;
Camera determining means for determining a reference camera as a color reference for a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras and changing the determined reference camera based on a predetermined condition from the plurality of cameras When,
A reference area determining means for determining a reference area that should be the same color among a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras;
Storage means for storing the predetermined condition;
Adjustment value determining means for determining a color adjustment value for another camera from the color of the reference area of the image captured by the reference camera and the color of the area corresponding to the reference area in the image captured by the other camera;
And a transmission unit configured to transmit the color adjustment value and a command for executing color adjustment by the color adjustment unit based on the color adjustment value to the other camera via the network. apparatus.   2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores, as the predetermined condition, a threshold value of an elapsed time since the previous change of the reference camera and a threshold value of a color temperature of a photographed image. Control device. The plurality of cameras include sensors for detecting the illuminance of the subject,
The camera control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores an illuminance threshold value of a shooting range of each camera and a color temperature threshold value of a captured image as the predetermined condition.   The camera control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores, as the predetermined condition, a state change of a peripheral device or an operation state of a camera, and a color temperature threshold value of a captured image.   5. The camera control device according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit configured to receive a command to specify the reference area via the network by a user operation. 6.   5. The camera control device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives a command for designating the reference area via the network. 6.   The reference area determining unit includes a predetermined number of pixels of white or achromatic color in a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras when the input unit has not received a command to specify the reference area. The camera control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an area that is present is determined as a reference area.   The reference area determining means is configured such that when the receiving means has not received a reference area designation command from the external device, white or achromatic pixels are predetermined pixels for a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras. The camera control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the area included above is determined as a reference area. The color adjustment unit performs white balance control of an image captured by each camera,
9. The color adjustment value according to claim 1, wherein the color adjustment value is an offset value that can be added to or subtracted from a color gain adjustment value for executing white balance control in a camera that has received the color adjustment value. The camera control device according to any one of claims.   The camera control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying captured images received from the plurality of cameras. A camera system in which a plurality of cameras having color adjustment means for adjusting the color of a photographed image and a camera control device are connected via a network,
The camera control device includes:
Receiving means for receiving captured images from the plurality of cameras;
Camera determining means for determining a reference camera as a color reference for a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras and changing the determined reference camera based on a predetermined condition from the plurality of cameras When,
A reference area determining means for determining a reference area that should be the same color among a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras;
Storage means for storing the predetermined condition;
Adjustment value determining means for determining a color adjustment value for another camera from the color of the reference area of the image captured by the reference camera and the color of the area corresponding to the reference area in the image captured by the other camera;
Transmitting means for transmitting, to the other camera, the color adjustment value via the network and a command for executing color adjustment by the color adjustment means based on the color adjustment value;
The plurality of cameras are:
Transmission means for transmitting a captured image to the camera control device via the network;
A camera system, wherein color adjustment is executed by the color adjustment unit based on the color adjustment value received from the camera control device via the network and a command for executing color adjustment. A method of controlling a plurality of cameras having color adjustment means for adjusting the color of a captured image via a network,
A receiving step of receiving captured images from the plurality of cameras;
A reference camera to be used as a color reference for a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras is determined from the plurality of cameras, and the reference camera determined based on a predetermined condition stored in a storage unit Camera decision process to change,
A reference area determining step for determining a reference area that should be the same color among a plurality of captured images received from the plurality of cameras;
An adjustment value determining step for determining a color adjustment value for another camera from the color of the reference area of the image captured by the reference camera and the color of the area corresponding to the reference area in the image captured by the other camera;
And a transmission step of transmitting the color adjustment value and a command for executing the color adjustment based on the color adjustment value to the other camera via the network.   A program for causing a computer to execute the camera control method according to claim 12.

Images