JP2009224900A - Photography device and photography method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photography device enabling a user to select which object to track and how to photograph it and to provide a photography device having improved user-friendliness by enabling the user to select an object while tracking the object. <P>SOLUTION: The photography device 10 includes: a display part (a display 18) for displaying the object which is photographed; a position information receiving means (a communication part 14) for receiving information about a position of a specific object; a calculating means (a position relation analysis part 16) for calculating a position relation of the specific object related to the photography on the basis of the received position information about the specific object; and a display means (the display 18) for displaying the direction of the specific object with respect to the photography on the display part where the object which is photographed is displayed on the basis of the calculated position relation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus. The present invention also relates to a photographing apparatus capable of improving convenience when a user performs photographing.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, photographing apparatuses such as video cameras that can easily photograph a subject have become widespread.
Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an image photographing apparatus that specifies a subject and adjusts a camera direction and a photographing lens so that the subject can be appropriately photographed.
Here, the subject designated as the subject to be photographed is specified regardless of whether or not it is within the photographing range, or a plurality of subjects designated as the subject to be photographed are specified, and the specified subject is photographed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image photographing apparatus capable of appropriately photographing the subject by adjusting the direction of the camera and the lens of the photographing apparatus so as to be captured within the range. Then, the positional relationship between the device and the subject is calculated from the location information of the built-in GPS and the received GPS location information of the mobile terminal, and the turntable is rotated so that the lens of the device is always directed to the subject. Techniques to do this are disclosed.

  However, in this patent document 1, it is intended that the image capturing device automatically tracks the specified subject. However, it is the user who actually selects and shoots the subject. Therefore, it has not been considered that the subject himself selects which subject is to be tracked and how to shoot. For this reason, it was not a sufficient disclosure in terms of application to products.

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique related to an automatic tracking video camera system that automatically tracks a moving subject.
Here, a GPS position information transmission / reception device that is attached to the subject AO and has a first GPS reception function unit A101 for acquiring the position information of the subject and a function unit A102 for transmitting the position information acquired by the GPS reception function unit. A, a second GPS reception function unit B201 for acquiring position information of the camera BO that captures the subject, a function unit B202 for acquiring an orientation serving as a reference for the shooting direction, and a function unit B203 for receiving position information from the subject , An automatic tracking video camera system including a functional unit B204 that calculates the shooting direction of the subject from the relative position difference and the azimuth of the camera and a camera unit B that has a functional unit B205 that changes and controls the shooting direction based on the calculated value. Has been.

However, this Patent Document 2 does not take into consideration that the user himself / herself selects which subject is to be tracked and how the image is captured. For this reason, it was not a sufficient disclosure in terms of application to products.
JP2005-20205 JP2004-112615

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus that allows a user to select which subject is to be tracked and how to photograph. It is another object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus that improves user convenience by allowing the user to select a subject while tracking the subject.

  The image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays a subject being photographed, position information receiving means that receives information related to the position of the specific subject, and the received position information of the specific subject based on the received position information of the specific subject. A calculation means for calculating a positional relationship of a specific subject related to shooting, and a direction of the specific subject with respect to the shooting based on the calculated positional relationship on a display unit on which the subject being shot is displayed. Display means for displaying is provided.

  The photographing method according to the present invention includes a step of receiving information relating to the position of a specific subject, and a step of calculating a positional relationship of the specific subject relating to the photographing based on the received positional information of the specific subject. And a step of displaying the direction of the specific subject with respect to the photographing on the display unit on which the subject being photographed is displayed based on the calculated positional relationship.

  According to the configuration described above, there is an effect that it is possible for the user to select which subject is to be tracked and how to capture the image. In addition, it is possible to improve user convenience by enabling the user to select a subject while tracking the subject.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a photographing apparatus (video camera) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing apparatus (video camera), reference numeral 11 denotes a photographing unit, reference numeral 12 denotes a GPS receiver, reference numeral 13 denotes an electronic compass, reference numeral 14 denotes a communication unit, reference numeral 15 denotes an image processing unit, and reference numeral 16 denotes an arithmetic unit (positional relationship). Analysis unit), reference numeral 17 is a memory, and reference numeral 18 is a display.

  The display 18 displays the moving image called from the memory 17 and the positional relationship obtained by the position analysis unit. The GPS receiver 12 has a function of receiving a signal from a GPS satellite and determining the current location of the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10. The electronic compass 13 has a function of determining the direction in which the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10 is photographing.

  The communication unit 14 has a function of receiving position information of the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 outside the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10 by wireless communication. Communication with a position detection sensor (external GPS sensors 20 and 30) installed on a specific subject (substantially integrated with the specific subject) can be realized using a technique such as ID authentication.

  The position analysis unit includes a calculation unit that calculates the positional relationship of the specific subject related to the shooting based on the received position information of the specific subject. The position analysis unit obtains the position information of the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 obtained by the communication unit 14. And the GPS receiver 12 and the electronic compass 13 have a function of analyzing the positional relationship of the range being shot. Further, when a history of position information is recorded, the information is stored in the memory 17.

  The external GPS sensors 20 and 30 include GPS receivers 21 and 31 and communication units 22 and 32, respectively, and have a function of transmitting their own position information signals to the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10.

  That is, the image capturing apparatus (video camera) 10 receives the captured image, converts it into an electrical signal (image data) by photoelectric conversion, and outputs the electric signal (image data). An image processing unit 15 that performs image processing of an image (video data) and outputs it, a memory 17 that stores video data output from the imaging unit 11 and data output from the calculation unit (positional relationship analysis unit) 16, memory 17 includes a display 18 on which data stored in 17 and data output from the calculation unit (positional relationship analysis unit) 16 are displayed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, in order to grasp the information related to the position of the specific subject, for example, a signal for informing the position of the subject itself can be transmitted to the specific subject that is scheduled to shoot, The element (external GPS sensor 20, 30) is attached. This element (external GPS sensor 20, 30) is preferably substantially integrated with the subject in order to accurately transmit the position of the subject.

  GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System (GPS) and is also called a global positioning system or a global positioning system.

The (external GPS sensors 20 and 30) are configured separately from the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10 and include GPS receivers 21 and 31 and communication units 22 and 32.
Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, in order to grasp the information related to the position of a specific subject, for example, the electronic compass 13 for grasping the direction of photographing is provided. Here, for example, the electronic compass 13 is used in a mobile phone or the like, and includes a magnetic sensor that can detect weak geomagnetism, and can detect the direction.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 14 for receiving the position information output from the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 attached to the specific subject, based on the received position information of the specific subject. , A calculation means (position analysis unit for analyzing position information of the shooting range) 16 for calculating the positional relationship of a specific subject related to shooting is provided.

  That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, a display unit (display 18) for displaying a subject being photographed, position information receiving means (communication unit 14) for receiving information related to the position of a specific subject, and the reception Based on the position information of the specific subject, the calculation means (positional relationship analysis unit 16) for calculating the positional relationship of the specific subject related to the shooting, and the specification for the shooting based on the calculated positional relationship Display means (display 18) for displaying the direction of the subject on the display unit on which the subject being photographed is displayed.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 100 is a start step here. Subsequently, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 101.
Reference numeral 101 denotes a step of acquiring position information of the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 as described above. Further, when recording the history of the position information acquired here, it is stored in the memory 17 here. Then, it progresses to the step which attached | subjected code | symbol S102.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a step in which the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10 acquires its own position and direction information as described above. Here, the position information of the photographing range of the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10 is also acquired. Then, it progresses to the step which attached | subjected code | symbol S103.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a step of analyzing the positional relationship between the external GPS sensor and the imaging range as described above. Then, it progresses to the step which attached | subjected code | symbol S104.
Reference numeral 104 indicates whether or not the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 are in the shooting range when the shooting device (video camera) 10 is in a state where the widest range can be shot without using the zoom (hereinafter referred to as a wide angle). (Whether or not the camera is in a wide angle). This determination is made by a CPU (not shown) provided in the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10. And when it is judged that it is in the wide angle, it progresses to the step which attached | subjected the code | symbol 105 (yes). If it is not determined that the angle is in the wide angle, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 108 (no).

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a step of determining whether or not the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 are included in the current shooting range. If it is determined that it is within the shooting range, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 108 (yes). If it is determined that it is not within the photographing range, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 106 (no).

  Reference numeral 106 indicates that when the external GPS sensor is in the wide-angle shooting range but is not in the current shooting range, the shooting device (video camera) 10 is moved by changing the zoom position and magnification. In this step, it is possible to put the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 in the shooting range and determine whether to do so. That is, the user's judgment is asked as to whether or not the shooting range may be changed. When it is instructed to change the shooting range, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 107 (yes). If there is no instruction to change the shooting range, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 108 (no).

  Reference numeral 107 denotes a step of changing the zoom position and magnification. That is, if the change of the shooting range is instructed (permitted), the zoom position and magnification are changed, and the shooting range is moved in the direction of the external GPS sensors 20 and 30. Subsequently, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 108.

  Reference numeral 108 is a step of displaying the positional relationship between the imaging range and the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 on the display 18. Note that the display method here can be different depending on whether the GPS sensors 20 and 30 are in the photographing range or not, as will be described later. Subsequently, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 109.

  Reference numeral 109 is a step of determining whether or not the user has instructed the position display of the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 to end, for example. When it is instructed to end the position display, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 110 (yes). If it is not instructed to end the position display, the process proceeds to the step denoted by reference numeral 101 and the above process is repeated (no).

Reference numeral 10 is an end step, and the processing here ends.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example in which the direction of a specific subject is displayed side by side with the subject being photographed in the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Here, the positional relationship between the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 and the shooting range when the GPS sensors 20 and 30 are not within the shooting range and the automatic changing of the shooting range is not permitted is shown to the photographer. It is a display example to notify. That is, as described above, based on the calculated positional relationship, the direction of the specific subject with respect to the photographing is displayed on the display unit 18 on which the subject being photographed is displayed. Here, the code | symbol 51 has shown the direction of the external GPS sensor 20 (GPS1). Reference numeral 52 indicates the direction of the external GPS sensor 30 (GPS2). As described above, it is the user who actually selects the subject and performs shooting. Accordingly, which subject is to be tracked and how to capture the image is selected by the user himself. In this example, the external GPS sensor 20 (GPS1) and the external GPS sensor 30 (GPS2) are selected with respect to the imaging range. ) Direction is different. Here, for example, the user can select whether to track the external GPS sensor 20 (GPS1) or the external GPS sensor 30 (GPS2).

This example also shows that the position-related display function can be turned ON / OFF by the photographer.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a part of the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 3 in detail.
That is, FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged image on the upper right of FIG.
In the embodiment of the present invention, as an example of the information for notifying the photographer of the position of the external GPS sensor, the position of the external GPS sensor with respect to the shooting range as shown in the upper right of FIG. An image showing the distance between the camera and the external GPS sensor is displayed on the display. Also, the arrow in FIG. 3 is information for notifying where the video camera is pointed and where the external GPS sensor enters the shooting range. In addition, a direction or the like may be displayed as auxiliary information.

  In FIG. 3, the positions of the two external GPS sensors are displayed, and the names of the corresponding GPS sensors are displayed under the arrows for distinction. For this distinction, a method such as color coding is also conceivable. .

  In addition, the indication of wide-angle in shown next to GPS2 in FIG. 3 indicates that the external GPS sensor 2 (30) is not in the current shooting range, but is in the wide-angle range and automatically This indicates that the external GPS sensor 2 (30) can be imaged by moving the imaging range. In other words, if automatic change of the shooting range is permitted in this state, the zoom position and the magnification are automatically set so that the external GPS sensor 2 (30) enters the shooting range without moving the shooting device (video camera) 10. It is possible to change to

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example when a specific subject is included in an image being photographed and displayed in the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In this example, the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 are informed to the photographer of the positions of the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 when they are within the current shooting range. FIG. 5 also shows that the display function can be turned ON / OFF by the photographer.

  Here, as indicated by reference numeral 54 in FIG. 5, the positions of the GPS sensors 20 and 30 are displayed so as to be easily understood by the photographer. If the change of the shooting range is permitted, it is possible to move the external GPS sensor to the center of the shooting range without moving the video camera by changing the zoom position. In addition, since the distance to the GPS sensor is also known, it is possible to automatically change to an optimum zoom magnification.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, since the photographing device (video camera) 10 also knows its own position and the distance to the external GPS sensor, it automatically changes to the optimum zoom magnification for the subject. Is also possible. For example, when the subject is a human being, the size of the human being is roughly determined. Therefore, if the distance to the subject is known, the optimum zoom magnification can be roughly determined. The optimum magnification varies depending on certain conditions such as whether the face is photographed up or the whole body is photographed. In the embodiment of the present invention, the information is stored in advance in the photographing apparatus (video camera) 10. By registering, the external GPS sensors 20 and 30 can be automatically photographed at an optimum zoom magnification.

  By configuring as described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect that it becomes possible for the user to select which subject is to be tracked and how to shoot. In addition, the present invention has an effect that the convenience of the user can be improved by enabling the user to select a subject while tracking the subject.

  Also, in situations where it is difficult to find the subject to be photographed, such as athletic meet, the photographer (user) himself had to search for it, but by means of notifying the position of the external GPS with respect to the range being photographed, There is an effect that it is possible to facilitate shooting in situations where it is difficult to find.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by variously modifying the constituent elements without departing from the spirit in the implementation stage.

The block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the imaging device based on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart explaining operation | movement of the imaging device based on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display which displays the direction of a specific subject along with the to-be-photographed subject in the imaging device based on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 3 and will be described in detail. The figure which shows the example of a display in case the specific to-be-photographed object is included in the image during imaging | photography in the imaging device based on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image pick-up device (video camera), 11 ... Image pick-up part, 12 ... GPS receiver, 13 ... Electronic compass, 14 ... Communication part, 15 ... Image processing part, 16 ... Calculation part (positional relationship analysis part), 17 ... Memory , 18 ... Display.

Claims (5)

In a photographing device for photographing a subject and storing it in a storage medium,
A display for displaying the subject being shot;
Position information receiving means for receiving information related to the position of a specific subject;
Calculation means for calculating a positional relationship of the specific subject related to the photographing based on the received positional information of the specific subject;
An imaging apparatus, comprising: a display unit configured to display a direction of the specific subject with respect to the photographing on a display unit on which the subject being photographed is displayed based on the calculated positional relationship.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is displayed side by side on the subject being photographed.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the position of the subject is detected and output using a position detection sensor substantially integrated with the specific subject.   The said calculating means calculates the positional relationship of the specific object which concerns on the said imaging | photography using the information output from the said position detection sensor, and the function to detect geomagnetism. Shooting device. Receiving information relating to the position of a particular subject;
Calculating the positional relationship of the specific subject related to the shooting based on the received positional information of the specific subject;
A photographing method comprising: displaying a direction of the specific subject with respect to the photographing based on the calculated positional relationship on a display unit on which the subject being photographed is displayed.

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