JP2013223104A - Camera and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system which, in a case where the imaging areas of plural cameras overlap, selects a camera suitable for image processing, thereby controlling the execution of image processing by each camera.SOLUTION: An image similarity determination unit 201 receives imaging area information 120 of plural cameras, determines the overlapping degree of the images, and outputs the similarity of each camera. A camera selection unit 202 receives the imaging states 119 of the cameras, selects a camera suitable for the image processing from similar cameras, executes the image processing with the selected camera, and stops the image processing executed by not-selected cameras.

Description

  The present invention is a camera system that includes a plurality of cameras and performs image processing on video captured by each camera, and particularly includes a selection control device that selects a camera suitable for image processing and controls processing. It is about.

  In conventional surveillance camera systems, each camera performs an image processing function such as a motion detection function or a face detection function for detecting a moving object from an image, and based on the result, an alarm is recorded on a storage medium. Triggers such as start of delivery were generated.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a monitoring system that continuously captures images of a moving body, and that is capable of capturing images at an optimum angle in cooperation with a plurality of cameras (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2007-104223 A

  In the conventional monitoring system, the cameras exchange information with each other to switch the shooting range of the shooting means, and control monitoring with an optimum angle without a blind spot. However, depending on the arrangement of each camera, there may be a situation in which the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras overlap, and since these multiple cameras both perform image processing on the same area, the entire system is wasted. Had the problem of occurring.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides a camera system that selects a camera suitable for image processing and controls execution of image processing of each camera when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras overlap. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the conventional problem, a camera system of the present invention is a camera system having a plurality of cameras and a selection control device, and the camera includes an imaging device that converts input light into a video signal, A video signal processing unit that processes a video signal obtained from the image sensor, an exposure adjustment unit that changes the brightness of the video signal based on an exposure setting value, and a brightness signal from the brightness of the video signal to the exposure adjustment unit. Image processing is performed using the exposure control unit that controls the exposure setting value, the imaging state detection unit that detects the imaging state of the own camera from the video signal from the imaging element and the exposure setting value, and the video signal. An image processing unit; a communication unit that performs network communication; and an imaging region acquisition unit that acquires imaging region information of the own camera using position information and imaging direction information. An image similarity determination unit that determines the degree of image similarity captured from the imaging region information of a plurality of cameras, and selects an optimal camera for the image processing from the imaging state and the image similarity of the plurality of cameras, A camera selection unit that generates an image processing control signal that is a control signal of the image processing unit of a plurality of cameras, and a communication unit that performs network communication.

  With this configuration, when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras overlap, it is possible to acquire the imaging state of each camera and select a camera suitable for image processing for the overlapping imaging areas.

  According to the camera system of the present invention, when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras overlap each other, the system performs control of executing image processing with the selected camera and stopping image processing with the camera not selected. The resources consumed as a whole can be reduced.

The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the camera system in Embodiment 1 of this invention Diagram for explaining the imaging area The figure for demonstrating duplication of the imaging area of several cameras The figure for explaining the difference of the degree of overlap which the difference of the imaging region of the plural cameras exerts The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the camera in Embodiment 2 of this invention The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the camera in Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
1. Configuration of Camera System FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a camera system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The camera system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of cameras (100-1, 100-2, 100-n) and a selection control device 200. The plurality of cameras (100-1, 100-2, 100-n) and the selection control device 200 are connected via a network.

  This camera system can be used for an information providing service for providing users with images from a plurality of cameras, a broadcast relay system, a traffic control system, a navigation system, a monitoring system, a video conference system, and the like.

  The plurality of cameras (100-1, 100-2, 100-n) perform peripheral imaging, and perform image processing such as a motion detection function or a face detection function for detecting a moving object from the captured images. The camera system is used for subsequent processing such as generating an alarm, recording to a storage medium, and a trigger for starting distribution using the result of image processing performed by each camera. In the present embodiment, details are not described for processing after each camera executes image processing.

  The selection control apparatus 200 acquires imaging area information and imaging states from a plurality of cameras via a network, and determines whether or not imaging areas overlap. When it is determined that there is an overlap, the selection control device 200 selects a camera suitable for image processing on the overlapped imaging region based on the imaging state of each camera. The selection control apparatus 200 notifies each camera of the selection result as an image processing control signal. Each camera that has received the image processing control signal performs image processing or does not perform image processing in accordance with the image processing control signal.

  As described above, when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras are overlapped, a camera suitable for image processing with respect to the overlapping imaging areas is selected, image processing is executed with the selected camera, and image processing with the camera not selected is performed. It is possible to perform control to stop.

1.1 Configuration of Camera 100-1 The camera 100-1 includes a lens 101, a lens aperture 102, an image sensor 103, a digital shutter 104, a digital gain 105, an exposure control unit 106, a video signal processing unit 107, and an image compression unit 108. , An image processing unit 109, an imaging region acquisition unit 110, an imaging state detection unit 111, a resource state acquisition unit 112, a communication unit 113, and an output unit 122.

  The internal configuration of the cameras (100-2, 100-n) is the same as that of the camera 100-1.

  The lens 101 is a general lens that collects light.

  The aperture 102 performs exposure adjustment by opening and closing according to the aperture value 114 output from the exposure control unit 106.

  The image sensor 103 is a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor that converts light into a video signal 117. The image sensor 103 performs exposure adjustment by turning off the digital shutter 104 in accordance with the shutter value 115 output from the exposure control unit 106.

  The digital gain 105 performs exposure adjustment of the video signal 117 output from the image sensor 103 according to the gain value 116 output from the exposure control unit 106.

  The exposure control unit 106 receives the video signal 117 output from the image sensor 103, and performs processing using the current aperture value 114, shutter value 115, and gain value 116 held therein. The exposure control unit 106 adaptively sets a new aperture value 114, shutter value 115, and gain based on the brightness of the received video signal 117, changes in brightness, the current aperture value 114, the shutter value 115, and the gain value 116. The value 116 is determined. The exposure control unit 106 outputs the determined new aperture value 114, shutter value 115, and gain value 116 to the aperture 102, digital shutter 104, and digital gain 105, respectively.

  In this embodiment, the aperture 102, the digital shutter 104, and the digital gain 105 are controlled by the exposure control unit 106. However, at least any one of them may be used.

  The video signal processing unit 107 receives the video signal after exposure adjustment with the digital gain 105, performs general video signal processing such as gamma correction, white balance, knee correction, and scratch correction, and performs YC conversion. Generate luminance and color difference signals.

  In this embodiment, the digital gain 105 is arranged in the preceding stage of the video signal processing unit 107, but may exist between various processes of the video signal processing unit 107.

  The image compressing unit 108 receives the luminance and color difference signals output from the video signal processing unit 107 and receives JPEG or MPEG, H.264, and H.264. Compressed into a format such as H.264 to generate compressed image data. The image compression unit 108 outputs the generated image compression data to the output unit 122.

  The image processing unit 109 receives at least one of the luminance and color difference signals output from the video signal processing unit 107 and detects a moving object in the video, a face recognition function, a person detection function, a license plate Various image processing such as recognition is performed. The image processing unit 109 determines whether or not to execute image processing according to the image processing control signal 118 received from the selection control device 200 via the communication unit 113. The image processing control signal 118 can be designated “ON” or “OFF”. The image processing unit 109 executes image processing when the image processing control signal 118 is “ON”, and does not execute image processing when it is “OFF”.

  The imaging area acquisition unit 110 calculates the imaging area information 120 currently captured using the position information and the imaging direction information, and outputs the imaging area information 120.

  The position information is acquired from, for example, positioning based on GPS sensor or WLAN data or a preset position. As in a car navigation system, a configuration may be used in which positioning is normally performed using GPS and the current position is estimated using a value of a gyro sensor when a GPS satellite signal cannot be received. The case where a GPS satellite signal cannot be received is, for example, inside a tunnel. Moreover, the accuracy of the imaging area information 120 can be further increased by acquiring the height information from the GPS.

  The imaging direction information is obtained from east, west, south, and north using a geomagnetic sensor or the like. In addition, the accuracy of the imaging area information 120 can be further increased by adding an angle in the imaging direction with respect to the ground, that is, a tilt angle, as the imaging direction information using an acceleration sensor or a posture sensor.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the imaging region. FIG. 2A shows an imaging area of the camera 100 by a hatched area. In FIG. 2A, the moving object existing in the imaging region is indicated by a circle. Even if a subject such as a person is within the angle of view, the image processing unit 109 cannot visually recognize the subject, detect an image, or recognize an image if the subject is located far from the camera. FIG. 2B shows an imaging area in a hatched area when the imaging distance is determined in consideration of the resolution of the camera and the range is limited. The imaging region in FIG. 2B is a narrower region than that in FIG.

  Depending on the type of image processing, the size of the subject required for detection differs. For example, the face detection function requires several tens of pixels for the face width. The motion detection function can be detected even if the body height is about several pixels. The imaging region may be configured to limit the range by using resolution and necessary pixel number information that is determined in advance for each image processing.

  That is, the imaging area information 120 requires at least position information, that is, latitude and longitude and an imaging direction, and accuracy can be increased by adding height information, a tilt angle, and an imaging distance.

  The imaging state detection unit 111 receives the video signal 117 output from the image sensor 103, the aperture value 114, the shutter value 115, and the gain value 116 output from the exposure control unit 106, and detects the imaging state 119 of the camera. Output. The imaging state 119 detected by the imaging state detection unit 111 will be described with a specific example. The imaging state detection unit 111 may output all the information shown as specific examples below as the imaging state, or may output only a part of the information as the imaging state.

  The imaging state detection unit 111 counts the number of pixels in which the brightness of each pixel constituting the input video signal 117 is equal to or greater than a preset light amount threshold value, and outputs the counted result (count value) as the imaging state 119. In general camera exposure control, control is performed to keep the brightness of an image constant. When there are many pixels having a certain level of brightness, such as in a backlight state, the brightness of the other pixels is controlled to become darker. As a result, the video signal after exposure adjustment is a video unsuitable for image processing. More specifically, for example, when a ceiling illumination is reflected, a region where a person other than the ceiling illumination or a person's face is photographed is a dark image. Since the area where the face is photographed is dark, a low detection rate is obtained when the image processing unit 109 performs image processing such as a face recognition function or a person detection function. The selection control apparatus 200 described later acquires the imaging state 119 from a plurality of cameras, and determines that the larger the imaging state 119 (count value) is, the less suitable for image processing.

  The imaging state detection unit 111 inputs the video signal 117 after passing through the aperture 102 and the digital shutter 104. That is, the magnitude of the video signal 117 input by the imaging state detection unit 111 changes depending on the aperture value 114 and the shutter value 115 determined by the exposure control unit 106. Therefore, the imaging state detection unit 111 adaptively corrects the light amount threshold value with the shooting setting values such as the aperture value 114 and the shutter value 115. The imaging state detection unit 111 counts the number of pixels in which the brightness of each pixel constituting the input video signal 117 is equal to or greater than the corrected light amount threshold value, and outputs the counted result (count value) as the imaging state 119. The selection control apparatus 200 described later acquires the imaging state 119 from a plurality of cameras, and determines that the larger the imaging state 119 (count value) is, the less suitable for image processing.

  Further, the imaging state detection unit 111 may normalize the count value and output the normalized count value as the imaging state 119 in order to correct a setting value or performance difference between the cameras. The selection control device 200 described later acquires an imaging state 119 from a plurality of cameras and compares the imaging state 119 (count value) to select an optimal camera. If the comparison target cameras have different resolutions, a correct selection cannot be made by simply comparing the count values. Therefore, the imaging state detection unit 111 outputs a percentage calculated by dividing the count value by the number of pixels on the screen as the imaging state 119 (count value). Thereby, the selection control device 200 described later can compare the imaging states 119 of a plurality of cameras and select an optimal camera.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging state detection unit 111 receives the video signal 117 before the digital gain 105 as an input. The imaging state detection unit 111 may be configured to receive the video signal 117 after the digital gain 105 as an input. In this case, in addition to the aperture value 114 and the shutter value 115, a gain value 116 is added as a parameter for adaptively changing the light amount threshold value.

  As another example, the imaging state detection unit 111 receives a shutter value 115 as an input and outputs the shutter value 115 as an imaging state 119. In other words, when the shutter value 115 is large, the exposure time of the sensor increases, so blurring occurs when the camera itself is shaken or the person being shown moves, resulting in a blurred image. When the image processing unit 109 performs image processing using the high-frequency component of the image, the image is not suitable. A specific example using the high-frequency component of the image is a face recognition function. That is, the selection control apparatus 200 described later acquires the imaging state 119 from a plurality of cameras, and determines that the imaging state 119 (shutter value 115) is not suitable for image processing when the imaging state 119 (shutter value 115) is large.

  Even when the shutter value 115 is large, if the camera does not shake at all, it may be determined that there is no problem in image processing. For example, the imaging state detection unit 111 detects the movement of the camera using a gyro sensor or the like, and when the movement of the camera is equal to or less than a preset threshold, the imaging state 119 (shutter value 115) with the shutter value 115 being zero. ) Is output.

  The resource status acquisition unit 112 acquires and outputs the current resource status 121 of the own camera. The resource state is, for example, CPU frequency such as CPU frequency, number of CPU cores, and CPU usage rate. When the camera has a storage medium such as an SD card, the resource state includes, for example, the remaining capacity of the storage medium. In the case of a battery-driven camera, the resource state includes a current battery state such as a remaining battery capacity.

  The communication unit 113 is connected to a wired or wireless network, and transmits the imaging state 119, the imaging region information 120, and the resource state 121 to the selection control device 200. Further, the communication unit 113 receives the image processing control signal 118 from the selection control device 200 and outputs it to the image processing unit 109.

  The output unit 122 receives the compressed image data from the image compression unit 108 and outputs it to the outside. For example, the camera 100-1 includes a display, decodes the input compressed image data, and displays the decoded image on the display. The camera 100-1 outputs the input compressed image data to an external device via a wired or wireless network. When the external device is a recording device, the external device records the received compressed image data.

1.2 Configuration of Selection Control Device 200 The selection control device 200 includes an image similarity determination unit 201, a camera selection unit 202, and a communication unit 203.

  The image similarity determination unit 201 inputs the imaging area information 220 of a plurality of cameras (100-1, 100-2, 100-n) via the communication unit 203, and determines the degree of image overlap. The imaging area information 220 includes at least one identifier that can identify a camera and one or more imaging area information 120 of the corresponding camera. The image similarity determination unit 201 determines the overlapping of the areas indicated by the imaging area information 120 of each camera, and determines the overlapping degree between the cameras. The image similarity determination unit 201 manages cameras with overlapping imaging areas as similar cameras, manages a plurality of similar cameras as a group, and assigns a group number 205 to each camera group. The image similarity determination unit 201 outputs the group number 205 of the camera group to which each camera belongs to the camera selection unit 202.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining overlapping of imaging regions. FIG. 3 is a view seen from above, and the imaging areas of the camera 100-1 and the camera 100-2, and the camera 100-1 and the camera 100-2 are indicated by hatched areas. The image similarity determination unit 201 uses the acquired imaging area information 120 (position information, imaging direction information, imaging distance) of each camera, and overlaps between the cameras in the imaging area of the imaging area when viewed from above. Get the overlap area. The image similarity determination unit 201 determines that images are overlapping when the ratio of the acquired overlapping area to the imaging area, that is, the overlapping degree is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, and sets “overlapping” as the similarity 204. Output. On the other hand, if the degree of overlap is less than a preset threshold, the image similarity determination unit 201 outputs “non-overlapping” Boolean data as the degree of similarity 204. Note that the image similarity determination unit 201 outputs a corresponding similarity 204 for each camera (100-1, 100-2, 100-n). That is, the image similarity determination unit 201 outputs an identifier that can identify the camera and the similarity 204 in association with each other. In addition, the image similarity determination unit 201 assigns the group number 205 of the camera group determined to be duplicated for each camera in order to associate similar cameras with each other, and outputs the group number 205 to the camera selection unit 202.

  When attention is paid to the two cameras, even if the overlapping area is the same, if the resolution or the angle of view is different, the imaging area is different and the overlapping degree is different. Therefore, in both cameras, when the degree of overlap is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, it is determined that the images are overlapped, and “duplicate” and the group number 205 of the camera group are output as the similarity 204. May be.

  In addition, when the two cameras are focused as described above, the imaging area is further different, and when at least one of the cameras has a degree of overlap equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the group number 205 of the camera group and the respective degree of overlap May be output as the similarity 204. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the imaging areas of the two cameras are different. The degree of overlap of the camera 100-1 is 20%. The degree of overlap of the camera 100-2 is 80%. When the preset threshold is 70%, the degree of duplication of the camera 100-2 exceeds the threshold. On the other hand, the overlapping degree of the camera 100-1 is below the threshold value. In such a case, the image similarity determination unit 201 sets the cameras 100-1 and 100-2 as a camera group, sets the group number 205 of the camera group, and 20% and 80% of the respective overlaps as the similarity 204. Output. At this time, a reservation number such as 0xFF is assigned to the group number of cameras that do not overlap.

  Although two cameras are described here, three or more cameras may be used.

  Although the tilt angle and height information are not used here, it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional overlapping volume by using the tilt angle and height information, and the degree of similarity of images can be more accurately determined from the overlapping volume. You can often ask.

  The camera selection unit 202 acquires the group number 205 of each camera from the image similarity determination unit 201 and acquires the imaging state 219 of each camera (100-1, 100-2, 100-n) from the communication unit 203. The selection process is performed. The imaging state 219 includes at least one identifier that can identify the camera and one or more imaging states 119 of the corresponding camera. The camera selection unit 202 selects a camera suitable for image processing using the imaging state 119 of each camera having the same group number. The camera selection unit 202 generates an image processing control signal 218 based on the selection result and outputs it to the communication unit 203. The image processing control signal 218 includes one or more identifiers that can identify the camera and one or more image processing control signals 118 of the corresponding cameras. The image processing control signal 118 can be designated “ON” or “OFF”. The camera selection unit 202 designates “ON” for a camera selected as a camera suitable for image processing, and designates “OFF” for other cameras.

  For example, the camera selection unit 202 acquires the imaging state 119 (count value) of the camera 100-1, the camera 100-4, and the camera 100-5 as the imaging state 219. The imaging state 119 (count value) of each camera is 50, 80, and 70, respectively. Furthermore, the camera selection unit 202 inputs the same group number from the image similarity determination unit 201, assuming that the three cameras (100-1, 100-4, 100-5) are similar. At this time, the camera selection unit 202 determines that the larger the count value is, the less suitable for image processing, and selects the camera 100-1 having the smallest count value as the optimum camera. As a result, the camera selection unit 202 designates “ON” for the image processing control signal 118 for the camera 100-1 and “OFF” for the image processing control signal 118 for the camera 100-4 and the camera 100-5. Output to.

  As another example, the camera selection unit 202 acquires the shutter value 115 as the imaging state 119 of each camera as the imaging state 219. The camera selection unit 202 determines that the smaller the shutter value 115 is, the better the image processing is, and selects the camera with the smallest shutter value 115 as the optimum camera. As a result, the camera selection unit 202 designates the image processing control signal 118 for the camera with the smallest shutter value 115 as “ON”, and designates the image processing control signal 118 for the other cameras as “OFF”. Output.

  As another example, the camera selection unit 202 acquires the degree of overlap (percentage) as the similarity 204 from the image similarity determination unit 201. The camera selection unit 202 weights and compares the imaging state 119 (count value) of each camera with the degree of overlap (percentage). In the example of FIG. 4, since the camera 100-1 covers 80% of the imaging area of the camera 100-2, the camera selection unit 202 may determine that the camera 100-1 is more suitable for image processing. . In this case, the camera selection unit 202 may multiply the imaging state 119 by the reciprocal of the degree of overlap (percentage) for each camera, and select an optimal camera based on the result.

  Further, the camera selection unit 202 may acquire the resource state 221 of each camera from the communication unit 203 and perform a selection process. The resource state 221 includes at least one identifier capable of identifying a camera and one or more resource states 121 of the corresponding camera. The camera selection unit 202 further weights and compares the imaging state 119 of each camera or the value obtained by weighting the degree of overlap (similarity 204) to the imaging state 119 with the resource state 121 of each camera.

  Further, ON is output as an image processing control signal 118 to a camera for which it is determined that there is no other similar camera. This is because there is no other camera that images the same area, and it is necessary to perform image processing by itself.

  The communication unit 203 is connected to a wired or wireless network, receives the imaging area information 120 and the resource state 121 from each camera (100-1, 100-2, 100-n), and receives the imaging area information 220 and the resource state 221. To the camera selection unit 202. Further, the communication unit 203 receives the image processing control signal 218 output from the camera selection unit 202 and transmits it to each camera (100-1, 100-2, 100-n).

  In the present embodiment, as the output of the image similarity determination unit 201, the group number 205 of the camera group belonging to each camera is output. However, in the configuration of outputting the list of cameras belonging to each group number. Good. For example, the list of the camera group 1 is a list of identifiers that can identify the cameras 100-1, 100-3, and 100-5, and the list of the camera group 2 can identify the cameras 100-2 and 100-6. It is a list of identifiers.

  As described above, the selection control device according to the present embodiment acquires the imaging state of each camera when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras overlap, and selects a camera suitable for image processing for the overlapping imaging areas. Is possible. In addition, the selection control apparatus according to the present embodiment can perform control to execute image processing with a selected camera and stop image processing with a camera that has not been selected.

  In addition, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, when a similar region is imaged when there are a plurality of cameras that perform image processing, only the camera that is capturing an image that is optimal for image processing performs image processing. And the image processing of other cameras is stopped. As a result, the resources consumed by the entire camera system can be reduced. Examples of resources that can be reduced include a reduction in power consumption, a reduction in memory size used, and an amount of network bandwidth used.

(Embodiment 2)
2. Configuration of Camera System The camera system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of cameras, and the plurality of cameras are connected via a network. In addition, at least one camera has a selection control unit therein. The camera system according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the image similarity determination and camera selection processed by the selection control apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment are performed inside the camera.

  The plurality of cameras perform peripheral imaging and perform image processing such as a motion detection function or a face detection function for detecting a moving object from the captured image. The camera system is used for subsequent processing such as generating an alarm, recording to a storage medium, and a trigger for starting distribution using the result of image processing performed by each camera. In the present embodiment, details are not described for processing after each camera executes image processing.

  The camera 300 having the selection control unit 310 acquires imaging region information and imaging state from other cameras via the network, and determines whether or not the imaging regions overlap. When it is determined that there is an overlap, the camera 300 having the selection control unit 310 selects a camera suitable for image processing for the overlapped imaging region based on the imaging state of each camera, and performs image processing control on the selection result. Each camera is notified as a signal. Each camera that has received the image processing control signal performs image processing or does not perform image processing in accordance with the image processing control signal.

  As described above, when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras are overlapped, a camera suitable for image processing with respect to the overlapping imaging areas is selected, image processing is executed with the selected camera, and image processing with the camera not selected is performed. It is possible to perform control to stop.

2.1 Configuration of Camera 300 FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a camera having a selection control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The content configuration of the other cameras that do not have the selection control unit is the same as that of the camera 100-1 in FIG.

  The camera 300 includes a lens 101, a lens aperture 102, an image sensor 103, a digital shutter 104, a digital gain 105, an exposure control unit 106, a video signal processing unit 107, an image compression unit 108, an image processing unit 109, and an imaging region acquisition unit 110. An imaging state detection unit 111, a resource state acquisition unit 112, a communication unit 313, an output unit 122, and a selection control unit 310. The selection control unit 310 includes an image similarity determination unit 301 and a camera selection unit 302.

  The camera 300 is different from the camera 100-1 in FIG. 1 in an image similarity determination unit 301, a camera selection unit 302, and a communication unit 313. Other components have the same functions as the camera 100-1 in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the image similarity determination unit 301, the camera selection unit 302, and the communication unit 313 will be described.

  The communication unit 313 is connected to a wired or wireless network, and receives imaging area information 320, a resource state 321 and an imaging state 319 of another camera from one or more other cameras. In addition, the communication unit 313 outputs each information received from another camera to the selection control unit 310. The imaging state 319 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more imaging states 119 of the corresponding other cameras. The imaging area information 320 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more imaging area information 120 of the corresponding other cameras. The resource state 321 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more resource states 121 of corresponding other cameras. Further, the communication unit 313 receives the image processing control signal 318 to the other camera from the selection control unit 310 and outputs it to the corresponding other camera.

  The image similarity determination unit 301 inputs the imaging area information 320 of the other camera via the communication unit 313, inputs the imaging area information 120 of the own camera from the imaging area acquisition unit 110, and determines the degree of image overlap. The imaging area information 320 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more imaging area information 120 of the corresponding other cameras. The image similarity determination unit 301 determines the overlap of the areas indicated by the imaging area information 120 of each camera, and determines the degree of overlap between the cameras. The image similarity determination unit 301 manages cameras with overlapping imaging areas as similar cameras, manages a plurality of similar cameras as a group, and assigns a group number 205 to each camera group. The image similarity determination unit 301 outputs the group number 205 of the camera group to which each camera belongs to the camera selection unit 302.

  The image similarity determination unit 301 uses the acquired imaging area information 120 (position information, imaging direction information, imaging distance) of each camera (own camera and other cameras) to determine the imaging area of the imaging area when viewed from above. Among them, an overlapping area overlapping between cameras is acquired. The image similarity determination unit 301 determines that images are overlapping when the ratio of the acquired overlapping area to the imaging area, that is, the overlapping degree is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, and sets “overlapping” as the similarity 204. Output. On the other hand, if the degree of overlap is less than a preset threshold, the image similarity determination unit 301 outputs Boolean data of “non-overlap” as the degree of similarity 204. The image similarity determination unit 301 outputs a corresponding similarity 204 for each camera. That is, the image similarity determination unit 301 outputs the identifier that can identify the camera and the similarity 204 in association with each other. In addition, the image similarity determination unit 201 assigns the group number 205 of the camera group determined to be duplicated for each camera in order to associate similar cameras with each other, and outputs the group number 205 to the camera selection unit 302.

  When attention is paid to the two cameras, even if the overlapping area is the same, if the resolution or the angle of view is different, the imaging area is different and the overlapping degree is different. Therefore, in both cameras, when the degree of overlap is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, it is determined that the images are overlapped, and “duplicate” and the group number 205 of the camera group are output as the similarity 204. May be.

  In addition, when the two cameras are focused as described above, the imaging area is further different, and when at least one of the cameras has a degree of overlap equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the group number 205 of the camera group and the respective degree of overlap May be output as the similarity 204. Note that the degree of duplication of each camera has been described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIG. In the case of FIG. 4, the image similarity determination unit 301 sets the cameras 100-1 and 100-2 as camera groups, and outputs the group numbers 205 of these camera groups and the respective overlapping degrees 20% and 80% as the similarity degrees 204. . At this time, a reservation number such as 0xFF is assigned to the group number of cameras that do not overlap.

  Note that the image similarity determination unit 301 can determine the degree of similarity using the imaging area information of each camera in the same procedure as the image similarity determination unit 201 of the first embodiment. .

  The camera selection unit 302 acquires the group number 205 of each camera from the image similarity determination unit 301, inputs the imaging state 319 of the other camera via the communication unit 313, and sets the imaging state 119 of the own camera to the imaging state detection unit 111. Input from, and select processing. The imaging state 319 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more imaging states 119 of the corresponding other cameras. The camera selection unit 302 selects a camera suitable for image processing using the imaging state 119 of each camera having the same group number. The camera selection unit 302 generates an image processing control signal 318 based on the selection result and outputs it to the communication unit 313. Also, the camera selection unit 302 generates an image processing control signal 118 for the own camera based on the selection result, and outputs the image processing control signal 118 to the image processing unit 109. The image processing control signal 318 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more image processing control signals 118 of the corresponding other cameras. The image processing control signal 118 can be designated “ON” or “OFF”. The camera selection unit 302 designates “ON” for a camera selected as a camera suitable for image processing, and designates “OFF” for other cameras.

  Note that a method in which the camera selection unit 302 selects an optimal camera using the imaging state of each camera can be processed in the same procedure as the camera selection unit 202 of the first embodiment.

  Further, the camera selection unit 302 may input the resource state 321 of the other camera via the communication unit 313 and input the resource state 121 of the own camera from the resource state acquisition unit 112 to perform the selection process. The resource state 321 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more resource states 121 of corresponding other cameras. The camera selection unit 302 further weights and compares the imaging state 119 of each camera or the value obtained by weighting the degree of overlap (similarity 204) to the imaging state 119 with the resource state 121 of each camera.

  Further, ON is output as an image processing control signal 118 to a camera for which it is determined that there is no other similar camera. This is because there is no other camera that images the same area, and it is necessary to perform image processing by itself.

  As described above, the camera according to the present embodiment includes the selection control unit, and it is not necessary to include a dedicated selection control device in the camera system. A camera having a selection control unit can acquire an imaging state of each camera and select a camera suitable for image processing on the overlapped imaging area when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras overlap. . In addition, the selection control apparatus according to the present embodiment can perform control to execute image processing with a selected camera and stop image processing with a camera that has not been selected.

  In addition, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, when a similar region is imaged when there are a plurality of cameras that perform image processing, only the camera that is capturing an image that is optimal for image processing performs image processing. And the image processing of other cameras is stopped. As a result, the resources consumed by the entire camera system can be reduced. Examples of resources that can be reduced include a reduction in power consumption, a reduction in memory size used, and an amount of network bandwidth used.

(Embodiment 3)
3. Configuration of Camera System The camera system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of cameras, and the plurality of cameras are connected via a network. All the cameras have a selection control unit inside. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, there is a difference in software configuration or hardware configuration between the camera having the selection control unit and another camera. That is, the camera system in the present embodiment can be constructed from cameras having an equivalent software configuration or hardware configuration. The camera system according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the image similarity determination and the camera selection processed by the selection control apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment can be executed inside all the cameras. Based on the camera attribute information of the own camera, the camera according to the present embodiment determines whether to perform image similarity determination and camera selection within the own camera, and switches processing.

  The plurality of cameras perform peripheral imaging and perform image processing such as a motion detection function or a face detection function for detecting a moving object from the captured image. The camera system is used for subsequent processing such as generating an alarm, recording to a storage medium, and a trigger for starting distribution using the result of image processing performed by each camera. In the present embodiment, details are not described for processing after each camera executes image processing.

  The camera 400 having the selection control unit 410 determines whether to perform image similarity determination and camera selection within the own camera based on the camera attribute information of the own camera. When it is determined that the image similarity determination and the camera selection are to be performed, the camera 400 having the selection control unit 410 acquires the imaging area information and the imaging state from other cameras via the network, and determines whether the imaging areas overlap. To do. When it is determined that there is an overlap, the camera 400 having the selection control unit 410 selects a camera suitable for image processing with respect to the overlapped imaging region based on the imaging state of each camera, and performs image processing control on the selection result. Each camera is notified as a signal. Each camera that has received the image processing control signal performs image processing or does not perform image processing in accordance with the image processing control signal.

  In addition, when the camera 400 having the selection control unit 410 determines not to execute the image similarity determination and the camera selection in its own camera based on the camera attribute information of its own camera, the other camera via the network The imaging area information and the imaging state are transmitted to. Each camera that has received the image processing control signal performs image processing or does not perform image processing in accordance with the image processing control signal.

  As described above, when the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras are overlapped, a camera suitable for image processing with respect to the overlapping imaging areas is selected, image processing is executed with the selected camera, and image processing with the camera not selected is performed. It is possible to perform control to stop.

3.1 Configuration of Camera 400 FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a camera having a selection control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The camera 400 includes a lens 101, a lens aperture 102, an image sensor 103, a digital shutter 104, a digital gain 105, an exposure control unit 106, a video signal processing unit 107, an image compression unit 108, an image processing unit 109, and an imaging region acquisition unit 110. An imaging state detection unit 111, a resource state acquisition unit 112, a communication unit 413, an output unit 122, and a selection control unit 410. The selection control unit 410 includes an image similarity determination unit 401, a camera selection unit 402, a camera attribute determination unit 403, and a communication signal control unit 404.

  The camera 400 is different from the camera 300 in FIG. 5 in a camera attribute determination unit 403, a communication signal control unit 404, an image similarity determination unit 401, a camera selection unit 402, and a communication unit 413. . Other components have the same function as the camera 300 in FIG. 5, that is, the same function as the camera 100-1 in FIG.

  The image similarity determination unit 401, camera selection unit 402, camera attribute determination unit 403, communication signal control unit 404, and communication unit 413 will be described below.

  The communication unit 413 is connected to a wired or wireless network, and receives imaging area information 320, a resource state 321 and an imaging state 319 of another camera from one or more other cameras. In addition, the communication unit 413 outputs the imaging region information 320, the resource state 321, and the imaging state 319 received from the other camera to the communication signal control unit 404 of the selection control unit 410. The imaging state 319 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more imaging states 119 of the corresponding other cameras. The imaging area information 320 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more imaging area information 120 of the corresponding other cameras. The resource state 321 includes one or more identifiers that can identify other cameras and one or more resource states 121 of corresponding other cameras. Further, the communication unit 413 receives the image processing control signal 318 to the other camera from the communication signal control unit 404 of the selection control unit 410 and outputs it to the corresponding other camera.

  In addition, the communication unit 413 transmits the imaging state 119, the imaging area information 120, and the resource state 121 of the own camera input from the communication signal control unit 404 of the selection control unit 410 to other cameras. Further, the communication unit 413 receives the image processing control signal 118 of the own camera from another camera and outputs it to the communication signal control unit 404 of the selection control unit 410.

  Based on the camera attribute information 405 of the own camera, the camera attribute determination unit 403 determines whether to perform image similarity determination and camera selection within the own camera. The camera attribute determination unit 403 outputs the determination result as an execution control signal 406 to the image similarity determination unit 401, the camera selection unit 402, and the communication signal control unit 404. The execution control signal 406 can be designated as “ON” or “OFF”. The camera attribute determination unit 403 specifies “ON” if it is determined to be executed, and specifies “OFF” otherwise.

  The camera attribute determination unit 403 sets, for example, “execute” or “do not execute” as the camera attribute information 405 in advance for each camera as a determination method for determining whether to perform image similarity determination and camera selection.

  As another example, there is a method in which the camera attribute determination unit 403 uses a hash value. For example, the camera attribute determination unit 403 obtains a hash value using a hash function such as SHA-1 for a unique number assigned to the camera such as the MAC address of the camera. On the other hand, the camera attribute determination unit 403 similarly obtains a hash value for the content of the image processing to be controlled, that is, the name of the image processing function performed by the image processing unit 109. The camera attribute determination unit 403 performs image similarity determination and camera selection with a camera having a hash value that is larger than and closest to the hash value assigned to the name, and determines that it is not performed with other cameras. A similar technique is widely known as a distributed hash table (DHT) for peer-to-peer communication. If DHT is used, even when a camera enters or exits from the network, it is possible to dynamically change the camera to be executed and continue the process stably. In addition, when there are a plurality of image processing functions performed by the image processing unit 109, each image processing function has a different name, and thus a different hash value is used for each image processing function. As a result, the camera attribute determination unit 403 has an advantage that the image similarity determination and the camera selection are executed by different cameras for each image processing function, and the load is not biased to one camera.

  The communication signal control unit 404 switches processing according to the execution control signal 406 output from the camera attribute determination unit 403.

  When the execution control signal 406 is ON, the communication signal control unit 404 performs the following processing. The communication signal control unit 404 inputs the imaging area information 320 of the other camera and the imaging area information 120 of the own camera, bundles them as the imaging area information 420, and bundles the imaging area information 420 of the own and other cameras to the image similarity determination unit 401. Output. The imaging area information 420 includes one or more identifiers capable of identifying the own and other cameras and one or more imaging area information 120 of the corresponding own and other cameras. Further, the communication signal control unit 404 inputs the imaging state 319 of the other camera and the imaging state 119 of the own camera, bundles them as the imaging state 419, and outputs the imaging state 419 of the own other camera to the camera selection unit 402. The imaging state 419 includes one or more identifiers that can identify the own and other cameras and one or more imaging states 119 of the corresponding own and other cameras. Further, the communication signal control unit 404 inputs the resource state 321 of the other camera and the resource state 121 of the own camera, bundles them as the resource state 421, and outputs the resource state 421 of the own camera to the camera selection unit 402. The resource state 421 includes one or more identifiers that can identify the own camera and the resource state 121 of the corresponding own camera. Further, the communication signal control unit 404 inputs the image processing control signal 418 of its own or other camera from the camera selection unit 402, and sends the image processing control signal 118 of its own camera included in the image processing control signal 418 to the image processing unit 109. Output. The communication signal control unit 404 outputs an image processing control signal 318 of another camera included in the image processing control signal 418 to the communication unit 413. Note that the image processing control signal 418 includes one or more identifiers capable of identifying the own and other cameras and one or more image processing control signals 118 of the corresponding own and other cameras.

  When the execution control signal 406 is OFF, the communication signal control unit 404 outputs the input imaging state 119, resource state 121, and imaging area information 120 of the own camera to the communication unit 413. Further, the communication signal control unit 404 outputs the image processing control signal 118 of the own camera input from the communication unit 413 to the image processing unit 109.

  The image similarity determination unit 401 switches processing according to the execution control signal 406 output from the camera attribute determination unit 403. When the execution control signal 406 is OFF, the image similarity determination unit 401 does not perform processing. When the execution control signal 406 is ON, the image similarity determination unit 401 performs the following processing.

  The image similarity determination unit 401 inputs the imaging area information 420 of the own and other cameras from the communication signal control unit 404, and determines the degree of image overlap. The imaging area information 420 includes one or more identifiers capable of identifying the own and other cameras and one or more imaging area information 120 of the corresponding own and other cameras. The image similarity determination unit 401 determines the overlap of the areas indicated by the imaging area information 120 of each camera, and determines the degree of overlap between the cameras. The image similarity determination unit 401 manages cameras with overlapping imaging areas as similar cameras, manages a plurality of similar cameras as a group, and assigns a group number 205 to each camera group. The image similarity determination unit 401 outputs the group number 205 of the camera group to which each camera belongs to the camera selection unit 402.

  The image similarity determination unit 401 uses the acquired imaging area information 120 (position information, imaging direction information, imaging distance) of each camera (own camera and other cameras) to determine the imaging area of the imaging area when viewed from above. Among them, an overlapping area overlapping between cameras is acquired. The image similarity determination unit 401 determines that images are overlapping when the ratio of the acquired overlapping area to the imaging area, that is, the overlapping degree is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, and sets “overlapping” as the similarity 204. Output. On the other hand, if the degree of overlap is less than a preset threshold, the image similarity determination unit 401 outputs “non-overlapping” Boolean data as the degree of similarity 204. The image similarity determination unit 401 outputs a corresponding similarity 204 for each camera. That is, the image similarity determination unit 401 outputs an identifier that can identify the camera and the similarity 204 in association with each other. Further, the image similarity determination unit 401 assigns the group number 205 of the camera group determined to be duplicated for each camera in order to associate similar cameras with each other, and outputs them to the camera selection unit 402.

  When attention is paid to the two cameras, even if the overlapping area is the same, if the resolution or the angle of view is different, the imaging area is different and the overlapping degree is different. Therefore, in both cameras, when the degree of overlap is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, it is determined that the images are overlapped, and “duplicate” and the group number 205 of the camera group are output as the similarity 204. May be.

  In addition, when the two cameras are focused as described above, the imaging area is further different, and when at least one of the cameras has a degree of overlap equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the group number 205 of the camera group and the respective degree of overlap May be output as the similarity 204. Note that the degree of duplication of each camera has been described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIG. In the case of FIG. 4, the image similarity determination unit 401 sets the cameras 100-1 and 100-2 as a camera group, and outputs the group number 205 of the camera group and the respective overlapping degrees 20% and 80% as the similarity degree 204. . At this time, a reservation number such as 0xFF is assigned to the group number of cameras that do not overlap.

  Note that the image similarity determination unit 401 can use the imaging region information of each camera to determine the degree of similarity in the same procedure as the image similarity determination unit 201 of the first embodiment. .

  The camera selection unit 402 switches processing according to the execution control signal 406 output from the camera attribute determination unit 403. When the execution control signal 406 is OFF, the camera selection unit 402 does not perform processing. When the execution control signal 406 is ON, the camera selection unit 402 performs the following process.

  The camera selection unit 402 acquires the group number 205 of each camera from the image similarity determination unit 401, inputs the imaging state 419 of its own and other cameras from the communication signal control unit 404, and performs selection processing. The imaging state 419 includes one or more identifiers that can identify the own and other cameras and one or more imaging states 119 of the corresponding own and other cameras. The camera selection unit 402 selects a camera suitable for image processing using the imaging state 119 of each camera having the same group number. The camera selection unit 402 generates an image processing control signal 418 based on the selection result and outputs it to the communication signal control unit 404. Note that the image processing control signal 418 includes one or more identifiers capable of identifying the own and other cameras and one or more image processing control signals 118 of the corresponding own and other cameras. The image processing control signal 118 can be designated “ON” or “OFF”. The camera selection unit 402 designates “ON” for a camera selected as a camera suitable for image processing, and designates “OFF” for other cameras.

  Note that a method in which the camera selection unit 402 selects an optimal camera using the imaging state of each camera can be processed in the same procedure as the camera selection unit 202 of the first embodiment.

  In addition, the camera selection unit 402 may input the resource state 421 of the other camera from the communication signal control unit 404 and perform a selection process. The resource state 421 includes one or more identifiers that can identify the own camera and the resource state 121 of the corresponding own camera. The camera selection unit 402 further weights and compares the imaging state 119 of each camera or the value obtained by weighting the degree of overlap (similarity 204) to the imaging state 119 with the resource state 121 of each camera.

  Further, ON is output as an image processing control signal 118 to a camera for which it is determined that there is no other similar camera. This is because there is no other camera that images the same area, and it is necessary to perform image processing by itself.

  That is, when the execution control signal 406 is ON, first, the own imaging state 119, imaging area information 120, and resource state 121, and the imaging state 319, imaging area information 320, and resource state 321 of other cameras are collected. Next, the image similarity determination unit 401 determines the image similarity, and the camera selection unit 402 selects a suitable camera, and instructs to generate the image processing control signal 118 of the own camera and the image processing control signal 318 of the other camera. .

  On the other hand, when the execution control signal 406 is OFF, the image capturing state 119, the image capturing area information 120, and the resource state 121 are transmitted to the other camera, the image processing control signal 118 output by the other camera is received, and the image processing unit 109 is received. To control.

  As described above, the camera according to the present embodiment includes the selection control unit, and it is not necessary to include a dedicated selection control device in the camera system. Cameras that are determined to perform image similarity determination and camera selection acquire the imaging state of each camera when the imaging areas of multiple cameras overlap, and select a camera that is suitable for image processing for the overlapping imaging areas It becomes possible to do. In addition, the selection control apparatus according to the present embodiment can perform control to execute image processing with a selected camera and stop image processing with a camera that has not been selected.

  In addition, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, when a similar region is imaged when there are a plurality of cameras that perform image processing, only the camera that is capturing an image that is optimal for image processing performs image processing. And the image processing of other cameras is stopped. As a result, the resources consumed by the entire camera system can be reduced. Examples of resources that can be reduced include a reduction in power consumption, a reduction in memory size used, and an amount of network bandwidth used.

  Further, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to dynamically change the camera that performs image similarity determination and camera selection, and processing can be performed stably even when the camera enters and exits from the network. Can continue.

  In the camera system according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of image processing functions are used, image similarity determination and camera selection can be executed by different cameras for each image processing function. The load bias can be reduced.

  The selection control device according to the present invention has a function of acquiring the imaging state of each camera and selecting a camera suitable for image processing when the imaging areas of the plurality of cameras overlap, and includes a plurality of cameras. This is useful as a camera system. It can also be applied to broadcast relay systems equipped with multiple cameras, traffic navigation systems, surveillance systems, video conference systems and the like.

100-1, 100-2, 100-n, 300, 400 Camera 101 Lens 102 Aperture 103 Image sensor 104 Digital shutter 105 Digital gain 106 Exposure control unit 107 Video signal processing unit 108 Image compression unit 109 Image processing unit 110 Imaging region acquisition Section 111 Imaging state detection section 112 Resource state acquisition section 113, 313, 413 Communication section 114 Aperture value 115 Shutter value 116 Gain value 117 Video signal 118, 218, 318, 418 Image processing control signal 119, 219, 319, 419 Imaging state 120, 220, 320, 420 Imaging region information 121, 221, 321, 421 Resource state 200 Selection control device 201, 301, 401 Image similarity determination unit 202, 302, 402 Camera selection unit 203 Communication unit 204 Similarity 205 group Number 403 Camera attribute determination unit 404 Communication signal control unit 405 Camera attribute information 406 Execution control signal

Claims (25)

A camera system having a plurality of cameras and a selection control device,
The camera
An image sensor that converts input light into a video signal;
A video signal processing unit for processing a video signal obtained from the image sensor;
An exposure adjustment unit that changes the brightness of the video signal based on an exposure setting value;
An exposure control unit that controls the exposure setting value from the brightness of the video signal to the exposure adjustment unit;
An imaging state detection unit that detects an imaging state of the own camera from the video signal from the imaging element and the exposure setting value;
An image processing unit that performs image processing using the video signal;
A communication unit for performing network communication;
An imaging area acquisition unit that acquires imaging area information of the own camera using position information and imaging direction information,
The selection control device includes:
An image similarity determination unit that determines the degree of image similarity captured from the imaging region information of the plurality of cameras;
A camera selection unit that selects an optimal camera for the image processing from the imaging state and the image similarity of the plurality of cameras, and generates an image processing control signal that is a control signal of the image processing unit of the plurality of cameras;
A camera system comprising: a communication unit that performs network communication. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the exposure adjustment unit inputs an aperture value as the exposure setting value and controls the lens to adjust the amount of input light. 2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the exposure adjustment unit inputs a shutter value of the image sensor as the exposure setting value and controls a digital shutter to adjust the size of the video signal. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the exposure adjustment unit inputs a gain value of the video signal processing unit as the exposure setting value, and controls the digital gain unit to adjust the magnitude of the video signal. system. The exposure control unit outputs at least one of the aperture value, the shutter value, or the gain value of the lens as the exposure setting value using the video signal input from the imaging device. The camera system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging state detection unit detects a backlight condition using the video signal as an input image. The imaging state detection unit uses the video signal as an input image, compares the light amount of each pixel with a preset light amount threshold value, counts pixels exceeding the light amount threshold value, and calculates the size of the count value The camera system according to claim 6. The camera system according to claim 7, wherein the imaging state detection unit inputs at least one of the exposure setting values and adaptively corrects the light amount threshold value. 2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging state detection unit inputs the shutter value and determines a degree of image blur using the magnitude of the shutter value. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit controls whether or not to execute image processing based on an image processing control signal. 11. The image processing unit according to claim 10, wherein the image processing unit includes at least one of detection of a subject reflected in a video, extraction of a pattern, or collation with a database registered in advance based on the video signal. Camera system. The imaging area acquisition unit two-dimensionally acquires the imaging area of the own camera from at least one position information of GPS, WLAN, or preset coordinate information and a geomagnetic sensor or preset direction information. The camera system according to claim 1. The imaging area acquisition unit acquires a tilt angle with respect to the ground from at least one of an acceleration sensor or an attitude sensor, acquires height information from GPS, and receives at least one of the tilt angle or height information. The camera system according to claim 12, wherein the imaging region is three-dimensionally used. The camera system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the imaging area acquisition unit limits the imaging area to a distance to the self-camera that can be visually recognized based on a resolution of the self-camera. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising a resource state acquisition unit that acquires a resource state of the own camera. The camera system according to claim 15, wherein the resource status acquisition unit acquires at least one of a CPU capability, a CPU usage rate, an SD card remaining amount, or a battery remaining amount as the resource state. The image similarity determination unit acquires the imaging area information from a plurality of the cameras, calculates the degree of duplication of the imaging area of the camera, and compares the degree of duplication with a predetermined threshold and exceeds the threshold 2. It is determined that the imaging areas of a plurality of cameras overlap, and a set of overlapping camera numbers of the cameras and an isolated camera number of the cameras not overlapping are output. The camera system described in. The image similarity determination unit acquires the imaging region information from a plurality of the cameras, acquires the overlapping degree of the imaging region of the camera, and compares the overlapping degree with a predetermined threshold and exceeds the threshold It is determined that the imaging areas of the plurality of cameras overlap, and the set of the camera numbers of the plurality of overlapping cameras and the isolated camera number of the non-overlapping cameras are output and overlapped The camera system according to claim 17, wherein a degree of overlap for each of the imaging regions is output for a plurality of the cameras. The camera selection unit acquires the camera number set and the isolated camera number of the image similarity determination unit and a plurality of the imaging states from the plurality of cameras, and belongs to the camera set with overlapping imaging regions. Compared with the previous imaging state, the image processing control signal for the camera with the best imaging state is ON, the image processing control signal for other cameras is OFF, the image processing for the camera indicated by the isolated camera number 19. The arithmetic unit according to claim 1, 17 or 18, wherein ON is generated as a control signal. The camera selection unit acquires the camera number set and the isolated camera number of the image similarity determination unit and a plurality of the imaging states from the plurality of cameras, and belongs to the camera set with overlapping imaging regions. Compare the results of weighting the degree of duplication with respect to the imaging state, and turn on as an image processing control signal for the camera with the best imaging state, and turn off as an image processing control signal for other cameras. The camera system according to claim 19, wherein ON is generated as an image processing control signal for the camera indicated by the isolated camera number. The camera system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the camera selection unit acquires a plurality of resource states from the plurality of cameras and weights the imaging state. An image sensor that converts input light into a video signal;
A video signal processing unit for processing a video signal obtained from the image sensor;
An exposure adjustment unit that changes the brightness of the video signal based on an exposure setting value;
An exposure control unit that controls the exposure setting value from the brightness of the video signal to the exposure adjustment unit;
An imaging state detection unit that detects an imaging state of the own camera from the video signal from the imaging element and the exposure setting value;
An image processing unit that performs image processing using the video signal;
A communication unit that performs network communication with one or more other cameras;
An imaging area acquisition unit that acquires imaging area information of the own camera using position information and imaging direction information;
An image similarity determination unit for acquiring a similarity between images captured from the imaging area information of the own camera and the one or more other cameras;
The optimal camera for the image processing is selected from the imaging state and the similarity of the own camera and the one or more other cameras, and the control signal of the image processing unit of the own camera and the one or more other cameras is used. And a camera selection unit that generates an image processing control signal. A resource status acquisition unit for acquiring the resource status of the camera;
Obtaining the resource status of the one or more other cameras from the communication unit;
The optimal camera for the image processing is selected from the resource state, the imaging state, and the similarity of the own camera and the one or more other cameras, and the image processing unit of the own camera and the one or more other cameras is selected. The camera according to claim 22, further comprising a camera selection unit that generates an image processing control signal that is a control signal of A camera attribute setting section;
A communication signal control unit,
The camera attribute setting unit outputs an execution control signal having information as to whether or not to execute the image similarity determination unit and the camera selection unit based on camera attribute information,
The image similarity determination unit is executed when the execution control signal is ON, and is not executed when OFF.
The camera selection unit is executed when the execution control signal is ON, and is not executed when OFF.
When the execution control signal is ON, the communication signal control unit inputs the imaging state of the own camera and the one or more other cameras that are input signals to the camera selection unit, and the imaging region information Outputting to the image similarity determination unit, outputting the image processing control signal of the own camera to the image processing control signal, outputting the image processing control signal of the one or more other cameras to the communication unit, and executing When the control signal is OFF, the imaging state and the imaging area information of the own camera, which are input signals, are output to the communication unit, and the image processing control signal input from the communication unit is output to the image processing unit 23. The camera according to claim 22, wherein the camera outputs the signal. A resource status acquisition unit for acquiring the resource status of the camera;
When the execution control signal is ON, the camera selection unit outputs the resource state of the own camera and the resource state of the one or more other cameras to the camera selection unit, and the execution control signal 25. The camera according to claim 24, wherein, when OFF, the resource state of the own camera is output to the communication unit.

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