JP2015015559A - Camera system, camera, image-capturing control program, and image-capturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable resulting images by capturing a specific object as an image-capturing target of simultaneous image-capturing from desired multiple directions, to be securely obtained, in the simultaneous image-capturing using multiple cameras.SOLUTION: An image-capturing method includes: detecting a specific object corresponding to received feature information in a live view image, upon receipt of position information and the feature information of the specific object transmitted from a master camera (step SC6); determining whether or not the specific object is positioned at the center of the live view image (step SC9), and returning processing to step SC2 if the specific object is not positioned at the center of the live view image; notifying the master camera that the image-capturing of the specific object is ready, when the specific object comes to be in a position at the center of the live view image (step SC10); and starting simultaneous image-capturing at a time point when execution start is instructed from the master camera (step SC12).

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera system for photographing the same subject using a plurality of cameras, a camera used in the camera system, a photographing control program, and a photographing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a shooting method in a camera system in which a plurality of cameras are used to simultaneously record a moving image of the same subject from different directions, and the plurality of captured moving images are synchronously reproduced (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The camera used in this shooting method is composed of a master unit and a slave unit function, and when selected as a master unit, registration information and current status information of other cameras set as slave units (situation and capability information immediately before shooting) ) And an integrated shooting condition is generated based on these. Thereafter, the generated integrated photographing condition is supplied to each child device, and photographing is performed by each child device in conjunction with the operation of the release shutter button of the parent device.

JP 2003-324649 A

  As described above, in the conventional invention, the master unit collects registration information and current status information of other cameras set as slave units, and based on these, generates an integrated shooting condition in which all cameras can participate, and this A predetermined simultaneous photographing process is executed under the generated photographing conditions. Here, the registration information is the focal length, the f value, the number of pixels, and the sensitivity, and the current status information is the remaining capacity of the memory that records the image, the remaining capacity of the battery, and the preparation status of the light emitting unit.

  However, these registration information and current status information are information on the state and ability of the camera itself, and do not include information on the subject that each camera is to shoot. Therefore, it is not certain whether or not a specific subject that is a subject of photographing when a predetermined photographing process is simultaneously performed in each camera is photographed reliably or appropriately. Therefore, even if many cameras are allowed to participate in simultaneous shooting, the cameras that participated in the simultaneous shooting may not properly capture the specific subject. As a result, a situation may arise in which it is not possible to obtain a simultaneous photographed image obtained by photographing a specific subject from a desired multi-direction.

  The present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems, and in a predetermined simultaneous shooting process using a plurality of cameras (the predetermined simultaneous shooting process here refers to a plurality of cameras in at least the same time zone. This is a process of performing one or a plurality of synchronous or asynchronous shootings, and it is not always necessary that a plurality of cameras have the same shooting timing.) A specific subject that is a shooting target of this predetermined simultaneous shooting process An object of the present invention is to provide a camera system, a camera, a shooting control program, and a shooting method that can reliably obtain a shooting result obtained by shooting images from various desired directions.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a camera system for simultaneously photographing a specific subject with a plurality of cameras, wherein the plurality of cameras are divided into a single master camera and other slave cameras. The camera includes detection means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject, and transmission means for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection means. The slave camera receives the predetermined information transmitted by the transmission means. It is characterized by comprising receiving means for receiving and executing means for executing the simultaneous photographing based on predetermined information received by the receiving means.

  Further, the present invention is a camera used in a camera system for simultaneously photographing a specific subject with a plurality of cameras, and detecting means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject, and transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detecting means. A master camera function comprising: a transmitting means for receiving; or a receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means; and an executing means for executing the simultaneous photographing based on the predetermined information received by the receiving means. It is characterized by having at least one function of a slave camera function.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects predetermined information about the specific subject, and a computer that is used in the camera system that simultaneously captures the specific subject with a plurality of cameras, and the detection unit detects the computer. At least one of transmitting means for transmitting predetermined information, receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means, and executing means for executing the simultaneous photographing based on the predetermined information received by the receiving means It is made to function as.

  Further, the present invention is a shooting method for simultaneously shooting a specific subject with a plurality of cameras, wherein the plurality of cameras are classified into a single master camera and another slave camera, A detection step for detecting predetermined information related to the specific subject and a transmission step for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection step are executed, and the slave camera receives the predetermined information transmitted by the transmission step. A reception step and an execution step of executing the simultaneous photographing based on the predetermined information received by the reception step are performed.

  According to the present invention, in a predetermined simultaneous shooting process using a plurality of cameras, it is possible to reliably obtain a shooting result of shooting a specific subject that is a shooting target of the predetermined simultaneous shooting process from a desired multi-direction.

(A) is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning at the time of imaging | photography of the camera system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, (b) is operation | movement explanatory drawing when the camera 1B is a master camera. It is a block block diagram of the camera which concerns on one embodiment of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence common to all the cameras at the time of imaging | photography of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the master camera in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the slave camera in the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This camera system is composed of six cameras from the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F (hereinafter, all or a part of the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F will be referred to as the camera 1). . These cameras 1 are arranged at substantially equal intervals so as to surround a specific subject 30 (for example, a golfer who performs golf swing), and intends to shoot the specific subject 30 from the surroundings.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the camera 1. In the present embodiment, in the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F, at least one camera has the configuration shown in FIG. That is, the camera 1 includes a control unit 3 connected to each unit via the bus line 20, and the control unit 3 is a one-chip microcomputer that controls each unit of the camera 1. The imaging unit 4 is disposed on the optical axis of an imaging lens 5 that is composed of a CMOS image sensor and includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like, and uses a line exposure sequential readout method (rolling shutter) with different exposure timing for each line. An analog imaging signal corresponding to the optical image is output for each line.

  The unit circuit 6 is a circuit to which an analog imaging signal corresponding to the optical image of the subject output from the imaging unit 4 is input, and a CDS that holds the input imaging signal and a gain adjustment that amplifies the imaging signal. An amplifier (AGC), an A / D converter (ADC) that converts the amplified imaging signal into a digital imaging signal, and the like are configured. The output signal of the imaging unit 4 passes through the unit circuit 6 and is sent to the signal processing unit 7 as a digital signal.

  The sent digital signal is subjected to various signal processing by the signal processing unit 7, then sent to the image processing unit 8, subjected to various image processing, and supplied to the display unit 9, so Displayed as a view image. Further, at the time of image recording, the signal processed by the image processing unit 8 is further encoded and recorded in an image recording unit (including an external recording medium) 10 and read out from the image recording unit 10 at the time of image reproduction. The processed image data is decoded by the image processing unit 8 and displayed on the display unit 9.

  Further, a TG (Timing Generator) 11, a ROM 12, and a buffer memory 13 are connected to the bus line 20. The TG 11 generates a frame synchronization signal (sensor V synchronization signal) having a timing and a frame period set by the control unit 3, and drives the imaging unit 4, the unit circuit 6, and the LED 17 at a timing according to the frame synchronization signal. The ROM 12 stores program AE data constituting a program diagram showing a combination of an aperture value (F) and a shutter speed corresponding to an appropriate exposure value (EV) at the time of shooting such as still image shooting and moving image shooting. The EV value table is also stored. The charge accumulation time set by the control unit 3 based on the shutter speed set by the program diagram is supplied as a shutter pulse to the imaging unit 4 via the TG 11, and the imaging unit 4 operates according to the exposure period to thereby expose the exposure period. The exposure timing is controlled. Further, the ROM 12 stores a program shown in a flowchart to be described later and various programs necessary for functioning as a digital camera.

  The buffer memory 13 is a buffer for temporarily storing image data and the like, and is also used as a working memory for the control unit 3. That is, the image processing unit 8 performs processing such as pedestal clamping on the Bayer data sent from the signal processing unit 7, converts it into RGB data, and further converts the RGB data into a luminance (Y) signal and a color difference ( UV) signal. The YUV data converted by the image processing unit 8 stores data for one frame in the buffer memory 13. One frame of YUV data stored in the buffer memory 13 is sent to the display unit 9, where it is converted into a video signal and then displayed as a live view image.

  Note that when a shutter key operation by the user is detected in the still image shooting mode, the imaging unit 4 and the unit circuit 6 are switched to a still image shooting drive system or drive timing different from that for live view image shooting. The image processing is executed, and the YUV data for one frame stored in the buffer memory 13 by the still image capturing processing is encoded after data compression by the JPEG method or the like by the image processing unit 8, and the file is stored in the buffer memory 13. Then, it is recorded as still image data in the image recording unit 10 via the bus line 20.

  When a shooting start instruction is detected in the moving image shooting mode, shooting processing is started, and YUV data for a plurality of frames until the shooting end instruction is detected is stored in the buffer memory 13. The YUV data for a plurality of frames stored in the buffer memory 13 is sent to the control unit 3 after the moving image end instruction, and is encoded after data compression by the JPEG method or the like (a predetermined MPEG codec in the case of moving image shooting). Then, the file name is given as frame data via the buffer memory 13 and the bus line 20 and is written to the image recording unit 10. In addition, the control unit 3 expands the still image or moving image data read from the image recording unit 10 during reproduction of the still image or moving image, and operates the image data in the buffer memory 13 as still image data or moving image frame data. Expand into the area.

  Further, a key input unit 14, a wireless I / F 21, an ID number storage unit 22, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 23, an orientation sensor 24, and a distance measurement sensor 25 are connected to the bus line 20. The key input unit 14 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter key, a mode setting key, and a power key. The key input unit 14 detects a key input signal corresponding to a key operation by the user and outputs the detected key input signal to the control unit 3.

The wireless I / F 21 is an interface that performs a link with other cameras using close proximity wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The ID number storage unit 22 stores different ID numbers (natural numbers different from each other in the present embodiment) for each camera 1A to 1F, and stores ID numbers obtained from other devices. Has a list area. The GPS 23 receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of positioning satellites (GPS satellites) by a GPS receiving antenna, thereby acquiring position data composed of latitude and longitude indicating the current position, and the acquired position data is transmitted to the camera. Is supplied to the control unit 3 as position information indicating the current position. The azimuth sensor 24 detects the direction in which the optical axis of the imaging lens 5 faces in the camera, and supplies this to the control unit 3 as the photographing direction. The distance measuring sensor 25 detects a distance to the subject, particularly a distance to a specific subject described later, and supplies the detected distance to the control unit 3.
The power supply unit 26 includes a battery and supplies power to each unit from the battery.

  In addition, the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F may not include all the cameras having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 but may include a camera that does not include the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24. And

  In the present embodiment according to the above configuration, when the power is turned on by the user's operation on the key input unit 14 and the synchronous shooting mode is set for each camera 1, the control unit 3 is stored in the ROM 12. According to the program, the master / slave determination process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 which is a process common to all cameras is executed. That is, the control unit 3 determines whether or not the current state of the own device can participate in simultaneous shooting with another camera (step SA1). If the synchronous shooting mode is set for the camera and the camera can participate in the simultaneous shooting, the control unit proceeds to the next step. Then, the ID number unique to each camera stored in the ID number storage unit 22 of the own device is transmitted from the wireless I / F 21 to the outside and notified to the other device by proximity wireless (step SA2).

  Next, the GPS 23 and the azimuth sensor 24 are provided. Therefore, it is determined from these whether or not the position and photographing direction of the own device can be acquired (step SA3). That is, as described above, the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F do not have all the cameras shown in FIG. 2 but include cameras that do not include the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24. There may be. If the camera does not include the GPS 23 and the azimuth sensor 24, the determination in step SA3 is NO. Therefore, the process proceeds from step SA3 to step SA9, and the own apparatus is set as a slave camera.

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that a camera that does not include the GPS 23 and the azimuth sensor 24 and is inappropriate to be a master camera is selected as the master camera, and an appropriate master camera can be selected.

  The control unit 3 of the camera 1 that includes the GPS 23 and the azimuth sensor 24 and can acquire the position of the own device and the shooting direction from the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24 proceeds from step SA3 to step SA4. Then, it is determined whether or not a notification of an ID number not yet stored in the list (ID number storage unit 22) of the own device has been received from another device (step SA4). If a notification of an ID number not stored in the list of the own device is received from another device, the notified ID number is added to the list (step SA5), and the process returns to step SA4. Therefore, among the six cameras from the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F, until the ID numbers of the cameras having the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24 are stored in the list of each camera 1, steps SA2 → SA3 → The loop process of SA2 is repeated. Further, by repeating this loop process, the ID number storage unit 22 of the camera having the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24 similarly stores the ID number of the camera having the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24. A list will be formed.

  Therefore, each camera 1 determines whether or not the youngest ID number belongs to the same list in the same list (step SA6). If the youngest ID number is not that of the own device, the own device is set as a slave camera (step SA9), and this master / slave determination process is terminated.

  If the youngest ID number is that of the own device, the own device is set as the master camera (step SA7). Therefore, by executing the processing up to step SA5 in the camera system shown in FIG. 1, one of the six cameras from the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F is determined as the master camera. The other camera is determined as the slave camera. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the camera 1B is determined as the master camera, and is determined as the cameras 1A, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F slave cameras.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the camera with the smallest ID number is determined as the master camera, the master camera determination process can be simplified, and rapid imaging can be started. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control capability of each camera (capability such as the processing speed of the control unit 3) may be compared to make the camera 1 having the highest control capability the master camera. In this way, the entire system can be accurately controlled by effectively using a high-performance camera.

  Thereafter, a plurality of cameras corresponding to the ID numbers in the strike including the own device are determined as candidates for simultaneous shooting (step SA6), and the master / slave determination process is terminated. Therefore, by executing the above master / slave determination process in the camera system shown in FIG. 1, the master camera and the slave camera are determined as described above, and the first camera 1A to the sixth camera 1F are determined. It will be determined as a candidate for simultaneous shooting.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically determine the camera constituting the camera system and the master / slave in the camera system without a manual designation operation by the user. Pre-operation can be simplified.

  Of course, the user constituting the camera system and the master / slave in the camera system may be determined by a user operation on the key input unit 14. In this way, the user's intention can be reflected in the determination of the camera and master / slave constituting the camera system, the camera system is configured with an arbitrary camera, and any arbitrary camera is set as the master. Can do.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the master camera process executed by the control unit 3 included in the camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a master camera) set as the master camera in the process of step SA7. The control unit 3 of the master camera selects a specific subject to be photographed from the photographed image (step SB1). Here, the photographed image is picked up by the image pickup unit 4, sent to the unit circuit 6, the signal processing unit 7, and the image processing unit 8, subjected to various image processing, and supplied to the display unit 9 for display. It is a live view image. Therefore, the control unit 3 selects, as the specific subject, a subject existing in the focus frame in the live view image, or a subject specified by the user through a cursor operation or the like in the live view image, for example.

  Next, the feature information of the selected specific subject, for example, each feature quantity data of hue, saturation, brightness, contour shape, and size of the specific subject is acquired (step SB2). Next, the distance measuring sensor 25 is activated to detect the distance to the selected specific subject (step SB3), and based on the output signals from the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24, the position of the own device (master camera) and The shooting direction is detected (step SB4).

  Further, the position of the specific subject is calculated based on the detected distance to the specific subject, the position of the own device, and the shooting direction (step SB5). In other words, the distance from the master camera to the specific subject, the position (latitude / longitude) of the master camera, and the direction (azimuth) in which the optical axis of the imaging lens 5 faces the specific subject obtained from the shooting direction can be obtained. For example, the position (latitude / longitude) of the specific subject can be calculated. Therefore, in step SB5, the position of the specific subject is calculated based on the information detected in the preceding step.

  Thereafter, the position information indicating the position of the specific subject calculated in step SB5 and the characteristic information of the specific subject acquired in step SB2 are transmitted from the wireless I / F 21 to each slave camera (step SB6). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not notification has been received from all the slave cameras regarding whether or not the specific subject is ready to be photographed (step SB7). That is, it is determined whether all slave cameras have received a notification that “ready to take a specific subject” or “not ready to take a specific subject”. Until one of these notifications is received from all slave cameras, the process waits while repeating the determination in step SA7 without proceeding to the next step.

  As a result, if any of the notifications is received from all the slave cameras, the slave cameras that are not ready to shoot the specific subject are excluded from the cameras participating in the simultaneous shooting based on the contents of the received notifications (step SB8). ). Then, all slave cameras participating in the simultaneous shooting, that is, all remaining slave cameras after being excluded in step SB8 are instructed, and the own device also starts the simultaneous shooting (step SB9), and the shooting is finished. The storage of the YUV data for a plurality of frames in the buffer memory 13 is started.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, slave cameras that are not ready to shoot a specific subject are excluded from cameras participating in simultaneous shooting without waiting until they are ready, and simultaneous shooting is performed. Therefore, it is possible to start simultaneous shooting quickly. In addition, synchronous moving image shooting can be performed using the maximum number of slave cameras that can participate in simultaneous shooting at that time.

  In the present embodiment, the master camera (own device) also participates in simultaneous shooting, and synchronous video shooting is performed using more cameras. However, the slave camera may be instructed only without participating in shooting with the master camera. In this way, a plurality of slave cameras can be controlled appropriately and reliably within the processing capability of the control unit 3 of the master camera.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the simultaneous shooting by the own device and the slave camera is to be ended (step SB10). This determination of the end of simultaneous shooting is made based on whether or not the end of shooting has been instructed by a user operation on the key input unit 14 of the master camera, or whether or not the preset duration of simultaneous shooting has ended. to decide.

  If it is determined that the simultaneous shooting is to be ended, the wireless I / F 21 is activated to instruct all slave cameras participating in the simultaneous shooting to execute the simultaneous shooting by proximity wireless, and the own device also ends the simultaneous shooting ( Step SB11). Further, based on the position of the specific subject, the start date / time of the simultaneous shooting, the end date / time of the simultaneous shooting, or the position of the own device, a name as identification information for identifying the current simultaneous shooting is determined (step SB12). The elements used for determining the name of the position of the specific subject, the start date and time of the simultaneous shooting, the end date and time of the simultaneous shooting, the position of the own device, etc. are examples, and the names that can be used to identify the current simultaneous shooting, More preferably, other elements may be used as long as the name can identify the specific subject.

  Then, the determined name is transmitted to all the slave cameras that participated in the simultaneous photographing, and the photographed image of the own device is stored by adding the name (step SB13). That is, the name is transmitted to the slave camera via the wireless I / F 21. Also, YUV data for a plurality of frames stored in the buffer memory 13 of the own device is sent to the control unit 3, encoded after data compression by a predetermined MPEG codec, and the moving image is transmitted via the buffer memory 13 and the bus line 20. The name is attached as data and written in the image recording unit 10. As a result, in the image recording unit 10 of the master camera, moving image data obtained by photographing the specific subject by the master camera in the current simultaneous photographing is stored with a unique name.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of slave camera processing executed by the control unit 3 included in the camera (hereinafter simply referred to as slave camera) set as the slave camera in the processing of step SA9. The control unit 3 of the slave camera determines whether or not the position information and feature information of the specific subject transmitted from the master camera in the process of step SB6 has been received (step SC1), and waits until these are received. .

  If the position information and the characteristic information of the specific subject are received, it is determined by the GPS 23 and the azimuth sensor 24 whether or not the position and photographing direction of the own device can be acquired (step SC2). If it can be acquired, the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24 acquire the position and shooting direction of the own device (step SC3).

  Furthermore, the position of the specific subject on the live view image or the direction outside the live view image is specified based on the position indicated by the received position information of the specific subject, the position of the own device, and the shooting direction (step SC4).

  That is, when the specific subject exists in the live view image displayed on the display unit 9 of the slave camera, the coordinates on the live view image that are the positions of the specific subject on the live view image are specified. Further, when there is no specific subject in the live view image displayed on the display unit 9 of the slave camera, it is specified in which direction the specific subject exists with respect to the displayed live view image. .

  At this time, when a specific subject exists in the live view image, the control unit 3 calculates the distance to the specific subject based on the position and the position of the own device. Then, the focus lens of the imaging lens 5 is controlled to focus a specific subject in the live view image. As a result, the specific subject becomes clear in the live view image, so that the user can easily confirm the specific subject, and it is possible to obtain a shooting result in which the specific subject is in focus in the simultaneous shooting described later.

  Thereafter, the position or direction of the specified subject is displayed on the live view image (step SC5). As an example of this display, when a specific subject is present in the live view image, the specific subject is surrounded and displayed by a frame, its outline is highlighted, a color is displayed in a specific color, etc. The background and other subjects can be clearly identified visually. When the specific subject does not exist in the live view image, an arrow is displayed on the live view image to indicate that the specific subject exists in the direction indicated by the arrow.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step SC2, the control unit 3 of the slave camera that cannot acquire the position and shooting direction of the own device proceeds to step SC6 and displays a specific subject corresponding to the received feature information. Detection is performed by image recognition in the live view image displayed in the section 9 (step SC6). The position of the detected specific subject is displayed on the live view image (step SC7). When displaying the position of the specific subject, the specific subject in the live view image is displayed surrounded by a frame, the outline thereof is highlighted, or the specific subject is displayed, as in the display example in step SC5 described above. What is necessary is just to make it visually distinguishable from the background and other subjects, such as colored display.

  Therefore, as with the processing result in step SC5 when the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24 can acquire the position and shooting direction of the own apparatus, it is impossible to acquire the position and shooting direction of the own apparatus. Even in this case, the position of the specific subject can be displayed in the live view image based on the processing result in step SC7.

  Then, in step SC8 following step SC5 or step SC7, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of information (position information, feature information) from the master camera (step SC8). If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed, it is determined whether or not the specific subject is at the center of the live view image (step SC9). If the specific subject is in the center of the live view image, the process proceeds to the next step SC10. If the specific subject is not in the center of the live view image, the process returns to step SC2.

  Therefore, the process from step SC2 is repeatedly executed until the specific subject is in the center of the live view image until a predetermined time elapses after receiving information from the master camera. During this time, the user looks at the live view image displayed on the display unit 9 of the slave camera to check whether or not the specific subject is in the center of the live view image. The shooting direction and position of the slave camera are adjusted manually so as to be in the center of the image.

  At this time, even if the specific subject does not exist in the live view image, the position and shooting direction of the slave camera are greatly deviated from the specific subject, and even if the specific subject does not exist in the live view image, the step By the processing in SC4 and SC5, for example, an arrow is displayed on the live view image, indicating that the specific subject exists in the direction indicated by the arrow. Therefore, the user can adjust the shooting direction of the slave camera in accordance with the arrow so that the specific subject becomes the center of the live view image.

  As described above, when the user adjusts the shooting direction or the like of the slave camera so that the specific subject is positioned at the center of the live view image, the control unit 3 of the slave camera performs processing from step SC9 to step SC10 and subsequent steps. To proceed. First, the master camera is notified via the wireless I / F 21 that it is ready to photograph a specific subject (step SC10).

  Then, the control unit 3 of the master camera that has received this transmits an instruction to start simultaneous shooting to the slave camera in the process of step SB9. Therefore, the control unit 3 of the slave camera determines whether or not the execution start is instructed from the master camera (step SC11), and starts the simultaneous photographing when the execution start is instructed (step SC12). That is, as described in step SB9, YUV data for a plurality of frames until the end of photographing is started to be stored in the buffer memory 13.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the master camera has instructed the end of simultaneous shooting (step SC13). When the master camera completes the simultaneous shooting, it instructs the end of the simultaneous shooting in the process of step SB11, so it is determined whether or not this execution end instruction has been received. If the execution end instruction is received, the simultaneous photographing is ended (step SC14).

  Further, it is determined whether a name for identifying the current simultaneous photographing is received from the master camera (step SC15). Since the master camera transmits the determined name to all the slave cameras that participated in the simultaneous shooting in the process of step SB13, it is determined whether or not this name has been received. If this name is received, the received name is added and the captured image of the own device is stored (step SC16). That is, YUV data for a plurality of frames stored in its own buffer memory 13 is sent to the control unit 3 and encoded after data compression by a predetermined MPEG codec. The name is attached as data and written in the image recording unit 10.

Therefore, when the master camera process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the slave camera process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 are executed by each camera, the moving image data having the following characteristic items is stored in each camera. It is stored in the image recording unit 10.
(A) The shooting start point and the end point are the same.
(B) Accordingly, the time length of the moving image is the same.
(C) The position of the specific subject in the image (in the frame) is the center.
(D) The same name is added.
(E) The added name can identify the current simultaneous photographing such as the position of the specific subject, the simultaneous photographing start date and time, and the simultaneous photographing end date and time.
(F) The same name is also added to image data taken by a camera that does not include the GPS 23 and the direction sensor 24.
(G) Since the relative positions of the cameras with respect to the specific subject are different from each other, the moving image data is obtained by photographing the specific subject from different directions.

Therefore,
[1] The feature item (A) makes it possible to simultaneously reproduce a plurality of moving images having the same shooting start point and end point of moving images to be simultaneously reproduced.
[2] The feature item (B) makes it possible to simultaneously reproduce a plurality of moving images having the same length of moving images to be simultaneously reproduced.
[3] According to the feature item (C), it is possible to obtain moving image shooting in which a specific subject is reliably shot by a plurality of cameras. Moreover, since the specific subject exists in the center of the image, the specific subject can be reliably and properly photographed by each of the plurality of cameras.
[4] By simultaneously reproducing the moving image data with the same name added according to the feature item (D), it is possible to simultaneously reproduce the moving image in which the same specific subject is simultaneously captured.
[5] The name added by the feature item (E) is created based on the position of the specific subject, the start date / time of simultaneous shooting, the end date / time of simultaneous shooting, the position of the own device, etc. It represents the simultaneous shooting and a specific subject. Accordingly, even when the user selects the moving image data from the plurality of moving image data recorded in the image recording unit 10 at the time of reproduction by using the key (image data selection means) provided in the key input unit 14, You can make a selection without.
[6] According to the feature item (F), even image data captured by a camera that does not include the GPS 23 and the azimuth sensor 24 can be stored by adding position information as a name.
[7] According to the feature item (G), it is possible to obtain a photographing result of photographing a specific subject from a desired multi-direction.

  As a result, according to [3] and [7], in simultaneous shooting using a plurality of cameras, it is possible to reliably obtain a shooting result of shooting a specific subject that is a shooting target of simultaneous shooting from a desired multi-direction.

  As a result of the determination in step SC8, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the information from the master camera was received, the master camera is notified that preparation for photographing a specific subject cannot be performed (step SC17), this slave camera processing is terminated. In this case, it is assumed that the user has left without confirming the shooting state of the slave camera, and the user does not feel the necessity of simultaneous shooting by the slave camera when viewed from the shooting direction or the like. Therefore, in this case, by not allowing the slave camera to participate in the current simultaneous shooting, it is possible to reflect the user's intention on the participating slave camera.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the present invention is applied to a system in which a plurality of cameras start and end shooting simultaneously and shoot a moving image of a specific subject. However, as described above, the predetermined simultaneous shooting process according to the present invention is a process in which a plurality of cameras perform one or a plurality of synchronous or asynchronous shootings at least in the same time zone, and is not necessarily performed every time. There is no need to match the shooting timings of a plurality of cameras. Therefore, for example, the cameras 1A to 1F start shooting sequentially with a time difference, or the cameras 1A, 1C, 1E start simultaneous shooting after the time difference, and the cameras 1A, 1C, 1E start simultaneous shooting. The present invention can also be applied to a system in which a plurality of cameras capture a specific subject at different shooting timings, such as cameras 1B, 1D, and 1F arranged between 1C and 1F start simultaneous shooting with a time difference.

  In short, the present invention can be applied to any system as long as each system captures a specific subject, which is a common subject.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, The invention described in the claim and its equal range are included.
The claims appended at the time of filing this application will be appended below.
<Claim 1>
A camera system that executes a predetermined simultaneous photographing process with a plurality of cameras for a specific subject,
The plurality of cameras are divided into a single master camera and other slave cameras,
The master camera
Detecting means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject;
Transmission means for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection means,
The slave camera is
Receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means;
A camera system comprising: execution means for executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on predetermined information received by the receiving means.
<Claim 2>
In the plurality of cameras, a camera having a function of detecting the position of the specific subject as the predetermined information is classified as the master camera.
The transmission means transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means as the predetermined information,
The receiving means of the slave camera receives the position information,
The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the position information.
<Claim 3>
In the plurality of cameras, a camera having a function of detecting, as the predetermined information, a positional relationship between the specific subject and the camera that captures the specific subject, a capturing direction, and a distance is the master camera.
The transmission means transmits any one of the predetermined information detected by the detection means,
The receiving means of the slave camera receives any one of the predetermined information,
The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on any one of the predetermined information.
<Claim 4>
The master camera
Based on the predetermined information detected by the detecting means, comprising identification information generating means for generating identification information for identifying image data;
The transmission means of the master camera transmits the identification information,
The slave camera is
4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording unit that receives the identification information from the receiving unit and adds the identification information to the image data obtained by the predetermined simultaneous photographing process. A camera system according to any one of the above.
<Claim 5>
The master camera identification information generating means includes:
5. The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the identification information is generated based on a position of the specific subject detected by the detection means or a position of the own device that takes the specific subject as a photographing target.
<Claim 6>
The master camera
Position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means is transmitted by the transmission means;
The slave camera is
Receiving the position information from the receiving means;
6. The predetermined simultaneous photographing process is executed by the execution unit, adjusting a photographing direction with respect to the specific subject based on position information received by the receiving unit. Camera system.
<Claim 7>
The slave camera execution means includes:
First calculating means for calculating a distance to the specific subject based on the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
7. The camera system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined simultaneous photographing processing is executed by performing focus control based on the distance calculated by the first calculating means.
<Claim 8>
The slave camera execution means includes:
Second calculating means for calculating the direction of the specific subject based on the position indicated by the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
8. The camera system according to claim 6, further comprising guide means for guiding the direction calculated by the second calculation means at the time of photographing.
<Claim 9>
The detection means of the master camera is
It detects the characteristics of a specific subject in the captured image,
The transmission means transmits feature information indicating the characteristics of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
The slave camera is
Receiving the feature information from the receiving means;
9. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit specifies the specific subject based on the characteristic information received by the reception unit and executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process.
<Claim 10>
5. The camera system according to claim 4, further comprising image data selection means for selecting image data to be processed based on the identification information from a plurality of image data recorded in the recording means.
<Claim 11>
11. The camera system according to claim 10, wherein the selection unit performs the selection when simultaneously reproducing the same image data obtained by the predetermined simultaneous photographing process with another camera.
<Claim 12>
The transmission means of the master camera transmits instruction information for instructing execution of a predetermined simultaneous photographing process together with the predetermined information,
The slave camera receiving means receives the instruction information together with the predetermined information,
12. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process in response to reception of the instruction information.
<Claim 13>
The detection means of the master camera is
During the synchronized video shooting, the position of the specific subject is detected sequentially,
The transmission means sequentially transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
The slave camera is
Sequentially receiving the position information from the receiving means;
13. The camera system according to claim 12, wherein the execution unit includes a guide unit that sequentially guides the direction of the specific subject based on the sequentially received lower position information.
<Claim 14>
A camera used in a camera system for executing a predetermined simultaneous photographing process on a specific subject with a plurality of cameras,
Detecting means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject;
A master camera function comprising: transmission means for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection means;
Or
Receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means;
A slave camera function comprising execution means for executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the predetermined information received by the receiving means;
A camera having at least one of the functions.
<Claim 15>
The camera according to claim 14, wherein the camera has both the master camera function and the slave camera function.
<Claim 16>
A function of detecting the position of the specific subject as the predetermined information;
The transmission means transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means as the predetermined information,
The receiving means receives the position information;
16. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the position information.
<Claim 17>
Furthermore, it has a function of detecting any one of a positional relationship, a shooting direction and a distance between the specific subject and the camera for shooting the specific subject as the predetermined information,
The transmission means transmits any one of the predetermined information detected by the detection means,
The receiving means receives any one of the predetermined information,
The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on any one of the predetermined information.
<Claim 18>
Based on the predetermined information detected by the detecting means, comprising identification information generating means for generating identification information for identifying image data;
The transmitting means transmits the identification information;
18. A recording means for receiving the identification information from the receiving means and adding the identification information to the image data obtained by the predetermined simultaneous photographing process and recording the image data. Any one described in the camera.
<Claim 19>
The identification information generating means
19. The camera according to claim 18, wherein the identification information is generated based on a position of a specific subject detected by the detecting means or a position of the own device that takes the specific subject as a subject of photographing.
<Claim 20>
Position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means is transmitted by the transmission means;
Receiving the position information from the receiving means;
20. The predetermined simultaneous photographing process is executed by the execution unit adjusting a photographing direction with respect to the specific subject based on position information received by the receiving unit. Camera.
<Claim 21>
First calculating means for calculating a distance to the specific subject based on the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
21. The camera according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined simultaneous photographing processing is executed by performing focus control based on the distance calculated by the first calculating means.
<Claim 22>
Second calculating means for calculating the direction of the specific subject based on the position indicated by the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
The camera according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising guide means for guiding the direction calculated by the second calculation means at the time of photographing.
<Claim 23>
The detecting means detects a characteristic of a specific subject in a captured image,
The transmission means transmits feature information indicating the characteristics of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
Receiving the feature information from the receiving means;
23. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution unit specifies the specific subject based on the characteristic information received by the reception unit, and executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process.
<Claim 24>
19. The camera according to claim 18, further comprising image data selection means for selecting image data to be processed based on the identification information from a plurality of image data recorded in the recording means.
<Claim 25>
25. The camera according to claim 24, wherein the selection means executes the selection when simultaneously reproducing image data obtained by the same simultaneous photographing with another camera.
<Claim 26>
The transmission means transmits instruction information instructing execution of simultaneous photographing together with the predetermined information,
The receiving means receives the instruction information together with the predetermined information,
26. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution means executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process in response to reception of the instruction information.
<Claim 27>
The detection means includes
During the synchronized video shooting, the position of the specific subject is detected sequentially,
The transmission means sequentially transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
Sequentially receiving the position information from the receiving means;
27. The camera according to claim 26, wherein the execution means includes guide means for sequentially guiding the direction of the specific subject based on the sequentially received lower position information.
<Claim 28>
The camera according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the camera has both the master camera function and the slave camera function.
<Claim 29>
A computer included in a camera used in a camera system for simultaneously photographing a specific subject with a plurality of cameras,
Detecting means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject;
Transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detecting means;
Or
Receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Execution means for executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the predetermined information received by the receiving means;
A program that functions as at least one of the above.
<Claim 30>
A shooting method for simultaneously shooting a specific subject with multiple cameras,
Dividing the plurality of cameras into a single master camera and other slave cameras;
The master camera has
A detection step of detecting predetermined information relating to the specific subject;
A transmission step for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection step;
In the slave camera,
A receiving step for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting step;
And a step of executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the predetermined information received in the receiving step.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 3 Control part 4 Imaging part 6 Unit circuit 7 Signal processing part 8 Image processing part 9 Display part 10 Image recording part 11 TG
12 ROM
13 Buffer memory 14 Key input section 17 LED
20 Bus line 21 Wireless I / F
22 ID number storage unit 23 GPS
24 Direction sensor 25 Distance sensor 26 Power supply unit 30 Specific subject

Claims (30)

A camera system that executes a predetermined simultaneous photographing process with a plurality of cameras for a specific subject,
The plurality of cameras are divided into a single master camera and other slave cameras,
The master camera
Detecting means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject;
Transmission means for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection means,
The slave camera is
Receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means;
A camera system comprising: execution means for executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on predetermined information received by the receiving means. In the plurality of cameras, a camera having a function of detecting the position of the specific subject as the predetermined information is classified as the master camera.
The transmission means transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means as the predetermined information,
The receiving means of the slave camera receives the position information,
The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the position information. In the plurality of cameras, a camera having a function of detecting, as the predetermined information, a positional relationship between the specific subject and the camera that captures the specific subject, a capturing direction, and a distance is the master camera.
The transmission means transmits any one of the predetermined information detected by the detection means,
The receiving means of the slave camera receives any one of the predetermined information,
The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on any one of the predetermined information. The master camera
Based on the predetermined information detected by the detecting means, comprising identification information generating means for generating identification information for identifying image data;
The transmission means of the master camera transmits the identification information,
The slave camera is
4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording unit that receives the identification information from the receiving unit and adds the identification information to the image data obtained by the predetermined simultaneous photographing process. A camera system according to any one of the above. The master camera identification information generating means includes:
5. The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the identification information is generated based on a position of the specific subject detected by the detection means or a position of the own device that takes the specific subject as a photographing target. The master camera
Position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means is transmitted by the transmission means;
The slave camera is
Receiving the position information from the receiving means;
6. The predetermined simultaneous photographing process is executed by the execution unit, adjusting a photographing direction with respect to the specific subject based on position information received by the receiving unit. Camera system. The slave camera execution means includes:
First calculating means for calculating a distance to the specific subject based on the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
7. The camera system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined simultaneous photographing processing is executed by performing focus control based on the distance calculated by the first calculating means. The slave camera execution means includes:
Second calculating means for calculating the direction of the specific subject based on the position indicated by the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
8. The camera system according to claim 6, further comprising guide means for guiding the direction calculated by the second calculation means at the time of photographing. The detection means of the master camera is
It detects the characteristics of a specific subject in the captured image,
The transmission means transmits feature information indicating the characteristics of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
The slave camera is
Receiving the feature information from the receiving means;
9. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit specifies the specific subject based on the characteristic information received by the reception unit and executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process.   5. The camera system according to claim 4, further comprising image data selection means for selecting image data to be processed based on the identification information from a plurality of image data recorded in the recording means.   11. The camera system according to claim 10, wherein the selection unit performs the selection when simultaneously reproducing the same image data obtained by the predetermined simultaneous photographing process with another camera. The transmission means of the master camera transmits instruction information for instructing execution of a predetermined simultaneous photographing process together with the predetermined information,
The slave camera receiving means receives the instruction information together with the predetermined information,
12. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process in response to reception of the instruction information. The detection means of the master camera is
During the synchronized video shooting, the position of the specific subject is detected sequentially,
The transmission means sequentially transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
The slave camera is
Sequentially receiving the position information from the receiving means;
13. The camera system according to claim 12, wherein the execution unit includes a guide unit that sequentially guides the direction of the specific subject based on the sequentially received lower position information. A camera used in a camera system for executing a predetermined simultaneous photographing process on a specific subject with a plurality of cameras,
Detecting means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject;
A master camera function comprising: transmission means for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection means;
Or
Receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means;
A slave camera function comprising execution means for executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the predetermined information received by the receiving means;
A camera having at least one of the functions.   The camera according to claim 14, wherein the camera has both the master camera function and the slave camera function. A function of detecting the position of the specific subject as the predetermined information;
The transmission means transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means as the predetermined information,
The receiving means receives the position information;
16. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the position information. Furthermore, it has a function of detecting any one of a positional relationship, a shooting direction and a distance between the specific subject and the camera for shooting the specific subject as the predetermined information,
The transmission means transmits any one of the predetermined information detected by the detection means,
The receiving means receives any one of the predetermined information,
The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution unit executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on any one of the predetermined information. Based on the predetermined information detected by the detecting means, comprising identification information generating means for generating identification information for identifying image data;
The transmitting means transmits the identification information;
18. A recording means for receiving the identification information from the receiving means and adding the identification information to the image data obtained by the predetermined simultaneous photographing process and recording the image data. Any one described in the camera. The identification information generating means
19. The camera according to claim 18, wherein the identification information is generated based on a position of a specific subject detected by the detecting means or a position of the own device that takes the specific subject as a subject of photographing. Position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means is transmitted by the transmission means;
Receiving the position information from the receiving means;
20. The predetermined simultaneous photographing process is executed by the execution unit adjusting a photographing direction with respect to the specific subject based on position information received by the receiving unit. Camera. First calculating means for calculating a distance to the specific subject based on the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
21. The camera according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined simultaneous photographing processing is executed by performing focus control based on the distance calculated by the first calculating means. Second calculating means for calculating the direction of the specific subject based on the position indicated by the position information received by the receiving means and the position of the own device;
The camera according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising guide means for guiding the direction calculated by the second calculation means at the time of photographing. The detecting means detects a characteristic of a specific subject in a captured image,
The transmission means transmits feature information indicating the characteristics of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
Receiving the feature information from the receiving means;
23. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution unit specifies the specific subject based on the characteristic information received by the reception unit, and executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process.   19. The camera according to claim 18, further comprising image data selection means for selecting image data to be processed based on the identification information from a plurality of image data recorded in the recording means.   25. The camera according to claim 24, wherein the selection means executes the selection when simultaneously reproducing image data obtained by the same simultaneous photographing with another camera. The transmission means transmits instruction information instructing execution of simultaneous photographing together with the predetermined information,
The receiving means receives the instruction information together with the predetermined information,
26. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the execution means executes the predetermined simultaneous photographing process in response to reception of the instruction information. The detection means includes
During the synchronized video shooting, the position of the specific subject is detected sequentially,
The transmission means sequentially transmits position information indicating the position of the specific subject detected by the detection means,
Sequentially receiving the position information from the receiving means;
27. The camera according to claim 26, wherein the execution means includes guide means for sequentially guiding the direction of the specific subject based on the sequentially received lower position information.   The camera according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the camera has both the master camera function and the slave camera function. A computer included in a camera used in a camera system for simultaneously photographing a specific subject with a plurality of cameras,
Detecting means for detecting predetermined information about the specific subject;
Transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detecting means;
Or
Receiving means for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Execution means for executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the predetermined information received by the receiving means;
A program that functions as at least one of the above. A shooting method for simultaneously shooting a specific subject with multiple cameras,
Dividing the plurality of cameras into a single master camera and other slave cameras;
The master camera has
A detection step of detecting predetermined information relating to the specific subject;
A transmission step for transmitting the predetermined information detected by the detection step;
In the slave camera,
A receiving step for receiving the predetermined information transmitted by the transmitting step;
And a step of executing the predetermined simultaneous photographing process based on the predetermined information received in the receiving step.

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