JP2017168914A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to take images for a longer time by a group with one or more cameras as members.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an imaging apparatus, includes: specifying means for specifying another imaging apparatus different from a target imaging apparatus existing within an area with the target imaging apparatus to be processed as a reference; and first determination means for determining at least whether the target imaging device performs imaging based on imaging information on imaging of each of the other imaging devices specified by the target imaging device and the specifying means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for managing a camera.

  In recent years, one of the expanding uses of cameras has been known to be a method in which each policeman wears a small camera and saves the video taken by the camera as evidence in order to leave the state of the incident or accident as evidence. Yes. In this application, a small camera is required to operate for a longer time while always recording.

  In addition, with the enhancement of camera functions, many cameras having a wireless communication function have been developed. These cameras can perform operations using a smartphone, a PC, transmission / reception of image data, and the like by a wireless communication function. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a plurality of cameras cooperate to transmit / receive image data to / from each other.

JP 2001-33365 A

  However, in the method in which each policeman wears a small camera and shoots, when recording is always performed with the small camera, the battery runs out in a short time, and the memory capacity becomes full in a short time. There was a problem such as.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to enable imaging for a longer time by a group including one or more cameras as members.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that can communicate with an imaging apparatus, and that specifies a different imaging apparatus that is different from the target imaging apparatus and that exists in an area that is based on the target imaging apparatus to be processed. And at least a first determining unit that determines whether or not the target imaging device performs imaging based on imaging information regarding imaging of each of the other imaging devices specified by the target imaging device and the specifying unit. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform imaging for a longer time by a group having one or more cameras as members.

1 is a diagram illustrating an imaging system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a camera. It is a figure which shows the software structure of a camera. It is a flowchart which shows an imaging control process. It is explanatory drawing of an imaging control process. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the communication control process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the imaging system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the communication control process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the master determination process which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging control process which concerns on the 4th implementation system cheer.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an imaging system as an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. The imaging system has a plurality of cameras 100. Here, the camera 100 is an example of an imaging apparatus. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging system has three cameras 100. The three cameras are all cameras having the same configuration and functions. However, when it is necessary to distinguish the three cameras 100, they will be appropriately referred to as camera A, camera B, and camera C, respectively.

  All the cameras 100 have a wireless communication function. The camera 100 further has a function of communicating with each other and confirming the existence of each other. There are various communication standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (registered trademark) in the wireless communication function of the camera 100, but any method capable of wireless communication between the cameras 100 may be used. Does not matter.

  The imaging system of this embodiment sets a group of a plurality of cameras 100, and controls so that one camera is always in charge of imaging in this group. Thereby, since it is not necessary for all the cameras 100 to always perform imaging, it is possible to further increase the imaging time for each group. Hereinafter, the process for this will be described. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the camera B and the camera C are both located in an area where the camera A can perform wireless communication.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the camera 100. The camera 100 has an internal bus 210. The camera 100 includes a CPU 220, a primary storage device 230, a secondary storage device 240, an image I / F (interface) 250, an imaging unit 251, a communication I / F 260, and a communication unit 261 connected to the internal bus 210. Have. The CPU 220 comprehensively controls the operation of the camera 100. The primary storage device 230 is a writable high-speed storage device represented by a RAM, for example. The primary storage device 230 is loaded with, for example, an OS (operating system), various programs, various data, and the like, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 220 executes the OS, various programs, and the like. Note that the functions and processes of the camera 100 to be described later are realized by the CPU 220 reading out a program stored in the secondary storage device 230 and executing the program.

  The secondary storage device 240 is a non-volatile storage device represented by, for example, an FDD, HDD, flash memory, CD-ROM drive, or the like. The secondary storage device 240 is used not only as a permanent storage area for the OS, various programs, and various data, but also as a storage area for various short-term data.

  The image I / F 250 converts and compresses the image data picked up by the image pickup unit 251 into a predetermined format, and transfers the data to the secondary storage device 240 or the primary storage device 230, for example. The communication I / F 260 converts information received from the other camera 100, which is a camera different from that of the communication unit 261, into a predetermined format, and transfers the information to the secondary storage device 240, for example. In addition, the communication I / F 260 can convert the information of the own device stored in the secondary storage device 240 or the like into a predetermined format and transmit the information to another camera 100 through the communication unit 261.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the camera 100. The camera 100 includes a communication processing unit 300, a group management unit 301, an information management unit 302, a charge management unit 303, and an imaging control unit 304. The communication processing unit 300 controls communication with the external camera 100. Based on the communication result from the communication processing unit 300, the group management unit 301 sets an imaging group having the own device as a member, and specifies another camera 100 to be a member of the group of the own device. The information management unit 302 manages imaging information of cameras (including the own apparatus) that belong to the shooting group. The information management unit 302 records the imaging information in the storage unit 310 and deletes it from the storage unit 310.

  The storage unit 310 stores, as imaging information, the camera ID, the remaining battery capacity, the remaining storage capacity, the remaining operation time, and the remaining imaging time of the cameras 100 belonging to the group. The camera ID is identification information of the camera 100. When the communication processing unit 300 receives the camera ID, the remaining battery capacity, and the free storage capacity from other cameras as the imaging information, the group management unit 301 records them in the storage unit 310. Furthermore, the group management unit 301 calculates an estimated value of the remaining operating time and an estimated value of the remaining imaging time based on the remaining battery capacity and the free storage capacity, and records these in the storage unit 310 as imaging information. Similarly, the group management unit 301 records the camera ID, the remaining battery capacity, the storage free capacity, the estimated value of the remaining operating time, and the estimated value of the remaining imaging time as imaging information. The charge manager 303 determines whether or not the device itself is responsible for shooting in the group. The imaging control unit 304 controls imaging by the imaging unit 251.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing imaging control processing by the camera 100 according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a case where the camera A shown in FIG. 1 executes the imaging control process will be described as an example, but the camera B and the camera C also execute the imaging control process in the same manner. In S400, the communication processing unit 300 of the camera A starts transmission of the camera ID of the own device through wireless communication via the communication unit 261. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, when the camera A transmits a camera ID, the camera B and the camera C existing in an area where the camera A can communicate wirelessly receive the camera ID of the camera A.

  Upon receiving the camera ID of camera A, camera B and camera C transmit a response to camera A. Here, the response includes shooting information of the transmission source camera. That is, the response transmitted from the camera B includes the camera ID of the camera B, the remaining battery level, and the free storage capacity as imaging information. It should be noted that the remaining battery capacity and free storage capacity included in the imaging information are the latest information at the time corresponding to the timing at which the camera ID is received.

  In step S <b> 401, the group management unit 301 of the camera A checks whether a response has been received from another camera 100. When the group management unit 301 receives a response (Yes in S401), the group management unit 301 advances the process to S402. If the group management unit 301 has not received a response (No in S401), the process proceeds to S405.

  In step S <b> 402, the group management unit 301 of the camera A identifies another camera that belongs to the same group as the own device group based on the response reception result. Specifically, the group management unit 301 identifies the response transmission source camera as a camera belonging to the same group. In the present embodiment, the group management unit 301 of the camera A specifies the camera B and the camera C as cameras belonging to the same group. Note that the other cameras that can transmit the response are cameras that exist within an area where the camera A can communicate. That is, this process is a process of determining other cameras that exist within the communicable area of the camera A as the target imaging apparatus as members belonging to the same group as the camera A. That is, the process of S402 is an example of a specifying process for specifying another imaging device that exists in a communicable area of the target imaging device. The area where camera A can communicate is an example of an area based on camera A.

  Next, in S403, the information management unit 302 of the camera A records the imaging information received in S401 in the storage unit 310. The information management unit 302 further calculates an estimated value of the remaining operating time and a remaining imaging time based on the remaining battery capacity and free storage capacity, and records these values in the storage unit 310. If imaging information about the same camera is already stored in the storage unit 310, the information is updated to the newly received imaging information as a response in S401. The information management unit 302 also updates the imaging information of the own device. In addition, the information management unit 302 may delete the imaging information of the camera that has not received the response when it is stored in the information management unit 302. As another example, the imaging information of a camera that has not received a response may be stored in the storage unit 310 with information indicating that a response has not been received.

  In step S <b> 404, the person-in-charge management unit 303 of the camera A determines whether or not the own apparatus, that is, the camera A is in charge of imaging in the group. Note that when the person in charge of imaging is determined, the camera A performs imaging. That is, the process of S404 is an example of a determination process for determining whether or not the camera A as the target imaging apparatus performs imaging.

  The person-in-charge management unit 303 according to the present embodiment determines the camera having the largest remaining battery charge as the person in charge of imaging among the cameras belonging to the same group. In other words, the charge manager 303 determines that the device is in charge of imaging when the battery level of the device is the largest among the battery levels of cameras in the same group. On the other hand, when the battery level of the own device is not the maximum, it is determined that the own device is not in charge of imaging.

  Note that the person-in-charge management unit 303 may determine whether or not to be in charge of imaging based on the imaging information, and the conditions for determining the person in charge of imaging are not limited to those in the embodiment. For example, the charge management unit 303 may determine whether or not the device itself is in charge of imaging based on the free storage capacity, and determines whether the device itself is based on information on both the battery remaining amount and the storage remaining amount. It may be determined whether to take charge of imaging.

  Further, the charge management unit 303 may determine whether or not the own apparatus is to be in charge of imaging based on a condition that two or more cameras are determined to be in charge of imaging. For example, the charge management unit 303 may determine that the device is in charge of imaging when the remaining battery level is in the top two of the remaining battery levels of cameras in the same group.

  If the charge manager 303 determines that the device is in charge of imaging (Yes in S404), the process proceeds to S405. If the charge manager 303 determines that the apparatus is not to be in charge of imaging (No in S404), the process proceeds to S407. In step S <b> 405, the imaging control unit 304 confirms whether the imaging unit 251 is imaging. If an image is being picked up (Yes in S405), the process proceeds to S409. If the imaging control unit 304 is not imaging (No in S405), the process proceeds to S406. In step S406, the imaging control unit 304 controls the imaging unit 251 to start imaging, and then advances the process to step S409.

  At this time, similarly to the camera A, the camera B and the camera C execute the imaging control process. The camera B and the camera C each have their own battery level not maximized in the group, and therefore, in the imaging control process, it is determined that the own apparatus is not in charge of imaging, and imaging is not performed. Therefore, when the camera A starts imaging, the camera B and the camera C are in an imaging stopped state.

  On the other hand, in step S407, the imaging control unit 304 confirms whether or not the imaging unit 251 is imaging. If the image is not being captured (No in S407), the process proceeds to S409. The imaging control unit 304 advances the process to S408 when imaging is in progress (Yes in S407). In step S408, the imaging control unit 304 controls the imaging unit 251 to end imaging, and then advances the process to step S409. In this case, another camera in the same group decides to take an image as a person in charge of imaging, and starts imaging. For example, when the remaining battery level of the camera B is the maximum, the camera B starts imaging as a person in charge of imaging, and the camera C enters an imaging stop state together with the camera A.

  In S409, the communication processing unit 300 stands by until a predetermined time elapses from the timing at which the camera ID of the own device was transmitted last time in S400, and when the predetermined time elapses (Yes in S409), the processing proceeds to S400. As described above, the camera 100 repeats the processes of S400 to S408 every time a predetermined time elapses.

  Thereby, the camera 100 can set an appropriate group according to the arrangement relationship of the cameras at the time of processing each time a certain time elapses. Furthermore, by always referring to the latest imaging information, the camera can always appropriately determine whether or not the device is in charge of imaging according to the battery and storage status of the camera at the time of processing.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the imaging control process. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the camera A is in a state where it can communicate with the camera B and the camera C, the camera A specifies the camera B and the camera C as members of the same group. In this situation, it is assumed that the camera C leaves the camera A and cannot communicate with the camera A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, since the camera A cannot communicate with the camera C, the camera A specifies only the camera B as a member of the same group. On the other hand, the camera C is in a situation where there is no camera of the same group other than its own device. Therefore, in the camera positional relationship as shown in FIG. 5B, in the group 510 of the camera A and the camera B, one camera (camera A in the example of FIG. 5B) takes an image as an imaging person. become. Further, in the group 511 including only the camera C, the camera C performs imaging as a person in charge of imaging.

  As described above, in the imaging system according to the present embodiment, when the camera A and the camera B are close to each other, only one camera performs shooting, and when the cameras are separated from each other, Shooting can be performed. As described above, in the imaging system according to this embodiment, the person in charge of imaging can be dynamically changed by dynamically changing the group of imaging.

  As described above, in the imaging system according to the present embodiment, since only one camera in the group performs imaging, it is possible to perform imaging for a longer time by the group. For example, when each camera is carried by a plurality of police officers, the positional relationship of the cameras may dynamically change according to the behavior of each policeman. Even in such a case, in the present embodiment, since the camera periodically updates the members of the same group and the person in charge of imaging, an appropriate camera can always take charge of imaging. As a result, incidents and accidents occurring around the group can be left as evidence.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an imaging system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the camera 100. The camera 100 according to the second embodiment further includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 600 in addition to the configuration of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment. The GPS receiving unit 600 receives a signal from GPS. The camera 100 can specify the position of its own device based on a signal from the GPS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing communication control processing by the camera 100 according to the second embodiment. The same number is attached | subjected to the process same as each process of the communication control process demonstrated referring FIG. Hereinafter, the communication control process of the camera 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the communication control process according to the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, when the camera A transmits a camera ID to another camera in S400, the other camera that has received the camera ID transmits a response. In the present embodiment, the response transmitted by the other camera includes position information indicating the position of the other camera in addition to the imaging information. If the communication processing unit 300 of the camera 100 receives a response from another camera (Yes in S401), the process proceeds to S700. In step S <b> 700, the group management unit 301 identifies the distance between the own apparatus and each of the other cameras that have transmitted the response, based on the position information of the other cameras included in the response.

  In step S <b> 701, the group management unit 301 specifies a camera in the same group as that of the own apparatus based on the response reception result in step S <b> 401 and the distance to each of the other cameras. Specifically, the group management unit 301 identifies a camera whose distance from the own device is less than a threshold among the response transmission cameras as a camera belonging to the same group as the own device. That is, this process is an example of a specifying process for specifying another imaging device that exists in a region from the camera A as the target imaging device to a predetermined distance. An area from the camera A to a predetermined distance is an example of an area with the camera A as a reference. It is assumed that the area from the camera A to a predetermined distance is narrower than the area where the camera A can communicate. After step S701, the CPU 220 advances the process to step S702.

  In step S <b> 702, the information management unit 302 records imaging information of other cameras identified as the same camera in the storage unit 310. Note that the information management unit 302 also records the distance specified in S700 in the storage unit 310 in association with imaging information of other cameras. As another example, in S702, the information management unit 302 may record the imaging information of each camera that has received the response in the storage unit 310. In this case, the information management unit 302 records information for identifying whether or not the same group is specified in association with the camera ID of another camera. After the process of S702, the CPU 220 advances the process to S404. The remaining configuration and processing of the imaging system according to the second embodiment are the same as the configuration and processing of the imaging system according to the first embodiment.

  As a modification example of the imaging system according to the second embodiment, the process for specifying the distance to the own apparatus is not limited to the embodiment. As another example, when the camera 100 is capable of short-range wireless communication, the camera 100 requests the other camera that has transmitted the response in the short-range wireless communication to measure the radio field intensity. Receive radio field strength measurement results. And the camera 100 specifies the distance between an own apparatus and another camera based on the measurement result of field intensity. As another example, the camera 100 may specify the distance from another camera using a distance measuring sensor.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an imaging system according to the third embodiment will be described. In the imaging system according to the third embodiment, the camera 100 identifies cameras that can communicate with each other as one group. The camera 100 determines in each group whether or not the device itself is in charge of imaging, and performs imaging when it is determined in at least one group to be in charge of imaging.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an imaging system according to the third embodiment. Assume that cameras A to E exist as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that communication is possible between the camera A and the cameras B to E. It is assumed that communication is possible between camera B and camera C, and between camera D and camera E. On the other hand, communication between camera B and camera E and between camera C and camera D are impossible.

  In this case, the camera A sets a group whose members are only cameras in a communication state that can communicate with each other among other cameras that can communicate with the own device. In the example of FIG. 8A, as a group to which the camera A belongs, a first group 801 having a camera A, a camera B, and a camera C as members, a camera A, a camera D, and a camera E , A second group 802 whose members are members. Since communication between the camera B and the camera E is impossible, the camera B and the camera E belong to different groups in this way.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that communication is not possible between the camera D and the camera E as shown in FIG. In this case, as the group to which the camera A belongs, in addition to the first group 801 described above, the second group 812 having the camera A and the camera D as members, and the camera A and the camera E are members. The third group 813 is determined.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, it is assumed that a camera F exists in addition to the example of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the camera F can communicate with the camera A and the camera C, but cannot communicate with the camera B and the camera D. In this case, since the camera F cannot communicate with the camera B, it becomes a member of a group different from the camera B. That is, in addition to the first group 801 and the second group 802, a third group 823 whose members are the camera A, the camera C, and the camera F is determined.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing communication control processing by the camera 100 according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the communication control process of the camera 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the communication control process according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, when the camera A transmits a camera ID to another camera in S400, the other camera that has received the camera ID transmits a response. At this time, the response transmitted by the other camera includes the camera ID of the partner camera with which the other camera itself can communicate in addition to the imaging information. If the communication processing unit 300 of the camera 100 receives a response from another camera (Yes in S401), the process proceeds to S900.

  In step S900, the group management unit 301 determines a group including the own apparatus and at least one other camera based on the reception result and information on the communication partner of the other camera of the transmission source. In S900, the group management unit 301 may determine only one group or may determine a plurality of groups. In the arrangement state (communication state) shown in FIG. 1, when the camera B and the camera C can also communicate with each other, the camera A is a group including three cameras A, B, and C as members. Only as a group of the own device (camera A). Further, in the arrangement state (communication state) shown in FIG. 8A, the camera A determines two groups 801 and 802 as the groups of its own device.

  Next, in S901, the information management unit 302 records the imaging information received in S401 in the storage unit 310. The information management unit 302 further records a group ID for identifying a group to which each camera belongs in association with the camera ID of another camera. Next, in step S902, the charge management unit 303 selects one processing target group from the groups determined in step S900. Then, the charge manager 303 determines whether or not the self apparatus is in charge of imaging in the selected target group. The responsible manager 303 performs this process for all groups determined in S900.

  Next, in step S903, the person-in-charge management unit 303 determines whether or not the own apparatus performs imaging based on the determination result in step S902. If it is determined that the device itself is in charge of imaging in at least one group, the charge manager 303 determines that the device itself performs imaging. If there is no group in which the device is determined to be in charge of imaging, the charge manager 303 determines not to perform imaging in the device itself. If the charge manager 303 determines to perform imaging (Yes in S903), the process proceeds to S405. If the charge manager 303 determines not to perform imaging (No in S903), the process proceeds to S407. The remaining configuration and processing of the imaging system according to the second embodiment are the same as the configuration and processing of the imaging system according to the first embodiment.

  By the above processing, for example, in the arrangement state of FIG. 8A, it is assumed that the descending order of the remaining battery level is camera C, camera B, camera A, camera E, and camera D. In this case, in the first group 801, since the remaining amount of the camera C battery is maximum, the camera A is not determined to be in charge of imaging. In the second group 802, since the remaining battery level of the camera A is the maximum, the camera A is determined to be in charge of imaging. For this reason, in S903, the camera A determines that its own device performs imaging, and imaging is started.

  The cameras B to E also perform the imaging control process in the same manner as the camera A. As a result, the camera C decides to perform imaging with its own device and starts imaging. However, the camera B, the camera D, and the camera E are in an imaging stopped state. Thus, in the imaging system according to the present embodiment, groups can be set according to the communication status. Thereby, in a region with a certain camera as a reference, only an appropriate camera among a plurality of cameras existing in the region can capture an image.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an imaging system according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the imaging system of the present embodiment, in a group of a plurality of cameras, one camera becomes a master, and the master determines a camera in charge of imaging. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing master determination processing according to the fourth embodiment. Since a part of the master determination process is common to each process of the communication control process shown in FIG. 4, the same process is given the same number.

  In the master determination process, the camera 100 identifies cameras in the same group and records imaging information through the processes of S400 to S403. If no response is received in S401 (No in S401), the process proceeds to S1001. In step S1001, the group management unit 301 sets its own device as a master. The CPU 220 of the camera 100 advances the process to S1000 after the process of S403.

  In step S1000, the group management unit 301 refers to the imaging information of the own device, and determines whether the own device matches the group master condition. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the maximum remaining battery level is set as the master condition. The master condition is not limited to the embodiment as long as it relates to the imaging information.

  When the own device matches the master condition (Yes in S1000), the group management unit 301 advances the process to S1001. In S1001, the group management unit 301 sets its own device as the master of the group, and then proceeds to S1003. On the other hand, if the own device does not match the master condition (No in S1000), the group management unit 301 advances the process to S1002. In S1002, the group management unit 301 sets the slave of the group of the own device, and then advances the process to S1003.

  In S1003, the communication processing unit 300 waits until a predetermined time (first time) elapses from the timing at which the camera ID of the own device was transmitted last time. When the first time elapses (Yes in S1003), the communication processing unit 300 performs processing. Proceed to S400. As described above, the camera 100 repeats the processes of S400 to S1002 every time the first time elapses. Thereby, every time the first time elapses, the camera 100 sets an appropriate group according to the arrangement relationship of the plurality of cameras at the time of processing, and masters its own device according to the latest imaging information. Can be set as a slave.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an imaging control process performed by the camera 100 set as the master. When the camera 100 is set as the master, the camera 100 executes an imaging control process. Note that the camera 100 set as a slave does not perform the imaging control process shown in FIG. In S1100, the communication processing unit 300 of the camera 100 transmits a request for imaging information to another camera. When the other camera receives the request for imaging information, it transmits the latest imaging information of its own device to the transmission source of the request. In contrast, in S1101, the communication processing unit 300 receives imaging information from another camera. In step S1102, the group management unit 301 determines a camera in charge of imaging from cameras in the same group based on the imaging information. That is, the group management unit 301 determines whether or not each camera in the same group performs imaging.

  Next, in S1103, the communication processing unit 300 transmits an imaging start instruction to the camera determined to be in charge of imaging, transmits an imaging stop instruction to the camera not determined to be in charge of imaging, and then performs processing in S1104. Proceed to The camera set as the slave controls imaging in accordance with an imaging start instruction or an imaging stop instruction. As a result, in the group, only the camera determined to be in charge of imaging performs imaging, and the other cameras are in the imaging stopped state.

  In S1104, the communication processing unit 300 stands by until a certain time (second time) elapses from the timing at which the request is transmitted in S1100, and when the second time elapses (Yes in S1104), the processing proceeds to S1100. . In this way, the camera set as the master repeats the processing of S1100 to S1103 every time the second time elapses. Note that the second time is shorter than the first time.

  In this embodiment, in order to determine the master, devices other than the master need only perform the start or stop control of imaging in accordance with the imaging start instruction or imaging stop instruction, and perform the imaging control process shown in FIG. It is not necessary. However, it is preferable that the group and the master are dynamically updated when it is assumed that the arrangement of the cameras is different with time. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, the group and the master are updated each time the first time, which is a longer time than the second time, elapses. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently determine the person in charge of imaging while responding to the time change of the camera arrangement.

  Note that the processing of the camera described in the first to fourth embodiments may be performed by an information processing apparatus such as a smartphone that is carried by a user such as a police officer together with the camera. That is, the information processing apparatus sets the camera carried with the apparatus as a target camera to be processed (target imaging apparatus), and determines whether or not the target camera performs imaging. Here, since the information processing apparatus is carried by the same user together with the target imaging apparatus, the information processing apparatus moves together with the target imaging apparatus.

  It is assumed that the information processing apparatus can communicate with other information processing apparatuses and target cameras of the other information processing apparatuses. Then, the information processing apparatus identifies the target camera of the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the response as another camera in the same group as the target camera of the own apparatus, according to the reception result of the response from the other information processing apparatus. Further, the information processing apparatus determines whether or not the target camera performs imaging based on the imaging information received from another information processing apparatus and the imaging information of the target camera of the own apparatus.

  Further, as another example, the information processing apparatus can communicate with each of a plurality of cameras existing in a certain range, and by receiving imaging information and position information from each camera, a group is determined, The person in charge of imaging may be determined.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

100 Camera 301 Group Management Unit 302 Information Management Unit 303 Charge Management Unit 310 Storage Unit

Claims (14)

An information processing device capable of communicating with an imaging device,
A specifying means for specifying another imaging device different from the target imaging device, which exists in a region based on the target imaging device to be processed;
First determination means for determining whether or not at least the target imaging device performs imaging based on imaging information relating to imaging of each of the target imaging device and the other imaging device specified by the specifying unit. An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The specifying unit specifies the other imaging device each time the first time elapses,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines whether or not to perform imaging every time the specifying unit specifies the other imaging device.   The first determining unit determines whether to perform imaging based on the imaging information at a time corresponding to a timing at which the specifying unit specifies the other imaging device. The information processing apparatus according to 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging information includes information on a remaining battery level of the imaging apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging information includes information on a free storage capacity of the imaging apparatus. The information processing apparatus moves together with the target imaging device,
The other image pickup device corresponding to the other information processing device existing in an area communicable with the own device among the other information processing devices different from the own device moving together with the other image pickup device. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is specified.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the other imaging apparatus that exists in a region from the target imaging apparatus to a predetermined distance. Based on the communication status between the other apparatus and the other information processing apparatus that moves with the other imaging apparatus and the own apparatus, the target imaging apparatus and at least one other imaging apparatus as members Second determining means for determining one or more groups to be performed;
And third determining means for determining whether or not the target imaging device is in charge of imaging of each group determined by the second determining means,
The first determination unit determines whether or not the target imaging device performs imaging based on whether or not the target imaging device is determined to be in charge of the imaging. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims. Based on the imaging information of the other imaging device specified by the target imaging device and the specifying unit, further includes setting means for setting the own device as a master or a slave,
The information according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines whether or not each of the target imaging device and the other imaging device performs imaging when set to the master. Processing equipment. The specifying unit specifies the other imaging device each time the second time elapses,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the setting unit sets the self apparatus as a master or a slave each time the specifying unit specifies the other imaging apparatus.   The first determining means, based on the imaging information at the time corresponding to the timing at which the third time has passed, every time when a third time shorter than the second time has elapsed, The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of the target imaging apparatus and the other imaging apparatus determines whether to perform imaging. The information processing apparatus is an imaging apparatus having imaging means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines whether or not the own apparatus performs imaging. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an imaging apparatus,
A specifying step of identifying another imaging device different from the target imaging device, which is present in a region based on the target imaging device to be processed;
Including at least a first determination step for determining whether or not the target imaging device performs imaging based on imaging information related to imaging of the target imaging device and each of the other imaging devices specified in the specifying step. An information processing method characterized by the above. A computer that can communicate with the imaging device
A specifying means for specifying another imaging device different from the target imaging device, which exists in a region based on the target imaging device to be processed;
Functions as at least first determination means for determining whether or not the target imaging device performs imaging based on imaging information relating to imaging of each of the target imaging device and the other imaging device specified by the specifying unit. Program to let you.

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