JP2019016954A - Video processing apparatus, video processing method, and video processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To realize high-speed processing of connecting a plurality of video data.SOLUTION: A video processing apparatus 1 includes frame acquiring means 22 for acquiring a plurality of pieces of frame data shot at the same time from a plurality of pieces of video data, seam calculation means 24 for calculating a joint between pieces of frame data adjacent to each other, connected frame output means 25 for connecting the pieces of frame data according to the joint calculated by the seam calculation means 24 and outputting the connected frame data without duplication, and cycle setting means 23 for setting a cycle at which the seam calculation means calculates a joint. The seam calculation means 24 acquires a plurality of pieces of frame data shot at the same time at the cycle set by the cycle setting means 23 and calculates the joint of the acquired plurality of pieces of frame data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a video processing apparatus, a video processing method, and a video processing program for connecting a plurality of video data shot with a part of a shooting area being overlapped.

  In recent years, image processing in which video data captured by a plurality of cameras is connected and reconstructed as one panoramic video or omnidirectional video has become widespread. In such a technique, it is possible to output a powerful video on a large screen, and thus improvement in video quality is required (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Non-Patent Document 1 discloses that the beauty of a video is improved by applying a reliability mapping method for representing a subject in a multilayer plane and two-dimensional image processing, regarding a technique for panoramic synthesis of images.

  However, with the improvement of video quality, calculation cost in image processing becomes a burden, and reduction of calculation cost is expected. In the technique described in Non-Patent Document 1, the computer load may become very high and the processing speed may decrease.

  Specifically, when processing a plurality of 4K videos (3840 × 2160p, 60 fps), the amount of data that must be processed per second per video reaches 6 Gbits. If it is desired to connect video shot by a plurality of cameras and perform live distribution, the image processing system may be heavily loaded, and processing time may be required so that live distribution cannot be realized.

  Therefore, in order to ensure the practicality of live distribution, a technique for realizing high-speed processing (real-time processing for live distribution) in addition to the naturalness of joints is disclosed (see Non-Patent Document 2). . Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating a joint by reducing the frame data of each video data.

Ai Isogai, Yutaka Kunida, Hideaki Kizen, “Proposal of panoramic video generation technology adapted to image areas”, IPSJ SIG Technical report Vol. 2009-AVM-66 No.9 2009/9/24 Yumi Kikuchi, Akira Ono, “Real-time generation and evaluation of 4K × N panorama content”, IEICE Technical Report, vol. 116, no. 73, MVE2016-2, pp. 23-28, June 2016

  However, even when high-speed processing is executed as described in Non-Patent Document 2, it is difficult to process video data in real time depending on the processing capability of the video processing device, the amount of input video data, and the like. It may be possible. Accordingly, there is a case in which higher speed is required in the process of connecting and outputting a plurality of video data.

  Therefore, the present invention is to provide a video processing apparatus, a video processing method, and a video processing program capable of realizing high-speed processing for connecting a plurality of video data.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first feature of the present invention relates to a video processing apparatus that connects a plurality of video data shot by overlapping a part of a shooting area. A video processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a frame acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of frame data captured simultaneously from a plurality of video data, and a seam calculation unit that calculates a joint between adjacent frame data. And connected frame output means for connecting the frame data in accordance with the joint calculated by the seam calculating means and outputting connected frame data having no overlap, and a cycle setting means for setting a cycle for calculating the joint by the seam calculating means. . The seam calculation means acquires a plurality of frame data shot at the same time in the period set by the period setting means, and calculates a joint of the acquired plurality of frame data.

  The period setting means calculates the information amount of the video data per unit time from the information amount that can be processed by the video processing device per unit time and a plurality of video data, and determines the information amount of the video data per unit time. Based on the ratio of the information amount that can be processed per unit time, a period for acquiring a plurality of frame data captured simultaneously may be calculated.

  A storage device that stores period definition data that associates the direction change amount and magnitude of a motion vector of an object in video data with a period for calculating a joint corresponding to the direction change amount and magnitude, and the period setting means includes: When the amount of information that can be processed per unit time is larger than the amount of video data per unit time, the direction change amount and magnitude of the motion vector of the object are calculated from a plurality of video data, and the cycle definition data is Referring to the calculated direction change amount and magnitude, a cycle for calculating the joint may be set.

  Further, the apparatus includes a storage device that stores period definition data that associates a direction change amount and magnitude of a motion vector of an object in video data with a period for calculating a joint corresponding to the direction change quantity and magnitude, and a period setting unit Calculates the direction change amount and magnitude of the motion vector of the object from multiple video data, and sets the cycle for calculating the joint from the calculated direction change amount and magnitude with reference to the cycle definition data You may do it.

  Furthermore, the cycle definition data may be set so that the cycle decreases as the direction change amount or the size increases.

  The second feature of the present invention relates to a video processing method for connecting a plurality of video data shot by overlapping a part of a shooting area. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video processing method in which a computer obtains a plurality of frame data captured simultaneously from a plurality of video data, and a computer calculates a joint between adjacent frame data. A step in which the computer connects the frame data in accordance with the calculated joint and outputs connected frame data without duplication, and a step in which the computer sets a cycle for calculating the joint. In the step of calculating a joint, a plurality of frame data photographed at the same time is acquired at a set cycle, and a joint of the plurality of acquired frame data is calculated.

  A video processing program for causing a computer to function as the video processing device according to claim 1.

  A third feature of the present invention relates to a video processing device program for causing a computer to function as the video processing device according to the first feature of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a video processing apparatus, a video processing method, and a video processing program capable of realizing high-speed processing for connecting a plurality of video data.

It is a figure explaining the hardware constitutions and functional block of the video processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the overlap frame data in the video processing device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the joint calculated by the video processing device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the connection frame data which the video processing apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention connected with the joint. It is a figure explaining the period which the video processing apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention calculates a joint. It is a figure explaining an example of a data structure and data of period definition data concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart explaining the period setting process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the seam calculation process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the connection frame output process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

(Overview)
The video processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 connects a plurality of video data captured by overlapping a part of the imaging area. The video processing device 1 searches for appropriate joints (seams) in the frame data simultaneously captured from the video data, and reconstructs the video data by connecting the frame data at the searched joints.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a case will be described in which a plurality of video data input to the video processing device 1 is a plurality of video data shot by overlapping shooting areas in the vertical and horizontal directions. Not exclusively. The plurality of pieces of video data may be a plurality of pieces of video data shot with the shooting regions overlapped in one direction in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. Note that each video data and the camera that outputs each video data do not have to be adjacent in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction (vertical direction or horizontal direction) in a strict sense.

  The video processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 connects a plurality of video data input from a plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3, and C4, and outputs one video data. In the embodiment of the present invention, a case will be described in which a plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3, and C4 are arranged in two vertical rows and two horizontal columns, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of cameras that shoot video data input to the video processing device 1 is, for example, six, which is arranged in two rows and three columns in the vertical direction, three in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, etc. It can be applied to the number of cameras.

  With reference to FIG. 2 thru | or FIG. 4, the outline | summary of the process which the video processing apparatus 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention connects video data is demonstrated.

  The video processing apparatus 1 acquires frame data that has been shot simultaneously from a plurality of video data. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, consider the upper left frame data F1, the upper right frame data F2, the lower left frame data F3, and the lower right frame data F4, which are simultaneously captured. The upper right side of the shooting area of the upper left frame data F1 overlaps the upper left side of the shooting area of the upper right frame data F2. The lower right side of the shooting area of the lower left frame data F3 and the lower left side of the shooting area of the lower right frame data F4 overlap. The lower left side of the shooting area of the upper left frame data F1 and the upper left side of the shooting area of the lower left frame data F3 overlap. The lower right side of the shooting area of the upper right frame data F2 and the upper right side of the shooting area of the lower right frame data F4 overlap. Also, the lower right side of the shooting area of the upper left frame data F1, the lower left side of the shooting area of the upper right frame data F2, the upper right side of the shooting area of the lower left frame data F3, and the upper left side of the shooting area of the lower right frame data F4. Are overlapping.

  The upper left frame data F1 and the upper right frame data F2 are such that the feature point photographed on the upper right side of the photographing area of the upper left frame data F1 and the feature point photographed on the upper left side of the photographing area of the upper right frame data F2 match. And repeat. Similarly, the lower left frame data F3 so that the feature point photographed at the lower right side of the photographing area of the lower left frame data F3 matches the feature point photographed at the lower left side of the photographing area of the lower right frame data F4. And lower right frame data F4. The upper left frame data F1 and the lower left frame data F3 are set so that the feature point photographed at the lower left side of the photographing area of the upper left frame data F1 matches the feature point photographed at the upper left side of the photographing area of the lower left frame data F3. And repeat. Upper right frame data F2 and lower right so that the feature point imaged on the lower right side of the imaging area of upper right frame data F2 matches the feature point imaged on the upper right side of the imaging area of lower right frame data F4. The frame data F4 is overlapped. Furthermore, the feature point imaged at the lower right side of the imaging area of the upper left frame data F1, the feature point imaged at the lower left side of the imaging area of the upper right frame data F2, and the upper right side of the imaging area of the lower left frame data F3. The upper left frame data F1, the upper right frame data F2, the lower left frame data F3, and the lower right frame data are set so that the photographed feature points coincide with the feature points photographed on the upper left side of the photographing area of the lower right frame data F4. Overlay with F4.

  As a result, as described in the center of FIG. 2, overlapping frame data F0 in which overlapping portions are formed in a cross shape is obtained. The frame data shown in FIG. 2 is schematically shown so that the overlapping frame data F0 is rectangular. However, when the angles of the cameras are different, some frame data are arranged obliquely. There is also.

  The video processing apparatus 1 determines the joint of each frame data in the overlapping part of the overlapping frame data F0. As shown in FIG. 3, the video processing apparatus 1 determines the vertical joint SEL and the horizontal joint SEW. The vertical joint SEL is a joint between the right ends of the upper left frame data F1 and the lower left frame data F3 and the left ends of the upper right frame data F2 and the lower right frame data F4. The horizontal joint SEW is a joint between the lower ends of the upper left frame data F1 and the upper right frame data F2 and the upper ends of the lower left frame data F3 and the lower right frame data F4.

  When determining the joint of each frame data, the video processing apparatus 1 separates and connects the frame data at the determined joint as shown in FIG. The video processing apparatus 1 cuts the upper left frame data F1, the upper right frame data F2, the lower left frame data F3, and the lower right frame data F4 at the horizontal joint SEW and the vertical joint SEL, respectively, to obtain the upper left frame data f1, the upper right frame data f2, Lower left frame data f3 and lower right frame data f4 are generated. The video processing apparatus 1 connects the upper left frame data f1, the upper right frame data f2, the lower left frame data f3, and the lower right frame data f4 to generate the concatenated frame data 16.

  Here, the video processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may calculate a joint for each frame data of the video data, or may calculate a joint by thinning out predetermined frame data. When the processing load of the video processing device 1 is high depending on the content and amount of the video data, the video processing device 1 can output the video data without delay by calculating a joint by thinning out predetermined frame data. . Alternatively, when a joint is set for each frame data depending on the content of the video data, if a reduction in image quality is foreseen, the video processing apparatus 1 calculates high-quality video data by thinning out predetermined frame data and calculating the joint. Can be output.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, there are first video data, second video data, third video data, and fourth video data, and frame data exists according to time as 1, 2, 3,. Explain the case. In FIG. 5, for example, the fifth frame data of the second video data is expressed as “F2-5”.

  When the video processing device 1 calculates the joints for all the frame data, the video processing device 1 calculates the joints from the respective frame data of F1-1, F2-1, F3-1, and F4-1. , F2-1, F3-1 and F4-1 are connected at the calculated joints, and the concatenated frame data 16 is output. Next, when the joint was calculated from each frame data of F1-2, F2-2, F3-2 and F4-2, each frame data of F1-2, F2-2, F3-2 and F4-2 was calculated. The connected frame data 16 is output by connecting at the joint. The subsequent frames are processed in the same manner.

  On the other hand, when calculating a joint by thinning out predetermined frame data, the video processing apparatus 1 calculates a joint for one frame data of, for example, three pieces of frame data as shown in FIG.

  When the video processing apparatus 1 calculates a joint from each frame data of F1-1, F2-1, F3-1, and F4-1, each frame data of F1-1, F2-1, F3-1, and F4-1 is calculated. Are connected at the calculated joint, and the connected frame data 16 is output. Further, the video processing apparatus 1 uses the joints calculated from the frame data of F1-1, F2-1, F3-1, and F4-1, and uses F1-2, F2-2, F3-2, and F4-2. Each frame data is connected, and each frame data of F1-3, F2-3, F3-3, and F4-3 is connected. Similarly, the video processing apparatus 1 calculates a joint from each frame data of F1-4, F2-4, F3-4, and F4-4, and F1-7, F2-7, F3-7, and F4-7. A joint is calculated from each frame data. When linking frame data other than the calculated frame data, the video processing apparatus 1 uses the most recently calculated joint.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the frames used for calculating the joints (frequency of calculating the joints) with respect to the number of frames per unit time of the video data is referred to as a period. The period may be expressed as the number of frames used to calculate a joint per unit time.

(Video processing device)
A video processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a general computer including a storage device 10, a processing device 20, and an input / output interface 30. The functions shown in FIG. 1 are realized by a general computer executing a video processing program.

  The storage device 10 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random access memory), a hard disk or the like, and stores various data such as input data, output data, and intermediate data for the processing device 20 to execute processing. . The processing device 20 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and reads / writes data stored in the storage device 10 and inputs / outputs data to / from the input / output interface 30 to execute processing in the video processing device 1. To do.

  The input / output interface 30 receives input from the input device I such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a plurality of cameras C 1, C 2, C 3 and C 4, and inputs the input data to the processing device 20. The input / output interface 30 further outputs the processing result by the processing device 20 to an output device O such as a display. The input device I, the plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3, C4, and the output device O may be connected to the video processing device 1 via a communication interface and a communication network. Alternatively, instead of the plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3 and C4, a video recorder or storage device storing a plurality of pre-captured shooting data may be connected to the video processing device 1 to process the video processing data. good.

  The storage device 10 stores a video processing program, and stores setting data 11, frame information data 12, cycle definition data 13, calculation cycle data 14, seam data 15, and linked frame data 16.

  The setting data 11 stores parameters necessary for processing by the video processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The setting data 11 includes, for example, parameters such as the number and arrangement of video data input to the video processing device 1 and which one of processing resources and image quality improvement is prioritized. In the embodiment of the present invention, the method of setting the frequency for calculating the joint is switched between when processing resources are prioritized and when image quality improvement is prioritized.

  The frame information data 12 holds information on each frame data of video data acquired from a plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3 and C4. The frame information data 12 is data in which information such as a frame number, a pixel value, a frame rate, and a luminance value is associated with a camera identifier.

  The cycle definition data 13 is a table for determining a cycle for calculating a joint in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the cycle definition data 13 is data in which the direction change amount and magnitude of the motion vector of the object in the video data are associated with the cycle for calculating the joint corresponding to the direction change amount and magnitude. . Each value shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and is appropriately set according to the resource of the video processing device 1, the attribute of the input video data, the viewing environment of the video data output by the video processing device 1, and the like.

  Here, although the period definition data 13 demonstrates the case where it sets so that a period may become low, for example when a direction change amount or magnitude | size becomes large, it does not restrict to this.

  The calculated cycle data 14 is set with a cycle calculated by a cycle setting unit 23 described later. The calculation cycle data 14 may be log data in which at least the most recently calculated cycle is set, and may be log data in which sequential cycles are accumulated.

  The seam data 15 is data obtained as a result of calculating the joint of each frame data by the seam calculation means 24 described later.

  The concatenated frame data 16 is generated by connecting a plurality of frame data captured simultaneously from each of a plurality of video data output from the plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3, and C4 according to the seam data 15. The concatenated frame data 16 becomes one frame data constituting the video data output from the video processing device 1.

  The processing device 20 includes a setting acquisition unit 21, a frame acquisition unit 22, a cycle setting unit 23, a seam calculation unit 24, and a connected frame output unit 25.

(Setting acquisition means)
The setting acquisition unit 21 acquires parameters necessary for processing by the video processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and stores setting data 11 including the acquired parameters. The setting acquisition unit 21 acquires parameters according to information input from the input device I by the user. Alternatively, the setting acquisition unit 21 acquires parameters necessary for processing by the video processing apparatus 1 by analyzing each video data input from the plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3, and C4.

(Frame acquisition means)
The frame acquisition means 22 acquires a plurality of frame data photographed simultaneously from the video data input from the plurality of cameras C1, C2, C3, and C4. The frame acquisition unit 22 generates and stores frame information data 12 for each of a plurality of acquired frame data.

(Cycle setting means)
The period setting unit 23 sets a period in which the seam calculation unit 24 calculates a joint. When the seam calculation unit 24 calculates the joint, the cycle setting unit 23 specifies the number of frame data from which the joint is calculated per unit time and sets it in the calculation cycle data 14.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, two modes for setting the period are proposed. The two modes are a processing resource securing mode for giving priority to securing processing resources and an image quality improving mode for giving priority to improving image quality. These modes may be specified by input from the input device I by the user and set in the setting data 11. Alternatively, it is determined in which mode the video processing device 1 operates in accordance with the resource of the video processing device 1, the attribute of the input video data, the viewing environment of the video data output by the video processing device 1, and the like. May be.

  First, the processing resource securing mode will be described. In the processing resource securing mode, the period setting means 23 calculates the information amount of the video data per unit time from the information amount that the video processing device 1 can process per unit time and a plurality of video data, and per unit time. The amount of information that can be processed is compared with the amount of video data per unit time. The period setting unit 23 calculates a period for acquiring a plurality of frame data captured simultaneously based on the ratio of the information amount that can be processed per unit time to the information amount of the video data per unit time.

  The period setting unit 23 sets “the amount of information that the video processing device 1 can process per unit time” based on the information amount of the concatenated frame data 16 output from the concatenated frame output unit 25, for example. The cycle setting unit 23 calculates “information amount of video data per unit time” from the number of video data (number of cameras) input from a plurality of cameras and the number of pixels of video data output from each camera. To do.

  When the amount of information that can be processed per unit time is lower than the amount of information of video data per unit time, the cycle setting unit 23 thins out a predetermined frame from each frame data of the input video data and removes a seam. calculate. For example, the information amount of 4K / 60p video captured by two cameras is approximately 12 Gbps. On the other hand, when the information amount that can be processed by the video processing device 1 is 6 Gbps, the ratio of the information amount that can be processed per unit time to the information amount of the video data per unit time is 6 Gbps / 12 Gbps. Therefore, the cycle setting means 23 determines that it is only necessary to calculate the joint for one frame data of the two frame data. Here, since the input video data is 60p, 60p × 6 Gbps / 12 Gbps = 30p. Therefore, the cycle setting means 23 sets 30 fps (frames per second) in the calculated cycle data 14 as the cycle for calculating the joint.

  In this processing resource securing mode, there may be a case where the period is set according to various situations such as giving a margin to the processing resource. In this case, the cycle setting unit 23 may calculate a cycle by adding an arbitrary element to the “ratio of the information amount that can be processed per unit time to the information amount of video data per unit time”. .

  In the above example, when the information amount of the input video data is 12 Gbps and the information amount of the processable resources is 12 Gbps or more, the search cycle is 60 fps, which is the same as the captured video. Here, when the information amount that can be processed per unit time is larger than the information amount of the video data per unit time, the period setting unit 23 may be controlled to operate in an image quality improvement mode to be described later. The period may be determined to be 60 fps.

  Whether or not to operate in the image quality improvement mode when the information amount of the input video data exceeds the information amount of resources that can be processed may be set in the setting data 11 in advance, or the video processing device 1 may It may be determined from video data or the like.

  In the processing resource reservation mode, when live video is processed in real time, even if there is a situation where processing resources are insufficient with respect to the amount of information of the input video data, the frequency of calculating the joint is reduced. It becomes possible to secure processing resources. Further, not only when a shortage of processing resources is expected before the start of live performance, but also when a camera is suddenly added after live start or the image quality is improved. The period setting unit 23 according to the embodiment of the present invention analyzes both the information amount and processing resources of the captured video and thins out frames at a predetermined timing from all the frames of the input video data. The number of processing terms can be reduced. As a result, the cycle setting unit 23 compensates for the shortage of processing resources, and enables image processing in real time to output video data.

  Next, the image quality improvement mode will be described. In the image quality improvement mode, the period setting unit 23 calculates the direction change amount and the magnitude of the motion vector of the object from a plurality of video data. Furthermore, the cycle setting unit 23 refers to the cycle definition data 13 and sets the cycle for calculating the joint from the calculated direction change amount and magnitude.

  The period setting unit 23 acquires a motion vector MV for an arbitrary object in the video data. This arbitrary object is selected on the basis of whether or not it is an object that influences when the position of the joint is specified, such as “an object that moves fast” and “an object that makes complex movement”. Furthermore, a criterion such as “a conspicuous object” may be added as to whether the object affects the image quality when the position of the joint is blurred.

  The period setting means 23 calculates the direction change amount MVC of the motion vector MV and the magnitude MVM of the motion vector MV. The direction change amount MVC of the motion vector MV is an indicator of the complexity of the motion of the object. The direction change amount MVC calculates the angle of the vector between the previous and next frames from the coordinate value of each frame of the motion vector in a frame of video data of a predetermined length, and calculates the change in the value of this angle. It is specified by extracting points where the angle moves greatly. For this reason, the direction change amount MVC is a parameter using angle information. On the other hand, the magnitude MVM of the motion vector MV is a parameter using the absolute value of the motion vector for each frame.

  When the period setting unit 23 thus calculates the direction change amount MVC of the motion vector MV and the magnitude MVM of the motion vector MV, the period setting unit 23 refers to the period definition data 13 and calculates the calculated direction change amount MVC and the magnitude MVM. The period corresponding to is specified. In the embodiment of the present invention, the cycle definition data 13 is set such that the cycle decreases as the direction change amount or the size increases.

  When calculating a joint in each frame data, it is considered that the contents of the frame data to be processed depend greatly. Accordingly, when the correspondence to the direction change amount MVC or the magnitude MVM of the motion vector MV is large, that is, when the direction of the motion vector MV frequently changes or the motion is large, the joint in each frame data is the content of each frame data. May vary greatly based on As a result of such a large change in the joint, when the video data obtained by joining a plurality of pieces of video data is viewed, the change (blur) in the joint may cause deterioration in the image quality of the video data.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the direction change amount or the magnitude of the motion vector is large and the blur of the joint is expected, the frequency of calculating the joint is suppressed and the blur of the joint is suppressed. It is possible to improve the image quality.

  Further, even when operating in the processing resource securing mode, if it is found that the amount of information of input video data exceeds the amount of information of resources that can be processed, the embodiment of the present invention operates in the image quality improvement mode. To do. Even when the video processing device 1 has sufficient processing resources, the period setting unit 23 reduces the frequency of calculating the joint by reducing the frequency of calculating the joint when the direction change amount or magnitude of the motion vector is large in the video data. Image quality can be improved.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the period setting process by the period setting means 23 will be described.

  First, in step S <b> 101, the cycle setting unit 23 selects a mode set by the setting data 11. If the processing resource reservation mode is set, the process proceeds to step S111. If the image quality improvement mode is set, the process proceeds to step S121.

  When operating in the processing resource securing mode, in step S111, the cycle setting unit 23 acquires the amount of information that can be processed by the video processing device 1 per unit time. In step S <b> 112, the cycle setting unit 23 calculates an information amount per unit time for the video data input to the video processing device 1. Here, the period setting means 23 calculates the amount of information per unit time from the number of input video data (number of cameras) and the number of pixels of each video data.

  If the period setting unit 23 determines in step S113 that the processable information amount calculated in step S111 exceeds the information amount of the video data calculated in step S112, the process proceeds to step S121, and the processing in the image enhancement mode is performed. To proceed. Note that the processing may be terminated without proceeding to step S121 due to the setting by the setting data 11 or the like.

  In step S113, when the cycle setting unit 23 determines that the processable information amount calculated in step S111 does not exceed the information amount of the video data calculated in step S112, the cycle setting unit 23 proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the cycle setting means 23 calculates a cycle (number of frames per unit time) for searching for a joint (seam) within the range of information amount that can be processed.

  In step S131, the cycle setting means 23 sets the cycle calculated in step S114 in the calculated cycle data 14, and updates the calculated cycle data 14.

  When operating in the image quality improvement mode, in step S121, the cycle setting unit 23 extracts the motion vector MV of the object in the video data. In step S122, the cycle setting unit 23 calculates the direction change amount MVC and the magnitude MVM for the motion vector MV extracted in step S121. In step S123, the cycle setting means 23 refers to the cycle definition data 13, and searches for a cycle (number of frames per unit time) for searching for a seam from the direction change amount MVC and the magnitude MVM calculated in step S122. calculate.

  In step S131, the cycle setting means 23 sets the cycle calculated in step S123 in the calculated cycle data 14, and updates the calculated cycle data 14.

(Seam calculation means)
The seam calculation unit 24 acquires a plurality of frame data captured at the same time in the cycle set by the cycle setting unit 23, and calculates a joint of the acquired plurality of frame data. The seam calculation means 24 is controlled not to calculate the joint until the next period arrives. The seam calculation unit 24 may calculate a joint between each frame data and adjacent frame data.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when calculating a joint for one frame data of three frame data, the seam calculation means 24 is based on the first, fourth, seventh,... Frame data of each video data. To calculate the joint. The seam calculation means 24 does not calculate the joint for the frame data other than the first, fourth, seventh,...

  With reference to FIG. 8, the seam calculation process by the seam calculation means 24 will be described. First, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the cycle for calculating the joint has been reached.

  When the cycle for calculating the joint is reached in step S201, information of the frame data to be processed is extracted from the frame information data 12 and the joint of each frame data is calculated in step S202. Thereafter, the seam calculation unit 24 returns to step S201 and waits for the next cycle for calculating the joint.

  On the other hand, if the cycle for calculating the joint has not been reached in step S201, the seam calculating unit 24 returns to step S201 without calculating the joint, and waits for the next cycle for calculating the joint.

(Connected frame output means)
The connected frame output means 25 connects the frame data according to the joint calculated by the seam calculating means 24 and outputs the connected frame data 16 having no overlap. When connecting the target frame data for which the joint is calculated by the seam calculating unit 24, the connected frame output unit 25 connects the frame data according to the joint calculated from the frame data. On the other hand, when the frame data other than the target frame data for which the joint is calculated by the seam calculation unit 24 is to be connected, the connection frame output unit 25 connects the respective frame data according to the joint calculated by the seam calculation unit 24 most recently. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a case where the seam calculation unit 24 calculates a joint based on the first, fourth, seventh,... Frame data of each video data will be described. The concatenated frame output means 25 concatenates the first frame data to the concatenated frame data 16 using the joint calculated by the seam calculating means 24 based on the first frame data for the first frame data. . The concatenated frame output means 25 uses the joints calculated by the seam calculation means 24 based on the first frame data for the second and third frame data, and converts the second frame data to the concatenated frame data 16. The third frame data is concatenated to the concatenated frame data 16 by concatenation. Similarly, the concatenated frame output means 25 concatenates the fourth, fifth and sixth frame data based on the result of the seam calculation means 24 calculating the joint based on the fourth frame data. As a result, the connected frame data 16 is output.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the connection frame output process by the connection frame output means 25 is demonstrated. First, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the seam calculation unit 24 has calculated a joint for the processing target frame data.

  In step S301, when the seam calculation unit 24 calculates the joint, in step S302, the concatenated frame output unit 25 concatenates the processing target frame data based on the joint calculated by the seam calculation unit 24 for the processing target frame data. Then, the concatenated frame data 16 is output.

  On the other hand, if the seam calculation unit 24 has not calculated the joint in step S301, the connection frame output unit 25 connects the frame data to be processed based on the joint most recently calculated by the seam calculation unit 24 in step S303. Then, the concatenated frame data 16 is output.

  The process illustrated in FIG. 9 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the latest joint information is set in the seam data 15, the concatenated frame output unit 25 does not need to perform the processing as shown in FIG. 9, and the concatenated frame data 16 according to the joint information set in the seam data 15. May be output.

  As described above, the video processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a frame at a predetermined timing in the video data in the process of connecting a plurality of video data shot by overlapping a part of the shooting area. The number of processing terms related to the calculation of the joint can be reduced by calculating the joint for. As a result, the video processing apparatus 1 can realize high-speed processing for connecting a plurality of video data.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, the video processing apparatus described in the embodiment of the present invention may be configured on one piece of hardware as shown in FIG. 1, or may be configured on a plurality of pieces of hardware according to the functions and the number of processes. May be. Further, it may be realized on an existing video processing system.

  In addition, as proposed in Non-Patent Document 2, the video processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention calculates the joint of each frame data using the reduced frame data and outputs the concatenated frame data. good. This can be expected to speed up the processing.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the frame data to be calculated by the video processing device 1 is overlapped in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to the case where frame data is overlapped only in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the video processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a process of calculating a joint that connects a plurality of frame data acquired from a plurality of cameras in which shooting regions are overlapped only in the horizontal direction. May be. Similarly, the video processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a process of calculating a joint that connects a plurality of frame data acquired from a plurality of cameras in which shooting regions are overlapped only in the vertical direction. Also good.

  It goes without saying that the present invention includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the invention specifying matters according to the scope of claims reasonable from the above description.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Video processing apparatus 10 Storage apparatus 11 Setting data 12 Frame information data 13 Period definition data 14 Calculation period data 15 Seam data 16 Concatenated frame data 20 Processing apparatus 21 Setting acquisition means 22 Frame acquisition means 23 Period setting means 24 Seam calculation means 25 Connection Frame output means 30 Input / output interface C1, C2, C3, C4 Camera I Input device O Output device

Claims (7)

A video processing device that connects a plurality of video data shot with a part of a shooting area overlapped,
Frame acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of frame data captured simultaneously from the plurality of video data;
Seam calculation means for calculating a joint between adjacent frame data;
In accordance with the joint calculated by the seam calculation means, connected frame output means for connecting the frame data and outputting connected frame data without duplication;
A period setting means for setting a period for the seam calculation means to calculate the joint;
The image processing means, wherein the seam calculation means acquires the plurality of frame data photographed at the same time in the period set by the period setting means, and calculates the joints of the acquired plurality of frame data. apparatus. The period setting means includes
The video processing device calculates the information amount of video data per unit time from the information amount that can be processed per unit time and the plurality of video data,
The period for acquiring the plurality of frame data captured at the same time is calculated based on a ratio of an information amount that can be processed per unit time to an information amount of video data per unit time. The video processing apparatus according to 1. A storage device storing period definition data in which a direction change amount and a magnitude of a motion vector of an object in video data are associated with a period for calculating the joint corresponding to the direction change quantity and the magnitude;
The period setting means includes
When the amount of information that can be processed per unit time is larger than the information amount of video data per unit time,
A direction change amount and magnitude of an object motion vector are calculated from the plurality of video data, and a cycle for calculating the joint is calculated from the calculated direction change amount and magnitude with reference to the cycle definition data. The video processing device according to claim 2, wherein the video processing device is set. A storage device storing period definition data in which a direction change amount and a magnitude of a motion vector of an object in video data are associated with a period for calculating the joint corresponding to the direction change quantity and the magnitude;
The period setting means includes
A direction change amount and magnitude of an object motion vector are calculated from the plurality of video data, and a cycle for calculating the joint is calculated from the calculated direction change amount and magnitude with reference to the cycle definition data. The video processing device according to claim 1, wherein the video processing device is set. The video processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the period definition data is set such that the period decreases as the direction change amount or size increases. A video processing method for connecting a plurality of video data shot by overlapping a part of a shooting area,
A computer acquiring a plurality of frame data shot simultaneously from the plurality of video data;
The computer calculating a joint between adjacent frame data;
The computer connects the frame data according to the calculated joint, and outputs the connected frame data without duplication;
The computer includes a step of setting a cycle for calculating the joint;
The video processing method characterized in that, in the step of calculating the joint, the plurality of frame data photographed at the same time is acquired at a set cycle, and the joint of the acquired plurality of frame data is calculated.   A video processing program for causing a computer to function as the video processing device according to claim 1.

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