JP6229377B2 - Imaging system, imaging method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging system, an imaging method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a shooting technique in which a plurality of imaging devices automatically captures a moving image by switching the imaging device following the movement of a subject.
In such a photographing technique, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 using a plurality of moving image data obtained by continuously photographing a moving object with a plurality of imaging devices arranged to have different photographing ranges. There is. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, for each timing during movement of a subject, moving image data including the subject is selected, and processing for generating an image based on the selected moving image data is performed. A technique is described in which a plurality of correspondingly generated images are connected in the order of shooting time to generate one moving image data in which a moving subject is continuously shot.

JP 2005-109758 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, one moving image is selected at each timing while the subject is moving, but since all the imaging devices always perform shooting, unnecessary shooting is performed. It is carried out.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an imaging system capable of preventing unnecessary imaging when continuously imaging a moving object with a plurality of imaging devices, An object is to provide a photographing method and a program.

To achieve the pre-Symbol purpose, one aspect of the present onset Ming imaging systems in the imaging system for controlling the continuous shooting a specific subject using a plurality of imaging devices, the plurality of imaging devices, the specific subject is arranged a movement path of such mutually shooting range as the shooting range is different, a moving state of the specific subject in the imaging range of the current imaging device in imaging the specific subject, the photographing from the current imaging device take over the imaging range of the following imaging device, based on, and an end timing to end the photographing in the next imaging the current imaging device and start timing for starting the photographing in the apparatus, the end timing from the start timing after a predetermined time line determination means, instructing to the next image pickup device so as to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination means for determining to come And a photographing instruction means, you characterized in that.
In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the imaging system of the present invention is an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices, wherein the plurality of imaging devices are the specific subject. The moving path of the specific subject is arranged so that the shooting ranges are different from each other, and the moving state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the specific subject, and shooting from the current imaging device is performed. Based on the imaging range of the next imaging device to be taken over, determining means for determining a start timing for starting imaging with the next imaging device, so as to start imaging at the start timing determined by the determining means, and A shooting instruction means for giving an instruction to the next imaging device so that the shooting conditions of the current imaging device are also taken over when taking over the shooting. To.
In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the imaging system of the present invention is an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices, wherein the plurality of imaging devices are the specific subject. The moving path of the specific subject is arranged so that the shooting ranges are different from each other, and the moving state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the specific subject, and shooting from the current imaging device is performed. Based on the shooting range of the succeeding next imaging device, the start timing for starting shooting with the next imaging device is determined by each of the imaging devices for each shooting of the specific subject, and determined by the determination unit Imaging instruction means for instructing the next imaging apparatus to start imaging at the started timing.
In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the imaging method of the present invention is an imaging method in an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices, Based on the moving state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device, a start timing for starting shooting with the next imaging device; A determination step for determining an end timing for ending photographing with the current imaging device so that the end timing comes after a predetermined time from the start timing, and a start of photographing at the start timing determined by the determination step And an imaging instruction step for instructing the next imaging apparatus from the current imaging apparatus.
In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the imaging method of the present invention is an imaging method in an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices, Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device, a start timing for starting shooting at the next imaging device is determined. A determination step to determine, and the next imaging from the current imaging device to start imaging at the start timing determined by the determination step, and so as to inherit the imaging conditions of the current imaging device when taking over the imaging A shooting instruction step for instructing the apparatus,
It is characterized by that.
In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the imaging method of the present invention is an imaging method in an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices, Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device, a start timing for starting shooting at the next imaging device is determined. A determination step determined for each shooting of the specific subject in each imaging device, and an instruction from the current imaging device to the next imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination step And a photographing instruction step for performing.
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, a computer that controls a photographing system that controls continuous photographing of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices is used to capture a current image while photographing the subject. Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the device and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device, the start timing for starting shooting at the next imaging device and the current A determination function for determining an end timing for ending photographing with the imaging device so that the end timing comes after a predetermined time from the start timing, and the current timing so as to start photographing at the start timing determined by the determination function. An imaging instruction function for instructing the next imaging apparatus from the imaging apparatus is executed.
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, a computer that controls a photographing system that controls continuous photographing of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices is used to capture a current image while photographing the subject. Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the apparatus and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over the shooting from the current imaging device, a start timing for starting shooting at the next imaging device is determined. A determination function, from the current imaging device to the next imaging device so as to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination function and so as to take over the shooting conditions of the current imaging device when taking over shooting A shooting instruction function for giving instructions.
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, a computer that controls a photographing system that controls continuous photographing of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices is used to capture a current image while photographing the subject. Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the device and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over the shooting from the current imaging device, the start timing for starting shooting with the next imaging device is A shooting function for instructing the next imaging device from the current imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination function, a determination function determined for each shooting of the specific subject in the imaging device An instruction function is executed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unnecessary shooting from being performed when continuously shooting a moving object with a plurality of imaging devices.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a system configuration of a subject tracking video generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structure of the imaging device which comprises the to-be-photographed subject moving image production | generation system of FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing a subject tracking moving image production | generation process among the functional structures of the imaging device of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of a cutting process. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of subject tracking moving image generation processing executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3. It is a system configuration figure showing the system configuration of the subject tracking animation generation system in a 2nd embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing the subject tracking moving image production | generation process in 2nd Embodiment among the functional structures of the imaging control apparatus and imaging device of FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of subject tracking moving image generation processing in the second embodiment executed by the imaging control apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 7. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the subject tracking moving image production | generation process in 2nd Embodiment which the imaging device of FIG. 2 which has the functional structure of FIG. 7 performs. It is a figure which shows the other example of imaging | photography timing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The subject tracking video generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of imaging devices installed at predetermined positions, and subjects (hereinafter referred to as “specific subjects”) that move within the angle of view of each imaging device. Using a captured moving image (hereinafter referred to as “captured moving image”), the specific subject always has a predetermined size (for example, including the entire specific subject) at a predetermined position (in this embodiment, the center position of the moving image), and Moving image data (hereinafter referred to as “subject tracking moving image”) data having a predetermined margin around a specific subject is generated. The subject tracking moving image is a moving image in which a specific subject is always projected at the center of the moving image and a subject other than the specific subject such as a background appears to move, that is, a moving image that moves with the specific subject.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration of a subject tracking video generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a video is taken with a runner ph running in a predetermined section as a subject to be photographed (specific subject), and the runner ph is positioned at the center of the video and the background changes as it moves. An example of generating a moving image that is running concurrently will be described.

  In the subject tracking video generation system S, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of imaging devices 1A to 1N that can communicate with each other via a network n, a display device 2 that can communicate with the imaging device 1 via a network n, Is provided.

  The imaging device 1 cuts out and processes a frame image from a captured moving image to generate a frame image (hereinafter referred to as a “configuration frame image”) that constitutes a subject-following moving image centered on a specific subject. In the imaging device 1, the generated frame image is transmitted to the display device 2.

  In addition, the imaging devices 1A to 1N are arranged so as to be parallel to the movement route MD that is the movement route of the runner ph, have different shooting ranges, and part of the angle of view overlaps. Specifically, the imaging device 1A is disposed, for example, at a position where the runner ph is at the center of the angle of view at a start position where the runner ph has not started running. When the runner ph is shifted from the center position of the angle of view of each of the image pickup apparatuses 1B to 1N, the other image pickup apparatuses 1B to 1N have the runner ph as the center position. It is arranged at a position that can cover the angle of view. The imaging devices 1A to 1N are simply referred to as the imaging device 1 unless otherwise described individually.

In the display device 2, shooting is started by the movement of the runner ph or the user's shooting start instruction operation, and the constituent frame images are acquired from the captured moving images shot by the respective imaging devices 1A to 1N and displayed for reproduction. Do.
That is, the display device 2 performs reproduction display of the subject tracking moving image in which the configuration frame images are displayed in time series in the order of the shooting time based on the configuration frame image transmitted from the imaging device 1.

  In this way, the subject tracking moving image generation system S has a function that can always acquire a subject tracking moving image in which a moving object that is a specific subject is located at the center of the moving image with a predetermined size. Thereby, the user can enjoy a moving image as if he / she is running with the runner ph that is the subject of photographing.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 1 that constitutes such a subject tracking moving image generation system S.
The imaging device 1 is configured as a digital camera, for example.

Imaging device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an output interface 15, an imaging unit 16, the position sensor 17, an input unit 18, an output unit 19, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 21, and a drive 22.

  The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 20 to the RAM 13.

The RAM 13, CPU 11 is data necessary are also appropriately stored in the time of executing various processes.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14. An imaging unit 16, a position sensor 17, an input unit 18, an output unit 19, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 21, and a drive 22 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

  Although not shown, the imaging unit 16 includes an optical lens unit and an image sensor.

The optical lens unit is configured by a lens that collects light, for example, a focus lens or a zoom lens, in order to photograph a subject.
The focus lens is a lens that forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor. The zoom lens is a lens that freely changes the focal length within a certain range.
The optical lens unit is also provided with a peripheral circuit for adjusting setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance as necessary.

The image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element, AFE (Analog Front End), and the like.
The photoelectric conversion element is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type photoelectric conversion element or the like. A subject image is incident on the photoelectric conversion element from the optical lens unit. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts (captures) the subject image, accumulates the image signal for a predetermined time, and sequentially supplies the accumulated image signal as an analog signal to the AFE.
The AFE performs various signal processing such as A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing on the analog image signal. Through various signal processing, a digital signal is generated and output as an output signal of the imaging unit 16.
Hereinafter, the output signal of the imaging unit 16 is referred to as “captured image data”. Data of the captured image is appropriately supplied to the CPU 11 or an image processing unit (not shown).
In addition, the imaging unit 16 outputs the captured image as a frame image that forms a moving image. As a result, the imaging control device 3 and the imaging device 1 acquire the moving image by connecting the frame images in time series in the order of the imaging time.

  The position sensor 17 detects the position of the apparatus by using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like so that information on the shooting range such as the shooting position, orientation, and angle of view can be acquired. The device that has acquired the position information from the position sensor 17 specifies the range of the angle of view from the data related to the device.

The input unit 18 includes various buttons and the like, and inputs various types of information according to user instruction operations.
The output unit 19 includes a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs images and sounds.
The storage unit 20 is configured by a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or the like, and stores various image data.
The communication unit 21 controls communication with other devices (not shown) via a network including the Internet.

  A removable medium 31 composed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately attached to the drive 22. The program read from the removable medium 31 by the drive 22 is installed in the storage unit 20 as necessary. The removable medium 31 can also store various data such as image data stored in the storage unit 20 in the same manner as the storage unit 20.

Next, a functional configuration for executing the subject tracking moving image generation process among the functional configurations of the imaging apparatus 1 will be described.
“Subject tracking moving image generation processing” refers to shooting a moving image including a specific subject that is a moving shooting target in a plurality of imaging devices 1, and acquiring a constituent frame image based on the frame images constituting the captured moving image. Then, processing is performed until the subject tracking moving image is generated by connecting the acquired configuration frame images in time series in order of shooting time.

  In this example, when the imaging apparatus 1 captures a state in which the specific subject to be imaged is located at the center of the angle of view, the corresponding frame from the single imaging apparatus 1 that captures the specific subject is captured. An image is configured to be transmitted. In addition, when a state where the specific subject to be photographed is not located at the center of the angle of view (a state toward the center or away from the center), the adjacent subject where the specific subject is photographed is photographed. Frame images are transmitted from the two imaging devices 1 that match. That is, the imaging device 1 is arranged so that the specific subject is reflected by only one imaging device 1 when the specific subject is located at the center of the angle of view in any imaging device 1. In addition, when the specific subject is located at a position deviating from the center of the angle of view in any one of the imaging devices 1, the imaging device 1 deviates from the imaging device 1 that captures the specific subject near the center. The two imaging devices 1 positioned in the direction are arranged so that the specific subject is reflected.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration for executing subject tracking moving image generation processing among the functional configurations of the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG.

When the subject tracking moving image generation process is executed, the CPU 11 of the imaging device 1 performs the imaging range information acquisition unit 51, the imaging device identification unit 52, the communication control unit 53, the imaging control unit 54, and the subject detection unit 55. The image processing unit 56, the moving speed determination unit 57, the shooting standby time prediction unit 58, the delay time specifying unit 59, and the shooting instruction unit 60 function.
An image storage unit 71 is provided in one area of the storage unit 20.
The image storage unit 71 stores various types of image data such as constituent frame images.

  The imaging range information acquisition unit 51 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as “imaging range information”) such as the position, direction, and angle of view taken by the position sensor 17 from the position sensor 17. The acquired imaging range information of the other imaging device 1 is acquired via the communication unit 21.

  Based on the shooting range information acquired by the imaging range information acquisition unit 51, the imaging device specifying unit 52 specifies the imaging device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “next imaging device 1”) whose shooting order for shooting is next. To do.

The communication control unit 53 determines whether there is an instruction to start shooting from another imaging device 1 via the communication unit 21.
In addition, the communication control unit 53 transmits the configuration frame image generated by the image processing unit 56 to the display device 2.

  The imaging control unit 54 controls the imaging unit 16 to start / end imaging based on an imaging start / end operation to the input unit 18 from a user or an instruction to start / end imaging from another imaging device 1. .

  The subject detection unit 55 detects a subject included in the captured moving image. In addition, the subject detection unit 55 determines whether or not a shooting target is included in the detected specific subject.

  The image processing unit 56 cuts out an image area of a predetermined size centered on the specific subject from the current captured image where the specific subject exists, and generates a constituent frame image.

  The image processing unit 56 performs processing to cut out a subject inclusion region (hereinafter simply referred to as an “image region”) that is a partial image region of a predetermined size so that the specific subject is located in the center from the acquired captured image. As a result, the image processing unit 56 generates a constituent frame image constituting the subject tracking moving image.

Here, details of generation of a configuration frame image by cutout processing in the image processing unit 56 will be described.
The component frame image is generated by a cut-out process that cuts out an image area of a predetermined size as it is when the specific subject is located at the center with a predetermined size in the frame image.
On the other hand, when the specific subject is not located at the center of the frame image, or when an image with the specific subject located at the center with a predetermined size cannot be obtained, a plurality of images captured by other imaging devices 1 are used. A corresponding image area is cut out from each frame image so as to compensate for the shortage from the frame image, and then the cut out image (hereinafter referred to as “cut-out image”) is pasted to generate one constituent frame image. To do. Also, an image (hereinafter referred to as a “composite image”) in which a plurality of frame images photographed by another imaging device 1 are combined with a frame image that compensates for the shortage, and a specific subject is located in the center within a predetermined size. The corresponding image area is cut out from “).” To generate one constituent frame image.
That is, the constituent frame image is generated by cutting out a predetermined image area from the image and combining the images, or by combining the images and cutting out the corresponding image area.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of generation of a configuration frame image by cutout processing.
Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, a case will be described in which a configuration frame image cannot be generated by cutting out the first frame image as it is with a predetermined size.

As shown in the first example of FIG. 4A, in the first frame image p1, the runner ph that is the specific subject is located at the right end, and the runner ph that is the specific subject is located at the center. An image area of the size cannot be cut out. Therefore, the second frame image p2 acquired by the imaging device 1 on the side away from the center is used. In the second frame image p2, the runner ph that is the specific subject is located at the left end of the image, and a nearby region that includes the runner ph that is the specific subject overlaps with the first frame image p1.
In the first example, an image p3 is generated by superimposing overlapping regions (regions indicated by hatching in the figure) of the first frame image p1 and the second frame image p2. Thereafter, in the first example, the runner ph, which is a specific subject with a predetermined size, cuts out an image area located at the center of the image, and generates the constituent frame image p4.

On the other hand, in the second example of FIG. 4B, unlike the first example, first, the runner ph that is the specific subject in the region including the runner ph that is the specific subject from the first frame image p1. The first cutout image p5-1 is cut out by cutting out an image area that includes an area that is half the width of the predetermined size centered on and an area that overlaps the second frame image p2 (area indicated by hatching in the figure). Is generated. Similarly to the first frame image p1, the second frame image p2 is an image region that includes the runner ph that is the specific subject, and is an area that is half the predetermined size with the runner ph that is the specific subject as the center. A second cutout image p5-2 is generated by cutting out an image area including an area overlapping with the first frame image p1 (area indicated by hatching in the figure). Thereafter, the first cutout image p5-1 and the second cutout image p5-2 are combined in an overlapping region to generate a configuration frame image p4.
In the present embodiment, the configuration frame image p4 is generated by the technique of the first example.

  The moving speed determination unit 57 determines the moving speed of the specific subject. Specifically, the moving speed determination unit 57 analyzes, for example, a captured moving image and determines the moving speed of the specific subject from the difference between the frame images.

The shooting standby time predicting unit 58 waits until the next imaging device 1 can extract an image area contributing to the subject tracking moving image, that is, a waiting time until the next imaging device 1 starts shooting (hereinafter referred to as “shooting start waiting time”). ").
In addition, the shooting standby time prediction unit 58 waits until the current imaging device 1 cannot cut out an image area that contributes to the subject tracking moving image, that is, a standby time until the current imaging device 1 finishes shooting (hereinafter referred to as “shooting end”). "Waiting time").

The imaging start standby time of the next imaging device 1 is calculated by, for example, the arrival time from the original position of the specific subject predicted from the moving speed to the start end of the imaging within the imaging range of the next imaging device 1.
That is, the imaging start standby time can be calculated by “the imaging start standby time of the next imaging device 1 = the distance from the original position of the specific subject to the start end of the imaging range of the next imaging device 1 / the moving speed of the specific subject”. .
Here, the original position of the specific subject can be determined as an absolute position from, for example, the position information acquired from the position sensor 17 in the imaging apparatus 1 and the distance from the specific subject. The imaging range is, for example, the absolute position of the range from the start end to the end end from the distance between the position information acquired from the position sensor 17 in the imaging apparatus 1 and the specific subject specified from the route to which the specific subject is scheduled to move. Can be determined.
Note that the imaging start standby time can also be calculated by subtracting the overlap with the next imaging device 1 from the end of the imaging range of the current imaging device 1.

The shooting completion waiting time of the current imaging apparatus 1 is calculated by the arrival time from the original position of the specific subject predicted from the moving speed to the end of the shooting range of the current imaging apparatus 1 where shooting starts.
That is, the shooting end standby time can be calculated by “the shooting end standby time of the current imaging device 1 = the distance from the original position of the specific subject to the end of the shooting range of the current imaging device 1 / the moving speed of the specific subject”. .

The delay time specifying unit 59 takes into account the operation time from the shooting instruction to the shooting based on the communication with the next imaging device 1 and the performance of the next imaging device 1 and the like (the time required for switching the shooting to the next imaging device 1 ( (Hereinafter referred to as “delay time”).
By giving a shooting instruction with a delay time added to the time to start shooting, the imaging apparatus 1 that receives the instruction is provided with a preparation period for shooting, and therefore, adjustment of the device and the like may be performed. It is possible to shoot in a stable state.

The imaging instruction unit 60 instructs the next imaging apparatus 1 to start imaging based on the imaging standby time (imaging completion standby time and imaging start standby time) and the delay time. The shooting instruction unit 60 instructs the current imaging apparatus 1 to end shooting based on the standby time. The shooting instruction unit 60 also includes shooting conditions when instructing the start or end of shooting.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging device 1 generates a configuration frame image and transmits it to the display device 2. The display device 2 displays the subject tracking moving image by displaying the configuration frame image in time series. Although configured to output, the present invention is not limited to this. The imaging device 1 may be configured to generate a subject-following moving image and transmit it to the display device 2, or transmit it to the display device 2 in the state of a captured image, a cut-out image, a composite image, etc. 2 may be configured to generate a configuration frame image by performing a cut-out process.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of subject tracking moving image generation processing executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG.

  In step S <b> 11, the imaging range information acquisition unit 51 acquires imaging range information such as a shooting position, direction, and angle of view of the imaging device 1 and other imaging devices 1.

  In step S12, the imaging device specifying unit 52 specifies the next imaging device 1 based on the acquired shooting range information.

In step S <b> 13, the communication control unit 53 determines whether the user or another imaging device 1 has instructed the start of shooting.
If the user or another imaging device 1 does not instruct the start of shooting, it is determined as NO in step S13 and enters a standby state.
If the user or another imaging device 1 has instructed the start of shooting, YES is determined in step S13, and the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the imaging control unit 54 controls the imaging unit 16 so as to start imaging.

  In step S15, the subject detection unit 55 detects a subject in the shooting frame.

In step S <b> 16, the subject detection unit 55 determines whether or not a specific subject exists.
If the specific subject does not exist, NO is determined in step S16 and a standby state is entered.
When the specific subject exists, it is determined as YES in Step S16, and the process proceeds to Step S17.

  In step S <b> 17, the image processing unit 56 cuts out an image area of a predetermined size centered on a specific subject from the current captured image, and generates a constituent frame image.

  In step S <b> 18, the communication control unit 53 transfers the configuration frame image to the display device 2.

  In step S19, the movement speed determination unit 57 determines the movement speed of the subject.

  In step S <b> 20, the shooting standby time prediction unit 58 calculates the shooting start standby time of the next imaging device 1 and the shooting end standby time of the current imaging device 1.

  In step S <b> 21, the delay time specifying unit 59 specifies the delay time required for shooting switching to the next imaging device 1.

In step S22, the photographing instruction unit 60, imaging start waiting time for the next imaging device 1 and the delay time determines whether the same (shooting start waiting time = delay time).
If the delay time is shorter than the imaging start standby time of the next imaging device 1, NO is determined in step S22 and the standby state is set.
If the shooting start standby time and the delay time of the next imaging device 1 are the same, YES is determined in step S22, and the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, the imaging instruction unit 60 instructs the next imaging device 1 to start imaging. The shooting instruction unit 60 also instructs information such as shooting conditions together with the shooting start instruction.

In step S24, the imaging instruction unit 60 determines whether or not the imaging end standby time of the current imaging apparatus 1 is 0 (the imaging start standby time of the next imaging apparatus 1 = 0).
If the shooting end start time of the next imaging device 1 is not 0, NO is determined in step S24, and the process returns to step S15.
If the imaging start standby time of the next imaging device 1 is 0, YES is determined in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S <b> 25, the shooting instruction unit 60 instructs the current imaging apparatus 1 to end shooting. Thereafter, the subject tracking moving image generation process is terminated.

The subject tracking video generation system S configured as described above controls continuous shooting of a specific subject.
The plurality of imaging devices 1 are arranged so that the shooting ranges are different from each other with the moving path of the specific subject as the shooting range.
The subject tracking moving image generation system S includes a shooting instruction unit 60.
The shooting instruction unit 60 is based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device 1 that is shooting the specific subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device 1 that takes over shooting from the current imaging device 1. A start timing for starting shooting from the current imaging device 1 to the next imaging device 1 is determined.
Further, the imaging instruction unit 60 instructs the next imaging apparatus 1 from the current imaging apparatus 1 to start imaging at the determined start timing.
Thereby, in the subject tracking moving image generating system S, in order to determine the timing of switching the shooting from the current imaging device 1 to the next imaging device 1 based on the movement state of the specific subject and the imaging range of the next imaging device. Thus, it is possible to perform shooting while reliably capturing a specific subject, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary shooting from being performed when continuously shooting a moving subject.

The shooting instruction unit 60 moves the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject, the shooting range of the current imaging device, and the shooting of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device. Based on the range, an end timing for ending the shooting of the current imaging device and a start timing for starting the shooting of the next imaging device are determined.
In addition, the shooting instruction unit 60 instructs to end shooting of the current imaging device at the determined end timing and start shooting of the next imaging device at the determined start timing.

The shooting instruction unit 60 determines the start timing based on the moving speed of the specific subject and the time from the original position to the position where the next imaging device 1 reaches the shooting range.
Thereby, in the subject tracking moving image generating system S, since the start timing is determined based on the time when the specific subject reaches the shooting range of the next imaging device 1 for the determination of the start timing, switching of shooting with higher accuracy is performed. Timing decisions can be made.

The shooting instruction unit 60 determines the start timing by calculating the moving speed of the specific subject and the time from the original position to the position where the next imaging device 1 reaches the shooting range.
Thereby, in the subject tracking moving image generation system S, in order to calculate the time for the specific subject to enter the shooting range of the next imaging device 1, shooting in the next imaging device 1 is surely performed based on the time to enter the shooting range. be able to.

In addition, the subject tracking moving image generation system S includes a delay time specifying unit 59.
The delay time specifying unit 59 specifies the delay time from when the information of the start timing is transmitted from the current imaging device 1 to the next imaging device 1 until the next imaging device 1 can start shooting.
The shooting instruction unit 60 issues a shooting instruction by transmitting start timing information at a timing before the delay time with respect to the start timing.
Thus, in the subject tracking moving image generation system S, the shooting instruction is given in consideration of the time required for shooting preparation in the next shooting apparatus, so that the next shooting apparatus can reliably perform shooting in a stable state.

The shooting instruction unit 60 transmits a start timing information by transmitting an instruction signal for starting shooting to the next imaging device 1, and is a delay time with respect to the timing at which the next imaging device 1 starts shooting. The instruction signal is transmitted at an earlier timing.
As a result, in the subject tracking moving image generation system S, the next imaging device performs imaging in a stable state in order to transmit an instruction signal for starting imaging to the next imaging device 1 at a timing before the delay time. It can be done reliably.

The shooting instruction unit 60 transmits an instruction to take over the shooting conditions of the current imaging apparatus 1 when taking over the shooting.
Thereby, in the subject tracking moving image generating system S, it is possible to perform shooting that reflects suitable shooting conditions in order to perform shooting while taking over the shooting conditions in the latest imaging device 1.

The start timing is determined each time a specific subject is shot in each imaging device 1.
As a result, in the subject tracking video generation system S, the shooting timing can be determined based on the most recent movement state even if the moving speed of the specific subject changes. Can be included.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, without using a dedicated imaging control device, each imaging device communicates with each other to determine an imaging device that performs imaging, and sequentially switches only imaging devices that contribute to the generation of moving images. It was configured to make it.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the dedicated imaging control device sequentially switches the imaging of the imaging device, and the clipped image generated by the imaging device 1 is cut out and connected to generate a subject tracking moving image. To do. Further, in the present embodiment, at the time of imaging with the imaging device, the imaging control device 3 determines the time when shooting is unnecessary, and only the imaging devices that contribute to the generation of the subject tracking moving image are sequentially switched to perform imaging. To do.
In the description of the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the imaging control device 3 is the same as that of the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The description of the same configuration as that of the other first embodiment is also omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging control device is positioned as a master unit of the imaging device, and the imaging device is positioned as a slave unit of the imaging control device. The imaging control device 3 is configured to have an imaging function for the sake of explanation, but may be configured without an imaging function, and at least a communication function with the imaging device and an image acquired from the imaging device. What is necessary is just to have the function to process.

  FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a system configuration of the subject tracking moving image generation system according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the subject tracking video generation system S includes an imaging control device 3 and a plurality of imaging devices 1A to 1N.

The imaging control device 3 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the imaging devices 1A to 1N.
The imaging control device 3 generates subject tracking moving image data using frame images extracted from moving images transmitted from the imaging devices 1A to 1N.

  In addition, the imaging devices 1A to 1N are arranged so as to be parallel to the movement path MD of the runner ph, have different shooting ranges, and partly overlap the angle of view. Specifically, in the imaging apparatus 1A, the runner ph is disposed at the center position of the angle of view at the start position where the runner ph has not started running. When the runner ph is shifted from the center position of the angle of view of each of the image pickup apparatuses 1B to 1N, the other image pickup apparatuses 1B to 1N have the runner ph as the center position. It is arranged at a position that can cover the angle of view.

In the imaging devices 1A to 1N, shooting is started by the movement of the runner ph or the user's instruction to start shooting, and the constituent frame images are acquired from the captured moving images shot by the imaging devices 1A to 1N.
In the subject tracking moving image generation system S, the subject tracking moving image is generated by connecting the constituent frame images in time series in order of shooting time.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration for executing subject tracking moving image generation processing among the functional configurations of the imaging control device 3 and the imaging device 1. In the following, when the description is divided between the imaging control device 3 and the imaging device 1 in hardware, “-3” is added to the reference numeral to indicate the hardware of the imaging control device 3, and the imaging device A symbol “−1” is attached to a symbol indicating one hardware.

When the subject tracking moving image generation process in the second embodiment is executed, in the CPU 11-3 of the imaging control device 3 , the imaging instruction unit 101, the imaging status acquisition unit 102, the image acquisition unit 103, and the image determination unit 104, the image processing unit 105, and the moving image generation unit 106 function .

In addition, an image storage unit 120 is provided in one area of the storage unit 20-3 of the imaging control device 3.
The image storage unit 120 stores various image data such as captured images, and various moving image data such as captured moving images and subject tracking moving images.

  The imaging instruction unit 101 instructs each imaging device 1 to start or end imaging via the communication unit 21-3. The shooting instruction unit 101 also includes shooting conditions when instructing the start or end of shooting.

The shooting status acquisition unit 102 acquires the current shooting status of the specific subject from each imaging device 1 via the communication unit 21-3. That is, taking situation acquisition unit 102, the particular subject to be the imaging target in the imaging apparatus 1 is currently indicating the presence of the specific object as the information on whether or not the taking situation existing in the angle of view (imaging frame) in (certain Notification that the subject is in the shooting frame).
In addition, the shooting status acquisition unit 102 counts the number of the imaging devices 1 that are shooting the specific subject from the notification that the acquired specific subject exists in the shooting frame.

The image acquisition unit 103 acquires the corresponding frame image of the captured moving image captured by each imaging apparatus 1 as a captured image via the communication unit 21-3. The image acquisition unit 103 stores the acquired captured image in the image storage unit 120 .

  The image determination unit 104 determines whether or not the clipped image acquired by the image acquisition unit 103 includes all image areas of a predetermined size centered on a specific subject.

  The image processing unit 105 aligns and combines the cut-out images acquired from the respective imaging devices 1 to generate a configuration frame image. In this example, since the image is cut out by each imaging apparatus 1, the image processing unit 105 performs only the synthesis, that is, only generates the synthesized image. Note that the image processing unit 105 treats a cut-out image that does not need to be combined and includes a whole image region of a predetermined size centered on a specific subject as a constituent frame image.

  The moving image generation unit 106 connects the constituent frame images generated by the image processing unit 105 to generate a subject tracking moving image. In other words, the moving image generation unit 106 generates a subject tracking moving image by sequentially connecting the constituent frame images generated by sequentially acquiring and cutting out the frame images. The moving image generation unit 106 stores the generated subject tracking moving image in the image storage unit 120.

  In addition, when the subject tracking moving image generation process in the second embodiment is executed, in the CPU 11-1 of the imaging apparatus 1, the imaging control unit 54, the subject detection unit 55, the image processing unit 56, and the communication control unit. 53 function.

  The imaging control unit 54 controls the imaging unit 16-1 to start / end imaging based on an instruction to start / end imaging from the imaging control device 3.

The subject detection unit 55 detects a subject from the captured moving image captured by the imaging unit 16-1, and determines the presence / absence of a specific subject that is the subject of imaging. The subject detection unit 55 outputs the detection result to the communication control unit 53. The subject detection in the subject detection unit 55 uses existing subject detection technology. Moreover, the specific object determines whether the image matching or the like of the subject it detects the image of the specific object identified by a user instruction or the like.

  The image processing unit 56 acquires a frame image constituting the captured moving image captured by the imaging unit 16-1 as a captured image, and an image having a predetermined size centered on a specific subject to be captured with respect to the captured image. A region is cut out to generate a cut-out image.

The communication control unit 53 acquires a shooting start / end instruction from the imaging control device 3 via the communication unit 21-1, and outputs it to the imaging control unit 54.
In addition, the communication control unit 53 transmits the cut-out image generated by the image processing unit 56 to the imaging control device 3 via the communication unit 21-1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of subject tracking moving image generation processing in the second embodiment executed by the imaging control apparatus 3 of FIG. 6 having the functional configuration of FIG.
The subject tracking moving image generation process is started by an operation of starting the subject tracking moving image generation process to the input unit 18-3 by the user.

  In step S <b> 41, the shooting instruction unit 101 specifies the current imaging device 1 that first images a specific subject and instructs the start of shooting.

  In step S <b> 42, the shooting status acquisition unit 102 acquires the current shooting status of the specific subject from the current imaging device 1.

In step S43, the shooting state acquisition unit 102 determines whether or not the specific subject is being shot (the specific subject exists in the shooting frame).
If the specific subject has not been photographed, NO is determined in step S43 and a standby state is entered.
If the specific subject is being photographed (the specific subject is present in the photographing frame), YES is determined in step S43, and the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S <b> 44, the image acquisition unit 103 acquires a cutout image from the current imaging apparatus 1.

In step S45, the image determination unit 104 determines whether or not the acquired cut-out image includes all image areas of a predetermined size centered on the specific subject.
If the acquired cut-out image includes all image areas of a predetermined size centered on the specific subject, it is determined as YES in Step S45, and the process proceeds to Step S51. The processing after step S51 will be described later.
When the acquired cut-out image does not include all image areas of a predetermined size centered on the specific subject, it is determined as NO in Step S45, and the process proceeds to Step S46.

  In step S46, the shooting instruction unit 101 specifies the next imaging device 1 and instructs the start of shooting. At that time, the shooting instruction unit 101 includes shooting conditions of the current imaging apparatus 1.

  In step S <b> 47, the image acquisition unit 103 acquires a cut-out image from the next imaging device 1.

In step S <b> 48, the image determination unit 104 determines whether or not the acquired cutout image includes all image areas of a predetermined size centered on the specific subject.
If the acquired cut-out image includes all image areas of a predetermined size centered on the specific subject, it is determined as YES in Step S48, and the process proceeds to Step S49.

  In step S49, the shooting instruction unit 101 instructs the current imaging apparatus 1 to end shooting. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S51.

On the other hand, when the acquired cut-out image does not include at least one part of the image area of the predetermined size centered on the specific subject, it is determined as NO in Step S48, and the process proceeds to Step S50.

  In step S50, the image processing unit 105 combines the positions of the cut-out images of the current imaging device 1 and the next imaging device 1 to generate a constituent frame image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S51, the moving image generating unit 106 generates a subject tracking moving image by connecting the newly obtained cut-out image to the end of the moving image data being created. The generated subject tracking moving image data is stored in the image storage unit 120.

  In step S52, the moving image generating unit 106 waits until a time for generating the next frame according to the frame rate of the subject following moving image.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of subject tracking moving image generation processing in the second embodiment executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG. 6 having the functional configuration of FIG.

In step S71, the communication control unit 53 determines whether or not an instruction to start shooting has been issued.
If the start of shooting is not instructed, NO is determined in step S71 and a standby state is entered.
If the start of shooting is instructed, YES is determined in step S71, and the process proceeds to step S72.

  In step S72, the imaging control unit 54 controls the imaging unit 16 to start shooting.

  In step S73, the subject detection unit 55 detects a subject in the shooting frame.

In step S74, the subject detection unit 55 determines whether or not the specific subject exists in the shooting frame.
If the specific subject does not exist within the shooting frame, NO is determined in step S74, and a standby state is entered.
If the specific subject exists within the shooting frame, it is determined YES in step S74, and the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S75, the communication control unit 53 notifies that the specific subject exists in the shooting frame.

  In step S76, the image processing unit 56 cuts out an image area of a predetermined size centered on a specific subject from the current photographed image, and generates a cut-out image.

  In step S77, the communication control unit 53 transmits the generated cutout image.

In step S <b> 78, the communication control unit 53 determines whether an end of shooting has been instructed.
If the imaging end is not instructed, it is determined as Oite NO in step S78, the process the process returns to the step S73.
If the end of shooting is instructed, YES is determined in step S78, and the process proceeds to step S79.

  In step S79, the imaging control unit 54 controls the imaging unit 16 to end shooting. Thereafter, the subject tracking moving image generation process in the imaging apparatus 1 is terminated.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, The deformation | transformation in the range which can achieve the objective of this invention, improvement, etc. are included in this invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging instruction unit 60 can be configured to determine the start timing and the end timing so that the end timing comes after a predetermined time from the start timing.
Thereby, in the subject tracking moving image generation system S, it is not necessary to perform calculation related to the determination of the end timing in consideration of the arrangement of the apparatus, the speed of the specific subject, and the like, so that the processing load can be reduced.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the generated subject tracking moving image, a moving image having an angle of view in which the specific subject is always in the center is generated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Through the subject tracking moving image, it may be a fixed position or a moving image in which the position of the specific subject in the moving image is changed according to a desired effect such as approaching or moving away from the specific subject.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging control device 3 that does not perform imaging and the imaging devices 1 may be configured. However, the configuration is not limited thereto.
For example, another imaging device 1 may be configured to perform imaging based on control in the imaging device 1 that performs imaging. That is, the subject tracking moving image generation system S may be configured by the main imaging device 1 (master device) and the subordinate imaging device 1 (slave device).
Specifically, in the subject tracking video generation system S, one of the plurality of imaging devices 1 becomes the main imaging device 1, and the selection of the other imaging device 1 as a slave and the other imaging device 1 are performed. It can comprise so that the imaging | photography instruction | indication means which performs this instruction | indication may be provided.
Accordingly, the subject tracking moving image generation system S can generate the subject tracking moving image only by the imaging device 1 without using a dedicated machine that controls imaging like the imaging control device 3.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a part that contributes to a moving image is cut out and processed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a background image on which a subject to be photographed is not reflected may be acquired and a subject to be photographed may be synthesized. By using the image processed in this way, for example, a moving image in which a subject other than the subject to be photographed is not reflected can be generated.
Specifically, in the subject tracking moving image generation system S, for example, a moving image generation unit such as the moving image generation unit 106 performs a plurality of images that are selectively cut out corresponding to each timing by selective cutout processing. It can be configured to generate a single moving image by combining them in the shooting order while pasting and synthesizing to a predetermined still image.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the control is performed so as to detect or predict that the subject to be imaged is reflected, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, it is also possible to configure so that photographing is performed with the imaging devices before and after the imaging device in which the subject is photographed without detecting the subject. With this configuration, an image captured in a state where the object is located in the center, the image photographed in a state where the subject in a state in which the subject is toward the center had away from the center, but excised Can be processed.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of shooting timing.
As shown in the example of FIG. 13, since the subject is in the center and in a direction away from the center as shown in the example of FIG. 13, a cut-out image is generated from images captured by the imaging device 1A and the imaging device 1B. can do.
Further, when the subject is photographed by the imaging device 1B next to the imaging device 1A, the photographing is performed by the three imaging devices of the imaging device 1A, the imaging device 1B, and the imaging device 1C. When shooting with the imaging device 1B, the subject has a state toward the center, a state located at the center, and a state away from the center. Therefore, the subject is shot with the imaging device 1A, the imaging device 1B, and the imaging device 1C. A cut-out image can be generated from the processed image. When a subject is photographed by the imaging device 1C, similarly to the imaging device 1B, a cut-out image can be generated from images photographed by the imaging devices 1B before and after the imaging device 1C and the imaging device 1D.

In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined area including the specific subject is the image area to be cut out, but is not limited thereto. For example, an area corresponding to the shape of the specific subject, that is, the area of the specific subject may be configured as an image area to be cut out.
Specifically, in the subject tracking moving image generation system S, the subject inclusion region is an image region having a shape that matches the shape of the subject . In addition, the clipping unit such as the image processing unit 105 can be configured to cut out only an area that matches the shape of the subject from the image area that matches the shape of the subject.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration frame image is generated from the captured moving image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration frame image is generated using a captured image captured at a predetermined timing. It may be configured.

  In the above-described embodiment, the captured image or the configuration frame image is transmitted from each imaging apparatus 1 to the apparatus that generates the moving image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the captured image is transmitted by transmitting the captured moving image. From the above, a configuration frame image may be generated.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the moving image is captured by the plurality of imaging devices 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration may be such that a single device has a plurality of imaging units, and is acquired from the imaging unit. A subject tracking moving image may be generated based on the obtained image.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied has been described using a digital camera as an example, but is not particularly limited thereto.
For example, the present invention can be applied to general electronic devices having a subject tracking moving image generation processing function. Specifically, for example, the present invention can be applied to a notebook personal computer, a printer, a television receiver, a video camera, a portable navigation device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable game machine, and the like.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software.
In other words, the functional configurations of FIGS . 3 and 7 are merely examples, and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the imaging apparatus 1 has a function capable of executing the above-described series of processing as a whole, and what functional blocks are used to realize this function are particularly shown in the examples of FIGS. It is not limited.
One functional block may be constituted by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.
The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. The computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

  The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by the removable medium 31 of FIG. 2 distributed separately from the apparatus main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance. It is comprised with the recording medium etc. which are provided in this. The removable medium 31 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The optical disc is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray Disc (Blu-ray Disc) (registered trademark), and the like. The magneto-optical disk is configured by an MD (Mini-Disk) or the like. In addition, the recording medium provided to the user in a state of being preinstalled in the apparatus main body includes, for example, the ROM 12 in FIG. 2 in which the program is recorded, the hard disk included in the storage unit 20 in FIG.

In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series along the order, but is not necessarily performed in time series, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.
Further, in the present specification, the term “system” means an overall apparatus including a plurality of apparatuses and a plurality of means.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an illustration and does not limit the technical scope of this invention. The present invention can take other various embodiments, and various modifications such as omission and replacement can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification and the like, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present application will be appended.
[Appendix 1]
In a shooting system that controls continuous shooting of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
The plurality of imaging devices are arranged such that the shooting range is different from each other with the moving path of the specific subject as a shooting range,
Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device, shooting is performed with the next imaging device. A determination means for determining a start timing to start;
Shooting instruction means for instructing the next imaging apparatus to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination means;
An imaging system comprising:
[Appendix 2]
The determining means includes a moving state of the specific subject within a shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject, a shooting range of the current imaging device, and a next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device. Based on the shooting range, determine the end timing to end shooting of the current imaging device and the start timing to start shooting with the next imaging device,
The photographing instruction means instructs to finish photographing of the current imaging apparatus at the end timing determined by the determining means and to start photographing of the next imaging apparatus at the start timing determined by the determining means. I do,
The imaging system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein
[Appendix 3]
The determining means determines the start timing and the end timing so that the end timing comes after a predetermined time from the start timing;
The imaging system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein
[Appendix 4]
The determination means determines a start timing based on a moving speed of a specific subject and a time from an original position to a position where the next imaging apparatus reaches a shooting range.
The imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein
[Appendix 5]
The determining means determines the start timing by calculating the moving speed of a specific subject and the time from the original position to the position where the next imaging apparatus reaches the shooting range.
The imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that:
[Appendix 6]
Comprising specifying means for specifying a delay time from transmission of the start timing information from the current imaging device to the next imaging device until the next imaging device can start imaging;
The imaging instruction means instructs the imaging by transmitting information on the start timing at a timing before the delay time with respect to the start timing.
The imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that:
[Appendix 7]
The imaging instruction means transmits an instruction signal for starting imaging to the next imaging device, thereby transmitting information on the start timing, and is delayed with respect to a timing at which the next imaging device starts imaging. Transmitting the instruction signal at a timing before time;
The imaging system according to appendix 6, characterized in that:
[Appendix 8]
The shooting instruction means transmits an instruction to take over the shooting conditions of the current imaging device when taking over the shooting,
The imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that:
[Appendix 9]
The determination of the start timing is performed for each imaging of the specific subject in each imaging device.
The imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that:
[Appendix 10]
An imaging method in an imaging system for controlling continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over the shooting from the current imaging device, A determination step for determining a start timing for starting shooting with the imaging device;
A shooting instruction step for instructing the next imaging device from the current imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determining step;
A photographing method characterized by comprising:
[Appendix 11]
To a computer that controls an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over the shooting from the current imaging device, A decision function for deciding the start timing to start photographing on the imaging device;
A shooting instruction function for instructing the next imaging device from the current imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination function;
A program for running

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device 1 ... Display device, 2 ... Imaging control device, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 15 ... On Output interface, 16 ... imaging unit, 17 ... position sensor, 18 ... input unit, 19 ... output unit, 10 ... storage unit, 11 ... communication unit, 12 ... drive 31 ... Removable media, 51 ... Imaging range information acquisition unit, 52 ... Imaging device identification unit, 53 ... Communication control unit, 54 ... Imaging control unit, 55 ... Subject identification unit , 56 ... Image processing unit, 57 ... Moving speed determination unit, 58 ... Shooting standby time prediction unit, 59 ... Delay time specifying unit, 60 ... Shooting instruction unit, 71 ... Image Storage unit 91... Imaging control unit 92. Subject detection unit 93 93 Communication control unit 9 ... Image processing unit, 101 ... Shooting instruction unit, 102 ... Shooting status acquisition unit, 103 ... Image acquisition unit, 104 ... Image determination unit, 105 ... Image processing unit, 106 ..Moving image generation unit, 120... Image storage unit, S.

Claims (14)

In a shooting system that controls continuous shooting of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
The plurality of imaging devices are arranged such that the shooting range is different from each other with the moving path of the specific subject as a shooting range,
A moving state of the specific subject in the imaging range of the current imaging device in imaging the specific object, the the imaging range of the next image pickup apparatus to take over the shooting from the current imaging device, on the basis, the next image pickup device Determining means for determining a start timing for starting shooting and an end timing for ending shooting with the current imaging device so that the end timing comes after a predetermined time from the start timing ;
Shooting instruction means for instructing the next imaging apparatus to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination means;
Equipped with a,
An imaging system characterized by that. Wherein said determining means to take over the moving state of the specific subject in the imaging range of the current imaging device in imaging the specific object, the the shooting range of the current imaging apparatus, the imaging from the current imaging device and shooting range of the following imaging device, based on to determine the said end timing to end the photographing in the current imaging device, and the start timing for starting the shooting in the next image pickup device, a
The photographing instruction means instructs to finish photographing of the current imaging apparatus at the end timing determined by the determining means and to start photographing of the next imaging apparatus at the start timing determined by the determining means. I do,
The imaging system according to claim 1. It said determining means, said the moving speed of the specific subject, time from the original position to reach the position of the shooting range of the next imaging device, on the basis, to determine the start timing,
The imaging system according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that It said determining means determines said the moving speed of the specific subject, and calculating the time until reaching the position of the shooting range of the next imaging device from an original position, in the start timing,
The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein Further comprising a specifying means for the next imaging device to specify the delay time until start shooting information of the start timing from transmission from the current imaging device to the next image pickup device,
The imaging instruction means with the timing earlier than the delay time relative to the start timing, and instructs the shooting by transmitting information of the start timing,
The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein: The imaging instruction means, by transmitting an instruction signal to start photographing to the next image pickup device performs transmission of information of the start timing, the timing for starting the shooting the next image pickup device, wherein Transmitting the instruction signal at a timing before a delay time;
The imaging system according to claim 5 . In a shooting system that controls continuous shooting of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
The plurality of imaging devices are arranged such that the shooting range is different from each other with the moving path of the specific subject as a shooting range,
Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the specific subject, and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device, the next imaging device Determining means for determining the start timing for starting shooting at;
Shooting instruction means for giving an instruction to the next imaging device so as to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination unit and so as to take over shooting conditions of the current imaging device when taking over shooting; ,
Comprising
An imaging system characterized by that. In a shooting system that controls continuous shooting of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
The plurality of imaging devices are arranged such that the shooting range is different from each other with the moving path of the specific subject as a shooting range,
Based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the specific subject, and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device, the next imaging device Determining means for determining the start timing for starting shooting at each shooting of the specific subject in each imaging device;
Shooting instruction means for instructing the next imaging apparatus to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination means;
Comprising
An imaging system characterized by that. An imaging method in an imaging system for controlling continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
A moving state of the specific subject in the imaging range of the current imaging apparatus in shooting the subject, the imaging range of the next image pickup apparatus to take over the shooting from the current imaging device, based on the shooting in the next imaging device A determination step for determining a start timing for starting an image and an end timing for ending photographing with the current imaging device so that the end timing comes after a predetermined time from the start timing ;
A shooting instruction step for instructing the next imaging device from the current imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determining step;
Including,
An imaging method characterized by the above. An imaging method in an imaging system for controlling continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
Shooting with the next imaging device based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device A determination step for determining a start timing for starting
An instruction is given from the current imaging device to the next imaging device so as to start imaging at the start timing determined in the determination step and also to inherit imaging conditions of the current imaging device when taking over the imaging. Shooting instruction steps to be performed;
including,
An imaging method characterized by the above. An imaging method in an imaging system for controlling continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
Shooting with the next imaging device based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device A determination step of determining a start timing for starting each time the specific subject is captured in each of the imaging devices;
A shooting instruction step for instructing the next imaging device from the current imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determining step;
including,
An imaging method characterized by the above. To a computer that controls an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
A moving state of the specific subject in the imaging range of the current imaging apparatus in shooting the subject, the imaging range of the next image pickup apparatus to take over the shooting from the current imaging device, based on the shooting in the next imaging device A determination function for determining a start timing to start a shooting and an end timing to end shooting with the current imaging device so that the end timing comes after a predetermined time from the start timing ;
A shooting instruction function for instructing the next imaging device from the current imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination function;
To execute ,
A program characterized by that . To a computer that controls an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
Shooting with the next imaging device based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device Decision function to determine the start timing,
An instruction is given from the current imaging device to the next imaging device so as to start imaging at the start timing determined by the determination function and also to inherit imaging conditions of the current imaging device when taking over imaging. Shooting instruction function to perform,
To execute,
A program characterized by that. To a computer that controls an imaging system that controls continuous imaging of a specific subject by a plurality of imaging devices,
Shooting with the next imaging device based on the movement state of the specific subject within the shooting range of the current imaging device that is shooting the subject and the shooting range of the next imaging device that takes over shooting from the current imaging device A determination function for determining a start timing for starting each specific object in each imaging device,
A shooting instruction function for instructing the next imaging device from the current imaging device to start shooting at the start timing determined by the determination function;
To execute,
A program characterized by that.

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