WO2007069470A1

WO2007069470A1 - Camera device and wiper control method

Info

Publication number: WO2007069470A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/324025
Authority: WO
Inventors: Koji Wakiyama
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-12-14
Filing date: 2006-11-30
Publication date: 2007-06-21
Also published as: JP2007166313A

Abstract

A camera device and a wiper control method are provided to reduce influence by a wiper over a photographing image. A wiper (60) is set to a camera device and the camera device is provided with a camera unit (57) having a photographing section to pick up an image, and a control circuit (11). The control circuit (11) has a photographing region control section to control a photographing region of the photographing section, a state detecting section to detect a control state of the photographing region by the photographing region control section and a wiper control section to operate the wiper (60) when a state detected by the state detecting section is a predetermined control state.

Description

Specification

Camera device and wiper control method

Technical field

The present invention relates to a camera device to which a wiper is attached and a wiper control method thereof.

Background art

In a camera device installed outdoors such as a surveillance camera, water droplets, dirt, and the like adhere to the lens and the protective glass that protects the lens. Therefore, there is a surveillance camera device equipped with a wiper to remove attached water droplets and dirt.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a television camera housing in which a wiper and a washer device operate every predetermined time.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-13653

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In a camera device to which such a wiper is attached, the wiper itself (for example, the wiper blade) prevents the subject from being photographed while the wiper is being driven, so that a clear monitoring image is obtained. Therefore, special consideration is required for driving the wiper mechanism.

[0006] However, in the above apparatus, since the wiper operates regardless of the imaging state of the camera, it is said that there is a case where monitoring or the like may be hindered by the reflection of the wiper on the image. There was a thing blue.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a camera device and a wiper control method capable of reducing the influence of a wiper on a captured image.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] The camera device of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image, a wiper that cleans a surface imaged by the imaging unit, an imaging region control unit that controls an imaging region of the imaging unit, and the imaging A state detection unit that detects a control state of the imaging region by the region control unit; and the wiper is operated when the state detected by the state detection unit is in a predetermined control state. And a wiper control unit.

[0009] With this configuration, the control state of the imaging area is detected and the wiper is operated according to the control state. For example, the influence of the predetermined wiper is small! / The wiper is operated in the control state of the imaging area. This makes it possible to control the wiper and reduce the effects of the wiper on the captured image.

[0010] Further, the camera device of the present invention has a preset area storage unit that stores at least one of an imaging direction and an imaging magnification corresponding to the preset area, with a previously designated area as a preset area. The wiper control unit operates the wiper when the state detection unit detects the imaging region force, the predetermined region force, and the state of moving to the preset region.

[0011] With this configuration, when the imaging area to be imaged is determined as the preset area, the captured image when the imaging area is moving is considered to be less important. The impact can be reduced.

[0012] In addition, the camera device of the present invention includes a non-imaging area storage unit that stores at least one of an imaging direction and an imaging magnification corresponding to the non-imaging area, with a previously designated area as a non-imaging area. And the wiper control unit operates the wiper when the state detection unit detects a state in which a non-imaging area occupying the imaging area is a predetermined ratio or more. .

[0013] With this configuration, when a predesignated area is defined as a non-imaging area, the wiper does not affect the non-imaging area, and therefore the wiper affects the captured image. Can be reduced.

[0014] Further, in the camera device of the present invention, the imaging area control unit controls the imaging unit to reciprocate in an imaging direction specified in advance, and the wiper control unit performs the imaging by the state detection unit. The wiper is operated when the imaging direction of the region is located at the end of the reciprocating operation.

[0015] With this configuration, when the imaging unit captures an image by reciprocating in a predetermined imaging direction, the imaging region is temporarily stopped when positioned at the end of the reciprocating operation, that is, the end of the reciprocating operation. Then, since the imaging time becomes long, by operating the wiper at this time, The effect on the picked-up image by the wiper can be reduced compared to picking up and down between designated image pickup directions.

[0016] In addition, the camera device of the present invention includes a timer unit that measures time, and the wiper control unit resets the time measured by the timer unit when the wiper is operated, and the timer unit. The wiper is operated when the time measured by the time reaches a predetermined time.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the influence of the wiper on the captured image, and it is possible to prevent the captured image from being deteriorated due to the wiper operation interval being opened for a predetermined time or more. In addition, since the timer timing is reset, unnecessary operation can be prevented when the wiper operation by the timer and the wiper operation by the state detection unit occur continuously.

[0018] Further, the camera device of the present invention includes a specific area storage unit that stores at least one of an imaging direction and an imaging magnification corresponding to the specific area, with the area specified in advance as the specific area, and the wiper The control unit operates the wiper when the state detection unit detects that the imaging region is in the specific region.

With this configuration, for example, when a predetermined specific area is not necessary for a monitoring target or the like, the influence of the wiper on the captured image can be reduced.

[0020] Further, the camera device of the present invention includes a reference position detection unit that detects a reference position of the imaging region, and the wiper control unit is configured such that the imaging region control unit starts searching for the reference position. Force the wiper to operate until the reference position is detected

[0021] With this configuration, for example, the wiper is operated during the search at the origin position that is considered to be a relatively unimportant imaging period, so that the influence of the wiper on the captured image can be reduced.

[0022] In the wiper control method of the present invention, the step of controlling the imaging region of the imaging unit, the step of detecting the control state of the imaging region, and the detected state are in a predetermined control state, And a step of operating the wiper.

[0023] By this method, the control state of the imaging region is detected and the wiper is operated according to the control state. For example, the influence of the predetermined wiper is small! / Wiper control such as operating the wiper becomes possible, and the influence of the wiper on the captured image can be reduced.

[0024] The present invention provides a wiper control program that causes a computer to execute the above steps.

[0025] By this program, the control state of the imaging area is detected and the wiper is operated according to the control state. For example, the wiper is operated to the control state of the imaging area with little influence from a predetermined wiper. Wiper control is possible, and the effect of the wiper on the captured image can be reduced.

The invention's effect

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera device and a wiper control method capable of reducing the influence of a wiper on a captured image. Further, an effective wiper operation can be performed without providing a special foreign object detection sensor.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of main parts related to a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control circuit of the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a central processing unit of the camera device according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the wiper control method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0028] 21 Image display

22 Operation terminal

23 Command decoder

24 Central processing unit

25 Origin search processing section

26 Manual processing section

27 Preset processing section Auto pan processing unit Position memory processing unit Specific position processing unit Operation timing output circuit Number of operations generation circuit Wiper drive circuit, 37 Pulse generator Tilt drive circuit, 39 Counter Pan drive circuit Memory

Non-imaging processor Timer

Turntable fixed part Turntable movable part

Pan drive motor

Magnet

Magnetic sensor

, 571 Camera unit Chinolet drive motor Front glass

Wiper

Wiper drive motor articulated

Magnet

Magnetic sensor 65, 66 Support frame

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of main parts related to the camera device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the camera device according to the present embodiment includes a control circuit 11, a rotating table fixing unit 50, a rotating table moving unit 51, a gear 52, a pan driving motor 53, and a gear 54. , Magnet 55, magnetic sensor 56, camera unit 57, tilt drive motor 58, windshield 59, wiper 60, wiper drive motor 61, connecting rod 62, magnet 63, magnetic sensor 64 and support Frames 65 and 66 are provided.

[0031] The camera unit 57 functions as an example of an image pickup unit, and has an image pickup element such as a two-dimensional CCD image sensor inside, and takes an image of an arbitrary subject located in front of the image signal S57. Is output. In front of the camera unit 57 in the shooting direction, a transparent front glass 59 is installed to protect the internal image sensor and optical system from dirt and moisture.

[0032] Further, if foreign matter such as dirt or water droplets adheres to the front glass 59, it will interfere with the shooting of the camera unit 57. Therefore, a wiper 60 is provided to wipe off dirt and water droplets on the front glass 59. is there. The wiper 60 is connected to the wiper drive motor 61 via a connecting rod 62. The connecting rod 62 converts the rotational motion of the wiper drive motor 61 into a linear motion and transmits the driving force to the wiper 60. Accordingly, by driving the wiper drive motor 61, dirt and water droplets on the front glass 59 can be wiped off with the wiper 60.

The camera unit 57 is supported by support frames 65 and 66 on both sides. The support frames 65 and 66 support the camera unit 57 so that it can swing around a predetermined support shaft. Therefore, the direction of the camera unit 57 can be changed in the direction of arrow A1 (tilt direction). In addition, the tilt drive motor 58 installed on the support frame 65 functions as an example of the imaging area control unit, and is connected to the drive shaft force S of the tilt drive motor 58 S camera unit 57 to drive the tilt drive motor 58. By doing so, the direction of the camera unit 57 can be changed to the arrow A1 direction.

[0034] The support frames 65 and 66 are fixed on the turntable movable part 51 formed in a disk shape. Further, the turntable movable part 51 is arranged above the turntable fixing part 50, and the arrow A It is supported by the turntable fixing part 50 so as to be rotatable in two directions (pan direction). In addition, as an example of the imaging region control unit, a pan driving motor 53 is installed on the side of the turntable fixing unit 50. A gear 54 is attached to the drive shaft of the pan drive motor 53, and the gear 54 is connected to a gear 52 attached to the rotary base movable unit 51.

Accordingly, when the pan driving motor 53 is driven, the rotary base movable portion 51 is driven via the gear 54 and the gear 52, and rotates in the direction of the arrow A2. When the turntable movable part 51 rotates, the direction of the camera unit 57 also rotates in the direction of arrow A2.

In order to detect the rotational position of the turntable movable unit 51, a magnet 55 is attached to a predetermined position on the peripheral surface of the turntable movable unit 51. Further, a magnetic sensor 56 is mounted on the peripheral surface of the turntable fixing unit 50 at a position that can face the magnet 55. In order to detect the position of the camera unit 57 in the tilt direction, a magnet 63 is attached to the side surface of the camera unit 57. A magnetic sensor 64 is mounted on the support frame 65 at a position that can face the magnet 63.

[0037] When the camera device is actually used, an operation terminal 22 including an image display unit 21 is used. The image display unit 21 is used to display a real-time image taken by the camera unit 57. Further, by inputting a predetermined command from the operation terminal 22, for example, an operation instruction regarding the shooting direction of the camera unit 57 can be given.

Next, the configuration of the control circuit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control circuit of the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the central processing unit of the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention. is there.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 11 includes a command decoder 23, a central processing unit 24, an operation timing output circuit 31, an operation count generation circuit 32, a wiper drive circuit 33, and a pulse generator. 34, a tilt drive circuit 35, a counter 36, a pulse generator 37, a pan drive circuit 38, a counter 39, a memory 40, and a timer 42. The memory 40 includes a preset area storage unit that stores a predesignated area as a preset area, a non-imaging area storage section that stores a predesignated area as a non-imaging area, and a predesignated area. It operates as an example of a specific storage unit stored as a fixed area.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the central processing unit 24 includes an origin search processing unit 25, a manual processing unit 26, a preset processing unit 27, an auto pan processing unit 28, and a position storage processing. Part 29 and

The specific position processing unit 30 and the non-imaging processing unit 41 are included. The central processing unit 24 is

It operates as an example of an imaging region control unit, a state detection unit, and a wiper control unit, and is configured mainly by a processor that operates according to a wiper control program.

The command decoder 23 interprets an instruction from the operation terminal 22 and gives an operation instruction to each unit. The central processing unit 24 sequentially performs operations corresponding to the contents of the instructions from the operation terminal 22 detected by the command decoder 23.

[0042] The origin search processing unit 25 functions as an example of a reference position detection unit.

When 3 receives an origin search operation instruction, it drives the turntable on which the camera unit 57 is placed in order to search the origin position of the camera unit 57's posture, and the predetermined rotation speed in the pan and tilt directions. Rotate to search for a reference position for rotation.

[0043] The manual processing unit 26 in the central processing unit 24 adjusts the posture of the camera unit 57 by rotating the turntable in the designated direction when the command decoder 23 receives a manual operation instruction. Control.

[0044] When the command decoder 23 receives a predetermined preset operation instruction, the preset processing unit 27 in the central processing unit 24 rotates the turntable to a specified target position to a specified posture. The control for positioning is performed.

[0045] When the command decoder 23 receives a predetermined auto pan operation instruction, the auto pan processing unit 28 in the central processing unit 24 drives the turntable so as to reciprocate between two target points. Control for.

[0046] The position storage processing unit 29 in the central processing unit 24 stores the current position of the rotary base (the posture of the camera unit 57) on the memory when the command decoder 23 receives a predetermined rotational position storage instruction. The process for memorizing is performed.

[0047] When the command decoder 23 receives a predetermined specific position operation instruction, the specific position processing unit 30 in the central processing unit 24 operates when it passes a predetermined pan or tilt rotational position. To control. When the command decoder 23 receives the wiper operation instruction, the operation timing output circuit 31 outputs a signal representing the wiper operation timing of a predetermined cycle initialized by the timing output from the central processing unit 24. The operation frequency generation circuit 32 is a circuit that receives the timing signal from the operation timing output circuit 31 and generates the wiper operation frequency. The wiper drive circuit 33 is a circuit that outputs the wiper drive signal S33 to the wiper drive motor 61 and operates the wiper the number of times generated by the operation number generation circuit 32.

[0049] The noise generator 34 generates noise corresponding to the tilt rotation angle information from the central processing unit 24. The tilt drive circuit 35 outputs a tilt drive signal S35 to the tilt drive motor 58 according to the rotation direction information from the central processing unit 24 and the pulse from the pulse generator 34, and drives the tilt drive motor 58. Circuit. The counter 36 is initialized by a signal from the central processing unit 24 and creates rotational position information 1 based on the rotational direction information and the pulse from the pulse generator 34.

[0050] The noise generator 37 generates a pulse corresponding to the pan rotation angle information from the central processing unit 24. The pan drive circuit 38 outputs a pan drive signal S38 to the pan drive motor 53 based on the rotation direction information from the central processing unit 24 and the pulses from the pulse generator 37, and drives the pan drive circuit 38. Circuit. The counter 39 is initialized by the central processing unit 24 and creates rotational position information based on the rotational direction information and the pulse from the pulse generator 37. The memory 40 stores the values of the counters 36 and 39 as a preset position, an auto pan position, and a wiper operation position.

Next, details of various operations of the camera apparatus controlled by the control circuit 11 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described. The camera device according to the present embodiment takes an image according to the operation of the camera device, and in consideration of the influence of the wiper operation on the image, such as the importance of the image to be captured, the control state of the imaging region, etc. The wiper is operated according to the operating state of the camera device.

[0052] <Origin search operation>

The origin search operation is an operation for searching for an origin serving as a reference when controlling the imaging direction such as the pan direction and the tilt direction of the camera device. Such an origin search operation is performed, for example, at the initial setting of the operation control of the camera device, and captures an important scene. It is not done when Therefore, in this embodiment, the influence on the captured image can be reduced by operating the wiper during the origin search operation.

When central processing unit 24 receives an “origin search operation” instruction from command decoder 23, origin search processing unit 25 starts the origin search operation.

The origin search processing unit 25 determines the movement amount and direction as the first processing, outputs these information to the pulse generators 34 and 37, the tilt drive circuit 35 and the pan drive circuit 38, and then Wait for signal output from gas sensors 56 and 64. Further, after the first process is started, the wiper operation timing is output to the operation timing output circuit 31.

The tilt drive motor 58 is rotated by the control of the tilt drive circuit 35, the turntable that supports the camera unit 57 is driven, and the tilt position (direction) of the camera unit 57 changes. Also, the pan drive motor 53 rotates under the control of the pan drive circuit 38, and the turntable is driven to change the pan position (direction) of the camera unit 57.

Furthermore, as a second process, the origin search processing unit 25 initializes the value of the counter 36 when detecting the output of the magnetic sensor 64. Similarly, if the output of magnetic sensor 56 is detected, counter 3

Initialize the value of 9 and stop rotation.

[0057] The origin search processing unit 25 does not detect the output of the magnetic sensors 56 and 64 for a long time.

Change the direction of rotation and wait for the output of the magnetic sensors 56 and 64 to appear again.

[0058] When the command decoder 23 outputs a wiper operation instruction, the wiper operation can be performed during the origin search operation.

[0059] <Manual operation>

When the central processing unit 24 receives a “manual operation” instruction from the command decoder 23, the manual processing unit 26 starts the manual operation.

[0060] The manual processing unit 26 determines the movement amount and direction based on the rotational speed and direction information from the command decoder 23, and sends the movement amount and direction signals to the pulse generators 34 and 37, and the tilt drive circuit. 35 and the pan driving circuit 38.

The tilt drive motor 58 is rotated by the control of the tilt drive circuit 35, the turntable that supports the camera unit 57 is driven, and the tilt position (direction) of the camera unit 57 changes. Also, the pan drive motor 53 rotates under the control of the pan drive circuit 38, and the turntable is driven. The pan position (direction) of the camera unit 57 changes.

[0062] With this operation, the direction of the camera unit 57 can be directed to an arbitrary direction, and the photographing direction can be changed as necessary.

[0063] <Preset operation>

The preset operation is an operation in which a plurality of imaging areas are designated as preset areas in advance, the imaging areas are sequentially moved to different preset areas, and imaging is performed for a predetermined time in each preset area. In this case, since the area other than the preset area is not designated as the imaging area, it is estimated that the importance is low. Thus, in the present embodiment, the influence of the wiper on the captured image is reduced by operating the wiper while the imaging area is moving between the preset areas.

When the central processing unit 24 receives a “preset operation” instruction including a corresponding number from the command decoder 23, the preset processing unit 27 starts the preset operation.

[0065] The preset processing unit 27 reads the rotational position information of the pan and tilt stored in advance as the specific area force on the memory 40 according to the corresponding number included in the instruction as the first processing.

The preset processing unit 27 compares the rotational position information of the current counters 36 and 39 with the rotational position information read from the memory 40 as a second process, and the direction in which the values match and the amount of movement. The result is output to the pulse generators 34 and 37, the tilt drive circuit 35, and the pan drive circuit 38, respectively. Also, after starting the second process, the wiper operation timing is output to the operation timing output circuit 31.

The tilt drive motor 58 is rotated by the control of the tilt drive circuit 35, the turntable supporting the camera unit 57 is driven, and the tilt position (direction) of the camera unit 57 changes. Also, the pan drive motor 53 rotates under the control of the pan drive circuit 38, and the turntable is driven to change the pan position (direction) of the camera unit 57.

[0068] The preset processing unit 27 compares the rotational position information of the current counters 36 and 39 with the rotational position information read from the memory 40. When the values match, the preset processing unit 27 stops the rotation and performs the preset operation. Complete.

[0069] When the wiper operation instruction is output from the command decoder 23, the wiper operation can be performed during the preset operation. [0070] <Auto pan operation>

The auto pan operation is an operation in which imaging is performed by reciprocating between two imaging areas designated in advance. In this case, when the camera unit 57 is positioned at the end of the reciprocating operation, the camera unit 57 stops and stops, that is, the imaging time becomes longer at the end of the reciprocating operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the influence of the wiper on the captured image can be reduced by operating the wiper when the imaging region is located at the end of the reciprocating operation.

When the central processing unit 24 receives an “auto pan operation” instruction from the command decoder 23, the auto pan processing unit 28 starts the auto pan operation.

[0072] The auto pan processing unit 28 stores in advance from a specific area on the memory 40 assigned to auto pan as the first process, and reads out the rotational position information of each of pan and tilt.

[0073] As the second process, the auto pan processing unit 28 compares the current rotational position information of the counters 36 and 39 with the first rotational position information read from the memory 40, and the values match. The direction and amount of movement are determined, and the results are output to the pulse generators 34 and 37, the tilt drive circuit 35, and the pan drive circuit 38, respectively.

[0075] As the third process, the auto pan processing unit 28 compares the rotational position information of the current counters 36 and 39 with the first rotational position information read from the memory 40, and the values match. Case Operation timing output circuit Outputs wiper operation timing to 31.

The auto pan processing unit 28 compares the current rotational position information of the counters 36 and 39 with the second rotational position information read from the memory 40 as a fourth process, and the direction in which the values match. The movement amount is determined, and the result is output to the pulse generators 34 and 37, the tilt drive circuit 35, and the pan drive circuit 38, respectively.

[0077] Under the control of the tilt drive circuit 35, the tilt drive motor 58 rotates, the turntable that supports the camera unit 57 is driven, and the tilt position (direction) of the camera unit 57 changes. Also, the pan drive motor 53 rotates under the control of the pan drive circuit 38, and the turntable is driven to change the pan position (direction) of the camera unit 57.

The auto pan processing unit 28 compares the current rotational position information of the counters 36 and 39 with the first rotational position information read from the memory 40 as a fifth process, and the values match. If so, perform the second process.

[0079] The auto pan processing unit 28 repeats the second to fifth processes until a stop command is received. This action causes the wiper to move when changing direction at the first rotational position.

[0080] <Location memory operation>

After the rotary table is moved to a desired rotational position to be stored by manual operation, the central processing unit 24 receives a position storage instruction including target position information from the command decoder 23, so that the position storage processing unit 29 stores the position. Start operation.

The position storage processing unit 29 writes the information of the current counters 36 and 39 in the area corresponding to the target position information (preset position, auto pan position, wiper operation position).

[0082] <Wipe operation at specific position>

When the imaging area can be controlled as in the camera device of the present embodiment, there is a case where an image in a specific imaging area is not particularly necessary. Therefore, by operating the wiper when the imaging region passes a certain position, it is possible to reduce the influence of the wiper on the captured image. For example, when taking an image with the imaging direction rotated 360 degrees, when the imaging part is facing the wall, the importance of the image is low. Operate the wiper.

[0083] When the central processing unit 24 receives a "specific position operation" instruction from the command decoder 23,

The specific position processing unit 30 starts monitoring the operation position.

The specific position processing unit 30 reads the rotational position information stored in advance from the specific area on the memory 40 associated with the specific position as the first process.

[0085] The specific position processing unit 30 compares the current rotational position information of the counters 36 and 39 with the first rotational position information read from the memory 40 as a second process, and the values match. Outputs wiper operation timing to operation timing output circuit 31. In this state, execute a manual operation, etc., and perform a wiper operation when passing a specific position. [0086] <Operation of non-imaging area>

In some cases, it may be desirable to avoid imaging a predetermined area such as a surveillance camera from the viewpoint of privacy and the like. In that case, by designating a desired area as a non-imaging area in advance and masking an image corresponding to the non-imaging area based on the captured image power, image output of the desired area can be avoided. Here, since the non-imaging area is an area that does not need to be imaged, if the non-imaging area occupies the imaging area, it is considered that the influence is small even if the wiper is operated. Therefore, by operating the wiper when the non-imaging area occupying the imaging area becomes a predetermined ratio or more, the influence of the wiper on the captured image can be reduced.

When the central processing unit 24 receives a “designated area non-imaging operation” instruction from the command decoder 23, the non-imaging processing unit 41 starts the designated area non-imaging operation.

The non-imaging processing unit 41 first reads pan and tilt rotational position information in which the specific area force on the memory 40 assigned to non-imaging is also stored in advance. For example, the memory 40 stores a range of each rotational position of pan and tilt corresponding to the designated non-imaging area.

Then, the non-imaging processing unit 41 compares the current rotational position information of the counters 36 and 39 with the rotational position information assigned to the non-imaging area read from the memory 40, and the value is When they match, the wiper operation timing is output to the operation timing output circuit 31.

Further, the non-imaging processing unit 41 instructs a process of masking an image corresponding to the non-imaging area to an image processing unit (not illustrated) that processes an image output from the imaging unit of the camera unit 57. Show. With the above operation, a desired area can be designated as a non-imaging area.

Next, an operation example of the operation timing output circuit 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. Figure 4. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the wiper control method which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Based on the instruction input to the command decoder 23, the central processing unit 24 performs, for example, the various operation control processes described above (step Sl 1). Next, the operation timing output circuit 31 determines whether or not a wiper operation is requested from the command decoder 23 (scanning operation). Step S12). If the wiper operation is not requested (NO in step SI 2), the process returns to step SI 1 to continue various operation control processes by the central processing unit 24.

[0093] On the other hand, if a wiper operation is requested (YES in step S12), the operation timing output circuit 31 determines whether or not there is a wiper operation instruction from the central processing unit 24, that is, whether or not the wiper operation condition is satisfied. (Step S13). If the result of this determination is that a wiper operation instruction has been received from the central processing unit 24, that is, if the wiper operation conditions are satisfied (YES in step S13), the instruction to perform the wiper operation a predetermined number of times, such as a predetermined number of times, for example. Is output to the operation count generation circuit 32 (step S15).

[0094] In step S13, when the operation timing output circuit 31 receives a wiper operation instruction from the central processing unit 24, that is, when the operation condition of the wiper is not satisfied (NO in step S13), the operation is performed. The timing output circuit 31 refers to the timer 42 and determines whether or not the force has passed a predetermined time after the previous wiper operation (step S14). The timer 42 is reset when the wiper drive signal S33 is detected from the wiper drive circuit 33. Then, the operation timing output circuit 31 determines whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed after the previous wiper operation by determining whether or not the time measured by the timer 42 is equal to or less than the predetermined time.

[0095] If the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous wiper operation (YES in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15 to operate the wiper, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (in step S14). NO), return to step S11, and continue the various operation control processes by the central processing unit 24.

By the above procedure, the wiper operation can be performed based on the instruction from the central processing unit 24 to reduce the influence on the captured image, and the wiped operation interval of the wiped operation can be reduced for a predetermined time or longer. Deterioration can be prevented. In addition, since the timer timing is reset, unnecessary operation can be prevented when the wiper operation by the timer 42 and the wiper operation by the central processing unit 24 occur continuously.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the wiper control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this example, it is assumed that the camera device has a motion detection function. The motion detection function is a function for detecting a motion in a captured image by a motion detection unit (not shown). For example, the subject photographed by the camera unit 57 If there is a moving object (for example, a suspicious person) in the image, a difference occurs between the captured images of multiple frames. Motion detection detects motion based on this difference. However, if the wiper 60 is driven when the modeon is detected, the wiper 60 itself may be erroneously detected as an abnormal object. Therefore, this example prevents false detection by controlling the motion detection function to OFF when the wiper is driven.

First, based on the instruction input to the command decoder 23, the central processing unit 24 performs, for example, the various operation control processes described above (step S21). Next, the operation timing output circuit 31 determines whether or not a wiper operation is requested from the command decoder 23 (step S22). If the wiper operation is not requested (NO in step S22), the process returns to step S21 and various operation control processes by the central processing unit 24 are continued.

[0099] On the other hand, if a wiper operation is requested (YES in step S22), the operation timing detection circuit 31 determines whether the operation of a motion detection unit (not shown) is on, that is, whether a motion is being detected. (Step S23). If no motion is being detected (NO in step S23), the process returns to step S21, and various operation control processes by the central processing unit 24 are continued.

[0100] If motion is being detected (YES in step S23), the operation timing output circuit 31 determines whether or not there is a wiper operation instruction from the central processing unit 24, that is, whether or not the operation condition of the wiper is satisfied ( Step S 24).

[0101] In step S24, when the operation timing output circuit 31 receives a wiper operation instruction from the central processing unit 24, that is, when the operation condition of the wiper is not satisfied (NO in step S24), the operation is started. The timing output circuit 31 refers to the timer 42 and determines whether or not the force has passed a predetermined time after the previous wiper operation (step S25). If the predetermined time has not passed since the previous wiper operation (NO in step S25), the process returns to step S11, and various operation control processes by the central processing unit 24 are continued.

[0102] When the wiper operation instruction is received from the central processing unit 24, that is, when the wiper operation condition is satisfied (YES in step S24), or after the previous wiper operation, the predetermined time is If it has elapsed (YES in step S25), the operation timing output circuit 31 instructs the motion detection unit to turn off the motion detection function (step S26). continue For example, an instruction to perform the wiper operation a predetermined number of times, such as a predetermined number of times, is output to the operation number generation circuit 32 (step S27). After the wiper operation, an instruction to turn on the motion detection function is given to a motion detection unit (not shown) (step S28), and the process returns to step S21.

[0103] The above procedure can prevent erroneous detection of the motion detection function due to the wiper operation.

[0104] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the control state of the imaging area is detected and the wiper is operated according to the control state. Wiper control such as operating the wiper can be performed, and the influence of the wiper on the captured image can be reduced.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present invention, the pan driving circuit for driving the camera unit in the pan direction and the tilt driving circuit for driving in the tilt direction have been described as examples of the circuit for controlling the imaging region. In addition, a zoom control circuit for controlling the zoom of the camera unit may be used.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present invention, an example of a wiper that wipes the glass surface directly is shown as a method for removing foreign matter on the glass surface. The configuration may be used.

[0107] Although the invention has been described in detail and with reference to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. is there.

[0108] This application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on December 14, 2005 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-360760), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Industrial applicability

The camera device and wiper control method of the present invention have an effect that can reduce the influence of the wiper on the captured image, and are useful for monitoring camera devices and the like.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] an imaging unit that captures an image;

A wiper for cleaning a surface imaged by the imaging unit;

An imaging region control unit for controlling an imaging region of the imaging unit;

A state detection unit that detects a control state of the imaging region by the imaging region control unit; and a wiper control unit that operates the wiper when the state detected by the state detection unit is in a predetermined control state; A camera device comprising:

[2] The camera device according to claim 1,

A preset area storage unit that stores at least one of an imaging direction and an imaging magnification corresponding to the preset area with a predesignated area as a preset area, and the wiper control unit is configured to A camera device that operates the wiper when it is detected that an imaging area is moving from a predetermined area to the preset area.

[3] The camera device according to claim 1 or 2,

A non-imaging area storage unit that stores at least one of an imaging direction and an imaging magnification corresponding to the non-imaging area, with a pre-designated area as a non-imaging area;

The wiper control unit is a power camera device that operates the wiper when the state detection unit detects a state in which a non-imaging area in the imaging area is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio.

[4] The camera device according to any one of claims 1 and 3, wherein

The imaging area control unit controls the imaging unit to reciprocate in a predetermined imaging direction, and the wiper control unit controls the imaging direction of the imaging area to the end of the reciprocating operation by the state detection unit. A camera device for operating the wiper when positioned.

[5] The camera device according to any one of claims 1 and 4, wherein:

It has a timer unit that measures time,

The wiper control unit resets the time measured by the timer unit when the wiper is operated, and operates the wiper when the time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time.

[6] The camera device according to any one of claims 1 and 5, wherein:

A specific area storage unit that stores at least one of an imaging direction and an imaging magnification corresponding to the specific area, with the area specified in advance as the specific area,

The wiper control unit is a camera device that operates the wiper when the state detection unit detects that the imaging region is in the specific region.

[7] The camera device according to any one of claims 1 and 6, wherein:

A reference position detection unit for detecting a reference position of the imaging region;

The wiper control unit is a camera device that operates the wiper after the imaging region control unit starts searching for the reference position until the reference position is detected.

[8] controlling the imaging area of the imaging unit;

Detecting a control state of the imaging region;

A wiper control method comprising: a step of operating a wiper when the detected state is in a predetermined control state.

[9] A wiper control program for causing a computer to execute each step according to claim 8.