A camera control apparatus and method

Abstract

A camera control apparats (10) comprises a control device for controlling the zoom, pan and tilt conditions of a camera. Data relating to the positioning of the camera in pan, tilt and zoom is transmitted to the control means and the control means converts the data into a value in a co-ordinate system, for example (3D) polar co-ordinates. The camera may be controlled and directed by pointing a pointer to an area in the image displayed whereby in response to selection of a point on a display the control means pans and / or tilts the camera so that the image viewed by the camera is centred substantially on the point selected. Still further, an area of the screen can be selected, for example by tracking and dropping a box using a mouse pointer on a computer screen and the control means is arranged to pan and tilt the camera so the image is centred on the centre of the selected area and zoomed so that the selected area becomes substantially the entire image viewed by the camera. In a further aspect a multiple camera control apparatus is provided in which a plurality of cameras may be controlled using the aforesaid control apparatus and the multiple camera control apparatus includes data relating to the location of the cameras with reference to the site plan so that multiple cameras can be co-ordinated to provide better image data, blind spot illumination and 'hand over' functionality. Still further a security apparatus is provided in which a camera views an image and the security apparatus includes image processing means and data relating to the site viewed by the camera so as to determine the location and size of an object viewed.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a camera control device and method, in particular but not limited to a device and method for remotely controlling a closed circuit camera. Background technique [0002] Existing camera remote control systems are generally referred to as "telemetry control" systems. Usually, it just provides a simple remote control function, enabling the camera to be panned or tilted along an axis, and then adjusted to the desired zoom level. Such control can be achieved by means of a set of arrow keys controlling panning and / or tilting of the camera as well as controlling the zoom level. Thus, if the controller presses the "right" arrow key, the camera pans right during the key press. However, these systems do not provide a feedback function. In other words, the position of the camera or the level of zoom cannot be determined remotely. [0003] Some camera robotic devices, such as mechanized zoom lenses or pan / tilt heads, do provide...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] However, both of the above two types of systems have obvious deficiencies

Simultaneous zooming and panning or tilting shots are either not possible or cause disorientation for the operator

Moreover, the number of preset positions that can be preset is limited by the capacity of the memory and the additional cost caused by setting multiple preset positions for the camera

Images