Imaging device, control method thereof, storage medium, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that automatically selects an imaging mode in accordance with the location of the imaging apparatus and performs imaging that reflects user's imaging intention, and to provide a control method for the same, and a program.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 102 that captures an image, an imaging mode determination unit 107 that determines an imaging mode of the imaging unit 102, and an installation location identification unit 105 that identifies the location where own apparatus is installed. When the location where the own apparatus is installed identified by the installation location identification unit 1005 matches a preregistered installation location. The imaging mode determination unit 107 determines an imaging mode preregistered in association with the installation location as an imaging mode to be used for imaging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device that determines an imaging mode according to an installation location, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed an imaging device that performs automatic imaging at regular intervals and allows the user to enjoy viewing the captured images after imaging, rather than performing imaging by the user's imaging operation. In this imaging device, it is assumed that not only imaging in a state worn by the user or in a hand-held state, but also automatic imaging placed at an arbitrary location.

[0003] On the other hand, there is a network camera as an imaging device that performs imaging at an arbitrary location. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining a distribution destination of a captured image based on distribution destination information associated with an installation location of a network camera.

[0004] In the above-described stationary automatic imaging, it is assumed that the imaging use changes depending on the installation location of the imaging device. For example, there may be a case where the imaging device is installed on the table in the living room of the house to capture unexpected moments of family and friends, or there may be a case where it is installed at the entrance or in the garden to capture suspicious persons or visitors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, having to set the appropriate imaging mode for each imaging application every time the imaging device is installed is not only cumbersome for the user, but also presents the problem of imaging errors due to forgetting to switch imaging modes. In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the operation of the imaging device is determined according to the installation location, the imaging mode is not changed according to the installation location.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device, a control method, and a program that automatically select an imaging mode according to the installation location of the imaging device and perform imaging that reflects the user's imaging intentions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the imaging apparatus of the present invention is An imaging unit that captures images, The imaging mode determination unit determines the imaging mode of the imaging unit, It includes an installation location identification unit that identifies the installation location of the device, The imaging mode determination unit is The system is characterized in that, when the installation location of the device identified by the installation location identification unit matches a pre-registered installation location, the system determines that the imaging mode to be used for imaging is one that is pre-registered in association with that installation location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device, a control method, and a program that can automatically select an imaging mode according to the installation location of the imaging device and perform imaging that reflects the user's imaging intentions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a functional configuration diagram of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method between an imaging device 100 and an operating terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the user interface of the operating terminal 200 when setting and registering the imaging mode. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the imaging mode according to the installation location. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] <First Embodiment> <Structure> Figure 1 is a functional configuration diagram of an imaging device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the imaging device 100 includes a CPU 101, an imaging unit 102, a pan-tilt drive unit 103, a wireless communication unit 104, an installation location identification unit 105, an imaging mode storage unit 106, and an imaging mode determination unit 107. Each component of the imaging device 100 shown in Figure 1 is connected to a system bus 110, and is configured to send and receive required information between the components.

[0013] The CPU 101 comprehensively controls the operation of the imaging device 100 by executing a program recorded in a ROM or HDD (not shown). The various functions of the imaging device 100 are realized by the CPU 101 executing the program. The imaging unit 102 is composed of a lens unit (not shown), an image sensor, an A / D conversion circuit, etc., and performs image acquisition processing. The pan-tilt drive unit 103 is composed of a motor (not shown) that serves as a drive source and a pan-tilt angle detection unit that detects the pan-tilt angle, etc., and rotates the pan-tilt mechanism (not shown) of the imaging device 100 in the pan and tilt directions. The wireless communication unit 104 communicates wirelessly with the operation terminal 200 (described later) and sends and receives various control data, etc., between the two.

[0014] The installation location identification unit 105 identifies the location where the imaging device 100 is installed using one of the methods described later. The imaging mode storage unit 106 stores multiple types of imaging modes for executing imaging processing by the imaging unit 102. In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 includes imaging conditions such as "movie / still image selection," "imaging cycle," "resolution," "frame rate," and "pan / tilt presence / range" for each of the multiple types of imaging modes. The imaging mode determination unit 107 selects one of the multiple types of imaging modes stored in the imaging mode storage unit 106. Imaging is performed by the imaging unit 102 according to the selected imaging mode.

[0015] Next, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, an example of how a user can set and register imaging modes for each installation location on the imaging device 100 will be explained. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating communication between the imaging device 100 and the operation terminal 200. The imaging device 100 and the operation terminal 200 can communicate with each other via wireless communication such as "Bluetooth®" or "Wireless LAN". By operating the operation terminal 200, the user can register various settings on the imaging device 100. Examples of the operation terminal 200 include a smartphone, a dedicated remote control, and a PC.

[0016] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a "user interface" when a user sets and registers the imaging mode of the imaging device 100 using the operating terminal 200. First, the user selects the installation location for which to set the imaging mode on the "Installation Location Selection" display screen shown in Figure 3(a). At this time, as shown in Figure 3(a), already registered installation locations are displayed in a list on the display screen. The user moves the cursor 301 to the desired installation location and operates the selection button 302. This operation allows the user to select the "installation location".

[0017] If the desired installation location is not included in the list display of the already registered "installation location", operate the "New Registration Button 303" shown in Fig. 3(b). Then, it will shift to the display screen of "Installation Location Registration" shown in Fig. 3(c). And register the desired installation location for which the imaging mode is to be set. When registering the installation location, enter an arbitrary name in the "Name Column 304 of Installation Location". Further, the user selects any one of "Marker Information", "Related Device", and "GPS Information" for the set installation location in the "Installation Location Identification Method Column 305" and operates the registration button 306. Thereby, the "Name of Installation Location" and the "Location Identification Method" are registered.

[0018] "Marker Information" is, for example, marking information such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode. By the user registering the "Marker Information" in advance in association with the installation location, the installation location identification unit 105 can detect the corresponding "Marker Information" and identify the installation location of the imaging device 100. Note that the "Marker Information" exists in the installation location in advance. For example, the installation location identification unit 105 automatically reads the "Marker Information" and determines whether the read "Marker Information" matches the "Marker Information" registered in advance. And when the installation location identification unit 105 determines that they match, it identifies that the position where the "Marker Information" exists is the installation location of the imaging device 100.

[0019] That is, the installation location identification unit 105 identifies the installation location of its own device based on the marker information for identifying the installation location registered in advance.

[0020] The "associated device" is an information terminal such as a smartphone or a wearable device. By registering the "associated device" in advance in association with the installation location, the installation location specifying unit 105 determines whether the corresponding "associated device" exists in the vicinity. When the installation location specifying unit 105 determines that the corresponding "associated device" exists in the vicinity, the installation location of the imaging device 100 is specified as the installation location associated with the "associated device". Note that an associated device is installed at the installation location and communication between the associated device and the imaging device 100 is possible.

[0021] For example, when the installation location specifying unit 105 can perform short-range communication with an associated device via the wireless communication unit 104, it specifies that the installation location of the associated device is the installation location of the imaging device 100. That is, when the installation location specifying unit 105 determines that a predetermined device registered in association with a pre-registered installation location exists in the vicinity of the own device, it specifies the installation location associated with the predetermined device as the installation location of the own device.

[0022] "GPS information" is position information using the "Global Positioning System (GPS)". By acquiring the "GPS information" by the installation location specifying unit 105, the installation location of the imaging device 100 is specified. That is, the installation location specifying unit 105 specifies the installation location of the own device based on the GPS information. In the present embodiment, an example of selecting any one of "landmark information", "associated device", and "GPS information" is described, but a configuration allowing multiple selections may also be possible.

[0023] Furthermore, it is possible to detect ambient sound information using an ambient sound detection unit (not shown), and then determine the installation location by analyzing the sound information in the installation location identification unit 105. For example, if the ambient sound detection unit determines that the sound information it detects is the same as the sound of a pet that has been pre-registered in the installation location identification unit 105, the installation location identification unit 105 will determine that the device is installed in the location where that pet is. In other words, the imaging device 100 is equipped with an ambient sound detection unit that detects ambient sound information, and the installation location identification unit 105 can determine the installation location of the device based on the detected sound information.

[0024] Finally, on the imaging mode setting display screen shown in Figure 3(d), the imaging mode is set and registered for the installation location selected in Figure 3(a). In this embodiment, multiple imaging modes can be set for a single installation location. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3(d), multiple imaging mode setting fields (307, 308) are displayed.

[0025] Figure 3(d) shows an example of setting and registering a "monitoring imaging mode" for "location C". By operating the registration button 309, the setting is registered. In this way, one or more imaging modes can be registered for a single installation location. The information set on the operation terminal 200 is received by the wireless communication unit 104. The CPU 101 stores the information received by the wireless communication unit 104 via the system bus 110 in the imaging mode storage unit 106 in a non-volatile manner.

[0026] <Operation> Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imaging device 100. The operation of the imaging device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. It is assumed that the imaging mode settings for each installation location, as explained in Figure 3, have already been made by the user. Therefore, the imaging mode storage unit 106 stores one or more installation locations for the device and the corresponding imaging modes. Note that multiple installation locations for the device are set. In other words, the imaging mode storage unit stores one or more imaging modes for each of the multiple types of installation locations.

[0027] First, in S401, the installation location identification unit 105 identifies the installation location of the imaging device 100 based on one of the aforementioned "landmark information," "related device information," or "GPS information."

[0028] Next, in S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an imaging mode is set for the installation location identified in S401. If it is determined in S401 that no imaging mode is set (NO), the series of processes in this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in S402 that an imaging mode is set (YES), the process proceeds to S403.

[0029] Next, in S403, the CPU 101 determines whether multiple imaging modes are set based on the contents stored in the imaging mode storage unit 106. If the CPU 101 determines in S403 that multiple imaging modes are not set (NO), the process proceeds to S405. The imaging mode determination unit 107 determines one of the set imaging modes as the new imaging mode for the imaging device 100.

[0030] On the other hand, in S403, if the CPU 101 determines that multiple imaging modes are set based on the contents of the imaging mode storage unit 106 (YES), the process proceeds to S404. Then, in S404, the imaging mode determination unit 107 selects one of the multiple imaging modes that have been set as the imaging mode for the imaging device 100. Then, in S405, the imaging mode determination unit 107 decides to perform imaging with the imaging unit 102 using the selected imaging mode.

[0031] Here, we will explain in detail how the imaging mode determination unit 107 selects the imaging mode. In this embodiment, there are at least two imaging modes as multiple imaging modes: "lifelog imaging mode (first imaging mode)" and "surveillance imaging mode (second imaging mode)". The "lifelog imaging mode" is an imaging mode for lifelog imaging that captures still images of people and objects in the surroundings at regular intervals. The "surveillance imaging mode" is an imaging mode that continuously captures video to monitor the actions of suspicious persons, children, animals, etc. The imaging mode determination unit 107 then selects either the "lifelog imaging mode" or the "surveillance imaging mode" based on the determination conditions set for each installation location.

[0032] Here, as an example, let's assume that "Life Log Imaging Mode" and "Monitoring Imaging Mode" are set and registered for both "Room A" indoors and "Garden B" outdoors. Furthermore, let's assume that "Frequency of Use" is the "Decision Condition" for "Room A" indoors, and "Time of Use" is the "Decision Condition" for "Garden B" outdoors.

[0033] In this case, in "Room A" indoors, the imaging mode that has been used most frequently in the past will be selected. For example, if "Lifelog imaging mode" has been used most often and "Surveillance imaging mode" has been used less frequently, "Lifelog imaging mode" will be selected. On the other hand, in "Garden B" outdoors, "Lifelog imaging mode" will be selected during the daytime, and "Surveillance imaging mode" will be selected during the nighttime.

[0034] Furthermore, for indoor "Room A," it is also possible to use "illuminance value" or "operating status of peripheral devices" as "determination conditions." When "illuminance value" is used as the "determination condition," if the illuminance exceeds a predetermined value, the system switches to "lifelog imaging mode," and if it is below the predetermined value (determining that the user is away), it switches to "monitoring imaging mode." Also, when "operating status of peripheral devices" is used as the "determination condition," if the operating terminal 200 is present around the imaging device 100, the system switches to "lifelog imaging mode." On the other hand, if the operating terminal 200 is not present (determining that the user is away), the system switches to "monitoring imaging mode."

[0035] As described above, the imaging mode determination unit 107 is configured to define different "selection criteria" for each installation location. In this embodiment, if the installation location is indoors, one of the following "frequency of use," "illuminance," and "operating status of peripheral devices" is used as the "selection criteria." If the installation location of the imaging device 100 is outdoors, "time of use" is used as the "selection criteria," but this is not limited to this. For example, "time of use" may be used as the "criteria" for "room A" indoors, and "frequency of use" may be used for "garden B" outdoors. Thus, the "selection criteria" can be one of the following: "frequency of use," "time of use," "illuminance value," and "operating status of peripheral devices."

[0036] In S404, an imaging mode is selected, and the process proceeds to S405. In S405, the selected imaging mode is determined as the new imaging mode for the imaging device 100, and the series of processes ends. Note that the "selection criteria" may be different depending on the pre-set installation location.

[0037] As described above, according to this embodiment, the imaging device 100 automatically selects an imaging mode pre-set by the user for each installation location, and imaging is performed according to the selected imaging mode. Therefore, even if the installation location of the imaging device 100 is changed, imaging can be performed in a way that more reliably reflects the user's imaging intentions without any extra effort. Each of the multiple imaging modes is a modification of one or more of the following: "video / still image selection," "imaging cycle," "resolution," "frame rate," "pan / tilt presence / absence," and "pan / tilt range."

[0038] <Second Embodiment> The imaging device 100 described in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the imaging device 100 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation of the parts in each block shown in Figure 1 that operate the same as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0039] In this embodiment, the imaging device 100, including the imaging unit 102, is equipped with a pan-tilt mechanism (not shown), and the pan-tilt drive unit 103 is configured to drive the pan-tilt mechanism so that the imaging unit 102 rotates in the pan-tilt direction.

[0040] Therefore, the pan-tilt drive unit 103 drives the pan-tilt mechanism, causing the imaging device 100, including the imaging unit 102, to rotate in the pan-tilt direction. Thus, imaging can be performed in any direction even at the same installation position.

[0041] Here, as an example of pan-tilt rotation of the imaging device 100 by the pan-tilt drive unit 103, let's assume that the imaging device 100 is installed inside an automobile (vehicle). When the imaging device 100 is installed inside an automobile, it is assumed that the user will capture the "front view" through the windshield as a dashcam. Hereafter, this imaging mode will be referred to as the "drive imaging mode".

[0042] In this embodiment, when the "drive imaging mode" is set, the imaging device 100 operates so that the pan-tilt drive unit 103 automatically performs pan-tilt driving in the direction of vehicle travel after the vehicle starts moving. This changes the orientation of the imaging device 100 so that it can capture the "front view".

[0043] Then, in that state, the pan-tilt drive unit 103 stops rotating the imaging device 100 in the pan-tilt direction. As a result, the orientation of the imaging device 100 is set to the direction of vehicle travel, and the "front view" through the windshield can be captured at all times. Furthermore, if a "drive imaging mode" is set in advance for a predetermined automobile A (installation location), the following occurs. That is, when the imaging device 100 is installed in automobile A, the "drive imaging mode" is set by the imaging mode determination unit 107, and the pan-tilt drive and pan-tilt drive stop are performed automatically.

[0044] As described above, the imaging device 100 of this embodiment can change the presence or absence of pan-tilt and the range of pan-tilt depending on the installation location. In the above description, the operation of the imaging device 100 was explained assuming that the installation location is inside a car. However, it is not limited to this, and it is possible to change the "presence or absence of pan-tilt" and the "drive range of pan-tilt" depending on any installation location.

[0045] <Summary> <Summary of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the device comprises an imaging unit 102 for capturing images, an imaging mode determination unit 107 for determining the imaging mode of the imaging unit 102, and an installation location determination unit 105 for identifying the installation location of the device. The imaging mode determination unit 107, when it finds that the installation location of the device identified by the installation location determination unit 105 matches a pre-registered installation location, does the following: it determines that the imaging mode to be used for imaging is one that is pre-registered in association with that installation location.

[0046] This makes it possible to realize an imaging device 100 that automatically selects an imaging mode according to the installation location of the imaging device 100 and performs imaging that reflects the user's imaging intentions.

[0047] <Summary of the second embodiment> The device further includes a pan-tilt drive unit 103 that drives and controls a pan-tilt mechanism (not shown) for pan-tilt rotation of the device. When the installation location of the device identified by the installation location identification unit matches a pre-registered installation location, the pan-tilt drive unit 103 performs the following actions: that is, it drives and controls the pan-tilt mechanism based on pan-tilt information, including the presence or absence of pan-tilt and the rotation range of the pan-tilt, which is pre-registered in association with the installation location. It is also possible to have different pan-tilt information for each of the one or more imaging modes pre-registered in association with the pre-registered installation location.

[0048] This makes it possible to change the "presence or absence of pan-tilt" and the "pan-tilt drive range" depending on the installation location and imaging mode.

[0049] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 100 Imaging device 101 CPU 102 Imaging Unit 103 Pan-tilt drive unit 104 Wireless Communication Section 105 Installation location identification section 106 Imaging mode memory unit 107 Imaging mode determination unit 200 Operating terminals

Claims

1. 1. An imaging device, comprising: An imaging unit that captures an image; an imaging mode determination unit that determines an imaging mode of the imaging unit; an installation location identification unit that identifies an installation location of the imaging device, The imaging mode determination unit when the installation location of the imaging device specified by the installation location specifying unit matches a pre-registered installation location, determining that an imaging mode registered in advance in association with the installation location is the imaging mode to be used for imaging; When a plurality of imaging modes are registered in advance in association with one installation location, one of the plurality of imaging modes is selected, and the selected imaging mode is determined to be the imaging mode to be used for imaging; An imaging device characterized in that each of the multiple imaging modes differs from the others in one or more of video / still image selection, imaging cycle, resolution, frame rate, presence or absence of pan / tilt, and pan / tilt driving range.

2. The installation location identification unit is 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the installation location of the imaging device is specified based on landmark information for specifying the installation location that is registered in advance.

3. The installation location identification unit is The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when it is determined that a specific device registered in association with a pre-registered installation location is present in the vicinity of the imaging device, the installation location to which the specific device is associated is identified as the setting location of the imaging device.

4. The installation location identification unit is 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the location of the imaging device is identified based on GPS information.

5. Further comprising an ambient sound detection unit that detects ambient sound information, The installation location identification unit is The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein a location of the imaging device is identified based on the detected surrounding sound information.

6. the plurality of imaging modes include a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode having different imaging conditions; the first imaging mode is an imaging mode for life log imaging in which still images are captured at a constant cycle, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second imaging mode is an imaging mode for constantly capturing moving images for monitoring the surroundings of the imaging device.

7. The imaging mode determination unit 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when selecting one of the plurality of imaging modes, the imaging mode is selected based on a selection determination condition, and the selected imaging mode is determined to be the imaging mode to be used for imaging.

8. 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the selection determination condition is varied depending on a preregistered installation location.

9. 8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the selection determination condition is any one of a frequency of use, a time period during which the image is used, an illuminance value, and an operating condition of a peripheral device.

10. A pan-tilt driving unit that drives and controls a pan-tilt mechanism for pan-tilting the imaging device, The pan-tilt driving unit is The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the installation location of the imaging device identified by the installation location identification unit matches a pre-registered installation location, the operation of the pan-tilt mechanism is controlled based on pan-tilt information including the presence or absence of pan-tilt and a pan-tilt driving range, which is pre-registered in association with the installation location.

11. 11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the pan-tilt information is different for each of one or more imaging modes that are registered in advance in association with a pre-registered installation location.

12. 1. A method for controlling operation of an imaging device, comprising: an imaging step of imaging an image by an imaging unit; an imaging mode determination step of determining an imaging mode of the imaging unit; and an installation location specification step of specifying an installation location of the imaging device, The imaging mode determination step includes: When the specified installation location of the imaging device matches a pre-registered installation location, it is determined that an imaging mode that is pre-registered in association with the installation location is an imaging mode to be used for imaging; a step of selecting one of the plurality of imaging modes when a plurality of imaging modes are registered in advance in association with one installation location, and determining that the selected imaging mode is the imaging mode to be used for imaging; A method for controlling an imaging device, wherein each of the plurality of imaging modes is different from the others in one or more of video / still image selection, imaging cycle, resolution, frame rate, presence or absence of pan / tilt, and pan / tilt driving range.

13. A computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device, The control method includes: an imaging step of imaging an image by an imaging unit; an imaging mode determination step of determining an imaging mode of the imaging unit; and an installation location specification step of specifying an installation location of the imaging device, The imaging mode determination step includes: When the specified installation location of the imaging device matches a pre-registered installation location, it is determined that the imaging mode to be used for imaging is the imaging mode that is pre-registered in association with the installation location; a step of selecting one of the plurality of imaging modes when a plurality of imaging modes are registered in advance in association with one installation location, and determining that the selected imaging mode is the imaging mode to be used for imaging; A storage medium characterized in that each of the multiple imaging modes is different from the others in one or more of video / still image selection, imaging cycle, resolution, frame rate, presence / absence of pan / tilt, and pan / tilt driving range.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device, an imaging step of imaging an image by an imaging unit; an imaging mode determination step of determining an imaging mode of the imaging unit; and an installation location specification step of specifying an installation location of the imaging device, The imaging mode determination step includes: When the specified installation location of the imaging device matches a pre-registered installation location, it is determined that an imaging mode that is pre-registered in association with the installation location is an imaging mode to be used for imaging; a step of selecting one of the plurality of imaging modes when a plurality of imaging modes are registered in advance in association with one installation location, and determining that the selected imaging mode is the imaging mode to be used for imaging; A program characterized in that each of the plurality of imaging modes differs from the others in one or more of video / still image selection, imaging cycle, resolution, frame rate, presence or absence of pan / tilt, and driving range of pan / tilt.

Images