Signal conversion device, signal conversion method, and program

Abstract

The column height can be controlled without the use of a dedicated operating device. [Solution] The system comprises a first acquisition unit that acquires each of N first control signals S1 for controlling each of N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) first imaging devices, and a conversion unit that converts the first control signals S1 acquired by the first acquisition unit into column control signals Sc for changing the height of a column in a holding device 20 capable of holding each of the N first imaging devices 40, wherein each of the N first control signals S1 is a signal generated in N first operating devices 30 corresponding to each of the N first imaging devices and transmitted from the first operating devices 30 by a first communication method, and each of the N first control signals S1 corresponds to a signal conversion device 40 corresponding to a different protocol P1 for controlling each of the N first imaging devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for controlling a holding device for holding an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] Various holding devices used for holding an imaging device (e.g., a camera) have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a holding device including a camera holding portion for holding a camera, a pole portion provided at the tip of the camera holding portion and being extendable and retractable, and legs. In Patent Document 1, the extension and retraction of the pole portion are operated using an operation device (so-called remote controller).

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses an operation device for remotely controlling an imaging device. For example, pan rotation, tilt rotation, and zoom (enlargement / reduction) in the imaging device are operated by the operation device. As described above, generally, the operation device for controlling the imaging device and the operation device for controlling the holding device exist separately.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the operation device for controlling the holding device is separate from the operation device for controlling the imaging device, it is necessary to manage the two operation devices, and for example, when changing the shooting location (the installation location of the imaging device), it is necessary to carry both operation devices. In view of the above circumstances, it is an object to control the height of the column without using a dedicated operation device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A signal converter comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires each of N first control signals for controlling each of N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) first imaging devices; and a conversion unit that converts the first control signals acquired by the first acquisition unit into column control signals for changing the height of a column in a holding device capable of holding each of the N first imaging devices, wherein each of the N first control signals is a signal generated in N first operating devices corresponding to each of the N first imaging devices and transmitted from the first operating device by a first communication method, and each of the N first control signals is a signal converter corresponding to a different protocol for controlling each of the N first imaging devices.

[0007] [2] The holding device is capable of holding the second imaging device and further comprises a second acquisition unit for acquiring a second control signal for controlling the second imaging device, the conversion unit converts the second control signal acquired by the second acquisition unit into the column control signal, the second control signal being a signal generated in a second operating device corresponding to the second imaging device and transmitted from the second operating device by a second communication method different from the first communication method [1].

[0008] [3] A signal converter of [1] or [2], wherein the N first control signals, which are converted into a column control signal instructing to raise the height of the column, all have a common instruction for the first imaging device represented by the first control signal, and the N first control signals, which are converted into a column control signal instructing to lower the height of the column, all have a common instruction for the second imaging device represented by the first control signal.

[0009] [4] The first imaging device is capable of pan rotation and tilt rotation, and the conversion unit converts the first control signal that instructs upward rotation in the tilt rotation when the first acquisition unit acquires the first control signal that instructs upward rotation into a column control signal that instructs raising the height of the column, and converts the first control signal that instructs downward rotation in the tilt rotation when the first acquisition unit acquires the first control signal that instructs downward rotation into a column control signal that instructs lowering the height of the column, any of the signal conversion devices from [1] to [3].

[0010] [5] A signal conversion device from [1] to [4] that is detachable from the holding device.

[0011] [6] The first acquisition unit acquires a third control signal that represents the speed of a predetermined operation of the first imaging device corresponding to the first control signal, along with the first control signal, and the conversion unit converts the third control signal acquired by the first acquisition unit into a column speed signal that indicates the moving speed of the column, any of the signal conversion devices [1] to [5].

[0012] [7] A signal conversion method implemented by a computer that acquires each of N first control signals for controlling each of N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) first imaging devices, converts the acquired first control signals into column control signals for changing the height of a column in a holding device capable of holding each of the N first imaging devices, wherein each of the N first control signals is a signal generated in N first operating devices corresponding to each of the N first imaging devices and transmitted from the first operating device by a first communication method, and each of the N first control signals is a signal implemented by a computer corresponding to different protocols for controlling each of the N first imaging devices.

[0013] [8] A computer functions as a first acquisition unit that acquires each of N first control signals for controlling each of N (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) first imaging devices, and a conversion unit that converts the first control signals acquired by the first acquisition unit into column control signals for changing the height of a column in a holding device capable of holding each of the N first imaging devices, wherein each of the N first control signals is a signal generated in N first operating devices corresponding to each of the N first imaging devices and transmitted from the first operating device by a first communication method, and each of the N first control signals is a program corresponding to a different protocol for controlling each of the N first imaging devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In this invention, the height of the column is controlled without using a dedicated operating device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the imaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a signal conversion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between N operating devices and a signal conversion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the conversion table stored in the storage device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the signal conversion process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a signal conversion device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between K operating devices and a signal conversion device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging system 100 includes an imaging device 10, a holding device 20, a first operation device 30, and a signal conversion device 40.

[0017] The imaging device 10 is an imaging device (e.g., a camera) that can be remotely operated. In the first embodiment, an imaging device 10 (e.g., a PTZ camera) capable of pan rotation, tilt rotation, and zoom (enlargement / reduction) is exemplified. Pan rotation (rotation in the horizontal direction) can also be described as rotation in the left - right direction, and tilt rotation (rotation in the vertical direction) can also be described as rotation in the up - down direction. The imaging device 10 is held by the holding device 20.

[0018] The holding device 20 is a device for holding the imaging device 10. The holding device 20 of the first embodiment includes, for example, a column 21, a housing portion 23, and legs 25.

[0019] The column 21 is a portion to which the imaging device 10 is connected at its tip. The column 21 of the first embodiment has, for example, a pole portion 211 and a connection portion 213. The connection portion 213 is a portion connected to the imaging device 10. Specifically, the connection portion 213 is, for example, a portion for attaching a connection device (e.g., a pan - tilt head or an adapter) directly connected to the imaging device 10, and is a mechanism for indirectly holding the imaging device 10 via the connection device.

[0020] The pole portion 211 is an axially - shaped member extending in the X direction and is telescopic along the X direction (an example of the vertical direction). The connection portion 213 is provided at the tip of the pole portion 211 (the end on the positive side of the X direction). The entire column 21 moves in the up - down direction (the X direction in FIG. 1). That is, the column 21 can change its height (the position of the end on the positive side of the X direction in the column 21). It can also be said that the column 21 is telescopic. By changing the height of the column 21, the height of the imaging device 10 provided at the tip of the column 21 can be changed. The height of the column 21 and the moving speed of the column 21 (the speed when the column 21 rises and falls) can be arbitrarily set by the user. The method of changing the height of the column 21 will be described later.

[0021] The housing 23 is a cylindrical housing that supports the column 21 so that its height can be changed (moved vertically). A drive unit (not shown) for changing the height of the column 21 is housed, for example, within the housing 23. The drive unit is, for example, a motor. Any known technology (for example, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-072215) can be used for the configuration to extend and retract the column 21.

[0022] The leg portion 25 is connected, for example, to the end of the housing portion 23 (the end on the positive side in the X direction). Figure 1 illustrates a case where the leg portion 25 is a retractable tripod, but the configuration of the leg portion 25 is not particularly limited (for example, it may be a monopod or a non-retractable leg).

[0023] The first operating device 30 is an operating device for controlling the imaging device 10 held by the holding device 20. For example, the pan rotation, tilt rotation, or zoom (enlarge / reduce) of the imaging device 10 can be operated by the first operating device 30. As illustrated in Figure 1, the first operating device 30 of the first embodiment comprises an operator 31 operated by the user and a signal transmission unit 33. The operator 31 may be a physical operator or a touch panel that detects contact by the user.

[0024] For example, the first operating device 30 has a pan rotation control 31 (a control for rotating to the right and a control for rotating to the left), a tilt rotation control 31 (a control for rotating upward and a control for rotating downward), a zoom control 31 (a control for zooming in and a control for zooming out), a control 31 for controlling the speed of pan rotation, and a control 31 for controlling the speed of tilt rotation. Each control 31 may be a separate control, and in the case of a physical control, a lever-type control may have multiple functions (for example, the function of a pan rotation control and the function of a tilt rotation control).

[0025] The signal transmission unit 33 generates a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "first control signal") S1 for controlling the imaging device 10 and transmits it to the imaging device 10. Specifically, when the unit receives an operation from the user to the control element 31, the first control signal S1 instructing the imaging device 10 to perform an action corresponding to that operation is transmitted to the imaging device 10. For example, if the control element for rotating to the right is selected, the first control signal S1 instructing the imaging device 10 to rotate to the right is transmitted to the imaging device 10. Upon receiving the first control signal S1, the imaging device 10 then performs the action instructed by the first control signal S1.

[0026] The functions of the signal transmission unit 33 are realized by one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), SPU (Sound Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, the functions of the signal transmission unit 33 may be realized by a microcontroller (microcomputer or microcontroller).

[0027] The first operating device 30 of the first embodiment exemplifies a case where it transmits a first control signal S1 to the imaging device 10 using a first communication method. The first communication method of the first embodiment is, for example, serial communication. Serial communication is a communication method that transmits data one bit at a time continuously. The connection method between the imaging device 10 and the first operating device 30 is typically wired, and they are connected by various cables. When the imaging device 10 and the first operating device 30 are connected by wire, examples of serial communication standards include RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, and UART. However, depending on the type of first communication method, the imaging device 10 and the first operating device 30 may also be connected wirelessly. When the imaging device 10 and the first operating device 30 are connected wirelessly, they are connected by, for example, short-range wireless communication (infrared communication, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®) or a communication network such as the Internet.

[0028] In the previous configuration, the first operating device 30 for controlling the imaging device 10 and the operating device for controlling the holding device 20 (column 21) were separate. This was inconvenient for the user, as they had to use and manage two separate operating devices. Considering these circumstances, in the present invention, the column 21 of the holding device 20 is operated using the first operating device 30 for controlling the imaging device 10. A signal converter 40 is used to operate the column 21 using the first operating device 30 for controlling the imaging device 10.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the signal conversion device 40. The signal conversion device 40 is a converter that converts a first control signal S1 for controlling the imaging device 10 into a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "column control signal") Sc for changing the height of the column 21.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the signal conversion device 40. The signal conversion device 40 is connected to the first operating device 30 and the holding device 20 in a communicative manner. The connection method between the signal conversion device 40 and the first operating device 30, and the connection method between the signal conversion device 40 and the holding device 20, can be wired or wireless, as long as communication is possible. When a user wants to change the height of the column 21, they connect the first operating device 30 to the signal conversion device 40. As illustrated in Figure 2, the signal conversion device 40 comprises a control device 41, a storage device 43, a display device 45, and an input device 47.

[0031] The control device 41 is one or more processors that control each element of the signal conversion device 40. Specifically, the control device 41 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), SPU (Sound Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0032] The storage device 43 is one or more memories that store the program executed by the control device 41 and various data used by the control device 41. For example, known recording media such as semiconductor recording media and magnetic recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, can be used as the storage device 43. Alternatively, the control device 41 and the storage device 43 may be configured using a microcontroller (microcomputer or microcontroller).

[0033] The display device 45 displays various images under the control of the control device 41. The display device 45 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. For example, various images used by the user when operating the device are displayed on the display device 45. The input device 47 is an input device that receives instructions from the user and includes an operator. The operator is, for example, an operator operated by the user or a touch panel that detects contact by the user.

[0034] The control device 41 of the first embodiment implements functions (first acquisition unit 412, conversion unit 414) for controlling the height of the column 21.

[0035] The first acquisition unit 412 acquires the first control signal S1 transmitted from the first operating device 30. Specifically, the first acquisition unit 412 acquires the first control signal S1 transmitted from the first operating device 30 by a first communication method (serial communication) via a communication module (not shown).

[0036] The type of communication module is appropriately changed depending on the method of connection between the first operating device 30 and the signal converter 40. For example, when the first operating device 30 and the signal converter 40 are connected via a wire, terminals are exemplified as the communication module, and when the first operating device 30 and the signal converter 40 are connected via a wireless connection, receiving equipment is exemplified as the communication module. In the following description, an example is given in which the first operating device 30 and the signal converter 40 are connected by a cable, and the first control signal S1 is acquired via terminals (with multiple pins) provided on the signal converter 40.

[0037] The conversion unit 414 converts the first control signal S1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 412 into a column control signal Sc. It then transmits the column control signal Sc to the holding device 20. Upon receiving the column control signal Sc via the communication module, the holding device 20 controls the height of the column 21 according to the column control signal Sc. The holding device 20 is equipped with a control device (not shown) consisting of one or more processors for controlling the height of the column 21 of the holding device 20. Upon receiving the column control signal Sc, the control device changes the height of the column 21. The column control signal Sc is transmitted using a protocol that can be received by the holding device 20.

[0038] Specifically, the conversion unit 414 converts two types of first control signals S1, which are used to give separate instructions to the imaging device 10, into a column control signal Sc for raising the height of the column 21 and a column control signal Sc for lowering the height of the column 21, respectively. In the first embodiment, an example is given in which the first control signal S1 for instructing tilt rotation is converted into a column control signal Sc.

[0039] In the first embodiment, when the first acquisition unit 412 acquires a first control signal S1 that instructs rotation in the upward direction, the conversion unit 414 converts the first control signal S1 into a column control signal Sc that instructs raising the height of the column 21, and when the first acquisition unit 412 acquires a first control signal S1 that instructs rotation in the downward direction, the conversion unit 414 converts the first control signal S1 into a column control signal Sc that instructs lowering the height of the column 21.

[0040] Furthermore, any operator 31 in the first operating device 30 is used as an operator to change the height of the column 21. Specifically, two operators 31, each used to give separate instructions to the imaging device 10, are used as an operator to instruct the height of the column 21 to be raised and an operator to instruct the height of the column 21 to be lowered.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the tilt rotation control 31 is used as a control for changing the height of the column 21. For example, the control 31 for instructing upward rotation is also used as a control for instructing raising the height of the column 21, and the control 31 for instructing downward rotation is also used as a control for instructing lowering the height of the column 21. As described above, when a user wants to change the height of the column 21, they operate the tilt rotation control 31 in the first operating device 30.

[0042] In this case, the actual holding device 20 may hold multiple imaging devices 10 manufactured by different companies. And when the manufacturers are different, the protocols for controlling the imaging devices 10 (hereinafter referred to as "first control protocols") are often different as well. Therefore, the signal conversion device 40 of the first embodiment is made capable of supporting N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) different first control protocols.

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between N first operating devices 30, each operating one of the N imaging devices 10, and a signal conversion device 40. Note that N is not particularly limited as long as it is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0044] Each of the N first operating devices 30 transmits a first control signal S1 for controlling the imaging device 10. The N first control signals S1 transmitted by each of the N first operating devices 30 correspond to different first control protocols P1. The first control signals S1 are generated based on the first control protocol P1 set in the first operating device 30. In the first embodiment, any N known first control protocols P1 that can be used in the first communication method (serial communication) can be used. For example, VISCA (Video System Control Architecture), Pelco-D, Pelco-P, NU, AW, etc. can be used as the first control protocol P1.

[0045] In Figure 3, for convenience, a state is shown in which N first operating devices 30 are connected in parallel to the signal converter 40. However, in reality, of the N first operating devices 30, one first operating device 30 corresponding to the imaging device 10 held in the holding device 20 is communicated to the signal converter 40. That is, the first control signal S1 transmitted from the first operating device 30 that is communicated to the signal converter 40 is converted into a column control signal Sc. The user controls the height of the column 21 using the first operating device 30 of any imaging device 10 fixed to the holding device 20 from among the N first operating devices 30.

[0046] The signal conversion device 40 may be provided with multiple terminals for connecting each of the N first operating devices 30, or it may be provided with a single terminal common to all N first operating devices 30. Since the pin arrangement (role of each pin) of the terminal may differ for each first control protocol P1, if a single common terminal is provided, it is preferable that the control device 41 receives an instruction from the user to select the first control protocol P1 to be adopted by the first operating device 30 from among the N first control protocols P1 (instruction by operation to the input device 47), and changes the pin arrangement of the terminal in response to this instruction. For example, the control device 41 causes an IC (Integrated Circuit) for changing the pin arrangement to change the pin arrangement. However, the method for changing the pin arrangement is not limited to the above examples.

[0047] The conversion unit 414 converts the first control signal S1 into a column control signal Sc by referring to a conversion table T stored in the storage device 43, for example. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the conversion table T. As illustrated in Figure 4, the conversion table T is a data table in which the first control signal S1 and the column control signal Sc are associated for each first control protocol P1. Specifically, the conversion table T is a data table in which the content represented by the first control signal S1 (the operation instructed to the imaging device 10) and the content represented by the column control signal Sc (the operation instructed to the column 21) are associated.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a case where, in the N first control signals S1 that are converted into a column control signal Sc instructing to raise the height of column 21, the instruction to the imaging device 10 (rotation upwards) represented by the first control signal S1 is common, and in the N first control signals S1 that are converted into a column control signal Sc instructing to lower the height of column 21, the instruction to the imaging device 10 (rotation downwards) represented by the first control signal S1 is common.

[0049] In the above explanation, we assumed N first operating devices 30 with different first control protocols P1. However, in reality, a configuration is adopted that can handle not only N first operating devices 30 with different first control protocols P1, but also multiple models of first operating devices 30 that share the same first control protocol P1. In this configuration, the conversion table T in Figure 4 may associate the first control signal S1 with the column control signal Sc for each model. Then, the first control signal S1 transmitted from the first operating device 30 (a signal that includes, for example, an identifier to identify the model) is converted to the column control signal Sc by referring to the conversion table T.

[0050] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the first embodiment, the first acquisition unit 412 is an element that acquires each of the N first control signals S1 for controlling each of the N imaging devices 10, and the conversion unit 414 functions as an element that converts the first control signals S1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 412 into column control signals Sc. Each of the N first control signals S1 is a signal generated in N first operating devices 30 corresponding to each of the N imaging devices 10 and transmitted from the first operating device 30 by a first communication method.

[0051] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process (hereinafter referred to as "signal conversion process") performed by the control device 41 according to the first embodiment. The signal conversion process is a process of converting (generating) a column control signal Sc from a first control signal S1.

[0052] When the signal conversion process begins, the first acquisition unit 412 acquires the first control signal S1 transmitted from the first operating device 30 (SA1). Next, the conversion unit 414 generates a column control signal Sc according to the first control signal S1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 412 (SA2). Step SA2 can also be described as the process of converting the first control signal S1 into a column control signal Sc. For example, the conversion table T in Figure 4 is referred to in generating the column control signal Sc. Specifically, the conversion unit 414 converts the first control signal S1 into a column control signal Sc that corresponds to the first control protocol P1 of the first operating device 30 being used and the acquired first control signal S1, from the conversion table T. Then, the conversion unit 414 transmits the generated column control signal Sc to the holding device 20 (SA3). Upon receiving the column control signal Sc, the holding device 20 changes the height of the column 21. In practice, each time the first control signal S1 is acquired (received), the series of processes in steps SA1 and SA2 are repeatedly executed.

[0053] Before starting the signal conversion process, the user instructs the control device 41, via an operation on the input device 47, which of the N first operating devices 30 (first control protocol P1) to use. In other words, the first control protocol P1 of the first control signal S1 to be converted is specified. The control device 41 then modifies the pin arrangement of the terminals, for example, using an IC, as needed.

[0054] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the first embodiment, it is possible to convert each of the N first control signals S1 corresponding to different first control protocols P1 into a column control signal Sc. Therefore, various operating devices with different first control protocols P1 can also be used to operate the column 21. In other words, the height of the column 21 can be adjusted without using a dedicated operating device. Therefore, there is no need to use separate operating devices for controlling the imaging device 10 and for controlling the holding device 20, and the effort required to manage both operating devices is reduced.

[0055] When operating the imaging device 10, the user should use the operating device with the connection to the signal converter 40 disconnected, and when operating the holding device 20, the user should operate the operating device with the connection to the signal converter 40.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the following examples, for elements whose function is the same as in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0057] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the signal conversion device 40 according to the second embodiment. The signal conversion device 40 of the second embodiment can accommodate a wider variety of operating devices. Specifically, in the second embodiment, in addition to converting the first control signal S1 transmitted by the first communication method into a column control signal Sc, a configuration is provided that also converts the second control signal S2 transmitted by the second communication method into a column control signal Sc.

[0058] The second control signal S2 is transmitted from the second operating device 50. The second operating device 50 is an operating device for controlling the imaging device 10, and generates the second control signal S2 for controlling the imaging device 10 and transmits it to the imaging device 10. The second operating device 50 may have the same configuration as the first operating device 30, except that it transmits the second control signal S2 to the imaging device 10 using the second communication method. In the second operating device 50, the tilt rotation control is also used as a control for changing the height of the column 21, just as in the first operating device 30.

[0059] The second communication method is, for example, IP communication. IP (Internet Protocol) communication is communication using standards (Internet Protocol) used on the internet. The connection method between the imaging device 10 and the second operating device 50 may be wired or wireless. In the case of a wired connection, for example, a LAN cable is used, and in the case of a wireless connection, for example, a short-range wireless communication (infrared communication, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®) or a communication network such as the internet is used.

[0060] As illustrated in Figure 6, the control device 41 of the second embodiment functions as a second acquisition unit 416 in addition to the first acquisition unit 412 and the conversion unit 414.

[0061] The second acquisition unit 416 acquires the second control signal S2 transmitted from the second operating device 50. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 416 acquires the second control signal S2 transmitted from the second operating device 50 by a second communication method (IP communication) via a communication module (not shown).

[0062] In the second embodiment, the conversion unit 414 converts the second control signal S2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 416 into a column control signal Sc. The column control signal Sc is then transmitted to the holding device 20. The holding device 20, having received the column control signal Sc via the communication module, adjusts the height of the column 21 according to the column control signal Sc.

[0063] Specifically, the conversion unit 414 converts two types of second control signals S2, which give separate instructions to the imaging device 10, into a column control signal Sc for raising the height of the column 21 and a column control signal Sc for lowering the height of the column 21, respectively. In the second embodiment, an example is given in which the second control signal S2 for instructing tilt rotation is converted into a column control signal Sc.

[0064] In the second embodiment, when the second acquisition unit 416 acquires a second control signal S2 that instructs rotation in the upward direction, the conversion unit 414 converts the second control signal S2 into a column control signal Sc that instructs raising the height of the column 21, and when the second acquisition unit 416 acquires a second control signal S2 that instructs rotation in the downward direction, the conversion unit 414 converts the second control signal S2 into a column control signal Sc that instructs lowering the height of the column 21.

[0065] Similarly to the second control signal S2, the protocol for controlling the imaging device 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "second control protocol") is often different. Therefore, the signal conversion device 40 of the second embodiment is made capable of supporting K (where K is an integer of 2 or more) different second control protocols.

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between K second operating devices 50, each operating one of the K imaging devices 10, and a signal conversion device 40. Note that K is not particularly limited as long as it is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0067] Each of the K second operating devices 50 transmits a second control signal S2 for controlling the imaging device 10. The K second control signals S2 transmitted by each of the K second operating devices 50 correspond to different second control protocols P2. The second control signals S2 are generated based on the second control protocol P2 set in the second operating device 50. In the second embodiment, any K known second control protocols P2 that can be used in the second communication method (IP communication) can be used. For example, VISCA over IP, HTTP-CGI, XC, ONVIF, etc., can be used as the second control protocol P2.

[0068] In Figure 7, for convenience, a state is shown in which N first operating devices 30 and K second operating devices 50 are connected in parallel to the signal converter 40. However, in reality, one operating device from among the N first operating devices 30 and K second operating devices 50 that corresponds to an imaging device 10 held in the holding device 20 is connected to the signal converter 40 in a communicative manner. Therefore, the user controls the height of the column 21 using the operating device of any imaging device 10 fixed to the holding device 20 from among the N first operating devices 30 and K second operating devices 50.

[0069] The conversion unit 414, similar to the first embodiment, converts the second control signal S2 to a column control signal Sc by referring to a conversion table stored in the storage device 43, for example. The conversion table in the second embodiment is a data table to which data associating the second control signal S2 with the column control signal Sc for each second control protocol P2 is further added to the conversion table T in Figure 4.

[0070] In the above explanation, we assumed K second operating devices 50 with different second control protocols P2. However, in reality, a configuration is adopted that can handle not only K second operating devices 50 with different second control protocols P2, but also multiple models of second operating devices 50 that share the same second control protocol P2. In this configuration, the conversion table may associate the second control signal S2 with the column control signal Sc for each model. Then, the second control signal S2 transmitted from the second operating device 50 (for example, containing an identifier representing the model) is converted to the column control signal Sc by referring to the conversion table.

[0071] Furthermore, when operating the holding device 20 (column 21) using the second operating device 50, the "first control signal S1" in step SA1 of the signal conversion process flowchart in Figure 5 is replaced with the "second control signal S2".

[0072] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the second embodiment, the second acquisition unit 416 functions as an element that acquires each of the K second control signals S2 for controlling each of the K imaging devices 10, and the conversion unit 414 functions as an element that converts the second control signals S2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 416 into column control signals Sc. Each of the K second control signals S2 is a signal generated in one of the K second operating devices 50 corresponding to each of the K imaging devices 10, and transmitted from the second operating device 50 by the second communication method. However, it is not essential that there are K second operating devices 50 (imaging devices 10) corresponding to different control protocols.

[0073] Before starting the signal conversion process, the user instructs the control device 41, by operating the input device 47, whether to use the operating device corresponding to the first communication method (first operating device 30) or the operating device corresponding to the second communication method (second operating device 50). The control device 41 then switches between a state in which the first control signal S1 can be acquired and a state in which the second control signal S2 can be acquired, according to the instruction. For example, the control device 41 switches between the path for acquiring the first control signal S1 (path for the first communication method) and the path for acquiring the second control signal S2 (path for the second communication method) as needed.

[0074] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first operating device 30 corresponding to the first communication method, the holding device 20 can also be operated with the second operating device 50 corresponding to the second communication method.

[0075] <Variation> Each of the forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to the aforementioned forms are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be combined as appropriate, provided they do not contradict each other.

[0076] (1) The holding device 20 to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention is applied to operating the column 21 of a holding device 20 that holds various imaging devices, such as large imaging devices, small imaging devices, remotely operated imaging devices (e.g., PTZ cameras), or terminal devices equipped with imaging devices (e.g., smartphones). The holding device 20 can have any other configuration as long as it has a column 21 whose height can be changed by a signal conversion device 40.

[0077] (2) In the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which the tilt rotation control is used as a control for changing the height of the column 21 was given as an example, but a control for controlling pan rotation or a control for controlling zoom (enlarge / reduce) may also be used as a control for changing the height of the column 21. However, a configuration in which a control for instructing upward rotation is used as a control for instructing the height of the column 21 to be raised, and a control for instructing downward rotation is used as a control for instructing the height of the column 21 to be lowered has the advantage of being easier for the user to operate intuitively without making operational errors, compared to a configuration in which, for example, a control for instructing pan rotation or a control for controlling zoom (enlarge / reduce) is used as a control for instructing the height of the column 21 to be lowered. As can be understood from the above explanation, the content of the control signals (S1, S1) to be converted to the column control signal Sc is not limited to tilt rotation instructions, but can also be used for instructions for various other operations in the imaging device 10 (e.g., pan rotation, zoom) or instructions for various settings in the imaging device 10 (e.g., preset position, focus adjustment, white balance adjustment).

[0078] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the N first operating devices 30 (N first control protocols P1) have a common operator 31 used to instruct the raising of the height of the column 21 and an operator 31 used to instruct the lowering of the height of the column 21. However, the operator 31 used to instruct the raising of the height of the column 21 and the operator 31 used to instruct the lowering of the height of the column 21 may be changed for each first operating device 30 (first control protocol P1). However, in a configuration in which the N first control signals S1 converted into column control signals Sc instructing the raising of the height of the column 21 have a common instruction to the imaging device 10, and in which the N first control signals S1 converted into column control signals Sc instructing the lowering of the height of the column 21 have a common instruction to the imaging device 10. This has the advantage that even when users use different first operating devices 30 for multiple imaging devices 10, the operation is common, thus reducing the number of operational errors. The same applies to the K second operating devices 50.

[0079] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, it is preferable that the signal converter 40 be detachably attached to the holding device 20. For example, the signal converter 40 can be attached to the holding device 20 by providing a belt-shaped connecting mechanism to the signal converter 40 and winding this connecting mechanism around the outer circumference of the housing portion 23 of the holding device 20. However, it is not essential that the signal converter 40 be detachable. For example, the signal converter 40 may be built into the holding device 20. However, a configuration in which the signal converter 40 is detachable has the advantage that it can be attached to the holding device 20 afterwards, and that the signal converter 40 and the holding device 20 can be carried separately.

[0080] (5) In each of the above-described forms, the first communication method may be a communication method other than serial communication (e.g., IP communication). Similarly, the second communication method may be a communication method other than IP communication (e.g., serial communication). Furthermore, various communication methods other than serial communication and IP communication may be employed for the first and second communication methods.

[0081] (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the holding device 20 may also be operated using an information terminal (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer) on which a dedicated application program for controlling the holding device 20 is installed. The signal conversion device 40 receives signals from the information terminal to control the height of the column 21 via serial communication or IP communication. For example, a USB cable is used for serial communication, and a LAN cable is used for IP communication. The conversion unit 414 of the signal conversion device 40 then converts the signals transmitted from the information terminal into signals in a communication method (and consequently, a control protocol adopted by the holding device 20) that the holding device 20 can receive, as needed, and transmits them to the holding device 20. In other words, the signal conversion device 40 also functions as an element that converts signals transmitted from the information terminal into signals that can be used by the holding device 20 while maintaining the content of the instructions represented by the signals.

[0082] (7) In each of the above-described embodiments, for example, a signal converter may be used to operate an imaging device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device B") of a different model from the imaging device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device A") held in the holding device 20, using the operating device of the imaging device B. For example, a control signal transmitted from imaging device A (hereinafter referred to as "control signal A") is converted into a control signal usable by imaging device B (hereinafter referred to as "control signal B"). The conversion unit 414 of the signal converter 40, for example, refers to a data table in which control signal A is associated with each of a plurality of control signal B, converts the control signal B to control signal A, and transmits it to imaging device B. As can be understood from the above description, the signal converter 40 is used to operate various devices other than imaging device A (imaging device B and devices other than imaging devices) held in the holding device 20.

[0083] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, a signal indicating the movement speed of the column 21 (hereinafter referred to as the "column speed signal") is transmitted along with the column control signal Sc. For example, if a signal indicating the speed of a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as the "third control signal") is transmitted to the holding device 20 along with the first control signal S1, the height of the column 21 is changed at a movement speed corresponding to the speed represented by the third control signal. Specifically, this is as follows. In the following explanation, the case in which the third control signal is a signal indicating the speed of tilt rotation is given as an example.

[0084] For example, the tilt rotation speed (e.g., angular velocity or rotational speed) can be set using an operator 31 (hereinafter referred to as "speed operator 31") that controls the tilt rotation speed. For example, the speed operator 31 is lever-shaped, and the shallower the tilt of the speed operator 31, the slower the rotation speed, and the deeper the tilt, the faster the rotation speed. When an operation is received from the tilt rotation operator 31 (operator for upward rotation / operator for downward rotation), a first control signal S1 instructing to perform a tilt rotation and a third control signal representing the speed of the tilt rotation are transmitted from the first operating device 30 to the signal conversion device 40. In other words, the instruction to perform a tilt rotation and the speed of this tilt rotation are transmitted to the signal conversion device 40.

[0085] The first acquisition unit 412 acquires the first control signal S1 and the third control signal from the first operating device 30. The conversion unit 414 converts the first control signal S1 into a column control signal Sc and the third control signal into a column speed signal. For example, the speed represented by the column speed signal is converted into the movement speed of the column 21 to generate a column speed signal representing the movement speed after the conversion. For example, the third control signal is converted into a column speed signal using a pre-stored conversion table (a table that associates the tilt rotation speed with the movement speed of the column 21). In the conversion table, the tilt rotation speed and the movement speed of the column 21 are associated for each first control protocol P1. Alternatively, for example, the column speed signal may be generated by calculating the movement speed indicated by the relative position of the column in the range where the movement speed of the column can be set, which corresponds to the relative position of the speed indicated by the third control signal in the range where the tilt rotation speed can be set. Then, when the column control signal Sc and the column speed signal are transmitted to the holding device 20, the holding device 20 performs the action represented by the column control signal Sc (raising / lowering the height of the column 21) at the movement speed represented by the column speed signal.

[0086] In the above example, a configuration was shown in which the movement speed of the column 21 is instructed by an operator 31 that controls the tilt rotation speed. However, the movement speed of the column 21 may also be instructed using an operator 31 that controls the pan rotation speed or other speed-related operators 31. In other words, the third control signal is not limited to a signal that instructs the tilt rotation speed, but can be any signal that indicates the speed of some operation on the imaging device 10.

[0087] As can be understood from the above explanation, the first acquisition unit 412 acquires a first control signal S1 along with a third control signal representing the speed of a predetermined operation (e.g., pan rotation or tilt rotation) of the imaging device 10 corresponding to the first control signal S1. The conversion unit 414 converts the third control signal acquired by the first acquisition unit 412 into a column speed signal that indicates the movement speed of the column 21. Each third control signal is a first control protocol P1 similar to the first control signal S1 transmitted by the common first operating device 30. Similarly, the second operating device 50 is also configured to transmit the column speed signal along with the column control signal Sc to the holding device 20 when the second operating device 50 is operated.

[0088] (9) The signal conversion device 40 may be implemented as an information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. The signal conversion device 40 may be implemented as a single device or as a group of devices configured separately from each other.

[0089] (10) The functions of the signal conversion device 40 according to each of the above-described embodiments may be realized through cooperation between a computer (e.g., control device 41) and a program, or they may be realized by a dedicated circuit. A program according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on the computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) like a CD-ROM, but includes any known form of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transient propagation signals (transitory, propagating signals), and does not exclude volatile recording media. The program may also be provided to the computer in the form of distribution via a communication network. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 10: Imaging device 20: Holding device 21: Column 23: Enclosure 25: Legs 30: 1st operating device 40: Signal converter 41: Control device 43:Storage device 45:Display device 47: Input device 100: Imaging System 211: Pole section 213: Connection part 412:First acquisition part 414: Conversion section 416:Second acquisition part P1: First control protocol S1: First control signal S2: Second control signal Sc: Column control signal

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires each of N first control signals for controlling each of N (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) first imaging devices, The system comprises a conversion unit that converts a first control signal acquired by the first acquisition unit into a column control signal for changing the height of a column in a holding device capable of holding each of the N first imaging devices, Each of the N first control signals is generated in one of the N first operating devices corresponding to the N first imaging devices, and transmitted from the first operating device using a first communication method. Each of the N first control signals corresponds to a different protocol for controlling each of the N first imaging devices. Signal conversion device.

2. The holding device is capable of holding the second imaging device, The system further comprises a second acquisition unit for acquiring a second control signal for controlling the second imaging device, The conversion unit converts the second control signal acquired by the second acquisition unit into the column control signal. The second control signal is a signal generated in a second operating device corresponding to the second imaging device and transmitted from the second operating device using a second communication method different from the first communication method. A signal conversion device according to claim 1.

3. In the N first control signals, which are converted into a column control signal instructing to raise the height of the column, the instruction to the first imaging device represented by the first control signal is common to all of them. In the N first control signals, which are converted into a column control signal instructing a reduction in the height of the column, the instruction to the first imaging device represented by the first control signal is common. A signal conversion device according to claim 1.

4. The first imaging device is capable of pan rotation and tilt rotation, The conversion unit is When the first acquisition unit acquires a first control signal that instructs upward rotation in the tilt rotation, it converts the first control signal into a column control signal that instructs raising the height of the column. When the first acquisition unit acquires a first control signal that instructs downward rotation in the tilt rotation, it converts the first control signal into a column control signal that instructs lowering the height of the column. A signal conversion device according to claim 1.

5. Detachable from the aforementioned holding device A signal conversion device according to claim 1.

6. The first acquisition unit acquires, along with the first control signal, a third control signal representing the speed of a predetermined operation of the first imaging device corresponding to the first control signal. The conversion unit converts the third control signal acquired by the first acquisition unit into a column speed signal that indicates the movement speed of the column. A signal conversion device according to claim 1.

7. Each of the N (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) first imaging devices is obtained, and The acquired first control signal is converted into a column control signal for changing the height of a column in a holding device capable of holding each of the N first imaging devices. Each of the N first control signals is generated in one of the N first operating devices corresponding to the N first imaging devices, and transmitted from the first operating device using a first communication method. Each of the N first control signals corresponds to a different protocol for controlling each of the N first imaging devices. A signal conversion method implemented by a computer.

8. A first acquisition unit that acquires each of N first control signals for controlling each of N (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) first imaging devices, and The computer functions as a conversion unit that converts the first control signal acquired by the first acquisition unit into a column control signal for changing the height of the column in a holding device capable of holding each of the N first imaging devices. Each of the N first control signals is generated in one of the N first operating devices corresponding to the N first imaging devices, and transmitted from the first operating device using a first communication method. Each of the N first control signals corresponds to a different protocol for controlling each of the N first imaging devices. program.

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