Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

The goal is to reduce the possibility of incorrectly setting the rotation drive. [Solution] A control device for an imaging device comprising a plurality of imaging means, a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means, a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means, and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around an optical axis, the control device comprising: a control means for determining whether the rotation driving states of the plurality of imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan driving state of each of the plurality of imaging means; and a notification means for providing a predetermined notification when the control means determines that the rotation driving states of the plurality of imaging means are different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Imaging devices such as surveillance cameras are known. In an imaging device, a pan-tilt drive mechanism can be controlled. Further, an imaging unit including an imaging sensor and a lens included in the imaging device can be rotated by a rotation drive mechanism. When the imaging device is installed, the captured image captured by the imaging unit may be in an oblique state, but by having a rotation drive mechanism, this can be corrected to an upright state. Generally, since an imaging sensor is rectangular, the angle of view in the long side direction is wide. By having a rotation drive mechanism, the angle of view can be widened in an arbitrary direction.

[0003] In recent years, in order to simultaneously photograph and monitor a plurality of directions, a multi-eye imaging device having a plurality of imaging units as in Patent Document 1 has appeared. The multi-eye imaging device of Patent Document 1 has four imaging units, and they can be pan-driven in the circumferential direction of the imaging device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a multi-eye imaging device, not only can a plurality of directions be independently photographed and monitored, but a plurality of imaging units can also be used in combination. For example, one area can be panoramically photographed with two adjacent imaging units. Also, two imaging units can be used to image two areas of one object such as a passage or a road.

[0006] As described above, when using multiple imaging units in combination, the rotation drive state of each imaging unit should be the same, but they may be mistakenly set to different states. When a rotation drive operation is performed on an imaging unit, the captured image is displayed facing the unit, and the area being captured rotates along with the rotation drive operation. Users perform the rotation drive operation while looking at the captured image, but it is difficult to determine the exact rotation drive state from the captured image, so they may not be able to set it correctly. In particular, when capturing from an oblique direction, the rotation drive state is difficult to determine when the area being captured is not facing the imaging unit directly.

[0007] As described above, in imaging devices equipped with multiple imaging units, the rotation drive status of the imaging units is difficult to understand, which means that users may incorrectly set the rotation drive when using multiple imaging units in combination.

[0008] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of incorrectly setting the rotation drive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for an imaging device comprising: a plurality of imaging means; a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means; a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means; and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around an optical axis, characterized in that it comprises: a control means for determining whether the rotation driving states of the plurality of imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan driving state of each of the plurality of imaging means; and a notification means for providing a predetermined notification when the control means determines that the rotation driving states of the plurality of imaging means are different. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the possibility of incorrectly setting the rotation drive can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic representation of the external appearance of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows the functional configuration of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing procedure of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the pan drive state of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the pan drive state of an imaging device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to those shown. For example, while an example in which the imaging device includes a control device will be described, the control device may be provided in an external device capable of communicating with the imaging device.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The imaging device 100 according to Embodiment 1 has imaging units 105, 106, 107, and 108 arranged along its outer circumference.

[0014] In this embodiment, the case in which the imaging device 100 has four imaging units is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging device 100 may have any configuration having multiple imaging units. The imaging units 105 to 108 can be panned in the annular direction of the imaging device 100 indicated by arrow 115.

[0015] Next, the hardware configuration of the imaging device 100 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the imaging device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] The imaging unit 211 captures an image. Specifically, the imaging unit 211 has an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, and generates an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion of the subject image formed through the lens of the imaging device 100. CCD is an abbreviation for Charge Coupled Device. CMOS is an abbreviation for Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor. The imaging unit 211 then generates an image by processing the photoelectrically converted electrical signal into a predetermined digital signal. The imaging unit 211 consists of multiple imaging units 105, 106, 107, and 108 as shown in Figure 1.

[0017] The pan-tilt-rotation drive unit 212 consists of a mechanical drive system and a motor that can perform panning, tilting, and rotational movements in relation to the shooting direction of the imaging device 100. The pan-tilt-rotation drive unit 212 controls the pan, tilt, and rotation of the imaging device 100. The lens drive unit 213 consists of a drive system for the focus lens and zoom lens, and controls the zoom and focus of the imaging device 100.

[0018] The CPU 215 is a central processing unit that comprehensively controls the imaging device 100. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The RAM 216 temporarily stores computer programs executed by the CPU 215. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. Also, the RAM 216 provides a work area used when the CPU 215 executes processing. Further, the RAM 216 can function, for example, as a frame memory or as a buffer memory. The ROM 217 stores programs and the like for the CPU 215 to control the imaging device 100. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. The HDD 218 is a storage device that records image data and the like. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive.

[0019] The input unit 219 has buttons, switches, a keyboard, or the like, and accepts input from the user. The display 220 is composed of an LCD, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like, and displays images transmitted from the imaging device 100 and screens of the UI described later. LCD is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. EL is an abbreviation for Electro Luminescence. The display 220 may be composed of a touch panel or the like that accepts input by the user together with the display for the user. In this case, the display 220 and the input unit 219 are integrally configured.

[0020] In addition, in Embodiment 1, an example in which the imaging device 100 includes the display 220 will be described, but it is not limited to this, and the imaging device 100 and the display 220 may be separate housings. In this case, the imaging device 100 and the display 220 are connected via a cable such as HDMI (registered trademark) or SDI. HDMI is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. SDI is an abbreviation for Serial Digital Interface.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The description of Figure 3 will explain each component and its general function. Detailed processing will be explained later.

[0022] The imaging device 100 includes a control unit 101, a pan drive unit 102, a tilt drive unit 103, a rotation drive unit 104, imaging units 105, 106, 107 and 108, an image processing unit 109, and a storage unit 110. The imaging device 100 further includes an operation unit 111, a UI generation unit (display control means) 112, a display unit 113, and a control bus 114.

[0023] The control unit 101, image processing unit 109, and UI generation unit 112 are configured as hardware or software within a computing device such as a microcomputer. Specifically, the control unit 101, image processing unit 109, and UI generation unit 112 are configured as a CPU 215, RAM 216, ROM 217, and HDD 218, etc., as shown in Figure 2. The control unit 101 is connected to each component within the imaging device 100 by a control bus 114 and performs various calculations necessary for controlling each component and operating the imaging device 100.

[0024] The pan drive unit 102 is composed of a drive mechanism such as a motor and drives the imaging units 105-108 in an annular direction. The pan drive unit 102 also notifies the control unit 101 of the pan drive state. In other words, the pan drive unit 102 outputs information indicating the pan drive state (e.g., pan angle) to the control unit 101. The tilt drive unit 103 is composed of a drive mechanism such as a motor and drives the imaging units 105-108 in a vertical direction. The tilt drive unit 103 also notifies the control unit 101 of the tilt drive state. In other words, the tilt drive unit 103 outputs information indicating the tilt drive state (e.g., tilt angle) to the control unit 101. The rotation drive unit 104 is composed of a drive mechanism such as a motor and rotates the optical system (not shown), such as the imaging sensors and lenses of the imaging units 105-108, around the optical axis. The rotation drive unit 104 also notifies the control unit 101 of the rotation drive state. In other words, the rotation drive unit 104 outputs information indicating the rotation drive state (e.g., rotation angle) to the control unit 101. The pan drive unit 102, tilt drive unit 103, and rotation drive unit 104 are composed of the pan-tilt-rotation drive unit 212 shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the rotation drive unit 104 is described as rotating the optical system within the imaging units 105-108, but it may also be configured to rotate the imaging units 105-108 themselves.

[0025] The imaging units 105-108 consist of optical systems such as imaging sensors and lenses, and circuits that control them. The imaging units 105-108 are driven in the annular direction, vertical direction, and around the optical axis by the pan drive unit 102, tilt drive unit 103, and rotation drive unit 104, respectively. The images captured by the imaging units 105-108 are output to the image processing unit 109.

[0026] The image processing unit 109 performs various image processing operations. Examples of operations performed by the image processing unit 109 include scaling, color gamut conversion, and brightness correction.

[0027] The memory unit 110 consists of RAM 216, ROM 217, and a storage device such as HDD 218 or SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 110 holds various information necessary for the operation of the imaging device 100.

[0028] The operation unit 111 consists of operating devices such as buttons and switches, and their control circuits. The operation unit 111 is composed of the input unit 219 shown in Figure 2, etc. The operation unit 111 outputs information indicating user operations performed by the user to the UI generation unit 112.

[0029] The UI generation unit 112 generates a user interface (UI) for the user to operate the imaging device 100. The UI generation unit 112 updates the UI according to information indicating user operations received from the operation unit 111. Information on user operations performed by the user is also input to the control unit 101. The UI generation unit 112 also generates notification information for the user and displays it on the display unit 113. The UI generation unit 112 also displays the generated / updated UI on the display unit 113. In this way, the UI generation unit 112 also functions as a display control means.

[0030] The display unit 113 consists of an image display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and their control circuits. The display unit 113 is composed of the display 220 shown in Figure 2, etc. The display unit 113 displays the UI generated by the UI generation unit 112.

[0031] In this embodiment, the operation unit 111, UI generation unit 112, and display unit 113 were described as being located within the imaging device 100, but they may also be implemented on a separate device via a communication device, such as a remote controller. Alternatively, they may be implemented as software on a device such as a PC or smartphone. PC is an abbreviation for Personal Computer.

[0032] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 is an example of the pan drive state of the imaging unit of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The processing procedure when a user operates the operation unit 111 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. The control unit 101 controls the flow and performs control on each component block.

[0033] In step S301, the control unit 101 obtains the pan drive status of the imaging units 105 to 108 from the pan drive unit 102. In Figures 5(A) and 5(B), imaging units 105, 106, 107, and 108 are represented by the circled numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The pan drive status is expressed clockwise with respect to directly above. In Figure 5(A), the pan drive status of imaging units 105 to 108 is 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. In Figure 5(B), the pan drive status of imaging units 105 to 108 is 350 degrees, 10 degrees, 90 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively.

[0034] In step S302, the control unit 101 obtains the rotation drive state of the imaging units 105-108 from the rotation drive unit 104. In this embodiment, the rotation drive is possible within the range of 0 to 90 degrees. The rotation drive state is 0 degrees when the imaging sensors in the imaging units 105-108 are horizontal in the horizontal direction, and 90 degrees when they are vertical in the vertical direction.

[0035] In step S303, the control unit 101 determines whether the difference in the pan drive state of the imaging units 105 to 108 is within a predetermined range (e.g., 5 degrees) from 180 degrees or -180 degrees, that is, whether they are in diagonal positions. In the example of Figure 5(A), the pair of imaging unit 105 (circled number 1) and imaging unit 107 (circled number 3), and the pair of imaging unit 106 (circled number 2) and imaging unit 108 (circled number 4) are determined to be in diagonal positions. In the example of Figure 5(B), imaging unit 107 and imaging unit 108 are determined to be in diagonal positions. In other words, among the multiple imaging units 105 to 108 that can move in a ring shape, the imaging unit that is approximately opposite to another imaging unit in the ring shape will be conveniently referred to as the imaging unit in a diagonal position. These positional relationships of imaging units can also be described as having their backs facing each other, if the imaging direction is considered the front.

[0036] In step S304, the control unit 101 determines whether the difference in the pan drive state of the imaging units 105 to 108 is within a predetermined range from 0 degrees or 360 degrees, that is, whether they are in adjacent positions. Since imaging units 105 to 108 cannot be placed in overlapping positions, they will not have the same pan drive state even if they are adjacent. In the example in Figure 5(A), there are no imaging units that are determined to be in adjacent positions. In the example in Figure 5(B), the pair of imaging units 105 and 106 are determined to be in adjacent positions.

[0037] In step S305, the control unit 101 determines whether there is at least one pair of imaging units determined to be diagonally opposite each other and at least one pair of imaging units determined to be adjacent to each other. Note that a pair of imaging units does not necessarily have to be two imaging units. For example, a pair may consist of three or more imaging units whose pan angles are within a predetermined angle range (e.g., 20 degrees). If the control unit 101 determines that there is at least one pair of imaging units determined to be diagonally opposite each other and at least one pair of imaging units determined to be adjacent to each other, the process in step S306 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that there are no pairs of imaging units determined to be diagonally opposite each other and at least one pair of imaging units determined to be adjacent to each other, the process in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0038] In step S306, the control unit 101 determines the difference in the rotation drive state of the pair of imaging units that were determined to be diagonally opposite each other in step S303. Also in step S306, the control unit 101 determines the difference in the rotation drive state of the pair of imaging units that were determined to be adjacent to each other in step S304. If the control unit 101 determines that there is no difference in the rotation drive state, or that it is within a predetermined range, the process shown in Figure 4 is terminated. If the control unit 101 determines that there is no difference in the rotation drive state, or that it is not within a predetermined range, the process shown in step S307 is executed. The case where there is no difference in the rotation drive state, or that it is within a predetermined range, is an example of a case where the rotation drive states are the same. The case where there is no difference in the rotation drive state, or that it is not within a predetermined threshold (e.g., 5 degrees), is an example of a case where the rotation drive states are different.

[0039] For example, consider the case in Figure 5(A) where the rotation drive states of imaging units 105, 106, 107, and 108 are 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 0 degrees, and 45 degrees. The pair of imaging units 105 and 107, which are diagonally opposite each other, are determined to have the same rotation drive state, while the pair of imaging units 106 and 108, which are also diagonally opposite each other, are determined to have different rotation drive states. Note that if the angle indicating the drive state is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (e.g., 5 degrees), it may be determined that the rotation drive states are the same.

[0040] For example, consider the case in Figure 5(B) where the rotation drive states of imaging units 105, 106, 107, and 108 are 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 90 degrees, and 90 degrees. The pair of imaging units 105 and 106, which are adjacent to each other, are determined to have different rotation drive states, while the pair of imaging units 107 and 108, which are diagonally opposite each other, are determined to have the same rotation drive state.

[0041] In step S307, the control unit 101 determines whether the feature quantities of the captured images of the pair of imaging units determined to be diagonally opposite each other in step S303 and the pair of imaging units determined to be adjacent in step S304 are similar. If the control unit 101 determines that the feature quantities of the captured images are similar, the process in step S308 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the feature quantities of the captured images are not similar, the process shown in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0042] If the control unit 101 determines in step S307 that the feature quantities of the captured images are similar, it is highly likely that a single object was captured using a combination of multiple imaging units. Methods for determining whether the feature quantities of the captured images are similar include, for example, obtaining a histogram of the pixel values ​​of the captured images and comparing the most frequent pixel values, or performing edge detection and comparing the amount of edge detection.

[0043] In step S308, the UI generation unit 112 creates a message to notify the user that the rotation drive states of the presumed combination of imaging units being used are not synchronized, and the display unit 113 displays this message. The process in step S308 is an example of a notification means. This completes the process shown in Figure 4. Note that in addition to a message, notification that the rotation drive states are not synchronized may also be provided by illuminating a predetermined lamp or LED or displaying a predetermined icon.

[0044] In step S306 of this embodiment, the method for determining the rotation drive state may be to determine that the rotation drive states are equal if the difference in the rotation drive states is 90 degrees. Alternatively, the method may be to determine that the rotation drive states are equal if the difference in the rotation drive states is within a predetermined range from 90 degrees (for example, 85 degrees to 95 degrees).

[0045] Furthermore, although in this embodiment a comparison of feature quantities of the captured images is performed in step S307, the process in step S307 may be omitted and the processing in step S308 may be performed instead.

[0046] Furthermore, the captured image in this embodiment does not necessarily have to use the entire area of ​​the imaging sensor of the imaging unit, for example, by enlarging a portion of the image. The imaging unit may use only a portion of the area that can be captured as the captured image.

[0047] As described above, in the imaging device according to this embodiment, the user is notified if the rotation drive state of the imaging units at diagonally opposite and adjacent positions is not within a predetermined range. This reduces the possibility of the user incorrectly setting the rotation drive when using multiple imaging units in combination.

[0048] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, the user was notified if the rotation drive state of the imaging units at diagonal and adjacent positions was not within a predetermined range. In Embodiment 2, in addition to determining the imaging units at diagonal positions, the determination of the imaging unit at the opposite position is also added.

[0049] The configuration diagram for Embodiment 2 is equivalent to that of Embodiment 1. The processing procedure is also equivalent to that of Embodiment 1, with a few exceptions, so only the differences will be explained.

[0050] In step S303 of Figure 4, the control unit 101 determines whether the imaging units 105-108 are diagonally opposite each other. The control unit 101 also determines whether the imaging units 105-108 are facing each other.

[0051] The method for determining whether the imaging units are in opposing positions will now be explained. The control unit 101 obtains the direction between imaging units 105 to 108 from the pan drive state. Then, it determines that a pair of imaging units is in opposing positions if the difference between the rotation drive state and the direction between imaging units is within a predetermined range. The direction between imaging units is the direction in which the straight line connecting one imaging unit to another extends.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of the pan drive state of the imaging unit of an imaging device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Similar to Figure 5, imaging units 105, 106, 107, and 108 are represented by the circled numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In Figure 6, the rectangles next to the circled numbers represent the rotation drive state of the imaging unit. The rotation drive states of imaging units 105, 106, 107, and 108 are 0 degrees, 60 degrees, 45 degrees, and 0 degrees.

[0053] If there is another imaging unit in the direction of rotation drive from each imaging unit, those imaging units form a pair of imaging units that are facing each other. In the example in Figure 6, imaging unit 106 is located at a 45-degree angle from imaging unit 107 (in the direction of the dashed arrow in Figure 6). Therefore, imaging unit 106 and imaging unit 107 form a pair of imaging units that are facing each other. In this example, there are no other imaging units that are facing each other.

[0054] In step S306 of Figure 4, the control unit 101 determines the difference in rotation drive state between the pair of imaging units determined to be diagonally opposite or opposite in step S303 and the pair of imaging units determined to be adjacent in step S304. If the control unit 101 determines that there is no difference in rotation drive state or that it is within a predetermined range, the process in step S307 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that there is no difference in rotation drive state or that it is within a predetermined range, the process in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 6, imaging units 105 and 108 are located adjacent to each other, and their rotational drive states are equal at 0 degrees. Also, in the example shown in Figure 6, there are no imaging units located diagonally opposite each other. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, imaging units 106 and 107 are located opposite each other, and their rotational drive states are different at 60 degrees and 45 degrees.

[0056] The other processing steps in the flowchart showing the processing procedure in Figure 4 are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0057] As described above, the imaging device according to this embodiment notifies the user if the rotation drive state of the imaging units at diagonal positions, opposite positions, and adjacent positions is not within a predetermined range. This reduces the possibility of the user incorrectly setting the rotation drive when using multiple imaging units in combination.

[0058] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which one or more processors read and execute a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments. The program may be supplied to a system or device having a processor via a network or storage medium. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments.

[0059] Furthermore, while embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments described above are merely examples of concrete implementations of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features. For example, combinations of the embodiments are also included in the disclosure of this specification.

[0060] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the present invention includes embodiments that have been modified in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, and these embodiments are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0061] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) A control device for an imaging apparatus comprising: a plurality of imaging means; a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means; a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means; and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around an optical axis, A control means for determining whether the rotation drive states of the multiple imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, When the control means determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different, a notification means provides a predetermined notification. A control device characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The control means determines, based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, that a plurality of imaging means whose pan drive state difference is within a predetermined range are in the predetermined positional relationship. The control device according to configuration 1, characterized by the above. (Composition 3) The control means determines that a plurality of imaging means are in the predetermined positional relationship if the difference in the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means is within a predetermined range from 180 degrees or -180 degrees. A control device according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, characterized by the above. (Composition 4) The control means determines that the rotation drive states are equal if the difference in the rotation drive states of the pair of imaging means located adjacent or diagonally is 90 degrees or within a predetermined range from 90 degrees. A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Composition 5) The control means controls the notification means to notify when the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means in the predetermined positional relationship are different, and when the feature quantities of the captured images captured by each of the plurality of imaging means in the predetermined positional relationship are similar. A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Composition 6) The imaging means uses a portion of the area that can be photographed as the image. A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Composition 7) The control means obtains the direction in which a straight line connecting an imaging means and another imaging means extends from the pan drive state of the plurality of imaging means, finds a set of imaging means in which the difference between the rotation drive state and the direction in which a straight line connecting an imaging means and another imaging means extends is within a predetermined range, and controls the notification means to notify if the rotation drive state of a set of imaging means in which the difference in direction is within the predetermined range is different. A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized by the above. (Composition 8) The control means determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different when the rotation drive states differ by more than a predetermined range. A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above. (Method 1) A control method for a control device for an imaging device comprising: a plurality of imaging means; a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means; a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means; and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around an optical axis, A control step to determine whether the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, If the control step determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different, a notification step is performed to give a predetermined notification. A control method characterized by having the following features. (Program 1) A program for a control device for an imaging device comprising: a plurality of imaging means; a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means; a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means; and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around an optical axis, Computers, A control means for determining whether the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, and If the control means determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different, a notification means provides a predetermined notification. A program characterized by being designed to function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 Imaging device 101 Control Unit 102 Pan drive unit 103 Tilt drive unit 104 Rotation drive unit 105-108 Imaging section 109 Image Processing Unit 110 Storage section 111 Operation section 112 UI generation section 113 Display section

Claims

1. A control device for an imaging apparatus comprising: a plurality of imaging means; a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means; a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means; and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around the optical axis, A control means for determining whether the rotation drive states of the multiple imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, When the control means determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different, a notification means provides a predetermined notification. A control device characterized by having the following features.

2. The control means determines, based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, that a plurality of imaging means whose difference in pan drive state is within a predetermined range are in the predetermined positional relationship. The control device according to feature 1.

3. The control means determines that a plurality of imaging means are in the predetermined positional relationship if the difference in the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means is within a predetermined range from 180 degrees or -180 degrees. The control device according to feature 1.

4. The control means determines that the rotation drive states are equal if the difference in the rotation drive states of the pair of imaging means located adjacent or diagonally is 90 degrees or within a predetermined range from 90 degrees. The control device according to feature 1.

5. The control means controls the notification means to notify when the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means in the predetermined positional relationship are different, and when the feature quantities of the captured images captured by each of the plurality of imaging means in the predetermined positional relationship are similar. The control device according to feature 1.

6. The imaging means uses a portion of the area that can be photographed as the image. The control device according to feature 1.

7. The control means obtains the direction in which a straight line connecting an imaging means and another imaging means extends from the pan drive state of the plurality of imaging means, finds a set of imaging means in which the difference between the rotation drive state and the direction in which a straight line connecting an imaging means and another imaging means extends is within a predetermined range, and controls the notification means to notify if the rotation drive state of a set of imaging means in which the difference in direction is within the predetermined range is different. The control device according to feature 1.

8. The control means determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different when the rotation drive states differ by more than a predetermined range. The control device according to feature 1.

9. A control method for a control device for an imaging device comprising: a plurality of imaging means; a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means; a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means; and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around an optical axis, A control step to determine whether the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, If the control step determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different, a notification step is performed to give a predetermined notification. A control method characterized by having the following features.

10. A program for a control device for an imaging device comprising: a plurality of imaging means; a pan driving means for panning the plurality of imaging means; a tilt driving means for tilting the plurality of imaging means; and a rotation driving means for rotating the plurality of imaging means around an optical axis, Computers, A control means for determining whether the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different for a plurality of imaging means that are in a predetermined positional relationship based on the pan drive state of each of the plurality of imaging means, and If the control means determines that the rotation drive states of the plurality of imaging means are different, a notification means provides a predetermined notification. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

Images