Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

The aim is to improve the convenience of adjusting the movable range of the imaging angle of view. [Solution] The system includes a control means for controlling the imaging angle of view of an imaging means, and an acquisition means for acquiring image usage information indicating whether an image captured by the imaging means is in use. The control means activates the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the image is in use, and deactivates the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the image is not in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when operating a camera having a pan / tilt / zoom (PTZ) mechanism for imaging, there is a case where, by manual PTZ operation, an unwanted area outside the imaging target area may be accidentally imaged. Therefore, there is a function to limit the movable range of the PTZ so that the PTZ cannot be operated to an unwanted area. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a camera having a function to limit the movable range of the PTZ.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes control means for controlling the imaging angle of view of an imaging means, and acquisition means for acquiring image usage information indicating whether an image captured by the imaging means is in use, wherein the control means enables a restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the image captured is in use, and disables the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image data information indicates that the image captured is not in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the convenience of adjusting the movable range of the imaging angle of view can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device 1000. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 1000. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging device 1100. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart for the process of switching between enabling and disabling the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the cases where the control unit 1001 enables and disables the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart for switching between enabling and disabling the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 8]This diagram illustrates the process of moving the field of view within the restricted range as a response to abnormal situations. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a warning video used to notify that the imaging angle of view is outside the limit. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the system configuration according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging device 5100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations for realizing the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Some of the configurations described in the embodiments may be omitted or replaced with equivalents to the extent that similar effects can be obtained.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The system 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a control device 1000, an imaging device 1100, and a display device 1200.

[0011] The control device 1000 is a controller capable of controlling the imaging device 1100. The imaging device 1100 is a camera capable of controlling the movement of the imaging angle of view by receiving control information, such as angle of view control information, from the control device 1000. The imaging device 1100 transmits angle of view position information indicating the current angle of view position to the control device 1000, and the control device 1000 may create angle of view control information to control the angle of view position based on the angle of view position information. The angle of view control information is information that moves the position of the imaging angle of view, and may be information that specifies the amount of movement and direction of movement relative to the current position of the imaging angle of view, or it may be any known information. The imaging device 1100 is connected to the camera, for example, by a network, so that control information and video signals can be exchanged with the imaging device 1100.

[0012] The display device 1200 is a monitor that displays the captured image captured by the imaging device 1100. In the configuration of this embodiment, the control device 1000 receives the captured image of the imaging device 1100 and outputs it from the control device 1000 to the display device 1200.

[0013] The captured image may be configured to be displayed on a display (not shown) provided in the control device 1000, or may be configured to be directly output from the imaging device 1100 to the display device 1200. According to the system configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to control the imaging device 1100 according to the user operation received by the control device 1000 and display the captured image of the imaging device 1100 on the display device 1200.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device 1000. The control device 1000 includes a CPU 1201, a ROM 1202, a RAM 1203, an external memory 1204, an input unit 1205, a display unit 1206, an I / O 1207, and a system bus 1210. The CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. The RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The I / O is an abbreviation for Input / Output.

[0015] The CPU 1201 controls various devices connected to the system bus 1210. The ROM 1202 records the BIOS program and the boot program. The BIOS is an abbreviation for Basic Input Output System. The RAM 1203 is used as the main memory device of the CPU 201. The external memory 1204 stores the programs executed by the control device 1000. The external memory 1204 also stores the image data and various parameters used when the control device 1000 executes the program. The external memory 1204 may be an HDD, an SSD, etc. built in the control device 1000. The HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. The SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive.

[0016] The input unit 1205 is a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and performs processing related to input of information and the like. The display unit 1206 outputs the operation result of the control device 1000 to the display device according to an instruction from the CPU 1201. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The I / O 1207 is a communication interface and performs information communication via a network. The communication interface may be Ethernet (registered trademark), and the type is not limited, such as USB or serial communication. USB is the abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus. The control device 1000 is an example of an information processing device.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 1000. The control device 1000 includes a control unit 1001, an acquisition unit 1002, a communication unit 1003, and an image processing unit 1010.

[0018] The control unit 1001 is the main device in charge of the system control of the control device 1000. The control unit 1001 may be composed of a processor including the CPU 十二〇一, a ROM 1202, a RAM 1203, etc., and may be configured to load a program recorded on a non-volatile memory such as the ROM 1203 and operate, or may have other configurations.

[0019] The acquisition unit 1002 acquires user operations. It is possible to acquire input of image usage information by user operations and control information related to operations of the control device 1000 and the imaging device 1100. Note that the acquisition unit 1002 may be composed of the input unit 1205 or the like, and may be configured to acquire user operations on buttons mounted on the control device 1000. Also, the acquisition unit 1002 may be configured to acquire user operations by input of commands from a terminal (not shown) via an interface capable of LAN communication or serial communication. LAN is the abbreviation of Local Area Network.

[0020] Here, the image usage information may be a user-operated request to turn the tally lamp of the imaging device 1100 on or off, or a "program" lighting request or "preview" lighting request indicating the video distribution status of the tally lamp. Alternatively, it may be a video recording request, where the user operates to record video in the recording unit 1106 of the imaging device 1100. The image usage information may also be information indicating that the captured image is in use when the captured image by the imaging device 1100 is being recorded in the recording unit 1106, and that the captured image is not in use when the captured image by the imaging device 1100 is not being recorded in the recording unit 1106. Furthermore, the image usage information may also be information indicating that the captured image is in use when the captured image by the imaging device 1100 is being distributed, and that the captured image is not in use when the captured image by the imaging device 1100 is not being distributed.

[0021] The communication unit 1003 is composed of I / O 1207 and the like. The communication unit 1003 is an interface that enables communication with the imaging device 1100. The communication unit 1003 can transmit control information, such as field of view control information, and image usage information from the control device 1000 to the imaging device 1100, in response to user operations. The communication unit 1003 may also be composed of an interface that enables LAN communication or serial communication.

[0022] The image processing unit 1010 comprises a receiving unit 1011, an image generation unit 1012, and a transmitting unit 1013. The image processing unit 1010 can receive and acquire captured images from the imaging device 1100 using the receiving unit 1011. The image generation unit 1012 can generate OSDs and pattern images, and performs image processing such as superimposing OSDs onto captured images and switching between captured images and built-in pattern images. OSD is an abbreviation for On-Screen Display.

[0023] The image processed by the image processing unit 1010 is transmitted to the display device 1200 by the transmission unit 1013. The image processing unit 1010 may be configured to perform video signal processing using a frame memory, FPGA, GPU, video processor, etc., or it may be configured in other ways. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. GPU is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit.

[0024] The input of captured images can be received via interfaces such as SDI and HDMI (registered trademark), or via LAN using various video distribution protocols such as RTP, SRT, and NDI, or other configurations may be used. SDI is an abbreviation for Serial Digital Interface. HDMI (registered trademark) is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. RTP is an abbreviation for Real Time Transport Protocol. SRT is an abbreviation for Secure Reliable Transport. NDI is an abbreviation for Network Device Interface. Furthermore, the output of captured images can be output to the display device 1200 via interfaces such as SDI, HDMI (registered trademark), and LAN, or other configurations may be used.

[0025] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging device 1100. The configuration of the imaging device 1100 shown in Figure 4 is the basic configuration of a PTZ camera equipped with PTZ functionality. The imaging device 1100 includes an imaging control unit 1101, a communication unit 1102, an imaging unit 1103, a transmission unit 1104, a tally 1105, a storage unit 1106, and a field of view shifting unit 1110.

[0026] The imaging control unit 1101 is the main unit responsible for system control of the imaging device 1100. The imaging control unit 1101 consists of a processor including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and may be configured to operate by loading a program recorded on non-volatile memory such as ROM, or it may have other configurations.

[0027] The communication unit 1102 is a communication unit 1102 implemented in the imaging device 1100, and is a communication-capable interface. The communication unit 1102 can acquire image usage information and control information from the control device 1000 in accordance with user operations. The communication unit 1102 may also consist of an interface capable of LAN communication or serial communication.

[0028] The imaging unit 1103 consists of an image sensor and the like for capturing images of a subject. The transmission unit 1104 is capable of outputting the captured images captured by the imaging unit 1103 to the outside of the imaging device 1100. The transmission unit 1104 may consist of interfaces such as SDI, HDMI (registered trademark), LAN, or other configurations. The transmission unit 1104 may be configured to transmit captured images via various video distribution protocols such as RTP, SRT, and NDI from the LAN.

[0029] The tally 1105 includes a tally lamp composed of LEDs, etc. The tally 1105 may also be capable of illuminating at least two colors depending on the state, and may manage states such as "Program" indicating video streaming in progress and "Preview" indicating previewing when not streaming, according to user operation, and illuminate in different colors according to the state.

[0030] The recording unit 1106 records the captured image taken by the imaging unit 1103. The recording unit 1106 may be composed of flash memory such as an SD card, or it may be composed of other non-volatile memory.

[0031] The field of view movement unit 1110 includes a driver 1111, a pan mechanism 1112 capable of moving the field of view in the pan direction, a tilt mechanism 1113 capable of moving the field of view in the tilt direction, and a zoom mechanism 1114 capable of changing the magnification of the field of view. The driver 1111 controls the driving of each of the pan mechanism 1112, the tilt mechanism 1113, and the zoom mechanism 1114. The field of view movement unit 1110 can move the field of view of, for example, an imaging lens (not shown) of the imaging unit 1103. Each of the pan mechanism 1112, the tilt mechanism 1113, and the zoom mechanism 1114 consists of an actuator such as a motor controlled by the driver 1111 and an encoder capable of acquiring position information of each mechanism.

[0032] With the above configuration, the control device 1000 can detect user operations and control the imaging device 1100 according to those operations, and can control the imaging device 1100 to move its field of view. In addition, the image captured by the imaging device 1100 can be output to the display device 1200 via the control device 1000.

[0033] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the process for switching between enabling and disabling the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The process in Figure 5 is executed by the control unit 1001 of the control device 1000.

[0034] In step S101, the control unit 1001 checks the image usage information acquired from the acquisition unit 1002. In step S102, the control unit 1001 determines from the image usage information acquired in step S101 whether or not the captured image is in use. For example, the control unit 1001 may determine that the captured image is in use if it receives a request to turn on the tally lamp of the imaging device 1100 by user operation as part of the image usage information, and determine that the captured image is not in use if it receives a request to turn off the tally lamp. Alternatively, the control unit 1001 may determine that the captured image is in use if the image usage information includes a "program" lighting request indicating the video distribution state of the tally lamp, and determine that the captured image is not in use if it includes a "preview" lighting request. The control unit 1001 activates the restriction if the captured image is in use, and deactivates the restriction if the captured image is not in use. Alternatively, the control unit 1001 may enable the restriction when it receives a request to record video in the recording unit 1106 based on user operation, and disable the restriction when video is not being recorded. If the control unit 1001 determines that the captured image is in use, the process in step S103 is executed. If the control unit 1001 determines that the captured image is not in use, the process in step S104 is executed.

[0035] In step S103, the control unit 1001 enables the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle, and after enabling it, returns to step S101. In step S104, the control unit 1001 disables the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle, and after disabling it, returns to step S101.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates the cases where the control unit 1001 enables and disables the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view. Range 1 is the movable range when the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view is disabled. Range 2 is the movable range and limited range when the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view is enabled. Position 3 is the current position of the angle of view, i.e., the position before movement. Position 4 is the position of the angle of view after movement.

[0037] Figure 6(A) illustrates the range in which the imaging field of view can move when the limitation on the movable range of the imaging field of view is disabled. When the limitation on the movable range of the imaging field of view is disabled, the imaging field of view can move from position 3 beyond range 2 to position 4 in Figure 6(A), and can move within the area of ​​range 1.

[0038] On the other hand, Figure 6(B) illustrates the range within which the imaging field of view can be moved when the restriction on the movable range of the imaging field of view is enabled. When the restriction on the movable range of the imaging field of view is enabled, even if the same operation is performed as when it is disabled, the imaging field of view cannot go beyond range 2 from position 3 and can only be moved up to position 4 in Figure 6(B), and can only be moved within the area of ​​range 2.

[0039] Here, the limit range of the imaging angle of view is assumed to be held in advance in the control device 1000, and may be registered in advance in the control device 1000 by user operation, or may be set by other means. Through the process in Figure 5, if the control device 1000 determines, using the image usage information, that the image captured by the imaging device 1100 is being used, it can control the imaging angle of view to move within the limit range by the user's PTZ operation. Also, if it determines that the image captured is not being used, it can control the imaging angle of view to move, including outside the limit range, by the user's PTZ operation. The imaging device 1100 is capable of varying at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom, and the control unit 1001 of the control device 1000 may control the imaging angle of view to move by at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom. If the control unit 1001 determines that the image captured is being used, it may limit the variation of the imaging angle of view by at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom.

[0040] As described above, according to the control device 1000 of this embodiment, when it is determined that an captured image is being used, the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle that can be moved by PTZ can be activated, preventing the imaging of areas that are not to be captured. Furthermore, when it is determined that an captured image is not being used, the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle is deactivated, allowing the angle to be moved outside the restricted range by operating the PTZ, thus providing a control device that improves the inconvenience of repeatedly releasing and resetting the restriction.

[0041] The control device 1000 may also have a switching unit that switches between a mode that enables or disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view according to the image usage information, and a mode that enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view regardless of the image usage information.

[0042] <Embodiment 2> Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 2, the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 4 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation will be omitted by referring to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process for switching between enabling and disabling the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The process in Figure 7 is executed by the control unit 1001 of the control device 1000. The process from steps S201 to S204 in Figure 7 is the same as the process from steps S101 to S104 in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0043] In Embodiment 2, the process in step S205 is executed following the process in step S203. In step S205, the control unit 1001 obtains field of view position information, which is the current position information of the imaging field of view, from the imaging device 1100. The field of view position information is included in the control information transmitted from the imaging device 1100 to the control device 1000.

[0044] In step S206, the control unit 1001 determines whether the current imaging angle of view is outside the limit range. If the control unit 1001 determines that the current imaging angle of view is outside the limit range, the position of the imaging angle of view is considered abnormal, and the process in step S207 is executed. If the control unit 1001 determines that the current imaging angle of view is not outside the limit range, the process returns to step S201.

[0045] In step S207, the control unit 1001 performs a response process for when the position of the imaging angle of view is abnormal. This response process may involve the control unit 1001 of the control device 1000 instructing the imaging device 1100 to perform PTZ control to move the imaging angle of view so that it is within the restricted range. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the process of moving the imaging angle of view within the restricted range as a response process for when an abnormality occurs. Similar to Figure 6, in Figure 8, range 1 is the movable range when the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view is disabled. Range 2 is the movable range and restricted range when the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view is enabled. Position 3 is the current position of the imaging angle of view, i.e., the position before movement. Position 5 is the position of the imaging angle of view after movement due to the response process for when the position of the imaging angle of view is abnormal. If the control unit 1001 determines that position 3 is outside the area of ​​range 2, it controls the movement of the imaging angle of view to position 5 so that the imaging angle of view is within the area of ​​range 2. The control unit 1001 determines the tilt and pan positions of position 5 such that the maximum and minimum values ​​of the tilt and pan directions of position 3 fall within the area of ​​range 2.

[0046] Another example of handling abnormalities is to notify the user. Figure 9 shows an example of a warning video to notify the user that the imaging angle is outside the limit range. In Figure 9, the display device 1200 displays the warning video 2000 superimposed on the captured image 1250. In the event of an abnormality, the control unit 1001 generates the warning video 2000 using the image generation unit 1012, superimposes the warning video 2000 onto the captured image, and outputs it to the display device 1200.

[0047] Furthermore, as another example of handling abnormalities, the control unit 1001 may generate a single warning pattern image using the image generation unit 1012 and output it to the display device 1200.

[0048] According to the control device 1000 of this embodiment, when it is determined that the captured image is in use, it is possible to control the image capture angle to move inside the restricted range, thereby avoiding the inclusion of unwanted areas in the image. Furthermore, by outputting a warning image 2000 from the control device 1000, it is possible to warn the user that the current position of the image capture angle is outside the restricted range and prompt the user to move the image capture angle within the restricted range.

[0049] <Embodiment 3> Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram of the system configuration according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The system 200 according to Embodiment 3 includes a PC 1300, an imaging device 5100, and a display device 1200. PC is an abbreviation for Personal Computer. The imaging device 5100 is an example of an information processing device.

[0050] The user connects the PC1300 to the imaging device 5100. The user accesses the UI of the imaging device 5100 from the web browser on the PC1300. UI stands for User Interface. The user may use the UI of the imaging device 5100 to input image usage information, move the field of view, and perform other camera controls. Alternatively, the user may control the imaging device 5100 via LAN communication or serial communication using a camera control application installed on the PC1300. The imaging device 5100 may also be configured to output video signals to the display device 1200 via interfaces such as SDI, HDMI (registered trademark), or LAN, or it may be configured in other ways.

[0051] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging device 5100. The imaging device 5100 includes a control unit 5101, a communication unit 5102, an imaging unit 5103, a transmission unit 5104, a tally 5105, a storage unit 5106, and a field of view shifting unit 5110.

[0052] The control unit 5101 is the main unit responsible for system control of the imaging device 5100. The control unit 5101 consists of a processor including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and may be configured to operate by loading a program recorded on non-volatile memory such as ROM, or it may have other configurations.

[0053] The communication unit 5102 is a communication unit 5102 implemented in the imaging device 5100, and is a communication-capable interface. The communication unit 5102 can acquire field-of-view operation information and image usage information from the PC 1300 in response to user operations. The communication unit 5102 may be configured with an interface capable of LAN communication or serial communication. The field-of-view operation information is information that moves the position of the imaging field of view, and may be information that specifies the relative amount of movement and direction of movement from the current position of the imaging field of view, or it may be any known information.

[0054] The imaging unit 5103 consists of an image sensor and the like for capturing images of a subject. The transmitting unit 5104 can output the captured images captured by the imaging unit 5103 to the outside of the imaging device 5100. The transmitting unit 5104 may consist of interfaces such as SDI, HDMI (registered trademark), and LAN, or it may have other configurations. The transmitting unit 5104 may be configured to transmit captured images from the LAN using various video distribution protocols such as RTP, SRT, and NDI.

[0055] The Tally 5105 includes a tally lamp composed of LEDs, etc. The Tally 5105 may also be capable of illuminating at least two colors depending on the status, and may manage states such as "Program" indicating video streaming in progress and "Preview" indicating previewing when not streaming, according to user operation, and illuminate in different colors according to the status.

[0056] The control unit 5101 may enable the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle when the tally 5105 indicates that video is being streamed, and disable the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle when the tally 5105 indicates that preview is in progress.

[0057] The recording unit 5106 records the captured image taken by the imaging unit 5103. The recording unit 5106 may be composed of flash memory such as an SD card, or it may be composed of other non-volatile memory.

[0058] The field of view movement unit 5110 includes a driver 5111, a pan mechanism 5112 capable of moving the field of view in the pan direction, a tilt mechanism 5113 capable of moving the field of view in the tilt direction, and a zoom mechanism 5114 capable of changing the magnification of the field of view. The driver 5111 controls the driving of each of the pan mechanism 5112, tilt mechanism 5113, and zoom mechanism 5114. The field of view movement unit 5110 can move the field of view of, for example, an imaging lens (not shown) of the imaging unit 5103. Each of the pan mechanism 5112, tilt mechanism 5113, and zoom mechanism 5114 consists of an actuator such as a motor controlled by the driver 5111 and an encoder capable of acquiring position information of each mechanism.

[0059] The control unit 5101 of the imaging device 5100 according to Embodiment 3 controls the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle by executing the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 7. As a result, when the imaging device 5100 determines that an image is being captured, it can activate the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle that can be moved by PTZ, preventing the imaging of areas that are not to be captured. Also, when the imaging device 5100 determines that an image is not being captured, it can disable the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle, allowing the angle to be moved outside the limited range by operating the PTZ. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an imaging device that improves upon the inconvenience of repeatedly releasing and resetting the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle.

[0060] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0061] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its essence.

[0062] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) A control means for controlling the imaging angle of the imaging means, An acquisition means for acquiring image usage information indicating whether the captured image captured by the aforementioned imaging means is in use, It has, The control means enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is in use, and disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is not in use. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Configuration 2) The aforementioned image usage information is information indicating that the captured image is in use when the captured image is being distributed, and that the captured image is not in use when the captured image is not being distributed. The information processing device according to configuration 1, characterized by the above. (Composition 3) The aforementioned image usage information is information indicating that the captured image is in use when the captured image is being recorded in the recording means, and that the captured image is not in use when the captured image is not being recorded in the recording means. An information processing device according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, characterized in that... (Composition 4) The imaging means is capable of varying at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom, When the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view is enabled, the control means restricts the variation in the angle of view due to at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom. An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Composition 5) When the control means enables the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view, if the current imaging angle of view is outside the range of the limitation, it controls the imaging angle of view to move within the range of the limitation. An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Composition 6) When the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view is enabled, the control means controls the system to output a notification that the current imaging angle of view is outside the range of the restriction if the current imaging angle of view is outside the range of the restriction. An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Composition 7) The system has a switching mechanism that enables or disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view according to the image usage information, and enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view regardless of the image usage information. An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized by the above. (Composition 8) The control means enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle when the tally indicates that video is being streamed, and disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle when the tally indicates that preview is being performed. An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above. (Method 1) A control process for controlling the imaging angle of the imaging means, An acquisition step to acquire image usage information indicating whether the image captured by the imaging means is in use, In the control step described above, if the image usage information indicates that the captured image is in use, the restriction on the movable range of the image field of view is enabled, and if the image usage information indicates that the captured image is not in use, the restriction on the movable range of the image field of view is disabled. A method characterized by the following: (Program 1) Computers, Control means for controlling the imaging angle of the imaging means, and The aforementioned imaging means is configured to function as an acquisition means for acquiring image usage information indicating whether the captured image is currently in use. The control means enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is in use, and disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is not in use. A program characterized by the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 100 Systems 1000 Control device 1001 Control Unit 1002 Acquisition Department 1003 Communications Department 1010 Image Processing Unit 1011 Receiver 1012 Image generation unit 1013 Transmitter 1100 Imaging device 1200 display device

Claims

1. A control means for controlling the imaging angle of the imaging means, An acquisition means for acquiring image usage information indicating whether the captured image captured by the aforementioned imaging means is in use, It has, The control means enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is in use, and disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is not in use. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned image usage information is information indicating that the captured image is in use when the captured image is being distributed, and that the captured image is not in use when the captured image is not being distributed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned image usage information is information indicating that the captured image is in use when the captured image is being recorded in the recording means, and that the captured image is not in use when the captured image is not being recorded in the recording means. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The imaging means is capable of varying at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom, When the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view is enabled, the control means restricts the variation in the angle of view due to at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. When the control means enables the limitation of the movable range of the imaging angle of view, if the current imaging angle of view is outside the range of the limitation, it controls the imaging angle of view to move within the range of the limitation. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. When the restriction on the movable range of the imaging angle of view is enabled, the control means controls the system to output a notification that the current imaging angle of view is outside the range of the restriction if the current imaging angle of view is outside the range of the restriction. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The system has a switching mechanism that enables or disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view according to the image usage information, and enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view regardless of the image usage information. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The control means enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle when the tally indicates that video is being streamed, and disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle when the tally indicates that preview is being performed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

9. A control process for controlling the imaging angle of the imaging means, An acquisition step to acquire image usage information indicating whether the image captured by the imaging means is in use, In the control step described above, if the image usage information indicates that the captured image is in use, the restriction on the movable range of the image field of view is enabled, and if the image usage information indicates that the captured image is not in use, the restriction on the movable range of the image field of view is disabled. A method characterized by the following:

10. Computers, Control means for controlling the imaging angle of the imaging means, and The aforementioned imaging means is configured to function as an acquisition means for acquiring image usage information indicating whether the captured image is currently in use. The control means enables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is in use, and disables the restriction of the movable range of the imaging angle of view when the image usage information indicates that the captured image is not in use. A program characterized by the following features.

Images