Imaging device, information processing device, control method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To take pictures cyclically regardless of the position of each imaging unit when a cyclic function is set in an imaging device having a plurality of imaging units.SOLUTION: The imaging device includes: a plurality of imaging units that can be moved circumferentially along a guide unit; a drive unit that drives the imaging units; a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change the imaging areas of the imaging units; an acquisition unit that acquires information on a plurality of imaging areas in which the imaging units are cycled, the imaging units being set using wide-area images acquired by the imaging units; and a setting unit that groups the plurality of imaging areas into a first group to be captured by a first imaging unit and a second group to be captured by a second imaging unit so that a set value of the cyclic imaging is less than or equal to a threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a control method, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are imaging devices having multiple imaging units, as in Patent Document 1. Some imaging devices having multiple imaging units have a drive unit for each imaging unit, and drive the imaging unit on a circular rail to change the shooting direction. In addition, in imaging devices having multiple imaging units, as in Patent Document 2, a preset patrol function is used to shoot images according to patrol settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-169488 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-17649 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the movable range of each imaging unit on the rail changes depending on the position of the adjacent imaging unit. Therefore, if the position of the adjacent imaging unit changes, it may not be possible to capture images as expected by the user in accordance with the patrol settings.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to, in an image capturing apparatus having a plurality of image capturing sections, perform cyclic photographing regardless of the positions of the image capturing sections when a cyclic function is set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a movable device that can move circumferentially along a guide portion. multipleThe imaging unit and the multiple a driving unit for driving the imaging unit; and multiple A drive control unit for changing a photographing area of ​​the imaging unit; multiple An acquisition unit that acquires information on a plurality of shooting areas for cyclic shooting in which the imaging unit is rotated to capture images; between Distance Standards To value based on ,before and a setting unit for grouping the plurality of shooting regions. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in an image capturing device having a plurality of image capturing sections, when a cyclic function is set, cyclic photographing can be performed regardless of the positions of the image capturing sections. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system including an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an imaging device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the driving range of an imaging unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a patrol function setting method according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of grouping according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart of a tour function setting process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a panoramic image in which a rotation function is set with priority given to the number of rotations. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of a tour function setting process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a relationship between a photographing time and a patrol time in each patrol photographing area. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart of a tour function setting process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a panoramic image for which a patrol function is set when there is a limit to the patrol shooting area. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a tour function setting process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a patrol function setting method according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a timing chart of an imaging unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart of a tour function setting process according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same functions are given the same numbers, and repeated explanations are omitted. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in the drawings.

[0010] [First embodiment] The configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system 1000 according to this embodiment. The imaging system 1000 includes an imaging device 101 and a client device 103 (information processing device). The imaging device 101 includes an imaging unit 104, a driving unit 105, an image processing unit 106, a driving control unit 107, a storage unit 108, a network processing unit 109, and a system control unit 110. The imaging device 101 is connected to the client device 103 via a network 102.

[0011] The imaging section 104 receives light on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 112 via the lens group 111, amplifies the received light data with an amplifier 113, and outputs an imaging signal. The imaging device 101 includes a plurality of imaging sections 104. In FIG. 1, two imaging sections, imaging section 104a and imaging section 104b, are illustrated as an example. Note that each imaging section may have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the imaging device 101 will be described as having two imaging sections, imaging section 104a and imaging section 104b, but this is not limited thereto, and two or more imaging sections 104 may be provided.

[0012] The driving unit 105 operates a pan motor (not shown) upon receiving an instruction from the drive control unit 107. However, the driving unit 105 is not limited to a pan motor, and may operate a tilt motor or a zoom motor. The driving unit 105 drives the imaging unit 104 to change the imaging position including the imaging direction and imaging magnification. Here, the driving unit 105a drives the imaging unit 104a, and the driving unit 105b drives the imaging unit 104b.

[0013] The image processing unit 106 receives an imaging signal from the imaging unit 104, and performs image processing such as development processing in a video processing unit (not shown) to generate a captured image. The generated captured image is transmitted to the storage unit 108 and the network processing unit 109. The storage unit 108 stores the captured image generated by the image processing unit 106. Note that the storage unit 108 may be disposed in the client device 103.

[0014] The network processing unit 109 converts the captured image from the image processing unit 106 in accordance with a network protocol, and delivers the converted image to the client device 103 via the network 102 .

[0015] The system control unit 110 includes a CPU (computer) and memory (ROM, RAM), and the CPU generally controls each component of the imaging device 101 and sets various parameters in accordance with a computer program loaded from the memory. Specifically, the system control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 106, network processing unit 109, drive control unit 107, etc.

[0016] The network 102 is a local area network (LAN) on a network, and may be configured with a router or the like that satisfies a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The network 102 is connected to the imaging device 101 and a client device 103 (described later) via a LAN cable or the like.

[0017] The client device 103 is capable of communicating with the imaging device 101 via a network 102. The client device 103 includes a network processing unit 114, an imaging direction instruction unit 115, a display unit 116, a tour setting unit 117, and a system control unit 118.

[0018] The network processing unit 114 receives the captured image distributed via the network 102 and outputs it to the display unit 116 .

[0019] The user inputs a drive instruction to the shooting direction instruction unit 115 using an input means such as a mouse or a keyboard. The shooting direction instruction unit 115 transmits the input instruction to the imaging device 101 via the network 102, and the drive control unit 107 drives the drive unit 105 in response to the instruction.

[0020] The display unit 116 displays the captured images received from the imaging device 101 on the image display unit 119. Here, the image display unit 119a displays the image captured by the imaging unit 104a, and the image display unit 119b displays the image captured by the imaging unit 104b.

[0021] When the camera 101 is to perform patrol shooting, the user inputs instructions such as a shooting area and a patrol time in advance to the patrol setting unit 117. The driving control unit 107 drives the driving unit 105 according to the instructions. Note that the patrol is a function of storing a plurality of shooting areas (shooting positions) in the imaging device 101 capable of moving the angle of view, and automatically shooting the shooting areas in sequence at regular intervals. Here, the shooting area is a concept including the shooting direction (pan / tilt direction) and the zoom position in the shooting direction. Such a function is also called preset patrol. In addition, the setting for performing such patrol shooting is called patrol setting. Furthermore, the shooting area set by the patrol setting unit 117 to perform patrol shooting is called patrol shooting area. Note that the shooting area and patrol time of the patrol setting may be automatically set by the patrol setting unit 117.

[0022] The system control unit 118 includes a CPU and a memory, and the CPU generally controls each component of the client device 103 and sets various parameters in accordance with a computer program loaded from the memory. Specifically, the system control unit 118 transmits information input by the shooting direction instruction unit 115 to the imaging device 101 via the network processing unit 114, and displays various data received from the imaging device 101 on the display unit 116.

[0023] Hereinafter, the appearance of the imaging device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the imaging device 101. FIG. 2(A) shows an external front view of the imaging device 101 seen from the horizontal direction. The imaging device 101 has an imaging unit 104a and an imaging unit 104b. FIG. 2(B) shows an external plan view of the imaging device 101 seen from the vertical direction in an installed state. The imaging unit 104 is disposed on a rail unit (guide unit) 201. The imaging units 104 can be driven independently, and move on the rail unit 201 in accordance with an instruction from a drive control unit 107. Specifically, the imaging unit 104 moves on a circumference so as to follow the rail unit 201. Note that, although the rail unit 201 is used here as an example, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0024] Hereinafter, a change in the driving range of the imaging section 104 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a change in the driving range of the imaging section 104 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3(A) shows the imaging device 101 before the imaging section 104 is driven. The imaging section 104a is disposed at a position of 180°, and the imaging section 104b is disposed at a position of 0°.

[0025] Since the imaging units 104a and 104b move on the same rail portion 201, they can be driven within a range where they do not collide with each other. That is, the driving range is the range where each imaging unit 104 can move without colliding with the adjacent imaging unit 104. In FIG. 3A, the driving range of the imaging unit 104a is from 30° to 330°. The remaining range is outside the driving range because it will collide with the imaging unit 104b. In FIG. 3A, the shooting area 301 is located at a position of 130°. Therefore, since it is within the driving range of the imaging unit 104a, the shooting area 301 can be photographed by driving the imaging unit 104a.

[0026] Fig. 3B shows the imaging device 101 after driving the imaging unit 104b. Since the position of the imaging unit 104b has changed to a position of 150°, the driving range of the imaging unit 104a has changed from 0° to 120° and from 180° to 360°. In Fig. 3B, the imaging area 301 is located outside the driving range of the imaging unit 104a. Therefore, the imaging area 301 cannot be captured by the imaging unit 104a because it will collide with the imaging unit 104b.

[0027] In this way, there are cases where imaging cannot be performed as expected due to a change in the driving range of the imaging unit 104. When performing cyclic setting, it is necessary to set the imaging area 301 and the imaging unit 104 that captures the imaging area 301, taking into consideration the change in the driving range.

[0028] In this embodiment, in order to perform shooting according to the cyclic setting even when the driving range of the imaging unit 104 has changed, the cyclic function setting is performed based on the cyclic shooting setting value. The cyclic shooting setting value includes, for example, a value related to the distance between the cyclic shooting areas 402 (shown in FIG. 4), the number of cyclic shootings, or the cyclic time. Here, the number of cyclic shootings is the number of shooting areas for which cyclic shooting is performed. Furthermore, the cyclic time is defined as the time during which the imaging unit 104 stops and shoots the cyclic shooting areas 402. A cyclic function setting method in which the distance between the cyclic shooting areas 402 is prioritized in the first embodiment, the number of cyclic shootings in the second embodiment, and the cyclic time in the third embodiment will be described.

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a method for setting the patrol function according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the distance between the patrol shooting areas 402 is prioritized will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the patrol function setting method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4(A) shows an example of a panoramic image 401 for which the patrol function is set with priority given to the distance between the patrol shooting areas 402. When setting the patrol, the panoramic image 401 is acquired before starting the setting. The panoramic image 401 is acquired, for example, by arranging the imaging units 104 at equal intervals to capture images in all directions. However, the method is not limited to this, and a wide-area image may be acquired with one imaging unit 104 instead of acquiring a panoramic image.

[0030] After acquiring the panoramic image 401, the patrol setting unit 117 uses the panoramic image 401 to set a patrol shooting area 402 to be photographed by the patrol function. The patrol shooting area 402 may be an arbitrary area selected by the user, or may be automatically set based on the subject, for example. At this time, parameters such as a patrol speed may be set. After setting the patrol shooting area 402, the system control unit 110 compares the distance between the patrol shooting areas 402 with a reference value (threshold value) and groups the patrol shooting areas 402 that are equal to or less than the reference value (threshold value) as the same group 403. Details of the grouping will be described later. The distance is compared at the optical axis center of the patrol shooting area 402. That is, the distance between the optical axis centers of the patrol shooting areas 402 is used. The reference value may be set automatically or manually by the user. Also, the patrol shooting area 402 with the shortest distance may be grouped as the same group 403 without being set as a numerical value.

[0031] The system control unit 110 groups the cyclic shooting areas 402, and ends the grouping if the number of groups 403 matches the number of imaging units 104. On the other hand, if the number of groups 403 exceeds the number of imaging units 104 (is equal to or greater than the number of imaging units 104), the system control unit 110 changes the reference value to a value greater than the previously set value and performs grouping again. If the number of groups 403 is less than the number of imaging units 104 (is equal to or less than the number of imaging units 104), the system control unit 110 changes the reference value to a value less than the previously set value and performs grouping again. After grouping, the system control unit 110 determines the imaging unit 104 that will capture the cyclic shooting areas 402 of each group 403, and sets the order of tour (circulation order) within each group 403.

[0032] 4B shows an external plan view of the imaging device 101 after the patrol setting is performed, viewed from the vertical direction in the installed state. Here, the group 403a is set to be photographed by the imaging unit 104a, and the group 403b is set to be photographed by the imaging unit 104b. As can be seen from this figure, the range 405a in which the patrol shooting areas 402a to 402c included in the group 403a are located does not overlap with the range 405b in which the patrol shooting area 402d included in the group 403b is located. By grouping in this way, it is possible to photograph the patrol shooting area 402 in the group 403 even if the driving range of the imaging unit 104 changes.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of grouping according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5(A), Fig. 5(B) and Fig. 5(C) show the flow of grouping by comparing the distance between cyclic shooting areas 402 with a reference value, and grouping is performed in the order of Fig. 5(A), Fig. 5(B) and Fig. 5(C). Here, the driving range that changes depending on the position of the imaging unit 104 is only in the horizontal direction, so the explanation will be limited to the horizontal direction. Also, the interval of one scale division of the horizontal axis 404 is set to 1.

[0034] First, in Fig. 5(A), the reference value is set to 1. Since the central axis of the patrol shooting area 402a is located at α0 and the central axis of the patrol shooting area 402b is located at α1, the horizontal distance between the patrol shooting area 402a and the patrol shooting area 402b is 1, which is less than the reference value. Therefore, the patrol shooting area 402a and the patrol shooting area 402b are in the same group 403a. The patrol shooting area 402c and the patrol shooting area 402d do not belong to the same group 403a because the distance between them is not less than 1. Therefore, they are grouped as shown in Fig. 5(B).

[0035] Next, the reference value is set to 3 in Fig. 5(B). Here, when making a comparison with a plurality of patrol shooting areas 402, the comparison is made using the patrol shooting area 402 that is farther away. For example, in Fig. 5(B), the patrol shooting area 402a and the patrol shooting area 402b are grouped, so the comparison is made with the patrol shooting area 402c that is farther away from the patrol shooting area 402a than the patrol shooting area 402b.

[0036] Since the central axis of the patrol shooting area 402a is located at α0 and the central axis of the patrol shooting area 402c is located between α2 and α3, the horizontal distance between the patrol shooting area 402a and the patrol shooting area 402c is 3 or less, which is less than the reference value. Therefore, the patrol shooting area 402a, the patrol shooting area 402b, and the patrol shooting area 402c are in the same group 403a. The distance of the patrol shooting area 402d is not 3 or less, so it is not in the same group 403a. Therefore, they are grouped as shown in FIG. 5(C).

[0037] Hereinafter, a flowchart of a tour function setting method according to a first embodiment of the present invention when the distance between tour shooting areas 402 is given priority will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a tour function setting process according to the first embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in this flowchart can be executed by the system control unit 110 controlling each unit.

[0038] First, in step S501, a wide-area image is acquired by the imaging unit 104. Next, in S502, the network processing unit 109 also functions as an acquisition unit, and acquires information on the patrol shooting area 402 set using the wide-area image acquired in S501 from the client device 103. If parameters of the patrol function and a reference value of distance are set by the user, they are acquired in S502. Then, in S503, the system control unit 110 executes grouping processing based on the reference value of distance.

[0039] After grouping, in S504, the system control unit 110 compares the number of groups 403 with the number of imaging units 104. If the number of groups 403 matches the number of imaging units 104 (Yes), the system control unit 110 ends the grouping process. Then, in S505, the system control unit 110 sets the imaging units 104 that will capture images of the cyclic shooting areas 402 in the groups 403. After setting the imaging units, in S506, the cyclic order of the cyclic shooting areas 402 is set.

[0040] On the other hand, if the number of groups 403 and the number of imaging units 104 do not match in S504 (No), the system control unit 110 changes the reference value of distance in S507 and performs grouping again. After executing S507, the process returns to S504, and the system control unit 110 compares the number of groups 403 and the number of imaging units 104. The same process is repeated until the number of groups 403 and the number of imaging units 104 match. Note that in addition to the distance between the cyclic shooting areas 402, grouping may also be performed taking into consideration the number of cyclic shooting areas 402 or the cyclic speed (drive speed of the imaging unit 104).

[0041] According to this embodiment, the driving ranges of the image capturing units 104 do not overlap, so that even if the driving range of the image capturing units 104 changes, image capturing can be performed according to the cyclic setting.

[0042] Second Example In the second embodiment, a case where the number of cycles is prioritized in the cycle function setting will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a cycle function setting method in the case where the number of cycles is prioritized according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0043] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a panoramic image 401 in which the rotation function is set with priority given to the number of rotations. When the number of rotations is set with priority, the system control unit 110 first sets a reference value for the number of rotations. The reference value is calculated by the following formula (1). Standard value for number of scans = Number of scan areas / Number of cameras (1) If the calculation result of formula (1) is divisible, the calculation result is set as the reference value of the number of cycles. For example, in FIG. 7, the number of cyclic shooting areas 402 is 4 and the number of imaging units 104 is 2, so the reference value 2 is calculated from formula (1). Therefore, the system control unit 110 sets the reference value of the number of cycles to 2. Cases where the calculation result of formula (1) has a remainder will be described later.

[0044] Hereinafter, a flowchart of a patrol function setting method in which the number of patrols is prioritized according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a patrol function setting process according to the second embodiment. Steps similar to those shown in Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, each operation (step) shown in this flowchart can be executed by the control of each part by the system control unit 110.

[0045] First, the processes of S501 and S502 are performed as in FIG. 5. Then, in S701, the system control unit 110 calculates a reference value for the number of cycles. Next, in S702, the system control unit 110 checks whether there is a remainder at the time of calculation. If there is a remainder, in S703, the system control unit 110 increments the reference value of the number of cycles for the groups 403 corresponding to the remainder by +1, and proceeds to S704. Specifically, for example, if the number of cyclic shooting areas 402 is 5 and the number of imaging units 104 is 2, the remainder is 1, so that the group 403a has a reference value of 3 and the group 403b has a reference value of 2. At this time, it is preferable to group the areas of the cyclic shooting areas 402 that are close to each other with a reference value of 3. If there is no remainder, S703 is skipped and the process proceeds to S704. Then, in S704, the system control unit 110 executes grouping processing based on the reference value of the number of tours. Thereafter, similarly to FIG. 5, the processing of S505 and S506 is carried out. Note that an upper limit may be set for the number of tours that can be set for each imaging unit 104. When an upper limit is set, the number of patrol shooting areas 402 included in the group 403 may be less than the reference value.

[0046] According to this embodiment, it is possible to equalize the number of cyclic shooting areas 402 of each imaging unit 104. As the number of cyclic shooting areas 402 increases, it takes more time to switch between captured images. Therefore, by equalizing the number of cyclic shooting areas 402 of each imaging unit 104, it is possible to reduce the difference in the switching time between captured images in the imaging unit 104.

[0047] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment, a case where a priority is given to the round time in the round function setting will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 4(A) and Fig. 9, a method of setting the round function when a priority is given to the round time according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, Fig. 4(A) will be described as a panoramic image 401 for which the round function is set with a priority given to the round time.

[0048] When the round time is prioritized, first, the system control unit 110 sets a reference value for the round time. The reference value for the round time is calculated by the following formula (2). Standard value of patrol time = Total value of patrol time / Number of cameras (2) In formula (2), the total patrol time is the total time for the imaging unit to stop once in each of the multiple imaging regions and capture images. If the calculation result of formula (2) is divisible, the calculation result is set as the reference value of the patrol time. For example, if the total patrol time is 12 in FIG. 4(A), since the number of imaging units 104 is 2, the reference value of the patrol time is calculated as 6 from formula (2). Therefore, the reference value of the patrol time is set to 6. Cases where the calculation result of formula (2) has a remainder will be described later.

[0049] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the shooting time and the patrol time of each patrol photography area 402. Although the number of patrol photography areas 402 in each group is not the same, the total value of the patrol time is the same.

[0050] Hereinafter, a flowchart of a patrol function setting method in which patrol time is prioritized according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a patrol function setting process according to the third embodiment. Steps similar to those shown in Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, each operation (step) shown in this flowchart can be executed by the control of each part by the system control unit 110.

[0051] First, the processes of S501 and S502 are performed as in FIG. 5. Then, in S901, the system control unit 110 calculates the reference value of the patrol time. Next, in S902, the system control unit 110 checks whether there is a remainder at the time of calculation. If there is a remainder, in S903, the reference value of the patrol time for the groups corresponding to the remainder is incremented by +1, and the process proceeds to S904. Specifically, for example, if the total value of the patrol time is 13 and the number of the imaging units 104 is 2, the remainder is 1, so the reference value of the group 403a is 6 and the reference value of the group 403b is 7. If there is no remainder, S903 is skipped and the process proceeds to S904. Then, in S904, the grouping process is performed based on the reference value of the patrol time. Thereafter, the processes of S505 and S506 are performed as in FIG. 5. Note that an upper limit of the total patrol time value that can be set for each of the imaging units 104 may be set. When an upper limit is set, the total tour time value of group 403 may be less than the reference value.

[0052] According to this embodiment, it is possible to equalize the number of cyclic shooting areas 402 of each of the imaging units 104. If shooting areas with long cyclic times are concentrated in one imaging unit, it takes time to switch the captured images. Therefore, by equalizing the cyclic times of each of the imaging units 104, it is possible to reduce the difference in the switching time of the captured images in the imaging units 104.

[0053] [Fourth embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, a case where there is a limit to the patrol shooting area 402 will be described. The fourth embodiment will be described assuming that it is set before the first, second, and third embodiments. Also, in the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0054] Hereinafter, a method for setting the patrol function when there is a limit to the patrol shooting area 402 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a panoramic image 401 for which the patrol function is set when there is a limit to the patrol shooting area 402.

[0055] When adjacent patrol shooting areas 402 are to be photographed by different imaging units 104, in other words, when patrol shooting areas 402 to be photographed simultaneously are included in the patrol setting, the system control unit 110 sets a restriction that the target patrol shooting areas 402 cannot be set to the same group. For example, in FIG. 11, it is considered that the shooting areas 402a and 402b are photographed by different imaging units 104 to perform wide-area photography. In this case, the shooting areas 402a and 402b are adjacent to each other, but a restriction that the shooting areas cannot be set to the same group is set. As a result, the system control unit 110, for example, sets the shooting area 402a to group 403a and the shooting area 402b to group 403b. In other words, the system control unit 110 groups the patrol shooting areas 402 to be photographed simultaneously to be in different groups. After setting the restriction that the shooting areas cannot be set to the same group, the patrol function setting method of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment is implemented.

[0056] Hereinafter, a flowchart of a cycle function setting method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when the cycle shooting area 402 is limited will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a cycle function setting process according to the fourth embodiment. Steps similar to those shown in Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, each operation (step) shown in this flowchart can be executed by the system control unit 110 controlling each unit.

[0057] First, the processes of S501 and S502 are performed as in Fig. 5. Then, in S1101, it is confirmed whether there is a limit to the patrol shooting area 402. If there is a limit, in S1102, the patrol shooting area 402 with the limit is made unable to be set in the same group. If there is no limit to the patrol shooting area 402 in S1101, S1102 is skipped and the process ends.

[0058] Fifth Example In the fifth embodiment, a case where grouping is performed across a patrol shooting area 402 will be described. The fifth embodiment will be described assuming that it is set before the first, second, and third embodiments. Also, in the fifth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0059] Hereinafter, a method for setting a tour function when grouping is performed across groups 403 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a tour function according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 13(A) shows a panoramic image 401 with a tour function set when grouping is performed across groups 403.

[0060] There is a possibility that grouping across groups 403 is performed when, for example, it is desired to specify the image capturing unit 104 that captures images for each cyclic shooting area 402. For example, in FIG. 13A, groups 403a and 403b are alternately positioned. In other words, a range 405a in which cyclic shooting areas 402a and 402c included in group 403a are positioned and a range 405b in which cyclic shooting areas 402b and 402d included in group 403b are positioned partially overlap with each other. When grouping across groups 403, it is necessary to adjust the drive timing of adjacent image capturing units 104. Details of the adjustment of the drive timing will be described later.

[0061] Fig. 13B shows an external plan view of the imaging device 101 after the patrol setting, viewed from the vertical direction in an installed state. For example, in Fig. 13B, when the imaging unit 104b is photographing the patrol shooting area 402b, in order to drive the imaging unit 104a so as to photograph the patrol shooting area 402c from the patrol shooting area 402a, it is necessary to drive the imaging unit 104b.

[0062] Fig. 14 is a timing chart of the imaging unit 104 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 14(A) and Fig. 14(B) show timing charts of the imaging units 104a and 104b when capturing images with the cyclic setting of Fig. 13. Hi indicates a state in which the imaging unit 104 is capturing images of the cyclic shooting area 402, and Low indicates a state in which the imaging unit 104 is not capturing images of the cyclic shooting area 402.

[0063] When grouping across groups 403, if the number of trips and the length of the shooting time can be the same, they are made the same and circulated at the same time. However, some errors are acceptable. In other words, in this specification, the term "same" includes the case where there is some error. For example, FIG. 14(A) shows a timing chart in the case where the number of trips and the shooting time are made the same and circulated. As can be seen from this figure, here, the number of trips, the length of the shooting time, and the timing of the imaging units 104a and 104b are made the same and circulated. The shooting of the cyclic shooting area 402a and the cyclic shooting area 402b is started at the same time, and after the same shooting time has elapsed, the imaging units 104a and 104b are driven at the same time. Then, the cyclic shooting area 402c and the cyclic shooting area 402d are photographed at the same time. By making the number of trips and the shooting time the same, it is possible to circulate without colliding with the adjacent imaging units 104.

[0064] When grouping across groups 403, if the tour count and shooting time cannot be the same, the shooting times are shifted during the tour. For example, Fig. 14B shows a timing chart for the case where the shooting times are shifted during the tour.

[0065] When the patrol shooting area 402a and the patrol shooting area 402b are being photographed, the photographing time of the imaging unit 104b is shortened and the imaging unit 104b is driven first, and the imaging unit 104a is driven after the imaging unit 104b is driven. That is, at least the imaging unit 104b adjacent to the direction in which the imaging unit 104a is to be driven is driven in the same direction, and then the imaging unit 104a is driven. Also, as can be seen from FIG. 14B, at this time, the time during which the imaging unit 104a photographs the patrol shooting area 402a and the time during which the imaging unit 104b photographs the patrol shooting area 402b overlap at time t1. The time t1 is the same length as the time during which the imaging unit 104b photographs the patrol shooting area 402b. Furthermore, when the patrol shooting area 402c and the patrol shooting area 402d are being photographed, the photographing time of the imaging unit 104a is shortened and the imaging unit 104a is driven first, and the imaging unit 104b is driven after the imaging unit 104a is driven. That is, at least the imaging unit 104a adjacent to the direction in which the imaging unit 104b is to be driven is driven in the same direction, and then the imaging unit 104b is driven. At this time, the time during which the imaging unit 104a photographs the patrol shooting area 402c and the time during which the imaging unit 104b photographs the patrol shooting area 402d overlap at time t2. The time t2 is the same length as the time during which the imaging unit 104a photographs the patrol shooting area 402c. By shifting the photographing time and the timing of the tour in this way, the imaging unit 104 can tour without colliding with the adjacent imaging unit 104.

[0066] Hereinafter, a flowchart of a patrol function setting method in a case where grouping is performed across groups 403 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart of a patrol function setting process according to the fifth embodiment. Steps similar to those shown in Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, each operation (step) shown in this flowchart can be executed by the control of each part by the system control unit 110.

[0067] First, the processes of S501 and S502 are performed as in FIG. 5. Then, in S1301, the system control unit 110 checks whether grouping across groups 403 is to be performed. If grouping across groups 403 is to be performed, in S1302, the system control unit 110 checks whether the number of tours and the shooting time can be made the same. If they can be made the same, in S1303, the number of tours and the shooting time are set to be the same. If they cannot be made the same in S1302, in S1304, the shooting times are set to be staggered. In this way, it is possible to accommodate a variety of tour settings.

[0068] <Other embodiments> Although the 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 the gist of the present invention. For example, combinations of the respective embodiments are also included in the disclosure of this specification.

[0069] In the first embodiment, a patrol function setting method has been described for the case where the distance between patrol shooting areas 402 is prioritized, in the second embodiment, the number of patrols is prioritized, and in the third embodiment, the patrol time is prioritized. The above-mentioned embodiments may be combined to set the patrol function. For example, the patrol function may be set with the number of patrols being prioritized, and then a parameter may be set to determine which patrol shooting setting value is to be prioritized, such as setting a reference value for the distance between patrol shooting areas 402 and grouping them.

[0070] Furthermore, the client device 103 may have the function of the system control unit 110 (setting unit).

[0071] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 101 Imaging device 102 Network 103 Client device 104 Imaging unit 105 Drive unit 107 Drive control unit 108 Storage section 110,118 System control section 115 Shooting direction indicator 117 Patrol setting section 1000 Imaging System

Claims

1. A plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit; A drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units; A drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change the imaging areas of the plurality of imaging units; an acquisition unit that acquires information on a plurality of shooting areas for cyclic shooting in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to capture images; and a setting unit that groups the plurality of shooting regions based on a reference value related to a distance between the shooting regions.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the reference value is a distance between optical axis centers of the imaging areas.

3. A plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit; A drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units; A drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change the shooting areas of the plurality of image capturing units; an acquisition unit that acquires information on a plurality of shooting areas for cyclic shooting in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to capture images; and a setting unit that groups the multiple shooting areas so that a cycle count, which is the number of shooting areas included in the group where the cyclic shooting is performed, becomes a reference value determined based on a total cycle count and the number of the imaging units.

4. A plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit; A drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units; A drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change the imaging areas of the plurality of imaging units; an acquisition unit that acquires information on a plurality of shooting areas for cyclic shooting in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to capture images; and a setting unit that groups the multiple shooting areas so that a cycling time, which is the time it takes for the imaging unit to photograph the multiple shooting areas, becomes a reference value determined based on a sum of the cycling times and the number of the imaging units.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the number of the imaging units and the number of groups formed do not match, the setting unit changes the reference value and continues the grouping process, and when the number of the imaging units and the number of groups formed match, the setting unit terminates the grouping process.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the multiple shooting areas that have been set include two shooting areas that are to be shot simultaneously, the setting unit sets one of the two shooting areas and the other shooting area that is different from the one of the two shooting areas as separate groups.

7. The imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the setting unit sets a first group including a first shooting area and a second shooting area and a second group including a third shooting area and a fourth shooting area, and when the first shooting area, the third shooting area, the second shooting area, and the fourth shooting area are located in that order in the movement direction of the imaging unit, the setting unit staggers the time at which each of the shooting areas of the multiple imaging units is photographed.

8. The imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the setting unit sets a first group including a first shooting area and a second shooting area and a second group including a third shooting area and a fourth shooting area, and when the first shooting area, the third shooting area, the second shooting area, and the fourth shooting area are located in that order in the movement direction of the imaging unit, the setting unit overlaps the time for photographing each of the shooting areas of the multiple imaging units.

9. An imaging device having a plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit, a drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units, and a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change an imaging area of ​​the plurality of imaging units; and an information processing device that is capable of communicating via a network, a rotation setting unit that sets a plurality of shooting areas for the rotational photography in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to take images, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of shooting areas are grouped based on a reference value relating to a distance between the shooting areas in the imaging device.

10. An imaging device having a plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit, a drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units, and a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change an imaging area of ​​the plurality of imaging units; and an information processing device that is capable of communicating via a network, a rotation setting unit that sets a plurality of shooting areas for the rotational photography in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to take images, An information processing device characterized in that, in the imaging device, the multiple imaging areas are grouped so that the number of cycles, which is the number of imaging areas included in the group for which the cyclic shooting is performed, is a reference value determined based on the total number of cycles and the number of the imaging units.

11. An imaging device having a plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit, a drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units, and a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change an imaging area of ​​the plurality of imaging units; and an information processing device that is capable of communicating via a network, a rotation setting unit that sets a plurality of shooting areas for the rotational photography in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to take images, An information processing device characterized in that, in the imaging device, the multiple shooting areas are grouped so that a patrol time, which is the time it takes for the imaging unit to photograph the multiple shooting areas, becomes a reference value determined based on the sum of the patrol times and the number of the imaging units.

12. A control method for an imaging device having a plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit, a drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units, and a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change an imaging area of ​​the plurality of imaging units, comprising: A control method for an imaging device, characterized by obtaining information on a plurality of shooting areas for cyclic shooting in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to shoot, and setting the plurality of shooting areas to be grouped based on a reference value related to the distance between the shooting areas.

13. A control method for an imaging device having a plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit, a drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units, and a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change an imaging area of ​​the plurality of imaging units, comprising: A control method for an imaging device, comprising: acquiring information on a plurality of shooting areas for cyclic shooting in which the plurality of imaging units are rotated to shoot; and grouping the plurality of shooting areas so that a cycle number, which is the number of the shooting areas for which the cyclic shooting is performed and included in a group, is a reference value determined based on a total cycle number and the number of the imaging units.

14. A control method for an imaging device having a plurality of imaging units that are movable circumferentially along a guide unit, a drive unit that drives the plurality of imaging units, and a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to change an imaging area of ​​the plurality of imaging units, comprising: A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that the multiple shooting areas are grouped so that a cycling time, which is the time it takes for the imaging unit to photograph the multiple shooting areas, becomes a standard value determined based on the total value of the cycling time and the number of the imaging units.

15. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 15.

Images