Imaging device, imaging system, and method for setting an imaging device

Abstract

Provided are an image capturing device, an image capturing system, and an image capturing device setting method with which a telop display region can be set.　The present technology provides: an image capturing device provided with a telop display region setting unit for setting a telop display region, which is a region in which a telop is displayed superimposed on a captured image; an image capturing system including a telop display region setting unit for setting a telop display region, which is a region in which a telop is displayed superimposed on a captured image; and an image capturing device setting method including setting a telop display region, which is a region in which a telop is displayed superimposed on a captured image.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an imaging device, an imaging system, and a setting method for an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been used in which a plurality of images are arranged in a plurality of regions of a display unit.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a camera having "an imaging unit and a display unit, and an image selection mode using a template that arranges multiple images in multiple areas of the display unit, characterized in that in the shooting mode using the template, the camera is equipped with a display control unit that displays an image from the imaging unit in an area selected from the multiple areas, different from the area of the template, before shooting the image from the imaging unit." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-030263 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, for example, in television broadcasting and video distribution services, a technology is used to superimpose captions and the like on images displayed on a screen. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about setting a caption display area in an imaging device where the captions are displayed.

[0006] Therefore, a main object of the present technology is to provide an imaging device, an imaging system, and a setting method for an imaging device that are capable of setting the telop display area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present technology provides an imaging device including a telop display area setting unit that sets a telop display area, which is an area where a telop is superimposed and displayed on a captured image. The telop display area setting unit may set a display position of the telop display area. The telop display area setting unit may set a size of the telop display area. The telop display area setting unit may set a color of the telop display area. The telop display area setting unit may set a display transmittance of the telop display area. The telop display area setting unit may set a shape of the telop display area. The telop display area setting unit may set identification information for identifying the telop. The telop display area setting unit may be set so that a user cannot change setting information regarding the telop display area. The telop display area setting unit may set a range in which a user can change setting information regarding the telop display area. The telop display area setting unit may set a plurality of the telop display areas. The telop display area setting unit may set an attribute of a product for which the imaging device is used. The imaging device further includes a display control unit, and the display control unit may perform display control so that the telop display area is superimposed on the captured image. The display control unit may change a display position of the telop display area according to a size of a display screen included in the imaging device. The display control unit may change a size of the telop display area according to a size of a display screen included in the imaging device. The imaging device further includes an operation unit that receives a user's operation, and the telop display area setting unit may set the telop display area based on operation information obtained from the operation unit. The operation unit may include a touch panel that receives a touch operation of the user. The operation unit may include physical buttons that receive button pressing operations of the user. The present technology also provides an imaging system including a telop display area setting unit that sets a telop display area which is an area where a telop is superimposed and displayed on a captured image. The present technology also provides a setting method for an imaging device including setting a telop display area which is an area where a telop is superimposed and displayed on a captured image.

Brief Description of Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below show an example of typical embodiments of the present technology, and thus the scope of the present technology is not limited to these embodiments, and various combinations, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the gist. Also, for the drawings, the same or equivalent elements or members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, in the drawings, "up" means the upward or upper side in the drawing, "down" means the downward or lower side in the drawing, "left" means the leftward or left side in the drawing, and "right" means the rightward or right side in the drawing.

[0011] The description of the present technology will be made in the following order. 1. First Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 1 of Imaging Device) (1) Outline of this Embodiment (2) Display Unit (3) Telop Display Area Setting Unit (4) Flowchart (4-1) At Startup (4-2) During Shooting (4-3) When Setting is Changed (4-4) At On / Off Switching (4-5) Production procedure 2. Second Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 2 of Imaging Device) 3. Third Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 3 of Imaging Device) 4. Fourth Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 4 of Imaging Device) 5. Fifth Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 5 of Imaging Device) 6. Sixth Embodiment of the Present Technology (Imaging System) 7. Seventh Embodiment of the Present Technology (Setting Method of Imaging Device)

[0012] [1. First Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 1 of Imaging Device)] [(1) Outline of this Embodiment] The imaging device according to an embodiment of the present technology is a professional or consumer imaging device used for the production of products broadcast or distributed in, for example, television broadcasts or video distribution services. Examples of products include programs, movies, teaching materials, etc.

[0013] Conventionally, in the production of products, a technique of superimposing subtitles on the video displayed on the screen has been used. Subtitles are information such as characters, symbols, or images related to the product. Examples of subtitles include emergency information such as earthquakes and warnings, flash news such as election results and news, advertisements, time, station names, comments from program performers, situation explanations, interview conversations, lyrics played in music programs, logos, face images, etc.

[0014] Generally, these subtitles are superimposed on the video during or after shooting. Therefore, there is a problem that important people or characters included in the video may be hidden and become invisible when subtitles are superimposed on them.

[0015] In order to prevent this problem, the cameraman during shooting must shoot while imaging the area where the subtitles are superimposed. Therefore, there is also a problem that skilled techniques are required for shooting.

[0016] Therefore, the main object of the present technology is to provide an imaging device in which a telop display area where a telop is displayed can be set. As a result, since a cameraman can recognize the telop display area during shooting, it is possible to prevent important people, images, etc. from being hidden by the telop and becoming invisible. In addition, since it is not necessary to image the area where the telop is superimposed, shooting becomes easier for the cameraman.

[0017] The above effects are the same in other embodiments described later. Therefore, in other embodiments described later, the description will be omitted again.

[0018] An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 100 can include, for example, a display unit 1, a telop display area setting unit 2, a memory 3, an imaging element 4, a signal processing unit 11, a display control unit 5, a control unit 6, an output unit 7, and the like.

[0020] The display unit 1 displays the captured image. The captured image is an image displayed on the display unit 1 and is an image that a cameraman checks during shooting. The display unit 1 may be a finder such as a live view monitor or an electronic viewfinder, for example. Alternatively, the display unit 1 may be a display included in, for example, a display device, a television receiver, a smartphone terminal, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PC (Personal Computer), a server, a portable music player, a portable game machine, or a wearable terminal (HMD: Head Mounted Display, glasses-type HMD, watch-type terminal, band-type terminal, etc.).

[0021] The telop display area setting unit 2 can be realized, for example, by using a non-volatile memory or the like. The telop display area setting unit 2 sets the telop display area. A detailed description of the telop display area setting unit 2 will be given later.

[0022] The memory 3 can be realized by using, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 3 obtains information about the caption display area set in the caption display area setting unit 2 and temporarily stores it.

[0023] The imaging device 4 obtains image data. The imaging device 4 can be realized by using, for example, an image sensor. The imaging device 4 may be, for example, of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type, and may be configured to have a sensing element in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged. Thereby, the imaging device 4 performs exposure control on the light from the subject incident through a lens or the like. Further, the imaging device 4 may be configured to include a processing unit that performs, for example, CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) processing, AGC (Automatic Gain Control) processing, or A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing on the electrical signal photoelectrically converted by the pixels. Thereby, the imaging device outputs an imaging image signal as digital data to the signal processing unit 11, the control unit 6, and the like.

[0024] The signal processing unit 11 may be configured by, for example, a microprocessor specialized in digital signal processing such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a microcomputer. The signal processing unit 11 includes units for performing various signal processes on the digital signal (imaging image signal) sent from the imaging device 4. Specifically, the signal processing unit 11 performs processes such as correction processing between the R, G, and B color channels, white balance correction, aberration correction, and shading correction. Further, the signal processing unit 11 performs YC generation processing for generating (separating) a luminance (Y) signal and a color (C) signal from the R, G, and B image data, processing for adjusting luminance and color, and various processes such as knee correction and gamma correction.

[0025] The signal processing unit 11 performs conversion to the final output format by performing resolution conversion processing, codec processing for encoding for recording and communication, etc. The image data converted to the final output format is stored in, for example, the memory 3. Also, when the image data is output to the display unit 1, the captured image is displayed.

[0026] The display control unit 5 can be realized by, for example, a circuit or program having an OSD (On-Screen Display) function. The display control unit 5 performs display control so that the telop display area set by the telop display area setting unit 2 is superimposed on the captured image included in the image data obtained by the imaging element 4.

[0027] The captured image with the telop display area superimposed can be displayed on, for example, the display unit 1. Alternatively, the captured image with the telop display area superimposed can be displayed on an electronic device other than the imaging device 100 via the output unit 7. This electronic device may be, for example, a display device or a computer device. The output unit 7 can be realized by using, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal or an SDI terminal.

[0028] The control unit 6 can be realized by using, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 6 controls the processing of components such as the display control unit 5. For example, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 to perform display control based on the information regarding the telop display area stored in the memory 3.

[0029] Although not shown, the imaging device 100 may include, as other components, a storage unit for storing image data, a lens, a lens driving unit for driving the lens, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 6 may control the lens and the like included in the imaging device 100. Based on the captured image and the information regarding the telop display area, the control unit 6 can instruct the lens driving unit included in the imaging device 100. Thereby, in order to prevent a person, characters, or the like included in the captured image from being hidden in the telop display area and becoming invisible, the imaging device 100 can automatically change the zoom magnification, the angle of view, or the like.

[0031] [(2) Display unit] The display unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the telop display area is superimposed on the captured image. The user can take a picture while viewing this display unit 1, and can take a picture while confirming the telop display area.

[0032] Furthermore, the display unit 1 may display a plurality of telop display areas. This will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 1 can superimpose and display a plurality of telop display areas A1 to A3 on the captured image. Note that the number of telop display areas is not particularly limited.

[0033] This telop display area can be changed by the user's operation. Specifically, for example, the display position, size, color, display transmittance, shape, and / or identification information of the telop display area can be changed by the user's operation.

[0034] In order to achieve this, as shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 100 may further include an operation unit 10 that receives the user's operation. The telop display area setting unit 2 sets the telop display area based on the operation information obtained from the operation unit 10.

[0035] The operation unit 10 can be realized, for example, by having a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a tablet, a touch pad, a stick-type pointing device, a touch panel, a joystick, etc. In the following description, an embodiment in which the operation unit 10 has a touch panel will be used. The touch panel receives a touch operation by the user. The touch panel is an integrated unit of the display unit 1 and the operation unit 10.

[0036] The operation of the touch panel will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0037] For example, when a menu button or the like provided in the imaging device 100 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 4A, a first menu window W1 is displayed on the screen displayed on the display unit 1. In the first menu window W1, for example, a “Telop display On / Off” button B1 and a “Telop display position adjustment” button B2 are arranged. Note that the buttons displayed in the first menu window W1 are not limited to these.

[0038] When the “Telop display On / Off” button B1 is selected by a touch operation or the like, the telop display areas A1 and A2 are displayed or not displayed on the display screen. More specifically, when the telop display area is being displayed and the “Telop display On / Off” button B1 is selected, the telop display area is no longer displayed. When the telop display area is not being displayed and the “Telop display On / Off” button B1 is selected, the telop display area is displayed.

[0039] For example, when determining the composition of a captured image, the user can prevent the caption display areas A1 and A2 from being displayed by selecting the "Caption Display On / Off" button B1. As a result, since a part of the captured image is not hidden by the caption display area and becomes invisible, it becomes easier to determine the composition of the captured image. After that, the user can take a picture while the caption display areas A1 and A2 are being displayed by selecting the "Caption Display On / Off" button B1.

[0040] When the "Caption Display Position Adjustment" button B2 is selected, the display positions of the caption display areas A1 and A2 become changeable. If the display position is always changeable, there is a possibility that the display position may be changed if the user accidentally touches the operation unit 10. Therefore, it is preferable that the changeability of the display position can be set.

[0041] When the display position becomes changeable, the display screen shown in FIG. 4B is transitioned to. On this display screen, the user can change the display position by dragging the caption display areas A1 and A2 by a touch operation or the like.

[0042] Furthermore, when the user touches the caption display areas A1 and A2 for, for example, several seconds, the display screen shown in FIG. 4C is transitioned to. As shown in this display screen, a second menu window W2 is displayed on the display screen. In the second menu window W2, for example, a "Size Change" button B3, a "Color Change" button B4, and a "Delete" button B5 are arranged. Note that the buttons displayed in the second menu window W2 are not limited to these.

[0043] When the "Size Change" button B3 is selected, the sizes of the caption display areas A1 and A2 become changeable. When the "Color Change" button B4 is selected, the colors of the caption display areas A1 and A2 become changeable. When the "Delete" button B5 is selected, the caption display areas A1 and A2 become deletable.

[0044] Also, in the display screen shown in FIG. 4B, when the user touches the lower right part for, for example, several seconds, the display screen shown in FIG. 4D is transitioned to. As shown in this display screen, a new caption display area A3 is displayed.

[0045] [(3) Caption Display Area Setting Unit] The caption display area setting unit 2 sets the caption display area by holding information regarding the caption display area. The information regarding the caption display area will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is an example of a table that holds information regarding the caption display area according to the present embodiment. This table may be recorded, for example, in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format or the like. This table can be recorded together with image data.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the caption display area setting unit 2 can set the display position of the caption display area. More specifically, the caption display area setting unit 2 can set a specific position in the caption display area, for example, by coordinates or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the display position is set by the coordinates of the X-axis in the horizontal direction of the display screen and the coordinates of the Y-axis in the vertical direction. These coordinates may be, for example, the vertices in the caption display area or the center of the caption display area.

[0047] By the caption display area setting unit 2 setting the display position of the caption display area, the user can set the display position of the caption display area via the operation unit 10 according to the display position of the caption to be superimposed.

[0048] Furthermore, the caption display area setting unit 2 can set the size of the caption display area. More specifically, the caption display area setting unit 2 can set the size of the caption display area, for example, by width and height, or area. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the size is set by width and height. This width and height or area may be represented, for example, in the metric system or in pixels.

[0049] By setting the size of the caption display area by the caption display area setting unit 2, the user can set the size of the caption display area via the operation unit 10 according to the size of the caption to be superimposed.

[0050] Furthermore, the caption display area setting unit 2 can set the color of the caption display area. More specifically, the caption display area setting unit 2 can set the color of the frame line and / or the filled area in the caption display area. This color can be represented by, for example, the name of the color. For example, when the color of the caption display area is red, the caption display area setting unit 2 can set this color as "Red".

[0051] Alternatively, this color may be represented by, for example, RGB values or CMYK values. RGB values or CMYK values can express the hue, lightness, and saturation of the color respectively. RGB values consist of an R value, a G value, and a B value. The R value indicates the degree of red. The G value indicates the degree of green. The B value indicates the degree of blue. CMYK values consist of a C value, an M value, a Y value, and a K value. The C value indicates the degree of cyan. The M value indicates the degree of magenta. The Y value indicates the degree of yellow. The K value indicates the degree of black. In the example shown in FIG. 5, green is indicated by the hexadecimal RGB value of "#00ff00".

[0052] By setting the color of the caption display area by the caption display area setting unit 2, the user can freely set the color of the caption display area via the operation unit 10. For example, the user can set it to black outdoors during the day and white at night so that the visibility of the caption display area is high. When taking an image outdoors during the day, the captured image tends to be bright and close to white, so a black caption display area has high visibility. When taking an image at night, the captured image tends to be dark and close to black, so a white caption display area has high visibility.

[0053] Furthermore, meanings may be associated with colors. For example, red may be associated with text, and green may be associated with a face image. Thus, the user can understand that character information is superimposed on the red telop display area and a face image is superimposed on the green telop display area. For example, when text included in a video has text superimposed as a telop, there is a problem that the visibility of the text is reduced because text is superimposed on text. Similarly, for example, when a face image included in a video has a face image superimposed as a telop, there is a problem that the visibility of the face image is reduced because a face image is superimposed on a face image. By the telop display area setting unit 2 setting the color of the telop display area, this problem can be prevented.

[0054] Furthermore, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set the display transmittance of the telop display area. This display transmittance indicates the degree to which the captured image of the background can be seen through. The telop display area setting unit 2 can set the display transmittance, for example, as a percentage. If the display transmittance is 0, it becomes completely transparent and the telop display area is not displayed. If the display transmittance is 1, it becomes completely opaque and the captured image of the background cannot be seen. If the display transmittance is 0.5, it becomes semi-transparent.

[0055] By the telop display area setting unit 2 setting the display transmittance of the telop display area, the user can freely set the display transmittance of the telop display area via the operation unit 10. As a result, since the captured image of the background of the telop display area can be seen through, the user can take a picture while simultaneously checking the telop display area and the captured image. As a result, taking pictures becomes easier.

[0056] Furthermore, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set the shape of the telop display area. This shape can be represented, for example, by the name of the shape. For example, when the shape of the telop display area is rectangular, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set this shape as "Square".

[0057] The shape may be, for example, rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or a silhouette. Rectangles include, for example, squares, rectangles, rounded squares, and rounded rectangles.

[0058] The telop display area setting unit 2 may set information regarding the frame line of the shape of the telop display area. For example, the telop display area setting unit 2 may set information such as the type of the frame line, whether it is a solid line or a dashed line, and the thickness of the frame line.

[0059] By setting the shape of the telop display area by the telop display area setting unit 2, the user can set the shape of the telop display area via the operation unit 10 according to the shape of the telop to be superimposed. Alternatively, when the shape is a silhouette of a person, the user can know that an image of a person is superimposed as the telop.

[0060] Furthermore, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set identification information for identifying the telop. For example, when the telop to be superimposed is text, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set this identification information as "text". For example, when the telop to be superimposed is a face image, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set this identification information as "face image". In addition, for example, "time", "broadcast station name", "MC", etc. may be set for this identification information.

[0061] By setting the identification information of the telop display area by the telop display area setting unit 2, the user can set the identification information of the telop display area via the operation unit 10 according to the telop to be superimposed.

[0062] For example, when characters are superimposed as subtitles on the characters included in the video, the characters are superimposed on the characters, resulting in a problem that the visibility of the characters is reduced. Similarly, for example, when a face image included in the video is superimposed as a subtitle, the face image is superimposed on the face image, resulting in a problem that the visibility of the face image is reduced. By the subtitle display area setting unit 2 setting the identification information of the subtitle display area, this problem can be prevented.

[0063] Alternatively, this identification information may be used for association when the subtitle is superimposed. For example, when the subtitle is superimposed during the editing of the production, the subtitle can be superimposed on the captured image based on this identification information.

[0064] Furthermore, the subtitle display area setting unit 2 can be set so that the user cannot change the setting information regarding the subtitle display area. In the example shown in FIG. 5, in the item of "prohibition of change", the setting information regarding the subtitle display area is set so that the user cannot change it. The subtitle display area A2 marked with a circle in this item is not allowed to be changed by the user for the setting information.

[0065] By setting in this way by the subtitle display area setting unit 2, the user cannot change the setting information regarding the subtitle display area via the operation unit 10. As a result, for example, the display positions such as time and broadcast station name are fixed, and uniformity is created in the appearance of the production.

[0066] Furthermore, the subtitle display area setting unit 2 can set the range that the user can change in the setting information regarding the subtitle display area. This changeable range includes the display position, size, color, display transmittance, shape, identification information, etc. of the subtitle display area described above. In the example shown in FIG. 5, in the item of "changeable range", "color" is set as the range that the user can change.

[0067] As a result, for example, the display position cannot be changed, but the color can be set to be changeable. More specifically, the telop display area setting unit 2 may set, for example, the range within which the RGB values of the color can be set.

[0068] Alternatively, the telop display area setting unit 2 may set, for example, the range that can be changed by the user on the display screen. For example, when the display position of the telop display area is included in the upper half of the display screen, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set the setting information regarding the telop display area so that the user cannot change it.

[0069] When the telop display area setting unit 2 makes such a setting, the user cannot change the setting information regarding some of the telop display areas via the operation unit 10. As a result, the display positions of, for example, the time and the broadcast station name are fixed, and uniformity is achieved in the appearance of the production.

[0070] Furthermore, the telop display area setting unit 2 can set a plurality of telop display areas. The telop display area setting unit 2 can set, for each of the plurality of telop display areas, the above-described display position, size, color, display transmittance, shape, identification information, and the like.

[0071] When the telop display area setting unit 2 sets a plurality of telop display areas, the user can freely set the plurality of telop display areas via the operation unit 10. As a result, a plurality of telops can be superimposed and displayed on the captured image.

[0072] Note that the program for realizing the display control unit 5 and the like may be stored in another computer device or computer system other than the imaging device 100. In this case, the imaging device 100 can use a cloud service that provides the functions of this program. Examples of such cloud services include SaaS (Software as a Service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), and PaaS (Platform as a Service).

[0073] Furthermore, this program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), solid state drives, magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), CD-R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROM, Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), flash ROM, Random Access Memory (RAM)). Also, the above program may be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer readable media can supply the above program to a computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication channels.

[0074] [(4) Flowchart] [(4-1) At startup] The processing at the startup of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S101, the control unit 6 refers to the information regarding the telop display area set in the telop display area setting unit 2.

[0076] When this information can be referenced (step S102: Yes), in step S103, the control unit 6 transmits to the memory 3 that information regarding the caption display area is set. Then, in step S104, the memory 3 acquires information regarding the caption display area set in the caption display area setting unit 2.

[0077] On the other hand, when the information regarding the caption display area cannot be referenced (step S102: No), in step S105, the control unit 6 transmits to the memory 3 that information regarding the caption display area is not set.

[0078] Next, in step S106, the control unit 6 refers to the On / Off setting of the caption display area set in the caption display area setting unit 2.

[0079] When this setting is On (step S107: Yes), in step S108, the memory 3 holds that the On / Off setting of the caption display area is On.

[0080] On the other hand, when this setting is Off (step S107: No), in step S109, the memory 3 holds that the On / Off setting of the caption display area is Off.

[0081] [(4-2) During shooting] The processing during shooting of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S201, the control unit 6 refers to the On / Off setting of the caption display area held in the memory 3.

[0083] When this setting is On (step S202: Yes), in step S203, the control unit 6 refers to the information regarding the display position of the caption display area held by the memory 3.

[0084] When this information is referable (step S204: Yes), in step 205, the control unit 6 acquires information regarding the telop display area from the memory 3. Then, in step 206, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 to perform display control based on this information.

[0085] In step S207, the display control unit 5 performs display control so that the telop display area is superimposed on the captured image.

[0086] Finally, in step S208, the display control unit 5 transmits the image data including this captured image to the display unit 1, the output unit 7, or the like.

[0087] On the other hand, when the On / Off setting of the telop display area held in the memory 3 is Off (step S202: No), or when the information regarding the display position of the telop display area held in the memory 3 is not held in the memory 3 (step S204: No), in step S209, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 not to display the telop display area. Finally, in step S210, the display control unit 5 makes the telop display area non-displayed.

[0088] [(4-3) When setting is changed] The processing at the time of changing the setting of the information regarding the telop display area will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S301, the operation unit 10 receives an operation of the telop display area.

[0090] Next, in step S302, the control unit 6 transmits to the memory 3 that the information regarding the telop display area has been changed by the user's operation.

[0091] Next, in step S303, the control unit 6 causes the memory 3 to hold information regarding the caption display area.

[0092] Next, in step S304, the control unit 6 causes the caption display area setting unit 2 to hold information regarding the caption display area.

[0093] Next, in step S305, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 to perform display control based on the information regarding the caption display area.

[0094] Next, in step S306, the display control unit 5 performs display control so that the caption display area is superimposed on the captured image.

[0095] Finally, in step S307, the display control unit 5 transmits the image data including this captured image to the display unit 1 or the output unit 7, etc.

[0096] [(4-4)When On / Off switching] The processing at the time of On / Off switching of the caption display area will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 9, first, in step S401, the operation unit 10 receives an operation for switching the On / Off setting of the caption display area.

[0098] When the On / Off setting of the caption display area is On (step S402: Yes), in step S403, the control unit 6 transmits to the memory 3 that the On / Off setting of the caption display area is On.

[0099] Next, in step S404, the control unit 6 causes the caption display area setting unit 2 to hold that the On / Off setting of the caption display area is On.

[0100] Next, in step S405, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 to perform display control based on the information regarding the telop display area.

[0101] Next, in step S406, the display control unit 5 performs display control so that the telop display area is superimposed on the captured image.

[0102] Finally, in step S407, the display control unit 5 transmits the image data including this captured image to the display unit 1, the output unit 7, or the like.

[0103] On the other hand, when the On / Off setting of the telop display area is Off (step S402: No), in step S408, the control unit 6 transmits to the memory 3 that the On / Off setting of the telop display area is Off.

[0104] Next, in step S409, the control unit 6 causes the telop display area setting unit 2 to hold that the On / Off setting of the telop display area is Off.

[0105] Next, in step S410, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 not to display the telop display area.

[0106] Finally, in step S411, the display control unit 5 turns off the display of the telop display area.

[0107] [(4-5) Production procedure] The procedure when the user produces a product using the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure when the user produces a product using the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 10, first, in step S501, the user determines the display position of the telop on the display screen and the like. At this time, the imaging device 100 may not be used.

[0109] Next, in step S502, the user causes the imaging device 100 to set a telop display area in the telop display area setting unit 2.

[0110] Next, in step S503, the user causes the imaging device 100 to superimpose the telop display area on the captured image.

[0111] Next, in step S504, the user uses the imaging device 100 to take a picture so that the telop display area is not superimposed on the subject.

[0112] Finally, in step S505, when editing the production, the user superimposes a telop on the captured image. When the table shown in FIG. 5 is read, the user can recognize the position where the telop is to be superimposed. Note that the imaging device 100 may not be used in this step S505.

[0113] Note that the telop may be superimposed at the time of editing after shooting, or may be superimposed in real time during shooting. Therefore, in step S505, instead of during the editing of the production, for example, in a live broadcast or the like, the user may superimpose a telop on the captured image during shooting.

[0114] [2. Second Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 2 of Imaging Device)] The operation unit 10 may have physical buttons that receive the user's button pressing operations. This will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a top view showing an example of the physical button 8 included in the operation unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 11, in the physical button 8 according to the present embodiment, arrow buttons 82 are arranged above, below, left, and right around the outer periphery of the SET button 81 with the SET button 81 at the center. A BACK button 83 is arranged at the lower left of the SET button 81. These physical buttons 8 can be arranged in the vicinity of the display screen included in the display unit 1.

[0116] When the arrow button 82 is pressed, the caption display area moves in the direction of the arrow. When the SET button 81 is pressed, for example, the display position of the caption display area is determined. When the BACK button 83 is pressed, for example, the state of the display screen transitions to the previous state.

[0117] The operation of the physical button 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 1 according to the present embodiment. Note that the description of the same content as in FIG. 4 is omitted.

[0118] For example, when the SET button 81 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 12A, a first menu window W1 is displayed on the display screen.

[0119] When the "Caption Display On / Off" button is selected by pressing the arrow button 82 and the SET button 81, the caption display areas A1 and A2 are displayed or not displayed on the display screen.

[0120] When the "Caption Display Position Adjustment" button is selected, the display positions of the caption display areas A1 and A2 become changeable. When the display positions become changeable, the display screen transitions to the display screen shown in FIG. 12B. On this display screen, the user selects the caption display area whose display position is to be changed by pressing the arrow button 82. In this figure, the caption display area A1 is selected, and the frame line of the caption display area A1 is thicker.

[0121] When the SET button 81 is pressed, the caption display area A1 is selected, and the display position of the caption display area A1 becomes changeable. When the arrow button 82 is pressed, the caption display area A1 moves in the direction of the arrow.

[0122] Furthermore, when the SET button 81 is pressed for, example, several seconds, the display screen transitions to the display screen shown in FIG. 12C. As shown in this display screen, a second menu window W2 is displayed on the display screen.

[0123] Also, in the display screen shown in FIG. 12B, when the SET button 81 is pressed for, for example, several seconds in a state where the telop display area for changing the display position is selected, the display screen shown in FIG. 12D is transitioned to. As shown in this display screen, a new telop display area A3 is displayed.

[0124] Since the operation unit 10 has the physical button 8, the user can accurately adjust the display positions of the telop display areas A1 to A3. For example, when the arrow button 82 is pressed once, the telop display areas A1 to A3 can be moved by one pixel.

[0125] [3. Third Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 3 of Imaging Device)] The size of the display screen provided in the imaging device 100 often varies depending on the imaging device 100. This size includes not only the vertical and horizontal lengths of the display screen but also the resolution of the display screen and the like. Therefore, when the display position of the telop display area is set in coordinates, for example, the display position or size of the telop display area may differ depending on the imaging device 100.

[0126] Therefore, the display control unit 5 can change the display position and / or size of the telop display area according to the size of the display screen provided in the imaging device 100.

[0127] In the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, the telop display area setting unit 2 and the memory 3 store information regarding the telop display area in a general-purpose format. The control unit 6 normalizes the display position and / or size of the telop display area according to the size of the display screen by comparing the information regarding the size of the display screen and the information regarding the telop display area. Then, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 to perform display control. Then, the display control unit 5 performs display control so that the telop display area is superimposed on the captured image.

[0128] Thereby, the telop display area is displayed without being affected by the size of the display screen provided in the imaging device 100.

[0129] [4. Fourth Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 4 of Imaging Apparatus)] For example, the display position or size of the telop display area often has a predetermined arrangement pattern depending on the attributes of the production. The attributes include the form of provision of the production. Examples of the form of provision include television broadcasting, Internet distribution, or movie screening.

[0130] Alternatively, the attributes include the broadcast form of the production. Examples of the broadcast form include live broadcast or recorded broadcast.

[0131] Alternatively, the attributes include the type or name of the program that is the production. Examples of the type of program include news programs, information programs, sports programs, educational programs, entertainment programs, dramas, movie programs, etc. Furthermore, the attributes may include the name of the corner within the program.

[0132] In addition, the attributes include the type of event. Examples of the type of event include weddings, classes, parliaments, sports, etc. Here, for example, the types of sports such as soccer, baseball, and basketball are also included in the type of event.

[0133] These attributes are included in the information regarding the telop display area. The information regarding the telop display area will be described while referring to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is an example of a table that holds information regarding the telop display area according to an embodiment of the present technology. This table may be recorded in, for example, XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. This table can be recorded together with the image data.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 13, the information regarding the telop display area can include the attributes of the production. According to this attribute, the display position or size of the telop display area is set. A plurality of pieces of information regarding the telop display area may be set corresponding to one attribute.

[0135] In this way, the caption display area setting unit 2 sets the attributes of the product for which the imaging device 100 is used. Depending on the attributes, the display position or size of the caption display area is set, so that the arrangement pattern of the caption display area can be switched according to the attributes. This switching can be performed, for example, via a physical button 8 shown in FIG. 11. As a result, the user can easily switch the arrangement pattern of the caption display area according to the attributes, improving the convenience of the imaging device 100.

[0136] [5. Fifth Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 5 of Imaging Device)] The imaging device according to an embodiment of the present technology can share data related to the caption display area with other electronic devices. This will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 14, the imaging device 100 can further include an input / output unit 9 for inputting and outputting data.

[0137] The input / output unit 9 can include, for example, a connection unit 91 that connects to an external non-volatile memory and a communication unit 92 that communicates with an information communication network. Note that the input / output unit 9 may have only one of the connection unit 91 and the communication unit 92.

[0138] The non-volatile memory connected by the connection unit 91 includes, for example, an SD memory card, a Memory Stick (registered trademark), a USB flash drive, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, and the like.

[0139] The communication unit 92 can utilize communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0140] As a result, information regarding the caption display area can be shared among a plurality of electronic devices. For example, when a plurality of imaging devices 100 are used to produce one product, each of the plurality of imaging devices 100 can share information regarding the same caption display area. As a result, a unified caption display area is set for each of the plurality of imaging devices 100.

[0141] When the imaging device 100 is used for business purposes, reliability is required for the photographed data. Therefore, it is preferable to use a more reliable non-volatile memory rather than an information communication network that may have unstable communication.

[0142] However, when the distance from other electronic devices is far or when quick operations are required, it is preferable to use an information communication network. For example, when a news flash comes in while the imaging device 100 is being used at a certain shooting site, information regarding the caption display area can be transmitted from the computer device of the broadcasting station to the imaging device 100 via the information communication network.

[0143] [6. Sixth Embodiment (Imaging System) of the Present Technology] An imaging system according to an embodiment of the present technology is realized by connecting a computer device and an imaging device via an information communication network. As a result, for example, information regarding the caption display area set in the computer device can be shared with the imaging device via the information communication network. Thereby, for example, the effects described in the fifth embodiment are produced.

[0144] An imaging system according to an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Note that the imaging system 1000 according to the present embodiment can utilize the technologies according to the other embodiments described above. Therefore, components having the same functions as those in the other embodiments are denoted by the same names and reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 15, the computer device 200 and the imaging device 100 are connected via the information communication network 300. The information communication network 300 can be realized by, for example, a wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wireless network such as a wireless LAN (WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network) or a wireless WAN (WWAN: Wireless Wide Area Network) via a base station, or the Internet using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

[0146] The computer device 200 may be, for example, a smartphone terminal, or may be a tablet terminal, a mobile phone terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PC (Personal Computer), a server, a portable music player, a portable game machine, or a wearable terminal (HMD: Head Mounted Display, glasses-type HMD, watch-type terminal, band-type terminal, etc.).

[0147] The computer device 200 may include, as components, for example, an operation unit 10, a telop display area setting unit 2, a first memory 3a, a first communication unit 92a, a first control unit 6a, etc. Each component is connected, for example, by a bus as a data transmission path.

[0148] The operation unit 1 can be realized, for example, by having a touch panel or the like. The operation unit 1 receives an operation of the telop display area by the user.

[0149] The telop display area setting unit 2 can be realized, for example, by using a non-volatile memory or the like. The telop display area setting unit 2 sets the telop display area.

[0150] The first memory 3a can be realized by using, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The first memory 3a temporarily stores information such as information regarding the caption display area.

[0151] The first communication unit 92a has a function of communicating data with the imaging device 100 via the information communication network 300.

[0152] The first control unit 6a can be realized by using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit). The first control unit 6a controls the processing of components such as the caption display area setting unit 2.

[0153] The imaging device 100 can include, for example, an imaging element 4, a display control unit 5, a display unit 1, a storage unit 12, a second memory 3b, a second communication unit 92b, a second control unit 6b, and the like.

[0154] The imaging element 4 can be realized by using, for example, an image sensor. The imaging element 4 obtains image data.

[0155] The signal processing unit 11 includes various units for performing various signal processes on the digital signal (imaging image signal) sent from the imaging element 4.

[0156] The display control unit 5 can be realized by using, for example, a circuit or program having an OSD (On-Screen Display) function. The display control unit 5 performs display control such that the caption display area set by the caption display area setting unit 2 provided in the computer device 200 is superimposed on the captured image included in the image data obtained by the imaging element 4.

[0157] The display unit 1 can be realized by having a display screen such as a display. The display unit 1 can display a captured image and the like.

[0158] The storage unit 12 can be realized by using, for example, a non-volatile memory or the like. The storage unit 12 can store image data and the like.

[0159] The second memory 3b can be realized by using, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. The second memory 3b temporarily stores, for example, information regarding a caption display area.

[0160] The second communication unit 92b has a function of communicating data with the computer device 200 via the information communication network 300.

[0161] The second control unit 6b can be realized by using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) or the like. The second control unit 6b controls the processing of components such as the display control unit 5. For example, the control unit 6 instructs the display control unit 5 to perform display control based on the information regarding the caption display area stored in the second memory 3b.

[0162] The computer device 200 may be one or a plurality. Similarly, the imaging device 100 may be one or a plurality. Also, there may be a computer device 200 or an imaging device 100 that is not connected to the information communication network 300.

[0163] The computer device 200 can have some or all of the functions of the imaging device 100. Similarly, the imaging device 100 can have some or all of the functions of the computer device 200. For example, the imaging device 100 may include a caption display area setting unit 2.

[0164] In addition, as long as the gist of the present technology is not deviated from, the configurations described in the above embodiments can be selected and combined, or appropriately changed to other configurations.

[0165] [7. The Seventh Embodiment of the Present Technology (Setting Method of Imaging Device)] A setting method according to an embodiment of the present technology is a setting method for an imaging device, including setting a telop display area using the imaging device. Note that the setting method according to the present embodiment can utilize the techniques according to the other embodiments described above. Therefore, a repeated description of the techniques described in the other embodiments will be omitted.

[0166] The setting method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the setting method according to this embodiment.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 16, first, in step S1, the imaging device accepts a user's operation on the telop display area.

[0168] Next, in step S2, the imaging device sets a telop display area based on a user operation.

[0169] The setting method according to this embodiment can be realized by using software and hardware. Specifically, for example, the setting method according to this embodiment can be realized by a microcomputer included in the imaging device, which is hardware, reading a program for realizing the setting method according to this embodiment.

[0170] In addition to this, the configurations given in the above embodiments can be selected or changed to other configurations as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

[0171] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0172] The present technology can also be configured as follows. [1] An imaging device including a caption display area setting unit that sets a caption display area in which captions are displayed superimposed on a captured image. [2] The caption display area setting unit sets the display position of the caption display area. The imaging device according to [1]. [3] The caption display area setting unit sets the size of the caption display area. The imaging device according to [1] or [2]. [4] The caption display area setting unit sets the color of the caption display area. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The caption display area setting unit sets the display transmittance of the caption display area. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] The caption display area setting unit sets the shape of the caption display area. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to [5]. [7] The caption display area setting unit sets identification information for identifying the caption. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8] The caption display area setting unit sets so that the user cannot change the setting information regarding the caption display area. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to [7]. [9] The caption display area setting unit sets the range that the user can change in the setting information regarding the caption display area. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to [8].

[10] The caption display area setting unit sets a plurality of the caption display areas. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to [9].

[11] The caption display area setting unit sets the attributes of the product for which the imaging device is used. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to

[10] .

[12] Further includes a display control unit, The display control unit performs display control so that the telop display area is superimposed on the captured image. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to

[11] .

[13] The display control unit changes the display position of the telop display area according to the size of the display screen included in the imaging device. The imaging device according to

[12] .

[14] The display control unit changes the size of the telop display area according to the size of the display screen included in the imaging device. The imaging device according to

[12] or

[13] .

[15] Further includes an operation unit that receives a user operation, The telop display area setting unit sets the telop display area based on operation information obtained from the operation unit. The imaging device according to any one of [1] to

[14] .

[16] The operation unit has a touch panel that receives a touch operation of the user. The imaging device according to

[15] .

[17] The operation unit has a physical button that receives a button press operation of the user. The imaging device according to

[15] or

[16] .

[18] An imaging system including a telop display area setting unit that sets a telop display area, which is an area where a telop is superimposed and displayed on a captured image.

[19] A setting method for an imaging device, including setting a telop display area, which is an area where a telop is superimposed and displayed on a captured image.

Explanation of Signs

[0173] A1 to A3: Telop display area 100: Imaging device 1: Display unit 2: Telop display area setting unit 3: Memory 4: Image sensor 5: Display control unit 6: Control unit 7: Output unit 8: Physical button 9: Input / output unit 91: Connection part 92: Communication unit 10: Operation unit 200: Computer device 300: Information communication network 1000: Imaging system S2: Setting the telop display area

Claims

1. A telop display area setting unit that sets a plurality of visual parameters including at least a display position, size, color, shape, and display transmittance as a display state of the telop display area, which is an area where a telop is superimposed on a captured image, before shooting based on a user operation; An imaging device comprising: a display control unit that superimposes the telop display area on the imaging device in a frame, color, or semi-transparent manner according to the set plurality of visual parameters.

2. The telop display area setting unit sets the display position of the telop display area. The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. The telop display area setting unit sets the size of the telop display area. The imaging device according to claim 1.

4. The telop display area setting unit sets the color of the telop display area. The imaging device according to claim 1.

5. The telop display area setting unit sets the display transmittance of the telop display area. The imaging device according to claim 1.

6. The telop display area setting unit sets the shape of the telop display area. The imaging device according to claim 1.

7. The telop display area setting unit sets identification information for identifying the telop. The imaging device according to claim 1.

8. The telop display area setting unit sets so that the user cannot change the setting information regarding the telop display area. The imaging device according to claim 1.

9. The telop display area setting unit sets a range in which the user can change the setting information regarding the telop display area. The imaging device according to claim 1.

10. The telop display area setting unit sets a plurality of the telop display areas. The imaging device according to claim 1.

11. The telop display area setting unit sets an attribute of a product for which the imaging device is used. The imaging device according to claim 1.

12. The display control unit changes the display position of the telop display area according to the size of a display screen included in the imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1.

13. The display control unit changes the size of the telop display area according to the size of a display screen included in the imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1.

14. It further comprises an operation unit that receives a user operation. The telop display area setting unit sets the telop display area based on operation information obtained from the operation unit. The imaging device according to claim 1.

15. The operation unit includes a touch panel that receives a touch operation of the user. The imaging device according to claim 14.

16. The operation unit includes a physical button that receives a button pressing operation of the user. The imaging device according to claim 14.

17. A telop display area setting unit that sets a plurality of visual parameters including at least a display position, size, color, shape, and display transmittance as a display state of the telop display area before shooting, based on a user's operation, for an area where a telop is superimposed on a captured image; An imaging system including a display control unit that superimposes the telop display area on the imaging device in a frame, color, or semi-transparent manner according to the plurality of set visual parameters.

18. A method for setting an imaging device, comprising: setting a plurality of visual parameters including at least a display position, size, color, shape, and display transmittance as a display state of the telop display area before shooting, based on a user's operation, for an area where a telop is superimposed on a captured image; superimposing the telop display area on the captured image in a frame, color, or semi-transparent manner according to the plurality of set visual parameters; and The telop display area is displayed on a display screen of the imaging device. A method for setting an imaging device.

Images