Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To appropriately acquire a thumbnail image of a preset.SOLUTION: A control device comprises: preset registration information acquisition means for acquiring from a camera preset registration information which is registered information regarding a preset of the camera; thumbnail image acquisition order determination means for determining an order, in which preset thumbnail images are acquired, so as to preferentially acquire a preset thumbnail image, which includes a setting value to change an angle of view in the preset registration information, in the preset thumbnail images which are images corresponding to the preset; thumbnail acquisition means for acquiring the preset thumbnail images according to the order which is determined by the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means; and thumbnail display means which displays the preset thumbnail image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, pan-tilt cameras, which allow remote control of the camera's imaging unit in pan and tilt directions, have been used in video production. Some of these pan-tilt cameras have a preset function that allows you to pre-register settings related to the angle of view (pan angle, tilt angle, etc.), zoom settings, and image quality settings (white balance, etc.), and then reads out the registered settings and reflects them in the settings.

[0003] Generally, a camera can store many presets, making it difficult for users to distinguish between them simply by the registration number and setting values. However, some pan-tilt cameras have a preset thumbnail display function that allows users to easily identify each preset. Preset thumbnail display is a function that saves the image captured by the camera when a preset is registered in the camera, and then retrieves the image via the network using a control device such as a WebUI or controller application to display a thumbnail. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-53669 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-4055 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, a large number of presets can be saved, which means that the client device must acquire thumbnail images for each preset, which can take time for the acquired images to be displayed as thumbnails, preventing the user from quickly moving on to the next operation.

[0006] According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, when acquiring a large number of thumbnail images, the order of acquired thumbnail images can be changed in response to a user operation, so that thumbnail images that are most important to the user can be displayed in descending order. However, this technique requires a user operation to change the order of thumbnail images, and it takes time for the user to proceed to the operation they want to perform after the thumbnail images have been acquired.

[0007] Furthermore, according to the technique described in Patent Document 2, the order in which thumbnail images are acquired can be automatically changed in accordance with rules regarding file names, creation times, etc., but it is difficult to say that this order offers any benefit to users who use the preset function.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a control device, a control method, and a program that are capable of appropriately acquiring preset thumbnail images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the control device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: preset registration information acquisition means for acquiring preset registration information, which is information registered regarding camera presets, from the camera; thumbnail image acquisition order determination means for determining the order in which preset thumbnail images, which are images corresponding to the presets, are acquired so as to give priority to preset thumbnail images, whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing the angle of view; thumbnail acquisition means for acquiring the preset thumbnail images in the order determined by the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means; and thumbnail display means for displaying the preset thumbnail images. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately acquire thumbnail images of presets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an entire system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an imaging device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a program of the imaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a program for a control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a preset thumbnail image display program. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of preset registration information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence diagram between an imaging device and a control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of a means for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0013] Example 1 A first example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 11. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an entire system. The system according to the first example includes a network 101, a camera 102, and a client device 103.

[0014] The network 101 is a network that connects the camera 102 and the client device 103. The network 101 is realized by, for example, a plurality of routers, switches, cables, etc. that comply with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Note that the network 101 may also be realized by the Internet, a wired local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a wide area network (WAN), etc.

[0015] The camera 102 captures image data and video data through a lens. In the first embodiment, the camera 102 transmits captured image data and the status of the camera 102 in response to a request from the client device 103 via the network 101. However, in other embodiments, the camera 102 may actively transmit image data to the client device 103 that is connected in advance. The client device 103 is a general client terminal such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0016] Next, the hardware configuration of the camera 102 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an imaging device. In the first embodiment, the camera 102 includes a CPU 201, a primary storage device 202, a secondary storage device 203, and a network interface (I / F) 204. In the first embodiment, the camera 102 also includes a pan tilt zoom (PTZ) driving unit 205, a camera control unit 206, an imaging unit 207, and an image input interface (I / F) 208.

[0017] The operation of camera 102 is controlled by CPU 201 appropriately executing an operating system (OS) and various programs loaded from secondary storage device 203 to primary storage device 202. In camera 102, a PTZ drive unit 205 and a camera control unit 206 determine the angle of view and specify parameters necessary for imaging, and camera 102 captures an image using imaging unit 207 under the determined angle of view and parameters. Furthermore, image data representing this image is input via image input I / F 208 and transmitted to client device 103 via primary storage device 202 or secondary storage device 203 network I / F 204. Furthermore, camera 102 can receive control commands from client device 103 via network I / F 204 and transmit the control commands to various programs for execution.

[0018] Here, the primary storage device 202 is also used as a working area when the OS, various programs, various data, etc. are loaded and executed by the CPU 201, and is a writable, high-speed storage device typified by RAM (Random Access Memory). On the other hand, the secondary storage device 203 is used as a permanent storage area for the OS, various programs, various data, etc. The secondary storage device 203 is also used as a storage area for various short-term data, etc., and is a non-volatile storage device typified by HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and flash memory.

[0019] The network I / F 204 is connected to the network 101. Network communication with the client device 103 is transmitted to various programs via the network I / F 204. The PTZ driving unit 205 controls the PTZ of the camera 102 by controlling a motor or the like. In other embodiments, the PTZ driving unit 205 may be a camera control unit that not only controls the PTZ but also controls settings and control of the camera 102, such as focus and white balance. The camera control unit 206 executes control related to imaging parameters, such as white balance and focus. The imaging unit 207 is equipped with a lens and an imaging element, captures an image of a subject, and converts the captured image into an electrical signal. The image input I / F 208 generates image data from the electrical signal.

[0020] Next, the hardware configuration of the client device 103 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a control device. The client device 103 is configured with a CPU 301, a primary storage device 302, a secondary storage device 303, a user input / output interface (I / F) 304, and a network interface (I / F) 305.

[0021] The operation of the client device 103 is controlled by the CPU 301 appropriately executing the OS and various programs loaded from the secondary storage device 303 to the primary storage device 302. Specifically, the client device 103 executes programs in response to user operations input via the user input / output I / F 304, and transmits control commands to the camera 102 via the network I / F 305 depending on the processing content. The user input / output I / F 304 also displays the results of the processing content, images acquired from the camera 102, and the like.

[0022] Here, the primary storage device 302 is a writable, high-speed storage device such as RAM into which the OS, various programs, various data, etc. are loaded and which is also used as a working area when the CPU 301 executes the OS, various programs, etc.

[0023] In addition, the secondary storage device 303 is used as a permanent storage area for the OS, various programs, various data, etc., as well as a storage area for various short-term data, etc., and is a non-volatile storage device represented by an HDD or flash memory.

[0024] The user input / output I / F 304 is an I / F through which the client device 103 receives operations from the user. The user input / output I / F 304 is also an I / F for inputting user information. The user input / output I / F 304 is also an I / F for outputting images and the like to the user. Examples of the user input / output I / F 304 include a display, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and the like. Here, the touch panel and the display may be configured as an integrated unit, such as a touch panel-mounted display that can detect touch positions. These I / Fs are used for touch operations, mouse operations, voice input, processing using captured images, and the like.

[0025] The network I / F 305 is an interface for connecting to the network 101. Network communication from the camera 102 is transmitted to various programs via the network I / F 305.

[0026] Next, various programs and various data stored in the primary storage device 202 and secondary storage device 203 of the camera 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a program of the imaging device.

[0027] In the first embodiment, an OS 401, an image capturing program 402, a communication control program 403, and a control program 404 are loaded into the primary storage device 203. In addition, preset registration information 405 and thumbnail images 406 are stored in the secondary storage device 203. The OS 401, the image capturing program 402, the communication control program 403, and the control program 404 that are loaded into the primary storage device are also stored.

[0028] The OS 401 is a basic program for controlling the entire camera 102. Here, the OS 401 manages various programs such as an image capturing program 402, a communication control program 403, and a control program 404. The OS 401 also manages the position, address, size, etc. of various data such as preset registration information 405 and thumbnail images 406 in the primary storage device 202 or secondary storage device 203.

[0029] The image capturing program 402 acquires an image captured by the image capturing unit 207 via the image input I / F 208 in response to an image acquisition request from the client device 103 or an instruction from another program. Then, the image capturing program 402 converts the acquired image into image data such as JPEG or video data such as H.264.

[0030] The communication control program 403 is a program for controlling communication executed with the client device 103 from the network I / F 204 via the network 101. Examples of the content of communication include receiving an acquisition request for an image captured by the imaging unit 206, and receiving a preset registration information acquisition request and a thumbnail image acquisition request, which will be described later. Note that the request received from the client device 103 may use a general communication protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

[0031] When the control program 404 receives a control command or the like from the client device 103, it controls the PTZ driving unit 205 and the camera control unit 206 based on the received command. In the first embodiment, the control program 404 also includes a preset registration program 4041 and a preset execution program 4042, which will be described later.

[0032] The registration information 405 includes a preset number 4051, PTZ registration information 4052, image quality setting registration information 4053, and thumbnail image presence / absence information 4054. The preset number 4051 indicates the serial number of the preset to be registered, and multiple presets, such as 100, can be registered in the camera 102. The PTZ registration information 4052 indicates the setting values ​​to be input to the PTZ driving unit 205. The image quality setting registration information 4053 indicates the setting values ​​to be input to the camera control unit 206. The thumbnail image presence / absence information 4054 indicates information regarding whether a thumbnail image corresponding to the preset with the preset number 4051 is stored. The thumbnail image 406 is a thumbnail image corresponding to the preset number 4051.

[0033] Here, when the preset registration program 4041 registers the specified preset registration information as the preset registration information 405, it stores the image captured by the imaging unit 207 as a thumbnail image 406. At this time, it is not necessary to store both the PTZ registration information 4052 and the image quality setting registration information 4053; it is sufficient to store only one of them. Furthermore, the thumbnail image 406 does not necessarily have to be stored; it may be stored as thumbnail image presence / absence information 4054. Therefore, the registered presets include at least one of the PTZ registration information 4052 and the image quality setting registration information 4053, and there will be a mixture of cases where a thumbnail image is included and cases where a thumbnail image is not included.

[0034] The preset execution program 4042 reads out the PTZ registration information 4052 and the image quality setting registration information 4053 of the stored preset registration information 405, and inputs the setting values ​​to the PTZ driving unit 205 and the camera control unit 206. At this time, if the PTZ registration information 4052 or the image quality setting registration information 4053 is not stored, the preset execution program 4042 omits inputting the setting values ​​of the PTZ registration information 4052 or the image quality setting registration information 4053.

[0035] Therefore, when a preset in which only the PTZ registration information 4052 is registered is executed, the angle of view is switched to that of the thumbnail image, but the color and brightness of the image may not be the same as that shown in the thumbnail image. On the other hand, when a preset in which only the image quality setting registration information 4053 is registered is executed, the color and brightness of the image will be the same as when the thumbnail image was acquired, but the angle of view will not change, and the angle of view may not be the same as that shown in the thumbnail image. When comparing these two, the angle of view has a greater influence on the image that can be acquired, and there is a large discrepancy between the image associated with the thumbnail image and the image that can actually be acquired. In other words, it can be said that the thumbnail image of a preset in which the PTZ registration information 4052 is registered contains more accurate information for the user.

[0036] Next, various programs and various data stored in the primary storage device 302 and secondary storage device 303 of the client device 103 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a program of the control device.

[0037] An OS 501, a communication control program 502, a display program 503, and a control program 504 are loaded into the primary storage device 302. Furthermore, preset registration information 505 and thumbnail images 506 are stored in the secondary storage device 303.

[0038] The OS 501 is a basic program for controlling the entire client device 103. Here, the OS 501 manages the positions (addresses) and sizes of various programs, such as the OS 501, communication control program 502, display program 503, and control program 504, in the primary storage device 302 or secondary storage device 303. The OS 501 also manages the positions (addresses) and sizes of various data, such as preset registration information 505 and thumbnail images 506, in the primary storage device 302 or secondary storage device 303.

[0039] The communication control program 502 is a program for controlling communication with the camera 102 from the network I / F 305 via the network 101. Examples of the content of communication include transmission of an acquisition request for an image captured by the imaging unit 207 of the camera 102, and transmission of a preset registration information acquisition request and a thumbnail image acquisition request, which will be described later. Note that the request transmitted to the camera 102 may use a general communication protocol, such as the hypertext transfer protocol.

[0040] The display program 503 is a program that displays video data acquired from the camera 102, preset thumbnail images acquired from the camera 102, and the like on a display device that is one of the user input / output I / Fs 304 of the client device 103. In the first embodiment, the GUI is displayed again in conjunction with the execution of a thumbnail image acquisition program, which will be described later. Note that input from an external device such as a mouse or keyboard, input from a display device that is a touch display, and the like can be received as input from the user.

[0041] The control program 504 is a program that controls the camera 102 via the communication control program 502 based on user input entered into the user input / output I / F 304. In the first embodiment, the control program 504 also includes a preset thumbnail image display program 5041, which will be described later.

[0042] The preset registration information 505 and the thumbnail images 506 are the same as the preset registration information 405 and the thumbnail images 406 in FIG.

[0043] Here, the preset thumbnail image display program 5041 acquires the preset registration information 405 and the thumbnail image 406 from the camera 102. Then, the preset thumbnail image display program 5041 stores the preset registration information 505 and the thumbnail image 506. Furthermore, the preset thumbnail image display program 5041 further displays the acquired thumbnail image 506 on the user input / output I / F 304 via the display program 503. This allows the user to easily identify the preset by visually checking the thumbnail image of the preset via the user input / output I / F 304.

[0044] Next, the preset thumbnail image display program 5041 will be described. Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the preset thumbnail image display program. As shown in Fig. 6, the preset thumbnail image display program 5041 includes a preset registration information acquisition unit 5041a, a thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b, a thumbnail acquisition unit 5041c, and a thumbnail display unit 5041d.

[0045] The preset registration information acquisition unit 5041a acquires preset registration information 505, which is information registered regarding presets of the camera 102, from the camera 102. The thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b determines the order in which preset thumbnail images are acquired so that preset thumbnail images corresponding to presets, whose preset registration information 505 includes a setting value for changing the angle of view, are acquired first. Here, the preset thumbnail image is an image captured by the camera 102 when the preset is registered. In other words, the preset is executed, and an image of the area captured by the preset execution is acquired as the preset thumbnail image. Note that the preset thumbnail image does not necessarily have to be an image captured when the preset was registered. It is sufficient that the preset thumbnail image is an image at least corresponding to the preset. For example, it may be a map image or an icon image indicating the location captured by the preset. The thumbnail acquisition unit 5041c acquires the preset thumbnail images in the order determined by the thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b. The thumbnail display unit 5041d displays the preset thumbnail images.

[0046] The thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b may also determine the order so that all preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information 505 includes a setting value for changing the angle of view and a setting value for changing the image quality are acquired first. In this case, the thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b may also determine the order so that all preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information 505 includes only a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired second. In this case, the thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b may also determine the order so that all preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information 505 includes only a setting value for changing the image quality are acquired third.

[0047] In this case, the thumbnail display unit 5041d may have a page switching function that displays multiple preset thumbnail images together and switches pages to display preset thumbnail images that cannot be displayed at once. In this case, the thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b may determine the order so that all preset thumbnail images displayed by the thumbnail display unit are acquired first. In this case, the thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b may determine the order so that all preset thumbnail images that are not displayed by the thumbnail display unit and whose preset registration information 505 includes a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired second. In this case, the thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041b may determine the order so that all preset thumbnail images that are not displayed by the thumbnail display unit and whose preset registration information 505 does not include a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired third.

[0048] Furthermore, the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means may determine the order so as to give priority to acquiring preset thumbnail images that are displayed by the thumbnail display means and whose preset registration information 505 includes a setting value for changing the angle of view.

[0049] An example of processing executed by the preset thumbnail image display program 5041 will now be described.

[0050] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the embodiment 1. Specifically, FIG.

[0051] In step S601, the CPU 301 acquires the preset registration information 405 from the camera 102.

[0052] In step S602, the CPU 301 uses the acquired preset registration information 505 to create an acquisition sequence of thumbnail images.

[0053] In step S603, the CPU 301 assigns 1 to the variable n.

[0054] In step S604, the CPU 301 acquires a thumbnail image of the preset with the n-th preset number in the acquisition sequence created in step S602, and displays it on the user input / output I / F 304 when acquisition is complete.

[0055] In step S605, CPU 301 adds 1 to variable n and assigns the result to variable n.

[0056] In step S606, the CPU 301 determines whether n is greater than the number of elements in the acquisition sequence. If the CPU 301 determines that n is greater than the number of elements in the acquisition sequence, it ends the process. On the other hand, if the CPU 301 determines that n is equal to or less than the number of elements in the acquisition sequence, it returns the process to step S604.

[0057] By executing the process shown in FIG. 7, the thumbnail images are displayed in the order of acquisition determined in step S602, and the user can view the thumbnail images without waiting for all of the thumbnail images to be acquired.

[0058] Next, details of step S602 shown in Fig. 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in the first embodiment.

[0059] In step S701, the CPU 301 assigns 1 to a variable k.

[0060] In step S702, the CPU 301 determines whether a preset with preset number k has been registered and a thumbnail image has been stored in the camera 102, based on the preset number 4051 and the thumbnail image presence / absence information 4054. If the CPU 301 determines that a preset with preset number k has been registered and a thumbnail image has been stored in the camera 102, the process proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if the CPU 301 determines that a preset with preset number k has not been registered or that a thumbnail image has not been stored in the camera 102, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0061] In step S703, the CPU 301 determines whether PTZ registration information is stored in the preset with preset number k based on the PTZ registration information 5052. If the CPU 301 determines that PTZ registration information is stored in the preset with preset number k, the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, if the CPU 301 determines that PTZ registration information is not stored in the preset with preset number k, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0062] In step S704, the CPU 301 adds k to the end of the registration number string A.

[0063] In step S705, the CPU 301 adds k to the end of the registration number string B.

[0064] In step S706, CPU 301 adds 1 to variable k and assigns the result to variable k.

[0065] In step S707, the CPU 301 determines whether k is greater than the maximum preset number that can be registered in the camera 102. If the CPU 301 determines that k is greater than the maximum preset number that can be registered in the camera 102, the process proceeds to step S709. On the other hand, if the CPU 301 determines that k is equal to or less than the maximum preset number that can be registered in the camera 102, the process returns to step S702.

[0066] In step S708, the CPU 301 concatenates the registration number string A and the registration number string B in the order of registration number string A, registration number string B.

[0067] 8, it is possible to acquire thumbnail images in order starting from the presets whose PTZ registration information 5052 is saved in the preset registration information 505. As a result, thumbnail images that are most accurate and important to the user are displayed on the user input / output I / F 304.

[0068] Next, with reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11, we will explain an example of the interaction between the camera 102 and the client device 103 when a preset thumbnail image is actually acquired and displayed in Example 1, and an example of the GUI displayed on the display unit of the user input / output I / F 304.

[0069] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of preset registration information in the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a table showing examples of presets registered in the camera 102. Each column in the table lists a preset registration number, information on whether or not there is a thumbnail image, whether or not there is PTZ registration information, and whether or not there is image quality setting registration information, and the last column lists the acquisition order when processing is performed according to the flow in Fig. 8.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence diagram between the imaging device and the control device in Example 1. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram between the camera 102 and the client device 103 when the presets illustrated in Fig. 9 are registered in the camera 102.

[0071] In step S901, the client device 103 transmits a preset registration information acquisition request to the camera 102, and in response, the camera 102 returns the preset registration information.

[0072] In step S902, the client device 103 determines the order of acquiring thumbnail images according to the flow shown in Fig. 8. In the first embodiment, the sequence shown in Fig. 9 is used when the presets are registered in the camera 102, and therefore the order of acquisition is the same as that shown in Fig. 9.

[0073] In step S903, the client device 103, in accordance with the determined acquisition order, transmits an acquisition request for the thumbnail image of preset number 1 to the camera 102. Then, in step S903, the camera 102 returns the thumbnail image data of preset number 1.

[0074] In steps S904 and S905 as well, the client device 103 follows the determined acquisition order and transmits to the camera 102 an acquisition request for thumbnail images of preset numbers 6 and 10. Then, in steps S904 and S905 as well, the camera 102 returns thumbnail image data of preset numbers 6 and 10.

[0075] The same process is then repeated, and finally, in step S906, the client device 103 acquires from the camera 102 the thumbnail image with preset number 9, which is the last thumbnail image in the acquisition order.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the sequence is such that thumbnail images are acquired one by one, but there is no problem with a sequence in which the acquisition order is specified and the images are acquired all at once.

[0077] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit of the control device in Example 1. Fig. 11 is an example of a GUI displayed on the user input / output I / F 304 when the presets shown in Fig. 8 are registered in the camera 102. The client device 103 displays a list of thumbnail images of the presets on the user input / output I / F 304, allowing the user to easily identify the presets.

[0078] Fig. 11(A) shows an example of the GUI before the process of acquiring thumbnail images starts. Fig. 11(B) shows an example of the GUI at the time when the process shown in Fig. 9 has been completed up to step S905. Fig. 11(C) shows an example of the GUI at the time when the process shown in Fig. 9 has been completed up to step S906. The GUI is updated every time the client device 103 acquires a thumbnail image, and until all thumbnail images have been acquired, only the acquired thumbnail images are displayed, as shown in Fig. 11(B). This display order is determined according to the process shown in Fig. 8. As a result, the user can view thumbnail images that are most likely to be important to them first.

[0079] Example 2 In the first embodiment, thumbnail images of presets in which PTZ registration information is registered are more important to the user, so a method for preferentially acquiring thumbnail images of the relevant presets was described. In the second embodiment, more important presets are extracted from among the presets in which PTZ registration information is registered. Note that the following mainly describes differences from the first embodiment, and components and processes that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0080] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a detailed flowchart in this embodiment of step S602 in Fig. 7. Steps S701, S702, S707, and S708 shown in Fig. 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0081] In step S1101, CPU 301 determines whether PTZ registration information is stored in the preset with preset number k based on PTZ registration information 5052. If CPU 301 determines that PTZ registration information is stored, it proceeds to step S1102. On the other hand, if CPU 301 determines that PTZ registration information is not stored, it proceeds to step S1105.

[0082] In step S1102, CPU 301 determines whether image quality setting registration information is stored in the preset with preset number k, based on image quality setting registration information 5053. If CPU 301 determines that image quality setting registration information is stored, it proceeds to step S1103. On the other hand, if CPU 301 determines that image quality setting registration information is not stored, it proceeds to step S1104.

[0083] In step S1103, the CPU 301 adds k to the end of the registration number string A.

[0084] In step S1104, the CPU 301 adds k to the end of the registration number string B.

[0085] In step S1105, the CPU 301 adds k to the end of the registration number string C.

[0086] In step S1106, the CPU 301 concatenates the registration number string A, the registration number string B, and the registration number string C in the order A, B, C.

[0087] 12 is executed, first, a thumbnail image in which both the PTZ registration information 5052 and the image quality setting registration information 5053 are stored in the preset registration information 505 is acquired. Next, a thumbnail image in which only the PTZ registration information 5052 is stored is acquired. Finally, a thumbnail image in which only the image quality setting registration information 5053 is stored is acquired.

[0088] This reduces the discrepancy between the image associated with the thumbnail image and the image that can actually be acquired, and the thumbnail images that are most accurate and important to the user are displayed on the user input / output I / F 304 first.

[0089] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which one or more processors read and execute a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments. The program may be supplied to a system or device having a processor via a network or a storage medium. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical concept or main features of the present invention. For example, combinations of the embodiments are also included in the disclosure of this specification.

[0091] The present invention also includes the following inventions that appropriately combine the above-mentioned features.

[0092] (Configuration 1) a preset registration information acquisition means for acquiring, from a camera, preset registration information that is information registered regarding presets of the camera; a thumbnail image acquisition order determination means for determining an order in which preset thumbnail images that are images corresponding to the presets are acquired so that preset thumbnail images that include a setting value for changing an angle of view in the preset registration information are acquired with priority; a thumbnail acquisition means for acquiring the preset thumbnail images in accordance with the order determined by the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means; and a thumbnail display means for displaying the preset thumbnail images.

[0093] (Configuration 2) The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means determines an order so that all the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing an angle of view and a setting value for changing image quality are acquired first, all the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes only a setting value for changing an angle of view are acquired second, and all the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes only a setting value for changing image quality are acquired third.

[0094] (Configuration 3) the thumbnail display means has a page switching function for displaying a plurality of the preset thumbnail images together and for displaying preset thumbnail images that cannot all be displayed at once by switching pages, and the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means determines the order so that all of the preset thumbnail images displayed by the thumbnail display means are acquired first, all of the preset thumbnail images that are not displayed by the thumbnail display means and whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing an angle of view are acquired second, and all of the preset thumbnail images that are not displayed by the thumbnail display means and whose preset registration information does not include a setting value for changing an angle of view are acquired third.

[0095] (Configuration 4) The control device according to configuration 3, wherein the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means determines the order so as to give priority to acquisition of the preset thumbnail images that are displayed by the thumbnail display means and whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing an angle of view.

[0096] (Method 1) a control method comprising: acquiring, from the camera, preset registration information that is information registered regarding camera presets; acquiring preset thumbnail images that are images corresponding to the presets so as to give priority to preset thumbnail images that include a setting value for changing an angle of view in the preset registration information; acquiring the preset thumbnail images in an order determined by the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means; and displaying the preset thumbnail images.

[0097] (Program 1) a program for acquiring preset registration information from a camera, which is information registered regarding presets of the camera; acquiring preset thumbnail images, which are images corresponding to the presets, so as to prioritize acquisition of preset thumbnail images, the preset registration information of which includes a setting value for changing an angle of view; acquiring the preset thumbnail images in an order determined by the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means; and displaying the preset thumbnail images.

[0098] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a recording medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit that realizes one or more of the functions, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0099] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, the present invention includes embodiments in which various modifications have been made based on the spirit of the present invention, and these embodiments are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 101 Network 102 Camera 103 Client Device 201 CPU 202 Primary storage 203 Secondary storage 204 Network Interface 205 PTZ drive unit 206 Camera control unit 207 Imaging unit 208 Image Input I / F 301 CPU 302 Primary storage 303 Secondary storage device 304 User Input / Output Interface 305 Network I / F 5041a Preset registration information acquisition unit 5041b Thumbnail image acquisition order determination unit 5041c Thumbnail Acquisition Department 5041d Thumbnail display section

Claims

1. a preset registration information acquisition means for acquiring preset registration information, which is information registered regarding presets of the camera, from the camera; a thumbnail image acquisition order determination means for determining an order in which preset thumbnail images are acquired so that preset thumbnail images, which are images corresponding to the presets, whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing an angle of view are acquired with priority; a thumbnail acquisition means for acquiring the preset thumbnail images in the order determined by the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means; a thumbnail display means for displaying the preset thumbnail images; A control device comprising:

2. the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means determines the order so that all the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing the angle of view and a setting value for changing the image quality are acquired first, all the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes only a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired second, and all the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes only a setting value for changing the image quality are acquired third.

2. The control device according to claim 1.

3. the thumbnail display means has a page switching function for displaying a plurality of the preset thumbnail images together and for displaying the preset thumbnail images that cannot be displayed at one time by switching pages, the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means determines the order so that all the preset thumbnail images displayed by the thumbnail display means are acquired first, all the preset thumbnail images not displayed by the thumbnail display means and whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired second, and all the preset thumbnail images not displayed by the thumbnail display means and whose preset registration information does not include a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired third.

2. The control device according to claim 1.

4. the thumbnail image acquisition order determination means determines the order so as to give priority to acquisition of the preset thumbnail images displayed by the thumbnail display means and whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing an angle of view.

4. The control device according to claim 3.

5. Acquire preset registration information from the camera, which is information registered regarding presets of the camera; determining an order of acquiring the preset thumbnail images so that, among the preset thumbnail images corresponding to the presets, the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired with priority; acquiring the preset thumbnail images according to a determined order; displaying the preset thumbnail image; A control method comprising:

6. Acquire preset registration information from the camera, which is information registered regarding presets of the camera; determining an order of acquiring the preset thumbnail images so that, among the preset thumbnail images that are images captured when the preset is registered, the preset thumbnail images whose preset registration information includes a setting value for changing the angle of view are acquired with priority; acquiring the preset thumbnail images according to a determined order; displaying the preset thumbnail image; A program characterized by:

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