JP2016219905A - Imaging apparatus, and control method and control program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve visibility by properly controlling an imaging condition at each of a plurality of cutout areas.SOLUTION: When a plurality of preliminarily specified cutout areas are cut out as partial images from an image obtained by photographing a subject, a system control section 1007 photographs by sequentially controlling the imaging conditions for each predetermined time concerning the plurality of cutout areas and cuts areas out of the plurality of areas where the imaging conditions are controlled to make them partial images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method thereof, and a control program, and more particularly to an imaging device capable of appropriately controlling imaging conditions when imaging a subject.

  In general, a network camera is known that controls an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera) by remote operation via a network or a dedicated line and monitors an image obtained by the camera. The network camera is equipped with an AF (automatic focus control) function, an AE (automatic exposure control) function, and an AWB (automatic white balance control) function, and these functions appropriately control the imaging conditions. I am doing so.

  There is also a network camera capable of panning (horizontal rotation) and tilting (vertical rotation) (hereinafter referred to as PT), and electric zoom (hereinafter referred to as Z). The angle of view can be changed freely. Hereinafter, a mechanism for performing pan, tilt, and electric zoom is referred to as a pan / tilt zoom mechanism.

  By the way, in a network camera that does not include a pan / tilt zoom mechanism, a function called digital PTZ is known in which a part of an image obtained as a result of shooting is cut out to perform pan / tilt zoom in a pseudo manner. In addition, since a so-called omnidirectional camera equipped with a fisheye lens has a very wide angle of view, an image cut out by a digital PTZ is often distributed. Therefore, a network camera using an omnidirectional camera has a mode (multiple cut delivery mode) in which an image (that is, a region) is cut out from a plurality of locations in the image and the plurality of cutout regions are distributed.

  In the multiple cutout delivery mode, a partial area of one image is cut out, so depending on the shooting conditions, the shooting conditions such as focus, exposure, and white balance may not be appropriate for each cutout area. is there. For example, when one focus area is focused, the other clip areas may not be focused. Furthermore, if the exposure amount is appropriately controlled in one cutout region, the appropriate exposure amount may not be obtained in other cutout regions such as being dark or too bright.

  For this reason, when a plurality of cutout areas (target images) are controlled under different imaging conditions, there is a technique in which imaging conditions are controlled by correlating features detected in the plurality of cutout areas (Patent Document 1). reference). Here, an integration frame is set in association with a plurality of target images, and the target image is corrected based on information obtained from the integration frame and information on a wide-angle image from which the target image has been cut out. .

  In addition, there are some which set the size of the distance measurement area / photometry area / colorimetry area and the range of image reading during the distance measurement / photometry / colorimetry process according to the zoom ratio of the electronic zoom. (See Patent Document 2). Here, distance measurement / photometry / colorimetry processing is performed using only an image relating to a necessary area on the imaging surface.

JP 2006-222816 A JP 2001-116978 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the imaging conditions are controlled by using the wide-angle image and the target image to balance the imaging conditions. For this reason, it is difficult to appropriately control the imaging conditions for each of the plurality of cut-out images.

  Further, according to the technique described in Patent Document 2, as a result of performing distance measurement / photometry / colorimetry processing using only an image relating to a necessary area on the imaging surface, each of the clipped areas is cut out when cutting out a plurality of clipped areas from the image. It is difficult to properly control the imaging conditions for the region.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, and a control program capable of appropriately controlling imaging conditions in each of a plurality of cutout regions and improving the visibility thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus that cuts out a plurality of areas designated in advance as partial images from an image obtained by imaging a subject. And a partial image generating unit that cuts out an area of the plurality of areas in which the imaging condition is controlled from the image to form the partial image. It is characterized by having.

  A control method according to the present invention is a control method for an imaging apparatus that cuts out a plurality of predetermined areas as partial images from an image obtained by capturing an image of a subject, and sequentially controls the plurality of areas at predetermined time intervals. A control step of capturing the subject by controlling the imaging conditions, and a partial image generating step of cutting out an area of the plurality of areas in which the imaging condition is controlled from the image as the partial image. It is characterized by.

  The control program according to the present invention is a control program used in an imaging apparatus that cuts out a plurality of regions designated in advance as partial images from an image obtained by imaging a subject, and the computer included in the imaging apparatus includes A control step of sequentially imaging the subject by imaging its conditions for each of a plurality of areas at a predetermined time, and cutting out an area of the plurality of areas where the imaging conditions are controlled from the image and the partial image And performing a partial image generation step.

  A plurality of regions (cutout regions) are sequentially imaged at predetermined time intervals to perform image pickup, and a region in which the image pickup conditions are controlled is cut out from the image as a partial image. Thereby, a partial image in which the imaging conditions are appropriately controlled in each of the plurality of cutout regions is obtained, and the visibility can be improved.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining a partial cutout image distributed from the camera shown in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 1A shows an example of an image obtained as a result of shooting, and FIG. 2B shows an example of a partial cutout image. It is. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main process performed with the camera shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of AF control shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the example about the relationship between the position of a focus lens shown in FIG. 1, and an evaluation value. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of AE control shown in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of AWB control shown in FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing switching of imaging conditions and update timing of a partially cutout image in the camera shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main process performed with the camera by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the change of the evaluation value according to the focus lens position for every cut-out area | region in the camera by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main process performed with the camera by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process according to the event generation performed with the camera by the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The illustrated imaging apparatus is a so-called network camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) 1000 and is connected to a client apparatus (for example, an external device such as an information processing apparatus) via a network 3000 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The camera 1000 includes an imaging optical system including a focus lens 1001, a focus control unit 1002, an aperture 1003, an aperture control unit 1004, an imaging unit 1005, an image processing unit 1006, a system control unit 1007, and a communication unit 1008.

  The focus control unit 1002 includes a drive system and a motor as a drive source, and moves the focus lens 1001 along the optical axis of the imaging optical system. Accordingly, the focus control unit 1002 performs focusing control (AF control) for focusing on the imaging unit 1005.

  The aperture control unit 1004 includes a drive system and a motor as a drive source, and adjusts the opening area of the aperture 1003. Accordingly, the aperture control unit 1004 performs exposure control (AE control) for controlling the amount of light incident on the imaging unit 1005.

  The imaging unit 1005 includes an imaging device such as a CMOS image sensor, a gain adjustment unit, and an A / D conversion unit. The imaging unit 1005 outputs an electrical signal (digital signal) corresponding to the subject image (optical image) formed through the focus lens 1001. Note that the imaging unit 1005 can change the shutter speed by changing the charge accumulation time of the imaging element. In addition, the imaging unit 1005 amplifies an imaging signal (analog signal), which is an output of the imaging device, to a predetermined gain (amplification factor) by a gain adjustment unit, and then converts it to a digital signal by an A / D conversion unit.

  The image processing unit 1006 performs predetermined development processing (including white balance processing (AWB)) on the digital signal that is the output of the imaging unit 1005 to obtain image data. Then, the image processing unit 1006 performs a partial image cutout process and a compression encoding process on the image data. The communication unit 1008 transmits the image data generated by the image processing unit 1006 to a client device (not shown) via the network 3000. Further, the communication unit 1008 receives the camera control command transmitted from the client device and sends it to the system control unit 1007.

  The system control unit 1007 performs predetermined camera control such as setting of imaging conditions according to the camera control command. Then, the system control unit 1007 transmits a response to the camera control command to the client device via the communication unit 1008. Note that the system control unit 1007 controls the entire camera.

  The illustrated camera 1000 can cut out and deliver a plurality of regions from the image data (image) obtained as a result of shooting in the image processing unit 1006 as a partial cutout image. When the partially cutout image is cut out, the client device can specify a plurality of areas to be cut out by a camera control command. That is, under the control of the system control unit 1007, the image processing unit 1006 cuts out a plurality of areas designated by the camera control command as partially cut out images. The system control unit 1007 distributes the partial cutout image to the client device via the communication unit 1008.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a partially cut-out image distributed from the camera shown in FIG. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image obtained as a result of photographing, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a partially cut-out image.

  Now, it is assumed that the area A is designated as a partially cut-out image in the image shown in FIG. By this designation, the system control unit 1007 controls the image processing unit 1006 to cut out the area A as a partially cut out image from the image. Then, the system control unit 1007 performs predetermined image processing on the partial cutout image A by the image processing unit 1006 and distributes it from the communication unit 1008 to the client device.

  Here, in the image shown in FIG. 2A, it is assumed that regions B and C are also designated as partially cut-out images by a camera control command.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a main process performed by the camera shown in FIG.

  The camera 1000 starts the main process when receiving an instruction to start image distribution from the client device (that is, when receiving a camera control command). The system control unit 1007 sets a cutout region in the image according to the camera control command (step S1001). Here, first, the system control unit 1007 sets an area A shown in FIG. 2A as a cutout area.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 performs AF control by the focus control unit 1002 regarding the set cutout area A as described later (step S1002). Then, the system control unit 1007 performs AE control on the set cutout area A by the aperture control unit 1004 (step S1003). Next, the system control unit 1007 performs AWB control on the cutout area A set by the image processing unit 1006 (step S1004). That is, the system control unit 1007 controls the imaging conditions such as focusing, exposure, and white balance for the cutout area A.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 1007 captures an image of the subject under the imaging conditions controlled as described above to obtain an image (step S1005). That is, the system control unit 1007 controls the imaging unit 1005 to capture an image of the subject in a focused state, an appropriate aperture amount, and an appropriate shutter speed with respect to the cutout area A. As described above, the imaging unit 1005 performs signal amplification processing, and then performs A / D conversion processing to output a digital signal. An image processing unit 1006 generates image data (also referred to as a captured image) by performing development processing including AWB on the digital signal.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 sets in the captured image, cuts out the cutout area A, and obtains a partial cutout image A (step S1006). Then, the system control unit 1007 compresses the partially cutout image A by the image processing unit 1006 (step S1007). Thereafter, the system control unit 1007 distributes the partially cutout image A that has been subjected to compression processing to the client device through the communication unit 1008 (step S1008).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after distributing the partial cutout image A (step S1009). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S1009), system control unit 1007 returns to the process in step S1005, performs imaging again, and distributes the partially cutout image.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1009), the system control unit 1007 determines whether or not the client device has instructed (designated) distribution stop (step S1010). When distribution stop is designated (YES in step S1010), system control unit 1007 ends the main process.

  If distribution stop is not specified (NO in step S1010), the system control unit 1107 returns to the process in step S1001 and, as will be described later, a process related to the next cutout area specified by the camera control command. I do. In addition, said predetermined time is time to continue delivery of a partial cutout image about one cutout area. For example, if the predetermined time is 100 milliseconds, the system control unit 1007 switches the cutout area every 100 milliseconds.

  As described above, when delivery stop is not designated (NO in step S1010), system control unit 1107 returns to the process in step S1001. Then, the system control unit 1007 switches the cutout area to the area B shown in FIG. 2A in accordance with the camera control command, performs the processes after step S1002, and distributes the partial cutout image B to the client device.

  In this way, the camera 100 sequentially switches the areas A, B, and C shown in FIG. 2A at predetermined time intervals, and distributes the partially cutout images A, B, and C to the client device.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the AF control shown in FIG.

  When the AF control is started, the system control unit 1007 sets an AF distance measurement area for the set clipping area (step S2001). Then, the system control unit 1007 controls the focus control unit 1002 to move the focus lens 1001 to the scan start position (step S2002). The scan position is, for example, the position at the closest focus end.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 determines whether or not the focus lens 1001 has reached the scan start position (step S2003). If focus lens 1001 has not reached the scan start position (NO in step S2003), system control unit 1007 waits.

  When focus lens 1001 reaches the scan start position (YES in step S2003), system control unit 1007 obtains an AF evaluation value (hereinafter simply referred to as an evaluation value) at the current position of focus lens 1001 (step S2004). The system control unit 1007 obtains an evaluation value based on the high frequency component of the luminance signal obtained from the image data. This evaluation value increases when the focus lens 1001 is brought into focus, that is, when the contrast increases.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 drives the focus lens 1001 along the optical axis by the focus control unit 1002 (step S2005). Then, the system control unit 1007 determines whether or not the focus lens 1001 has reached the scan end position (step S2006). Note that the scan end position is, for example, a position at focus infinity.

  If the focus lens 1001 has not reached the scan end position (NO in step S2006), the system control unit 1007 returns to the process in step S2004, and acquires the evaluation value at the position of the current focus lens 1001. Thereafter, the system control unit 1007 acquires the evaluation value at the current position of the focus lens 1001 until the focus lens 1001 reaches the scan end position.

  When focus lens 1001 reaches the scan end position (YES in step S2006), system control unit 1007 obtains a peak position that is the position of the focus lens at which the maximum evaluation value is obtained (step S292007).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the position of the focus lens illustrated in FIG. 1 and the evaluation value.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the evaluation value increases as the focus lens 1001 is driven from the scan start position P0 to the scan end position, and the evaluation value becomes V1 at the lens position P1. The evaluation value is further increased by the movement of the focus lens 1001, and the evaluation value becomes V2 (maximum) at the lens position P2. Thereafter, the evaluation value is decreased by the movement of the focus lens 1001, and the evaluation value becomes V3 at the lens position P3. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the lens position P2 corresponding to V2 having the maximum evaluation value is the peak position.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, the system control unit 1007 causes the focus control unit 1002 to move the focus lens 1001 to the peak position (step S2008). Then, the system control unit 1007 ends the AF control, and proceeds to the process of step S1003 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the AE control shown in FIG.

  When AE control is started, the system control unit 1007 sets a photometric area for the set cutout area (step S3001). Then, the system control unit 1007 extracts a luminance signal from the image data in the photometric area and sets it as photometric data (step S3002).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 obtains the luminance of the subject as a subject luminance result according to the photometric data (step S3003). Then, the system control unit 1007 sets an appropriate aperture amount based on the subject luminance result (step S3004). The system control unit 1007 adjusts the aperture 1003 by controlling the aperture drive unit 1004 according to the aperture amount.

  Further, the system control unit 1007 sets an appropriate shutter speed based on the subject luminance result (step S3005). Then, the system control unit 1007 sets the shutter speed for the imaging unit 1005. The imaging unit 1005 controls the electronic shutter according to the set shutter speed.

  Next, the system control unit 1007 sets an appropriate gain based on the subject luminance result (step S3006). Then, the system control unit 1007 sets the gain for the imaging unit 1005. The imaging unit 1005 amplifies an analog signal that is an output of the imaging device according to the set gain.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 1007 ends the AE control, and proceeds to the process of step S1004 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the AWB control shown in FIG.

  When AWB control is started, the system control unit 1007 sets a colorimetric area in the set cutout area (step S4001). Then, the system control unit 1007 acquires image data in the set color measurement region (step S4002).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 obtains color processing parameters necessary for white balance adjustment in the development processing according to the image data. The image processing unit 1006 performs white balance processing based on the color processing parameters under the control of the system control unit 1007 (step S4003: color processing). Then, the system control unit 1007 ends the AWB control, and proceeds to the process of step S1005 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the switching timing of the imaging conditions and the update timing of the partially cutout image in the camera shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the imaging condition appropriate control area indicates in which cutout area the control for making the imaging condition appropriate is performed. Cutout image distribution (area A), cutout image distribution (area B), and cutout image distribution (area C) indicate switching (update) and distribution timing of partial cutout images A, B, and C, respectively.

  From time t0 to t1, appropriate control of imaging conditions such as AF control, AE control, and AWB control is performed for the cutout region A. Then, the partially cutout image A obtained in the cutout area A is updated at the timing of time t1 and distributed to the client device. Here, the partially cutout image A is updated from A0 to A1 at time t1.

  In addition, from time t1 to time t2, appropriate control of imaging conditions is performed for the cutout region B. The partial cutout image B obtained in the cutout area B is updated at the timing of time t2 and distributed to the client device. Here, the partially cutout image B is updated from B0 to B1 at time t2.

  Furthermore, appropriate control of the imaging conditions is performed for the cutout region C from time t2 to t3. Then, the partially cutout image obtained in the cutout area C is updated at the timing of time t3 and distributed to the client device. Here, the partial cutout image C is updated from C0 to C1 at time t2.

  In this way, the area for which the appropriate control of the imaging conditions is performed is switched at predetermined time intervals in the order of the cutout area A, the cutout area B, and the cutout area C. For the cutout area A, the partial cutout image A is A0, Updated with A1, A2, and A3. For the cutout region B, the partial cutout image B is updated to B0, B1, B2, and B3. For the cutout region C, the partial cutout image C is updated as C0, C1, C2, and C3.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a partially cutout image to be distributed to a client device is an image in which the imaging condition is appropriately controlled while switching a clipping region in which the imaging condition is appropriately controlled in a time division manner. Update sequentially. As a result, it is possible to obtain partially cutout images in which the imaging conditions are appropriately controlled for a plurality of cutout regions, and thus visibility can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, for each of the plurality of cutout regions, a partial cutout image is generated and the partial cutout image is distributed. However, the distribution method is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of partial cutout images may be combined and the combined image may be distributed as a combined image.

  Furthermore, although AF control, AE control, and AWB control have been described as examples of control of imaging conditions, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, any one of these may be used, or another imaging condition control may be used.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an example of a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the camera shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment described above, when there is no distribution stop instruction after a predetermined time has elapsed, the clipping region is switched and appropriate control of the imaging conditions is performed. That is, in the first embodiment, appropriate control of the imaging condition is performed every time the cutout region is switched. In this case, taking AF control as an example, the system control unit 1007 drives the focus lens 1001 again from the closest end to infinity. In consideration of AE control, AWB control, and the like, it takes time to deliver a partially clipped image if appropriate control of imaging conditions is performed each time the clip region is switched. That is, the frame rate (image update frequency per unit time) of the image distributed to the client device is lowered.

  Usually, in a network camera, the shooting angle of view is adjusted at the time of installation, and then shooting is performed with the shooting angle of view fixed. For this reason, in many cases, the positional relationship and brightness of the subject hardly change at the shooting angle of view. Therefore, the appropriate imaging conditions are not significantly changed.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, appropriate imaging conditions for each cut-out area are stored in the memory. Then, when switching the cut-out area, the imaging condition recorded in the memory is used without performing processing for obtaining an appropriate imaging condition. This prevents a reduction in the frame rate of the image distributed to the client device.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a main process performed by the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in the process of step S10001, it is assumed that the cutout area A shown in FIG. The system control unit 1007 performs steps S1002 to S1004 for the cutout area A. Then, the system control unit 1007 records the optimum imaging condition obtained for the cutout area A as an appropriate control value (control information) in the built-in memory (step S5005). That is, the system control unit 1007 records the peak position of the focus lens 1001, the aperture value, the shutter speed, the gain value, and the color processing parameters as appropriate control values in the built-in memory.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 determines whether or not appropriate imaging conditions have been recorded in the built-in memory for all the set clipping regions (step S5006). If appropriate imaging conditions have not been recorded for all cutout areas (NO in step S5006), system control unit 1007 returns to the processing in step S1001 and sets the next cutout area (here, cutout area B). To do. Then, the system control unit 1007 performs the processes of steps S1002 to S1004 and S5005 for the cutout region B. Similarly, the system control unit 1007 performs the processes of steps S1002 to S1004 and S5005 for the cutout region C.

  When appropriate imaging conditions are recorded for all cutout areas (YES in step S5006), the system control unit 1007 sets cutout areas (step S5007). Here, the system control unit 1007 sets the cutout area A shown in FIG. 2A as the cutout area.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 reads the imaging condition (appropriate control value) stored in the built-in memory according to the cutout area, and sets the imaging condition (step S5008). Here, an appropriate control value corresponding to the cutout area A is set as an imaging condition. Then, the system control unit 1007 performs imaging according to the appropriate control value set in step S1005.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 1007 performs the processes of steps S1006 to S1008 described above, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed in step S1009. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S1009), the system control unit 1007 returns to the process of step S5007 and sets the cutout area A again. Then, the system control unit 1007 performs the processes of steps S5008 and S1005 to S1008 for the cutout area A again.

  In step S1010, if delivery stop is not specified (NO in step S1010), the system control unit 1007 returns to the process of step S5007, switches to the next cutout area (here, cutout area B), and selects cutout area B. Set the target of processing. Then, the system control unit 1007 performs steps S5008 and S1005 to S1008 for the cutout region B. Similarly, the system control unit 1007 performs the processing of steps S5008 and S1005 to S1008 for the cutout region C.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the appropriate imaging condition (appropriate control value) is recorded in the memory for each clipping region, and the appropriate imaging condition is obtained when the clipping region is switched. The imaging conditions recorded in the memory are used without performing the above. As a result, it is possible not only to prevent a decrease in the frame rate of the image distributed to the client apparatus, but also to improve the visibility.

  In the second embodiment described above, the appropriate imaging condition is calculated once and stored in the memory, and then the appropriate imaging condition recorded in the memory is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the appropriate imaging condition may be updated by calculating the appropriate imaging condition again at a predetermined timing. In particular, when shooting outdoors, the brightness varies depending on the time zone. In this case, if an appropriate imaging condition is obtained again at a predetermined timing when the brightness changes, it is possible to appropriately cope with the imaging condition that changes with time.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an example of a camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the camera shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a change in evaluation value according to the focus lens position for each clipping region in the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 10, a curve indicated by a solid line is a curve indicating a change in evaluation value in the cutout area A. Regarding the cutout region A, the lens position P2 is the peak position, that is, the focus position of the focus lens 1001.

  A curve indicated by a broken line is a curve indicating a change in the evaluation value in the cutout region B. For the cutout region B, the lens position P1 is the peak position. A curve indicated by an alternate long and short dash line is a curve indicating a change in the evaluation value in the region C. For the cutout region C, the lens position P3 is the peak position.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the cut-out area is switched, that is, the order of setting is not considered. When the focus lens position (peak position) at the time of focusing in the cutout region is in the state shown in FIG. 10, when switching is performed in the order of the cutout regions A, B, and C, the focus lens 1001 when the switching region is switched. The amount of movement increases.

  As a result, if AF control is performed for all of the cutout regions, it will take time. If AF control takes time, the frame rate of the image is lowered as described above. Accordingly, when the focus lens position at the time of focusing in the cutout region is in the state shown in FIG. 10, if the switching is performed in the order of the cutout regions B, A, and C, the focus lens 1001 moves when the switching region is switched. The amount can be reduced. As a result, the time required to move the focus lens 1001 to the peak position after switching the cutout region can be shortened.

  As described above, when the switching region is switched, the frame rate can be prevented from being lowered by setting the switching order so that the time required for processing for obtaining an appropriate imaging condition such as AF control is reduced. .

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a main process performed by the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the same steps as those in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the processing of steps S1001 to S5005, appropriate control values are obtained in the order of cutout areas A, B, and C specified by the camera control command. When appropriate control values are recorded in the built-in memory for all cutout areas (YES in step S5006), system control unit 1007 determines the order of switching cutout areas in accordance with the appropriate control values for each cutout area ( Step S6007). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the focus lens positions (focus positions) for the cutout areas A, B, and C are P2, P1, and P3, respectively. In this case, the system control unit 1007 determines the cut-out region switching order in the order of closest focus position to the scan start position P0. That is, here, the system control unit 1007 determines the switching order in the order of the cutout areas B, A, and C.

  After the process of step S6007, the system control unit 1007 performs the processes of steps S5007, S5008, S1005 to S1010 as described with reference to FIGS. At this time, in step S5007, a cutout region B is first set. If delivery stop is not designated (NO in step S1010), the system control unit 1007 returns to the process in step S5007 and sets the next cutout area (here, cutout area A). Similarly, next, the system control unit 1007 sets the cutout region C in the process of step S5007.

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the order of switching cutout regions is determined according to the appropriate control value for each cutout region. Thereby, the visibility can be improved without lowering the frame rate of the image.

  In the third embodiment, for example, the switching order of the cutout areas is determined so that the moving time of the focus lens to the in-focus position is shortened, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the switching order may be determined so that the switching time of the aperture amount in AE control is shortened.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an example of a camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the camera shown in FIG.

  Some network cameras are equipped with an intelligent function for analyzing image data and detecting a moving object in the image. In a camera having an intelligent function, e-mail notification and recording start are performed, for example, using detection by the intelligent function as a trigger. That is, the subject detected by the intelligent function is highly important for the user to monitor.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the cut-out area is switched at a predetermined timing (for example, when no delivery stop is specified after a predetermined time has elapsed). On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, when a predetermined event is detected in the partial cutout image, the system control unit 1007 performs processing described later on the cutout region where the event has occurred.

  In the camera according to the fourth embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the main process described with reference to FIG. 3 is performed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing according to event occurrence performed by the camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, here, it is assumed that the system control unit 1007 performs the main processing described with reference to FIG. During the main process, the system control unit 1007 monitors whether or not a predetermined event (for example, detection of a moving object) has occurred in the partially cut-out image. When a predetermined event occurs, the system control unit 1007 suspends the main process, and changes the predetermined time (that is, the switching time) used in the process of step S1009 for the cutout area where the event has occurred (step S7001). ).

  For example, in a normal state where no event has occurred, the switching time in each of the cutout areas A, B, and C is 100 milliseconds. If an event occurs in the partially cutout image B, the system control unit 1007 changes the switching time for the cutout region B to 1000 milliseconds. At this time, for each of the other cutout areas A and C, the switching time remains 100 milliseconds.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 1007 sets the cutout area where the event has occurred as a cutout area to be imaged (photographed) (step S7002). That is, the system control unit 1007 sets a cutout area where an event has occurred as a cutout area for obtaining an appropriate imaging condition. Then, the system control unit 1007 ends the process related to the event occurrence, and returns to the temporarily stopped main process. At this time, the system control unit 1007 continues the main process from the process of step S1002 shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when a predetermined event occurs in the partially cut-out image, the switching time that is the switching timing is changed. Thus, it becomes possible to preferentially monitor the cutout area where the event has occurred in the client device. As a result, the client device can preferentially monitor a cutout region (that is, a partial cutout image) that is highly important for monitoring.

  In the fourth embodiment, the detection of the moving object is given as an example of the predetermined event, but the predetermined event is not limited to the detection of the moving object. For example, a predetermined event may be a detection for detecting that an object has been left in the image or a detection for detecting that an object has been deleted. Furthermore, sound pattern detection for acquiring sound data and detecting a predetermined sound pattern may be set as a predetermined event.

  In addition, the environmental atmosphere is separately detected by an external sensor (for example, a noise sensor), and the system control unit 1007 receives a detection output from the external sensor. Then, when the output level of the detection output exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the system control unit 1007 may preferentially monitor a preset clipping area.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when an event occurs, the switching time of the cutout region where the event has occurred is set to be longer than the switching time of another cutout region (that is, the imaging time). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, without changing the switching time, the switching frequency may be increased for the cutout area where the event has occurred, and the cutout area where the event has occurred may be preferentially monitored.

  As is clear from the above description, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the system control unit 1007, the image processing unit 1006, the imaging unit 1005, the aperture control unit 1004, the aperture 1003, the focus control unit 1002, and the focus lens 1001 are controlled. Functions as a means. Further, the system control unit 1007 and the image processing unit 1006 function as a partial image generation unit. Furthermore, the system control unit 1007 and the communication unit 1008 function as distribution means. The external sensor and system control unit 1007 functions as a detection unit.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, Various forms of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are also contained in this invention. .

  Moreover, what is necessary is just to make an imaging device perform this control method by using the function of said embodiment as a control method. Further, a program having the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used as a control program, and the control program may be executed by a computer included in the imaging apparatus. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, for example.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

1000 Network Camera 1001 Focus Lens 1002 Focus Control Unit 1003 Aperture 1004 Aperture Control Unit 1005 Imaging Unit 1006 Image Processing Unit 1007 System Control Unit 1008 Communication Unit 3000 Network

Claims (14)

An image pickup apparatus that cuts out a plurality of areas designated in advance as partial images from an image obtained by imaging a subject,
Control means for controlling the imaging conditions sequentially for each of the plurality of areas at predetermined time intervals and imaging the subject;
A partial image generation unit that cuts out an area of the plurality of areas in which the imaging condition is controlled from the image and sets the partial image;
An imaging device comprising:   The control means controls the imaging condition by performing first control for performing focusing control on the region, second control for controlling exposure of the region, and controlling white balance for the region. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the three controls is performed.   The control means controls an imaging condition for an area from which the partial image is cut out according to the switching timing each time an area from which the partial image is cut out among the plurality of areas is switched. The imaging apparatus according to 1 or 2.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the partial image generation unit switches a region from which the partial image is cut out of the plurality of regions when a predetermined time elapses.   The control means records the control information obtained by controlling the imaging conditions for each of the plurality of areas in a memory, and instead of sequentially controlling the imaging conditions for each of the plurality of areas at a predetermined time. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject is imaged using the control information recorded in the memory corresponding to an area from which the partial image is cut out of the plurality of areas.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the partial image generation unit determines a switching order of regions that are targets for generating the partial image according to the control information.   The partial image generation means determines the switching order using the focus position, which is the position of the focus lens that is in focus with respect to the area when the focus lens is driven to focus on the area, as the control information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the partial image generation unit determines the switching order using the aperture amount of an aperture that adjusts the amount of light when performing imaging as the control information.   9. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when a predetermined event occurs in the partial image, the control unit preferentially captures the subject in an area corresponding to the partial image in which the event has occurred. The imaging apparatus according to item 1.   The control means controls the imaging condition in an area corresponding to the partial image in which the event has occurred, and sets the imaging time longer than other areas, or in the area corresponding to the partial image in which the event has occurred. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the imaging condition is controlled to increase the frequency of imaging. A detection means for detecting an environmental atmosphere when imaging the subject;
11. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the output level of the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the control unit preferentially controls the imaging condition to perform imaging. The imaging device according to any one of the above.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising distribution means for distributing the partial image to an external device. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus that cuts out a plurality of areas specified in advance from an image obtained by imaging a subject as partial images,
A control step of imaging the subject by sequentially controlling the imaging conditions for each of the plurality of areas at predetermined time intervals;
A partial image generation step of cutting out an area of the plurality of areas in which the imaging condition is controlled from the image and setting the partial image;
A control method characterized by comprising: A control program used in an imaging apparatus that cuts out a plurality of areas specified in advance as partial images from an image obtained by imaging a subject,
In the computer provided in the imaging device,
A control step of imaging the subject by sequentially controlling the imaging conditions for each of the plurality of areas at predetermined time intervals;
A partial image generation step of cutting out an area of the plurality of areas in which the imaging condition is controlled from the image and setting the partial image;
A control program characterized by causing

Images