JP2019140643A - Transmission equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

To transmit images that have been taken synchronously.SOLUTION: A transmission device for transmitting images via a network includes: a first receiving means that receives a signal instructing the start of image transmission; a second receiving means that receives an image from other transmission devices; an acquisition means that acquires the image taken at the time corresponding to time information added to the image received by the second receiving means when the second receiving means receives the image from the other transmission devices after the first receiving means receives the signal; and a transmission means which transmits the image acquired by the acquisition means via the network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a transmission device, an imaging device, a transmission method, and an imaging system.

  A technique is known in which a plurality of cameras are installed at different positions, synchronously imaged from multiple viewpoints, and virtual viewpoint content is generated using a plurality of viewpoint images obtained by imaging. By generating virtual viewpoint content from a plurality of viewpoint images, a high sense of presence can be given to the user. And the technique which controls the some camera connected with a network and synchronizes an imaging start and image transmission timing is known.

  In Patent Document 1, the control device measures the network transmission time to each camera before starting imaging, determines the imaging start time based on the network transmission time and the current time, and then transmits an instruction to perform imaging to each camera. Thus, a technique for synchronous imaging is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, the control device causes each camera to perform a replay operation before imaging starts, measures the delay time from when each camera receives an imaging command until it actually starts imaging, and performs internal processing of each camera. A technique for performing synchronous imaging by considering a specific processing time is disclosed.

JP2012-123131A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-66899

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to measure the network transmission time in advance. In Patent Document 1, taking into account fluctuations in transmission time, the imaging start time needs to be determined in consideration of the margin, so the response of the imaging start command is reduced. In Patent Document 2, it is necessary to measure the processing time inside the camera in advance. Further, in Patent Document 2, when the execution timing overlaps with other control processes in each camera and the transmission time measured in advance fluctuates, the imaging start timing cannot be synchronized.

  An object of the present invention is to transmit a synchronously photographed image.

  The transmission apparatus according to the present invention is a transmission apparatus that transmits an image via a network, and includes a first receiving unit that receives a signal instructing start of image transmission, and a second reception unit that receives an image from another transmission apparatus. Time information added to the image received by the second receiving means when the second receiving means receives an image from the other transmission device after receiving the signal by the receiving means and the first receiving means. Acquisition means for acquiring an image taken at a time corresponding to, and transmission means for transmitting the image acquired by the acquisition means via the network.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit a synchronously photographed image.

It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of an imaging system. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structural example of a camera adapter. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the synchronization method of an image transmission start timing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the synchronization method of an image transmission start timing. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of an imaging system. It is a processing flowchart for demonstrating the synchronization method of an image transmission start timing. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of an imaging system. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the synchronization method of an image transmission start timing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the synchronization method of an image transmission start timing.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The imaging system 100 includes a plurality of imaging devices 110a to 110z, a switching hub 500, a control device 200, an image server 300, and a time server 400. Each of the imaging devices 110a to 110z includes cameras 111a to 111z, external sensors 112a to 112z, and camera adapters 113a to 113z. The plurality of camera adapters 113a to 113z are chain-connected by the networks 170a to 170y, and can transmit and receive data. The imaging device 110z at one end is a terminal. The other imaging device 110 a is connected to the control device 200, the image server 300, and the time server 400 via the switching hub 500. The cameras 111a to 111z are broadcast cameras, industrial cameras, infrared cameras, and the like, and take images by photoelectric conversion. The cameras 111a to 111z image the subject from a plurality of directions. The external sensors 112a to 112z are a microphone, a gyro sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like, and acquire various data.

  The camera adapter 113a is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 510. The control device 200 is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 520. The image server 300 is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 530. The time server 400 is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 540. Here, the network may be Ethernet (registered trademark) GbE (gigabit network) or 10 GbE conforming to the IEEE standard, or may be configured by combining an interconnect Infiniband, an industrial network, or the like. The network is not limited to these, and may be another type of network.

  The control device 200 performs operation state management, parameter setting control, and the like for the camera adapters 113a to 113z in the imaging devices 110a to 110z. The image server 300 receives images captured by the cameras 111a to 111z, and performs virtual viewpoint content generation processing from a plurality of viewpoint images. The time server 400 functions as a master clock that performs time synchronization and the like with respect to the imaging devices 110a to 110z, the control device 200, and the image server 300.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the camera adapter 113. The camera adapter 113 corresponds to each of the camera adapters 113a to 113z in FIG. The camera 111 corresponds to each of the cameras 111a to 111z in FIG. The external sensor 112 corresponds to each of the external sensors 112a to 112z in FIG. The camera adapter 113 includes a device control unit 1310, an image processing unit 1320, and a network control unit 1330.

  The device control unit 1310 includes an external device control unit 1311, an internal device control unit 1312, and a camera control unit 1313. The external device control unit 1311 controls the external sensor 112. The internal device control unit 1312 controls devices necessary for time code generation and the like based on the SMPTE12M format. A standard other than SMPTE12M may be used. The camera control unit 1313 performs camera parameter setting, camera posture control, and the like for the camera 111.

  The image processing unit 1320 includes an image storage unit 1321 and a data processing unit 1322. The image storage unit 1321 stores images and data acquired from the camera 111. The data processing unit 1322 reduces the image data capacity in order to reduce the network load.

  The network control unit 1330 includes a data transmission / reception unit 1331, a time synchronization control unit 1332, and a routing processing unit 1333. The data transmission / reception unit 1331 is a communication unit, and performs packet data transmission / reception to and from other camera adapters 113, the control device 200, the image server 300, and the time server 400 via a network. The time synchronization control unit 1332 performs processing for synchronizing with the time of the time server 400. For example, the time synchronization control unit 1332 may use a network time protocol, or may use a protocol or standard other than the network time protocol. The time synchronization control unit 1332 performs time synchronization processing and time code generation based on the time information received from the time server 400, and adds the generated time code to the image captured by the camera 111. The time code is time information. In addition, the time synchronization control unit 1332 may add a time code to the microphone data included in the external sensor 112 via the external device control unit 1311. The routing processing unit 1333 holds the transmission destination of packet data, route information, and the like, and performs processing for determining the transmission destination according to the data. Data can be transmitted and received internally between the components of the camera adapter 113.

  When there is no special description, 26 sets from the imaging device 110a to the imaging device 110z are expressed as the imaging device 110 without being distinguished. Similarly, the devices in each imaging device 110 are also referred to as a camera 111, an external sensor 112, and a camera adapter 113 if there is no special description, without distinction. In addition, although the example of 26 sets is shown as the number of imaging devices 110, it is an example to the last and the number is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the image will be described as including a moving image and a still image. That is, the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment can process both still images and moving images.

  FIG. 3 is a sequence showing a control method of the imaging system 100. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the imaging system 100. Hereinafter, an imaging synchronization method of the imaging system 100 will be described.

  At time F600, the control device 200 transmits an imaging start signal to the camera adapters 113a to 113z of the imaging devices 110a to 110z. Note that the imaging start signal can also be referred to as a signal instructing transmission start of a captured image. In step S401, the camera adapters 113a to 113z receive imaging start signals at times F600 and F600a to F600z, respectively. When the camera adapter 113a receives the imaging start signal, the camera adapter 113a transmits the imaging start signal to the adjacent camera adapter 113b. Similarly, the camera adapters 113b to 113y transmit the received imaging start signal to the adjacent camera adapters 113c to 113z.

  Next, in step S402, the cameras 111a to 111z start capturing images under the control of the camera adapters 113a to 113z at times F610a to F610z, respectively. The camera adapters 113a to 113z add time codes to images captured by the cameras 111a to 111z, respectively.

  Next, in step S403, each of the imaging devices 110a to 110z determines whether or not its own imaging device is the farthest point of network connection. Specifically, the imaging devices 110a to 110z determine that the imaging device 110a to 110z is the farthest point of network connection when the imaging device is the terminal of the network connection. For example, the routing processing unit 1333 of each of the camera adapters 113a to 113z determines whether or not its own camera adapter 113 is the farthest point of the network connection by determining the presence or absence of the transmission destination of the imaging start signal received above. Judging. The routing processing unit 1333 determines that its own camera adapter 113 is the farthest point when there is no transmission destination of the imaging start signal received by itself, and if there is a transmission destination of the imaging start signal received by itself. It is determined that the camera adapter 113 is not the farthest point. For example, the camera adapter 113z is the farthest camera adapter. Each of the camera adapters 113a to 113z proceeds to step S407 when the self is the farthest point, and proceeds to step S404 when the self is not the farthest point.

  In step S404, the image storage unit 1321 of the camera adapters 113a to 113y starts image buffering (holding) by storing the image to which the time code is added at times F620a to F620y, respectively. That is, even when the camera adapters 113a to 113y receive an imaging start instruction, the camera adapters 113a to 113y do not immediately start the transmission of the captured image, but limit the transmission of the captured image. When the storage capacity is exhausted, the image storage unit 1321 discards the old time code image and stores the new time code image. For example, the image storage unit 1321 is a ring buffer.

  In step S407, in the farthest point camera adapter 113z, the data processing unit 1322 performs image processing or the like on the image captured by the camera 111 at time F630. Next, in step S408, in the farthest point camera adapter 113z, the data transmitting / receiving unit 1331 has processed the image with the time code added to the destination camera adapter 113y according to the routing processing unit 1333 at time F640z. Send.

  In step S405, the data transmission / reception unit 1331 of the camera adapter 113y receives an image from another camera adapter 113z. Next, in step S406, in the camera adapter 113y, the data processing unit 1322 determines whether an image with the same time code added to the received image is stored in the image storage unit 1321. judge. The camera adapter 113y proceeds to step S407 when an image with the same time code is stored, and proceeds to step S409 when an image with the same time code is not stored. In step S407, in the camera adapter 113y, the data processing unit 1322 selects and reads the image with the same time code added from the image storage unit 1321 at time F650y, and performs image processing on the read image. Do. Next, in step S408, in the camera adapter 113y, the data transmission / reception unit 1331 transmits the images of the imaging devices 110y and 110z to which the same time code is added to the camera adapter 113x according to the routing processing unit 1333 at time F640y. That is, the data transmission / reception unit 1331 transmits the image of the imaging device 110y that has been subjected to the image processing to the camera adapter 110x together with the received image of the imaging device 110z. Next, in step S410, when the imaging device 110 has not received an image transmission end command from the control device 200, the imaging device 110 returns to step S405 and repeats the above processing.

  In step S405, the data transmission / reception units 1331 of the camera adapters 113a to 113y receive images from the adjacent camera adapters 113b to 113z, respectively. Next, in step S406, in the camera adapters 113a to 113y, the data processing unit 1322 stores in the image storage unit 1321 an image in which the same time code is added as the time code added to the received image. Determine whether or not. The camera adapters 113a to 113y proceed to step S407 when images with the same time code are stored, and proceed to step S409 when images with the same time code are not stored. In step S407, in the camera adapters 113a to 113y, the data processing unit 1322 reads the image with the same time code added from the image storage unit 1321 at time F650a to F650y, and performs image processing on the read image. I do. Next, in step S408, in the camera adapters 113b to 113y, the data transmission / reception unit 1331 transmits images to the destination camera adapters 113a to 113x according to the routing processing unit 1333 at times F640b to F640y. The data transmission / reception unit 1331 of the camera adapter 113a transmits the images of the imaging devices 110a to 110z to the image server 300 according to the routing processing unit 1333. In other words, the camera adapters 113a to 113y limit the transmission of images from the reception of a signal instructing the start of image transmission until the reception of an image from another camera adapter. Then, when the camera adapters 113a to 113y receive images from other camera adapters, the camera adapters 113a to 113y acquire images taken at the time corresponding to the time information added to the images. Then, the camera adapters 113a to 113y transmit the acquired image. Thus, when there is a transmission delay of the shooting start instruction or the image transmission start instruction, the camera adapters 113a to 113z can transmit images having the same shooting time.

  In step S409, the camera adapter 113 transmits an abnormal state notification to the control device 200, and the process proceeds to step S410. When the above imaging and image transmission are to be ended, the control device 200 transmits an image transmission end command to the imaging device 110. In step S410, when receiving an image transmission end command from the control apparatus 200, the imaging apparatus 110 ends the process of FIG.

  As described above, the imaging device 110 transmits an image to which the same time code as the time code added to the image received from the right-side imaging device 110 is added to the left-side imaging device 110. The imaging devices 110a to 110z can transmit an image to which the same time code is added to the image server 300. As a result, the image server 300 can acquire and process images captured by the plurality of imaging devices 110 synchronously.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The imaging system 100 includes two farthest imaging devices 110m and 110n. The imaging system 100 of the present embodiment has the same components as the imaging system 100 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the points of the present embodiment different from the first embodiment will be described.

  The camera adapters 113a to 113m are daisy chain connected by the networks 170a to 170l. The camera adapters 113n to 113z are daisy chain connected by the networks 170n to 170y. The camera adapter 113a is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 510. The camera adapter 113z is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 550. The camera adapter 113m and the camera adapter 113n are not connected. Therefore, each of the imaging device 110m and the imaging device 110n is an imaging device at the farthest point. The imaging devices 110a to 110z have a plurality of chain connections, each including the terminal imaging devices 110m and 110n. The plurality of chain connections are connected to the image server 300, and each of the images to which the same time code is added is transmitted to the image server 300. The image server 300 receives images captured by the imaging devices 110a to 110z via the imaging devices 110a and 110z. In the imaging system 100, the time codes added to all the images received by the image server 300 may not be the same. That is, since the two farthest-point imaging devices 110m and 110n exist, the two farthest-point imaging devices 110m and 110n have different timings for receiving the imaging start signal transmitted by the control device 200. It is.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image server 300. In step S601, the image server 300 receives images captured by the imaging devices 110a to 110m from the imaging device 110a, and receives images captured by the imaging devices 110n to 110z from the imaging device 110z. Next, in step S602, the image server 300 determines whether or not the images of the same time code captured by all the imaging devices 110a to 110z have been received. The image server 300 proceeds to step S603 when all images having the same time code have been received, and returns to step S601 when not receiving all images having the same time code. Note that if the image server 300 fails to receive all images with the same time code within a predetermined time, the image server 300 may discard the image with that time code. In step S603, the image server 300 performs image database processing, video generation processing, and the like as server processing. Next, in step S604, the image server 300 determines whether an image transmission end command has been received from the control device 200. If the image server 300 has not received the image transmission end command, the process returns to step S601. If the image server 300 has received the image transmission end command, the image server 300 ends the processing of FIG.

  As described above, the image server 300 can acquire images of the same time code captured by all the imaging devices 110a to 110z. When the image server 300 receives all the images of the imaging devices 110a to 110z to which the same time code is added, the image server 300 processes all the images of the imaging devices 110a to 110z to which the same time code is added. Although the case where there are two farthest-point imaging devices 110 has been described as an example, the same applies to the case where there are three or more farthest-point imaging devices 110.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. All the camera adapters 113 a to 113 z are ring-connected via the switching hub 500. The camera adapters 113a to 113z are daisy chained by the networks 170a to 170y. The camera adapter 113a is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 510. The camera adapter 113z is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 550. In the imaging devices 110a to 110z, the imaging devices 110a and 110z at both ends are connected to the image server 300 via the switching hub 500, and transmit images having the same time code added thereto. Hereinafter, the points of the present embodiment different from the first embodiment will be described.

  Since the camera adapter 113z is connected to the switching hub 500 via the network 550, the imaging device 110z is not an imaging device at the farthest point. The farthest imaging device 110 is an imaging device at an intermediate point from the imaging device 110a to the imaging device 110z. However, since the imaging device 110 at the intermediate point is connected to the imaging devices 110 on both sides, in the method of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the own imaging device 110 is the imaging device 110 at the farthest point. Cannot judge. Hereinafter, a determination method of the imaging device 110 at the farthest point will be described.

  In step S403 of FIG. 4, each of the imaging devices 110a to 110z determines whether or not its own imaging device 110 is the imaging device 110 at the farthest point of the network connection. Specifically, when the imaging device 110 receives the imaging start signal twice from the control device 200 via the imaging devices 110a and 110z, the imaging device 110 of its own is the farthest point imaging device connected to the network. 110. That is, when the imaging device 110 receives an imaging start signal from the imaging device adjacent to the imaging device of its own, the imaging device 110 stops transmitting the imaging start signal and the imaging device 110 is at the farthest point of the network connection. Judge that there is. The farthest imaging device 110 is the imaging device 110 at the intermediate point where the transmission times from the control device 200 via the imaging devices 110a and 110z are the same. By setting the farthest imaging device 100 as the image transmission start point, the image transmission time delay can be minimized. For example, when the imaging device 110p receives the imaging start signal twice, the imaging device 110p becomes the farthest-point imaging device.

  In step S408, the farthest-point imaging device 110p starts image transmission to both the network 510 side and the network 550 side. That is, the imaging device 110p at the farthest point transmits the image to which the time code is added to the imaging devices adjacent to the imaging device of its own. Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Further, the farthest imaging device 110 may be set in advance. In that case, if it is set that the imaging device 110 is the farthest imaging device, the imaging device 110 determines that the imaging device 110 is the farthest point of network connection. In addition, when a plurality of imaging devices 110a to 110z are connected by a mesh network and each imaging device 110 receives an imaging start signal a specified number of times, the imaging device 100 of its own is the imaging device at the farthest point of the network connection. You may judge.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a sequence showing a control method of the imaging system 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the imaging system 100 according to the fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the storage capacity of the image storage unit 1321 shown in FIG. 2 can store image data for the competition game time to be imaged. The connection form of the plurality of imaging devices 100a to 100z is not limited. Hereinafter, the points of the present embodiment different from the first embodiment will be described.

  In step S901, the cameras 111a to 111z start capturing images under the control of the camera adapters 113a to 113z at times F800a to F800z immediately after the imaging system 100 is activated. In each imaging device 110, the data processing unit 1322 adds a time code to the image captured by the camera 111.

  Next, in step S902, the image storage units 1321 of the camera adapters 113a to 113z start image buffering by storing images with time codes added at times F810a to F810z, respectively. Next, the control device 200 transmits a transmission start command to the imaging devices 110a to 110z.

  In step S903, the camera adapters 113a to 113z receive transmission start commands at times F820 and F820a to F820y, respectively. When the camera adapter 113a receives the transmission start command, the camera adapter 113a transmits the transmission start command to the adjacent camera adapter 113b. Other camera adapters 113 also transmit the received transmission start command to the adjacent camera adapter 113.

  Next, in step S904, each of the camera adapters 113a to 113z determines whether or not its own camera adapter 113 is the farthest point of network connection. For example, if there is no transmission destination of the transmission start command received by itself, the routing processing unit 1333 determines that its own camera adapter 113 is the farthest point, and there is a transmission destination of the transmission start command received by itself. In this case, it is determined that the camera adapter 113 is not the farthest point. Each of the camera adapters 113a to 113z proceeds to step S906 when the self is the farthest point, and proceeds to step S905 when the self is not the farthest point.

  In step S906, in each camera adapter 113, the data processing unit 1322 determines whether an image with the same time code as the time code added to the received image is stored in the image storage unit 1321. . Each camera adapter 113 proceeds to step S907 when an image with the same time code is stored, and proceeds to step S909 when an image with the same time code is not stored.

  In step S909, the camera adapter 113 transmits an abnormal state notification to the control device 200, and the process proceeds to step S910. In step S909, the camera adapter 113 may acquire an image with a time code that is newer than the time code included in the transmission start command.

  In step S907, in the camera adapter 113z, the data processing unit 1322 reads the image to which the same time code is added from the image storage unit 1321 at time F830z, and performs image processing on the read image. Next, in step S908, in the camera adapter 113z, the data transmitting / receiving unit 1331 transmits an image to the destination camera adapter 113y according to the routing processing unit 1333 at time F840z. Next, in step S910, when the imaging apparatus 110 has not received an image transmission end command from the control apparatus 200, the imaging apparatus 110 returns to step S905 and repeats the above processing.

  In step S905, the data transmission / reception units 1331 of the camera adapters 113a to 113y receive images from the adjacent camera adapters 113b to 113z, respectively. Next, in step S906, in the camera adapters 113a to 113y, the data processing unit 1322 determines whether or not an image with the same time code as the time code added to the received image is stored in the image storage unit 1321. Determine whether. The camera adapters 113a to 113y proceed to step S907 when images with the same time code are stored, and proceed to step S909 when images with the same time code are not stored. In step S907, in the camera adapters 113a to 113y, the data processing unit 1322 reads the image to which the same time code is added from the image storage unit 1321 at times F850a to F850y, and performs image processing on the read images. I do. Next, in step S908, in the camera adapters 113b to 113y, the data transmission / reception unit 1331 transmits images to the destination camera adapters 113a to 113x according to the routing processing unit 1333 at times F840b to F840y. The data transmission / reception unit 1331 of the camera adapter 113a transmits the images of the imaging devices 110a to 110z to which the same time code is added to the image server 300 according to the routing processing unit 1333.

  Next, in step S410, when the imaging apparatus 110 receives an image transmission end command from the control apparatus 200, the imaging apparatus 110 ends the process of FIG. Note that the imaging apparatus 100 may end after the transmission time included in the transmission start command received from the control apparatus 200 has elapsed.

  According to the present embodiment, the imaging system 100 can generate an image of a necessary scene retroactively as the number of images that can be stored by the image storage unit 1321 increases. It is also effective when a failure occurs in the image server 300 and the usable storage capacity is small.

(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 the 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.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging system, 110 Imaging device, 111 Camera, 112 External sensor, 113 Camera adapter, 200 Control apparatus, 300 Image server, 400 Time server, 500 Switching hub

Claims (18)

A transmission device for transmitting an image via a network,
First receiving means for receiving a signal instructing start of image transmission;
Second receiving means for receiving an image from another transmission device;
A time corresponding to time information added to the image received by the second receiving means when the second receiving means receives an image from the other transmission device after receiving the signal by the first receiving means; Acquisition means for acquiring an image taken in
Transmission means for transmitting the image acquired by the acquisition means via the network;
A transmission apparatus comprising:   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a limiting unit configured to limit transmission of an image until the second receiving unit receives an image from the other transmission device when the signal is received by the first receiving unit. Transmission equipment. A holding means for holding a plurality of images taken until the second receiving means receives an image from the other transmission device when the signal is received by the first receiving means;
The acquisition unit selects and acquires an image photographed at a time corresponding to time information added to the image received by the second reception unit from a plurality of images held by the holding unit. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission apparatus is characterized. An imaging means for capturing an image;
Adding means for adding time information to the captured image;
A judging means for judging whether or not the own imaging device is the farthest imaging device connected to the network;
When the own imaging device is the farthest imaging device, the image to which the time information is added by the adding means is transmitted to another imaging device, and when the own imaging device is not the farthest imaging device An image to which time information is added is received from another imaging apparatus, and an image to which the same time information as the time information added to the received image is added by the adding means is added together with the received image. Communication means for transmitting to the imaging device;
An imaging device comprising:   5. The imaging according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines that the imaging device is the farthest imaging device connected to the network when the imaging device is the terminal of the network connection. 6. apparatus. When the communication means receives an imaging start signal via the network, the communication means transmits the imaging start signal to another imaging device,
The imaging means starts imaging when receiving the imaging start signal,
6. The determination unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when there is no transmission destination of the imaging start signal of the communication unit, the determination unit determines that its own imaging device is the farthest imaging device connected to the network. The imaging device described in 1. When the communication means receives an imaging start signal via the network, the communication means transmits the imaging start signal to another imaging device,
The imaging means starts imaging when receiving the imaging start signal,
The determining unit determines that the imaging unit is the farthest imaging device connected to the network when the communication unit receives the imaging start signal from the imaging devices adjacent to the imaging unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4.   The determination unit determines that the own imaging device is the farthest imaging device connected to the network when the imaging device is set to be the farthest imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 4.   When the image capturing apparatus is the farthest image capturing apparatus, the communication unit transmits the image to which the time information is added by the adding unit to the image capturing apparatus adjacent to the image capturing apparatus. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized. When the communication means receives a transmission start command via the network, it transmits the transmission start command to another imaging device, and starts transmitting the image.
6. The determination unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, when there is no transmission destination of the transmission start command of the communication unit, the determination unit determines that its own imaging device is the farthest imaging device connected to the network. The imaging device described in 1. A transmission method by a transmission device for transmitting an image via a network,
A first receiving step of receiving a signal instructing start of image transmission;
A second receiving step of receiving an image from another transmission device;
When an image is received from the other transmission device in the second receiving step after receiving the signal in the first receiving step, a time corresponding to time information added to the image received in the second receiving step An acquisition step of acquiring an image taken in
A transmission step of transmitting the image acquired in the acquisition step via the network;
A transmission method characterized by comprising: A plurality of imaging devices connected in a chain via a network;
Each of the plurality of imaging devices is
An imaging means for capturing an image;
Adding means for adding time information to the captured image;
A judging means for judging whether or not the own imaging device is the farthest imaging device connected to the network;
When the own imaging device is the farthest imaging device, the image to which the time information is added by the adding means is transmitted to another imaging device, and when the own imaging device is not the farthest imaging device An image to which time information is added is received from another imaging apparatus, and an image to which the same time information as the time information added to the received image is added by the adding means is added together with the received image. Communication means for transmitting to the imaging device;
An imaging system comprising:   The plurality of image pickup devices are characterized in that an image pickup device at one end is a termination, an image pickup device at the other end is connected to an image server, and an image to which the same time information is added is transmitted to the image server. The imaging system according to claim 12. The plurality of imaging devices each have a plurality of chain connections each including a terminal imaging device;
The imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of chain connections are connected to an image server, and each of the images is transmitted with an image to which the same time information is added.   An image server for processing all the images of the plurality of imaging devices to which the same time information is added when all the images of the plurality of imaging devices to which the same time information is added are received; The imaging system according to claim 12 or 14, characterized in that   The imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of imaging devices transmit images to which imaging devices at both ends are connected to an image server and the same time information is added. A control device for transmitting an imaging start signal to the plurality of imaging devices;
The imaging system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein each of the plurality of imaging devices starts imaging when receiving the imaging start signal. A control device that transmits a transmission start command to the plurality of imaging devices;
The imaging system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein each of the plurality of imaging devices starts transmission of an image when receiving the transmission start command.

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