Patent Application
20250077152
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a storage medium, and the like.
Conventionally, there is a function referred to as a preset in which it is possible to register specific pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) positions and image quality settings for a remote camera in the body of the remote camera, and to readout and execute the contents that have been registered.
This function makes it possible for the user of the remote camera to easily switch between PTZ positions and image quality settings that have been registered in advance. In addition, it is possible to register a plurality of presets for PTZ positions and image quality settings. In addition, there is also a function referred to as a preset thumbnail display for increasing the identifiability of different presets.
A preset thumbnail display is a function in which an image that was image captured by a camera at the time that a preset was registered is stored in this camera, this image is acquired via a network on a control apparatus such as a web UI, a controller application, or the like, and is displayed as a thumbnail.
In the above-described presets, it is also possible to register just the image quality settings, without registering a PTZ position. However, in the prior-art technology that is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2013-198136, a user is not able to determine whether or not there is a PTZ position registered in a preset by just looking at the thumbnail image for the preset.
Therefore, there is the problem that the user will not be able to determine whether this a is a preset for which the PTZ position will move to the angle of view that is shown in the thumbnail image or if this is a preset in which the PTZ position will not move to the angle of view that is shown in the thumbnail image after the preset has been executed.
The information processing apparatus of one of aspects of the present invention comprises at least one processor or circuit configured to function as:
Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, favorable modes of the present invention will be described using Embodiments. In each diagram, the same reference signs are applied to the same members or elements, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted or simplified.
The network 120 is realized by, for example, a plurality of routers, switches, cables, or the like that conform to a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like. Note that the network 120 may also be realized by the internet, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.
Next,
A network I/F (Interface) 201 performs communications with external apparatuses in accordance with TCP/IP, HTTP, or the like via the network 120. An input I/F 202 receives commands from an input apparatus such as a mouse, a keyboard, or the like via a USB, or the like. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 203 is a central processing apparatus that integrally controls the information processing apparatus 100.
A RAM 204 (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores a computer program that is executed by the CPU 203. In addition, the RAM 204 provides a work area that is used when the CPU 203 executes processing
In addition, the RAM 204 can also function as, for example, a frame memory, or it can also function as a buffer memory. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 205 stores a program for the CPU 203 to control the information processing apparatus 100, or the like. An HDD 206 is a storage apparatus that records image data, or the like
A display 207 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays images that have been transmitted from the image capturing apparatus 110, a user interface (UI) window to be described below, and the like.
Note that in the First Embodiment, although an explanation is given of an example in which the information processing apparatus 100 is provided with the display 207, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the information processing apparatus 100 and the display 207 may also both have separate housings.
In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 and the display 207 are connected via a cable such as an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark), an SDI (Serial Digital Interface), or the like.
Next,
An image capturing unit 211 captures images. Specifically, the image capturing unit 211 has an image capturing element such as a CCD (Charge Couple Device) sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, or the like, and generates an electric signal by photoelectrically converting a subject image that has been formed through a lens of the image capturing apparatus 110. In addition, the image capturing unit 211 generates an image via processing to convert the electric signal that has been photoelectrically converted to a predetermined digital signal.
A pan tilt drive unit 212 is configured by a mechanical drive system that is able to perform pan direction operations and tilt direction operations for the image capturing apparatus 110, and a drive source motor. A lens drive unit 213 is configured by a drive system for a focus lens and a zoom lens, and is able to control the zoom and the focus of the image capturing apparatus 110. In addition, a network I/F 214 performs communications with external apparatuses in accordance with TCP/IP, HTTP, or the like via the network 120.
A CPU 215 is a central processing apparatus that integrally controls the image capturing apparatus 110. A RAM 216 temporarily stores a computer program that is executed by the CPU 215. In addition, the RAM 216 provides a work area that is used when the CPU 215 is executing processing.
In addition, for example, the RAM 216 can function as a frame memory, and it can also function as a buffer memory. A ROM 217 stores a program for the CPU 215 to control the image capturing apparatus 110, or the like. An HDD 218 is a storage apparatus that records image data or the like.
Next,
First, the functions of the information processing apparatus 100 will be explained. The system control unit 301 of the information processing apparatus 100 controls the entirety of the information processing apparatus 100. In addition, the system control unit 301 generates control commands, which are commands for controlling the pan-tilt-zoom, autofocus, and the like of the image capturing apparatus 110, and transmits these to the image capturing apparatus 110 via the network I/F 201 according to user operations via the input I/F 202.
In addition, the system control unit 301 acquires an image that has been transmitted from the image capturing apparatus 110 and an image that has been transmitted from the network I/F 201 and displays these images on the display 207. The storage unit 302 stores registration information for presets, which will be explained below, and thumbnail images.
The preset registration information acquisition unit 3011 acquires preset registration information, which is information that is registered in relation to the presets for the camera, from the camera. The thumbnail acquisition unit 3012 acquires preset thumbnail images, which are images corresponding to the presets.
That is, this preset is executed, and an image of a region that is captured by the execution of this preset is acquired to serve as a preset thumbnail image. Note that the preset thumbnail image does not necessarily need to be an image that has been captured at the time when the preset was registered.
It is sufficient if this is at least an image corresponding to this preset. For example, this may also be a map image, an icon image, or the like that shows the position that is image captured by the preset. The thumbnail display unit 3013 displays the preset thumbnail image.
The angle of view change determining unit 3014 determines if a setting value that will change the angle of view is included in the preset registration information. The angle of view change information display unit 3015 displays information corresponding the results that have been determined by the angle of view change determining unit 3014. Note that the camera is, for example, the image capturing apparatus 110.
In addition, the angle of view change information display unit 3015 may also make the thumbnail display unit 3013 display information showing that a setting value that will change the angle of view is included in the preset registration information. In addition, the angle of view change information display unit 3015 may also make the thumbnail display unit 3013 display information showing that a setting value that will change the angle of view is not included in the preset registration information.
In addition, as is shown in
The first extraction display executing unit 3017 extracts only presets that include a setting value that will change the angle of view from among the plurality of presets and displays only the presets that have been extracted.
Furthermore, as is shown in
The image quality change determining unit 3018 determines if a setting value that will change the image quality of a still image or a movie image that is captured by the camera is included in the preset registration information. The image quality change information display unit 3019 displays information corresponding to results that have been determined by the image quality change determining unit 3018.
In addition, the image quality change information display unit 3019 may also make the thumbnail display unit 3013 display information showing that a setting value that will change the image quality is included in the preset registration information. In addition, the image quality change information display unit 3019 may also make the thumbnail display unit 3013 display information that shows that a setting value that will change the image quality is not included in the preset registration information.
The second rearrangement executing unit 3020 extracts presets that include settings values that will change the image quality from among the plurality of presets, and executes rearrangement such that presets that have been extracted are prioritized in the display.
The second extraction display executing unit 3021 performs extraction in which it extracts only presets that include a setting value that will change the image quality from among the plurality of presets and displays only the presets that have been extracted.
Note that a specific example of the processing that is executed by the system control unit 301 will be explained below.
The functions of the image capturing apparatus 110 will be explained. Note that each function of a system control unit 303 and a storage unit 304 of the image capturing apparatus 110 that is shown in
The system control unit 303 analyzes a control command that has been received from the information processing system 100, and performs processing according to the control command. For example, in a case in which a control command for image quality adjustment has been received, the system control unit 303 performs control on the image capturing unit 211 to adjust the image quality. Note that the image quality settings include settings for exposure, white balance, noise reduction, blur correction, sharpness, and the like.
In addition, in a case in which a control command to control the pan/tilt has been received, the system control unit 303 executes control for the pan and tilt of the image capturing apparatus 110 by controlling the pan tilt drive unit 212. In addition, in a case in which a control command to control the zoom and a control command to control the focus have been received, the system control unit 303 executes control for the zoom and focus of the image capturing apparatus 110 by controlling the lens drive unit 213.
In addition, in a case in which the system control unit 303 has received a preset registration command, the system control unit 303 stores an image that was captured when the current pant tilt zoom position, the image quality settings, and the preset registration command were received to serve as the thumbnail in the storage unit 304.
Note that it is possible that whether or not to register either of the pan-tilt-zoom and the image quality settings is indicated in the preset registration command. In addition, in a case in which a preset execution command has been received, the system control unit 303 executes the following processing.
In this case, the system control unit 303 reads out preset information that is stored in the storage unit 304, reads out the value for the pan-tilt-zoom and the image quality settings that have been registered, controls the image capturing unit 211 and the pan tilt drive unit 212, and applies the settings values that have been stored in the preset.
In addition, in a case in which an image acquisition command has been received, the system control unit 303 acquires image data that has been generated by the image capturing unit 211 and transmits this image data to the information processing apparatus 100 via the network I/F 214.
In addition, in a case in which a thumbnail image acquisition command has been received, the system control unit 303 acquires thumbnail image data that is stored in the storage unit 304, and transmits this image data to the information processing apparatus 100 via the network I/F 214.
In addition, in a case in which a preset information acquisition command has been received, the system control unit 303 acquires preset information that is stored on the storage unit 304, and transmits this preset information to the information processing apparatus 100 via the network I/F 214. The storage unit 304 stores the preset information and the preset thumbnail image.
Note that in the First Embodiment, it is made such that 100 types of presets can be stored. In addition, in the First Embodiment, each preset is named, for example, preset #1, preset #2, and the like.
Next, the thumbnail display function in the First Embodiment will be explained while referring to
Note that
The preset number 401 shows a number for a preset. The thumbnail image 402 is a thumbnail image for a preset that has been acquired from the image capturing apparatus 110. The pan-tilt-zoom icon 403 is an icon that shows whether or not pan-tilt-zoom has been registered in the preset. Note that, although the image capturing apparatus 110 has the pan-tilt-zoom functions in this embodiment, at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom functions may be installed in the image capturing apparatus 110, in that case, the icon 403 is an icon that shows whether or not at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom has been registered in the preset.
In a case in which pan-tilt-zoom has been registered in the preset, the pan-tilt-zoom icon 403 is displayed as is shown in
In this manner, it is possible for the user to determine whether or not pan-tilt-zoom has been registered in a preset by the display state of the pan-tilt-zoom icon 403. The image quality settings icon 404 is an icon that shows if image quality settings have been registered in the preset. In a case in which image quality settings have been registered, the image quality settings icon 404 is displayed as is shown in
In a case in which image quality settings have not been registered, the image quality settings icon 404 is not displayed, as is shown in
Next,
During step S500, the system control unit 301 transmits a preset information acquisition command to the image capturing apparatus 110 and acquires the preset registration information. Note that the preset registration information includes information relating the presence or absence of registration for presets with respect to each preset from preset #1 to preset #100, information relating to the presence or absence of pan-tilt-zoom registration, and information relating to the presence or absence of image quality settings information.
During step S501, the system control unit 301 prepares a variable n and inserts 1 into the variable n.
During step S502, the system control unit 301 determines whether or not the variable n is less than the largest preset number. In a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that the variable n is less than the largest preset number, the processing proceeds to step S503.
Note that the processing for step S502 to step S508 is loop processing. In contrast, in a case in which during S502, the system control unit 301 has determined that the variable n is not less than the largest preset number, the loop is completed, and the processing that is shown in
During step S503, the system control unit 301 determines whether or not an nth number preset is registered. In a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that an nth number preset has been registered, the processing proceeds to step S504. In contrast, in a case in which it has been determined that an nth number preset has not been registered, the processing proceeds to step S509.
During step S504, the system control unit 301 transmits a thumbnail image acquisition command for the nth number preset to the image capturing apparatus 110, acquires the thumbnail image, and displays this on the GUI for the thumbnail display.
During step S505, the system control unit 301 determines whether or not the pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered in the nth number preset. In a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that the pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered, the processing proceeds to step S506. In contrast, in a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that the pan-tilt-zoom position has not been registered, the processing proceeds to step S507.
During step S506, the system control unit 301 displays the pan-tilt-zoom icon 403 on the GUI for the thumbnail display.
During step S507, the system control unit 301 determines whether or not the image quality settings have been registered for the nth number preset. In a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that the image quality settings have been registered, the processing proceeds to step S508. In contrast, in a case in which it has been determined that the image quality settings have not been registered, the processing proceeds to step S509.
During step S508, the system control unit 301 displays the image quality settings icon 404 on the GUI for the thumbnail display.
During step S509, the system control unit 301 inserts a value in which 1 has been added to the variable n as the variable n.
Next, the processing returns to step S502, which is the start of the loop, and the system control unit 301 determines if the variable n is less than the largest preset number in the manner that was described above. In addition, in a case in which the variable n is less than the largest preset number, the system control unit 301 makes the loop continue, and in a case in which the variable n is not less than the largest preset number, the processing that has been shown in
As has been shown above, by executing the processing that is shown in
Note that with respect to the GUI that displays the plurality of preset thumbnails as a list on the same screen that was shown in
Next, the function for extracting and displaying only presets for which the pan-tilt-zoom or the image quality settings are registered and the function for rearranging the display order based on whether or not the pan-tilt-zoom or the image quality settings are registered will be explained with reference to
The GUI that is shown in
In a case in which the check box 602 has been checked off, the presets for which the pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered are extracted and displayed. In contrast, in a case in which the check box 601 has not been checked off, the presets for which the pan-tilt-zoom position is not registered are not displayed.
The check box 602 is a check box for selecting whether or not to extract the presets for which the image quality settings have been recorded. In a case in which the check box 602 has been checked off, the presets for which the image quality settings have been registered are extracted and displayed.
In contrast, in a case in which the check box 602 has not been checked off, the presets for which the image quality settings have not been registered are not displayed. It is thereby possible for the information processing apparatus 100 to extract and display just the presets on which the user would like to focus.
The GUI that has been shown in
The select button 604 is a button for deciding the display order based on whether or not the pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered. In a case in which the select button 604 has been selected, display is performed starting with the presets for which the pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered.
The select button 605 is a button for deciding the display order based on whether or not the image quality settings have been registered. In a case in which the select button 605 has been selected, display is performed starting with the presets for which the image quality settings have been registered. It is thereby possible to perform display starting with the presets on which the user would like to focus.
In the First Embodiment, processing was explained in which the registration of the pan-tilt-zoom or the image quality settings was displayed using an icon. In contrast, in the Second Embodiment, processing will be explained in which an icon is used to display that the pan-tilt-zoom has not been registered.
Below, the processing for the information processing apparatus 100 according to the Second Embodiment will be explained with reference to
The warning icon 701 is an icon that shows that any of the pan-tilt-zoom position has not been registered in a preset. In a case in which any of the pan-tilt-zoom position has not been registered in a preset, the warning icon 701 that was shown in
In contrast, in a case in which at least one of the pan-tilt-zoom position is registered, the icon is not displayed. In this manner, it is possible for a user to determine whether or not the pan-tilt-zoom position is registered in a preset from the display state of the warning icon 701.
Next,
Note that the processing that is shown in
During step S800, the system control unit 301 transmits a preset information acquisition command to the image capturing apparatus 110, and acquires preset registration information. Note that the preset registration information includes information relating to whether or not the preset number 1 to the preset number 100 have been registered, information relating to whether or not the pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered, and information relating to whether or not the image quality settings have been registered.
During step S801, the system control unit 301 prepares a variable n, and inserts 1 into the variable n.
During step S802, the system control unit 301 determines whether or not the variable n is less than the largest preset number. In a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that the variable n is less than the largest preset number, the processing proceeds to step S803. Note that the processing from step S802 to step S806 is loop processing.
In a case in which during step S802, the system control unit 301 has determined that the variable n is not smaller than the largest preset number, the loop is completed, and the processing that is shown in
During step S803, the system control unit 301 determines whether or not an nth number preset has been registered. In a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that an nth number preset has been registered, the processing proceeds to step S804. In contrast, in a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that a preset for the nth number has not been registered, the processing proceeds to step S807.
During step S804, the system control unit 301 transmits a thumbnail image acquisition command for the nth number preset to the image capturing apparatus 110, acquires a thumbnail image, and displays this on the GUI for thumbnail display.
During step S805, the system control unit 301 determines whether or not the pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered in the nth number preset. In a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that a pan-tilt-zoom position has not been registered, the processing proceeds to step S806. In contrast, in a case in which the system control unit 301 has determined that a pan-tilt-zoom position has been registered, the processing proceeds to step S807.
During step S806, the system control unit 301 displays the warning icon 701 on the GUI for thumbnail display.
During step S807 the system control unit 301 inserts a value in which 1 has been added to the variable n as the variable n.
Next, the processing returns to step S802, which is the start of the loop, and the system control unit 301 determines whether or not the variable n is smaller than the largest preset number, as was explained above. In addition, in a case in which the variable n is smaller than the largest preset number, the system control unit 301 continues the loop, and in a case in which the integer n is not smaller than the largest preset number, the processing that was shown in
In the manner that has been explained above, by executing the processing that is shown in
While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. For example, although the image capturing apparatus 110 has the pan-tilt-zoom functions in the embodiment, at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom functions may be installed in the image capturing apparatus 110. In that case, at least one of pan, tilt, and zoom functions corresponds to a first setting to change an angle of view of the camera corresponds to.
In addition, as a part or the whole of the control according to the embodiments, a computer program realizing the function of the embodiments described above may be supplied to the information processing apparatus or the like through a network or various storage media. Then, a computer (or a CPU, an MPU, or the like) of the information processing apparatus or the like may be configured to read and execute the program. In such a case, the program and the storage medium storing the program configure the present invention.
In addition, the present invention includes those realized using at least one processor or circuit configured to perform functions of the embodiments explained above. For example, a plurality of processors may be used for distribution processing to perform functions of the embodiments explained above.
This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-140255, filed on Aug. 30, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-140255 | Aug 2023 | JP | national |
