JP2006261999A - Camera, camera system, and cooperative photographing method using multiple cameras - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera, a camera system, and a cooperative photographing method using multiple cameras which can surely select a desired object from a plurality of objects, can perform a photographing synchronously by using the multiple cameras, and can capture and photograph the object in a short time in the case of changing a photographing viewing angle. <P>SOLUTION: The camera system comprises: an aiming camera provided with a transmission means for transmitting read signals at a spread angle of a viewing angle or less to a tag which is attached to the object and transmits prescribed response signals corresponding to the received read signals and an aiming response reception means for receiving the response signals, which photographs the object positioned within the viewing angle; and a synchronous camera provided with a reception means for receiving the response signals from the tag, a direction detection means for detecting a tag direction which is a direction wherein the tag is positioned and a direction adjusting means for making a photographing direction wherein the camera photographs the object roughly match with the tag direction, which photographs the object photographed by the aiming camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera, a camera system, and a cooperative shooting method for a plurality of cameras that shoot a subject to which a transmitter that transmits a response signal according to a received read signal is attached.

  In general, when performing sports shooting for television broadcasting, a camera system in which a plurality of cameras are arranged at different positions is used, and a desired subject is simultaneously shot by each camera. In this case, normally, each camera is operated by an individual cameraman to perform shooting.

  However, in such a camera system, since the operation of each camera depends on the skill of each individual cameraman, especially when the number of cameras to be used is increased, all the cameras are synchronized and the subject is photographed. There was a problem that it was difficult. On the other hand, an automatic photographing camera device has been proposed in which a plurality of cameras are automatically operated so that the same subject can be photographed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this automatic photographing camera device, a marker such as a color patch having a predetermined color is attached to a subject, and by tracking this marker, a plurality of cameras are automatically synchronized to perform photographing.

JP 2002-247441 A JP 2003-69884 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-261531

  However, in the method of tracking a marker such as a color patch to a plurality of cameras, each camera must always be able to capture and shoot the marker. For example, in a camera in which occlusion occurs where the marker is hidden behind a subject or the like, the marker Cannot be tracked, and the subject cannot be photographed. On the other hand, an automatic subject tracking device for automatically tracking and photographing a subject with a transmitter attached has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this subject automatic tracking device, the subject is tracked by the camera based on a radio signal from a transmitter attached to the subject, so that the subject can be tracked without being affected by occlusion.

  However, this subject automatic tracking device has a problem that a desired subject cannot be selected and photographed when a transmitter is attached to a plurality of subjects. Further, when the angle of view for photographing changes due to the zoom function of the lens, there is a problem that the operation time for capturing the subject may increase.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and even when a transmitter is attached to a plurality of subjects, the desired subject can be reliably selected with a simple operation and photographed in synchronization with a plurality of cameras. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera, a camera system, and a multi-camera cooperative shooting method that can capture a subject in a short time when the angle of view for shooting can be changed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to claim 1 is a camera for photographing a subject located within an angle of view, and transmits a predetermined response signal according to a received read signal attached to the subject. A transmitter that transmits the read signal at a spread angle equal to or smaller than the angle of view, and a receiver that receives a response signal from the transmitter.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the angle of view adjusting means for changing the angle of view, and when the angle of view adjusting means changes the angle of view, the angle of view is equal to or less than the angle of view resulting from the change. And a divergence angle adjusting means for changing the divergence angle.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera system for photographing one or more subjects to which a transmitter for transmitting a predetermined response signal according to a received read signal is attached, from a plurality of directions. A transmission unit that transmits the read signal with a spread angle equal to or smaller than the angle of view to the machine, an aiming camera that captures the subject located within the angle of view, and a reception unit that receives a response signal from the transmitter Direction detecting means for detecting a transmitter direction in which the transmitter is located based on the response signal, and direction adjusting means for substantially matching a shooting direction in which the camera captures the subject with the transmitter direction. And a tuning camera for photographing a subject photographed by the aiming camera.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the aiming camera includes aiming response receiving means for receiving the response signal, and the reading signal includes the first reading signal and the second reading signal. The aiming response receiving means receives a first response signal transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal transmitted by the transmitting means, and the receiving means comprises the aiming response After the receiving means receives the first response signal, the direction detecting means receives the second response signal transmitted from the transmitter according to the second read signal transmitted by the transmitting means. Detects the transmitter direction based on the second response signal.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the first and second read signals are pre-input information having identification information for identifying the transmitter, and the aiming response The receiving means receives the first response signal from the transmitter corresponding to the identification information included in the first reading signal, and the receiving means transmits the information corresponding to the identification information included in the second reading signal. Receiving the second response signal from the machine.

  Further, in the camera system according to claim 6, in the above invention, the aiming camera is identified from display means for displaying identification information for identifying the transmitter, and the identification information displayed by the display means. Selection request means for requesting selection of information, wherein the aiming response receiving means has identification information transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal and having identification information for identifying the transmitter. , The display means displays the identification information included in the first response signal, and the transmission means displays the identification information selected based on the selection request as the second read signal. And the second reading signal added is transmitted, and the receiving means receives the second response signal from the transmitter corresponding to the identification information added to the second reading signal. It is characterized by .

  In the camera system according to claim 7, in the above invention, the aiming camera includes subject distance detection means for detecting a subject distance that is a distance from the aiming camera to a subject focused by the aiming camera, The transmission means adds subject distance information indicating the subject distance to the second reading signal and transmits the added second reading signal, and the receiving means uses the distance detection means included in the transmitter. The second distance from the transmitter having a high degree of coincidence between the detected transmitter distance, which is the distance from the transmitter to the aiming camera, and the subject distance indicated by the subject distance information added to the second read signal. The response signal is received.

  In the camera system according to claim 8, in the above invention, the transmitter distance is a period from when the transmitter transmits the first response signal to when the second reading signal is received. The distance is originally detected.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the ninth aspect, the aiming camera includes subject distance detection means for detecting a subject distance that is a distance from the aiming camera to a subject focused by the aiming camera; Transmitter distance detecting means for detecting a transmitter distance that is a distance from the camera to the transmitter, a degree of coincidence between the subject distance and the transmitter distance is calculated, and the transmitter is determined according to the calculated degree of coincidence. Order setting means for setting a priority for a transmitter corresponding to a distance, and the aiming response receiving means is transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal and identifies the transmitter The order setting means associates the identification information contained in the first response signal with the priority order, and the transmission means has the predetermined value or more. The identification information corresponding to the previous is added to the second read signal and the added second read signal is transmitted, and the receiving means adds the identification information added to the second read signal. The second response signal from the corresponding transmitter is received.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the tenth aspect, the transmitter distance detecting means is configured such that the aiming response receiving means receives the first response after the transmitting means transmits the first read signal. The transmitter distance is detected based on a period until the signal is received.

  In the camera system according to claim 11, in the above invention, the transmission unit adds the identification information corresponding to the highest priority to the second read signal and the added second information. A reading signal is transmitted.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the first response signal and the second response signal have different frequencies.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the thirteenth aspect, the transmission unit transmits the first read signal at a predetermined transmission period while the aiming camera photographs the subject. To do.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the fourteenth aspect, the receiving unit scans a direction in which reception sensitivity is high at a predetermined scanning period to receive the second response signal, and the direction detecting unit includes: The direction in which the second response signal is strongly received by the receiving means is detected as the transmitter direction.

  The camera system according to claim 15 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the second response signal is transmitted for a period of ½ or more of the scanning period.

  The camera system according to claim 16 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the tuning camera stops photographing the subject when a continuous non-reception period by the reception unit reaches a predetermined period. To do.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera system according to the above invention, wherein the angle of view adjustment means for changing the angle of view and the angle of view of the result of the change when the angle of view adjustment means changes the angle of view. A divergence angle adjusting means for changing the divergence angle as described below is provided.

  In addition, the coordinated imaging method for a plurality of cameras according to claim 18 is a coordinated imaging method for imaging one or more subjects to which a transmitter for transmitting a predetermined response signal according to a received read signal is attached, from a plurality of directions. A shooting method, in which a sighting camera that shoots the subject located within an angle of view transmits the read signal to the transmitter at a spread angle equal to or smaller than the angle of view, and a subject that the sighting camera shoots A receiving step for receiving a response signal from the transmitter, a direction detecting step for detecting a transmitter direction in which the transmitter is located based on the response signal, and the tuning And a direction adjusting step in which a shooting direction in which the camera captures the subject is substantially coincided with the transmitter direction.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collaborative imaging method for a plurality of cameras, wherein the aiming camera includes an aiming response receiving step in which the aiming camera receives the response signal, and the transmitting step is included in the reading signal. Including a first transmission step and a second transmission step for transmitting the read signal and the second read signal, respectively, wherein the aiming response reception step includes the first read signal transmitted by the first transmission step. In response, a first response signal transmitted from the transmitter is received, and the reception step is transmitted by the second transmission step after the first response signal is received by the aiming response reception step. A second response signal transmitted from the transmitter in response to the second read signal is received, and the direction detecting step is performed based on the second response signal. And detecting the transmitter direction.

  Further, in the above-described invention, the first and second read signals are pre-input information and have identification information for identifying the transmitter. The aiming response receiving step receives the first response signal from the transmitter corresponding to the identification information included in the first reading signal, and the receiving step includes the identification information included in the second reading signal. The second response signal is received from a transmitter corresponding to.

  Further, in the cooperative shooting method of a plurality of cameras according to claim 21, in the above invention, the aiming camera displays identification information for identifying the transmitter, and the identification information displayed by the display step. A selection requesting step for requesting selection of identification information from among the above, wherein the aiming response receiving step has identification information transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal to identify the transmitter. The first response signal is received, the display step displays identification information included in the first response signal, and the second transmission step includes identification information selected based on the selection request. Is added to the second read signal and the added second read signal is transmitted, and the receiving step is a transmitter corresponding to the identification information added to the second read signal. Wherein the receiving of the second response signal.

  According to a 22nd aspect of the present invention, there is provided an object distance detecting step in which the aiming camera detects an object distance that is a distance from the aiming camera to an object focused by the aiming camera. The second transmission step adds subject distance information indicating the subject distance to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal, and the reception step includes the transmission The degree of coincidence between the transmitter distance, which is the distance from the transmitter to the aiming camera detected by the distance detection means of the device, and the subject distance indicated by the subject distance information added to the second read signal is high The second response signal from the transmitter is received.

  According to a 23rd aspect of the present invention, there is provided a subject distance detection step in which the aiming camera detects a subject distance that is a distance from the aiming camera to a subject focused by the aiming camera. A transmitter distance detecting step for detecting a transmitter distance, which is a distance from the aiming camera to the transmitter, and a degree of coincidence between the subject distance and the transmitter distance is calculated, and the degree of coincidence is calculated. A priority setting step for setting a priority for the transmitter corresponding to the transmitter distance, and the aiming response receiving step is transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal. The first response signal having identification information for identification is received, and the order setting step associates the identification information included in the first response signal with the priority order. In the second transmission step, the identification information corresponding to the priority equal to or higher than a predetermined value is added to the second read signal, and the added second read signal is transmitted. The second response signal from the transmitter corresponding to the identification information added to the second read signal is received.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the above-described invention, the transmitter distance detection step includes receiving the aiming response after the first reading signal is transmitted in the first transmission step. The transmitter distance is detected based on a period until the first response signal is received in the step.

  According to the camera, the camera system, and the multi-camera cooperative shooting method according to the present invention, even when a transmitter is attached to a plurality of subjects, the desired subject can be reliably selected with a simple operation and synchronized with the plurality of cameras. When the angle of view to be photographed is changed, the subject can be captured in a short time.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a camera, a camera system, and a cooperative shooting method for a plurality of cameras according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
First, a camera, a camera system, and a cooperative shooting method for a plurality of cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the camera system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera system according to the first embodiment captures a subject 11 in synchronism with the master camera 1 as a sighting camera that captures and captures the subject 11 within an angle of view. Tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2. A tag 12 as a transmitter that transmits a predetermined response signal according to the received read signal is attached to the subject 11, and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 are highly directional transmitted by the master camera 1. An omnidirectional response signal transmitted from the tag 12 is received in response to the sexual read signal, and the subject 11 is imaged toward the tag 12 based on the received response signal. The tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 are installed so as to be rotatable in at least one direction such as a horizontal direction and a vertical direction using a pan head or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the master camera 1 and the tag 12 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the master camera 1 includes a photographing unit 2 that photographs a subject 11 and generates image data, an image processing unit 3 that processes image data generated by the photographing unit 2, and an antenna 4a. A signal processing circuit 4 as a transmission means for transmitting a read signal to the tag 12 and an aiming response reception means for receiving a response signal from the tag 12, an input unit 5 for receiving input of various information, and an output unit for outputting various information 6, a communication unit 7 that communicates various types of information with an external device, a storage unit 8 that stores various types of information, and a control unit C <b> 1 that controls the overall processing and operation of the master camera 1. The photographing unit 2, the image processing unit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the input unit 5, the output unit 6, the communication unit 7 and the storage unit 8 are electrically connected to the control unit C1, and the control unit C1 is configured by each of these components. Control the site.

  The tag 12 receives a read signal from the master camera 1 via the antenna 13a and transmits a response signal according to the received read signal, a memory 14 for storing various information, a tag 12 includes a battery 15 that supplies power to each of the 12 components, and a control unit C2 that controls the overall processing and operation of the tag 12. The signal processing circuit 13 and the memory 14 are electrically connected to the control unit C2, and the control unit C2 controls each of these components.

  The photographing unit 2 converts a photographing optical system 2a that forms a subject image of the subject 11, an imaging element 2b that captures a subject image formed by the photographing optical system 2a, and an analog signal output from the imaging element 2b into a digital signal. An A / D converter 2c for conversion. The photographing optical system 2a is a single focal point lens having a fixed focal length obtained by combining a plurality of lenses, and is moved in the optical axis direction by a driving device (not shown) to focus on the subject 11. The photographing optical system 2a may be a zoom lens having a variable focal length.

  The signal processing circuit 4 transmits a read signal of the frequency f1 to the tag 12 via the antenna 4a, and receives a response signal of the frequency f1 transmitted from the tag 12 according to the transmitted read signal via the antenna 4a. To do. Further, when transmitting the read signal, the signal processing circuit 4 amplifies and modulates the electric signal corresponding to the read signal and transmits it. When receiving the response signal, the signal processing circuit 4 amplifies and demodulates the electric signal corresponding to the response signal. To the control unit C1. The spread angle of the read signal transmitted by the signal processing circuit 4 is set to be approximately equal to the angle of view of the photographing unit 2, and the signal processing circuit 4 is between the tag 12 attached to the subject 11 located within this angle of view. The reading signal and the response signal are transmitted and received.

  The output unit 6 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays and outputs image information captured by the imaging unit 2, and a cameraman or the like who operates the master camera 1 captures images by referring to the displayed and output images. The video taken by the unit 2 can be confirmed in real time.

  The storage unit 8 includes a ROM in which various types of information such as a program for starting a predetermined OS and a processing program are stored in advance, and a RAM in which various calculation parameters for each process, various types of information input to and output from each component, and the like are stored. It is realized using.

  The control unit C1 is realized by a CPU or the like that executes a processing program stored in the storage unit 8. In particular, the control unit C1 includes a tuning control unit C1a that controls a process in which the signal processing circuit 4 transmits and receives a read signal and a response signal to and from the tag 12. Specifically, when the master camera 1 captures the subject 11 within the angle of view of the photographing unit 2, the tuning control unit C1a notifies the tag 12 that the object is captured within the angle of view. Control is performed to cause the signal processing circuit 4 to transmit an aiming signal as a read signal, and to cause the signal processing circuit 4 to receive an aiming response signal as a first response signal transmitted from the tag 12 in response to the aiming signal.

  Further, the tuning control unit C1a performs control to cause the signal processing circuit 4 to transmit a tuning signal as the second read signal after the signal processing circuit 4 receives the aiming response signal. The tag 12 receives the tuning signal and transmits a tuning response signal as a second response signal. The tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 capture the subject 11 by receiving the tuning response signal. . In this way, the tuning control unit C1a indirectly controls the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 so that the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 shoot the subject 11 in synchronization with the master camera 1. To do.

  On the other hand, the signal processing circuit 13 receives the read signal of the frequency f1 from the master camera 1 via the antenna 13a, and transmits a response signal of the frequency f1 or f2 via the antenna 13a according to the received read signal. Further, when receiving the read signal, the signal processing circuit 13 amplifies and demodulates the electric signal corresponding to the read signal and outputs it to the control unit C2, and when transmitting the response signal, the signal processing circuit 13 outputs the electric signal corresponding to the response signal. Amplify, modulate and transmit. The signal processing circuit 13 switches the frequency of a signal that can be transmitted and received by a frequency variable circuit such as a PLL frequency synthesizer.

  The control unit C2 includes a frequency switching control unit C2a that performs control for causing the signal processing circuit 13 to switch the frequency of a response signal transmitted in accordance with the received read signal. Specifically, when receiving the aiming signal, the frequency switching control unit C2a transmits the aiming response signal having the frequency f1 to the signal processing circuit 13, and when receiving the tuning signal, the frequency switching control unit C2a performs signal processing on the tuning response signal having the frequency f2. Control to transmit to the circuit 13 is performed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tuning camera 21-1 and the tag 12 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the tuning camera 21-1 includes a photographing unit 22, an image processing unit 23, a signal processing circuit 24 as a receiving unit that receives a response signal from the tag 12 via an antenna 24 a, and an input Based on the response signals received by the unit 25, the output unit 26, the communication unit 27, the storage unit 28, and the signal processing circuit 24, the tag direction as the transmitter direction, which is the direction in which the tag 12 is located, is detected. A tag direction detection unit 29, a shooting direction adjustment unit 30 that substantially matches the shooting direction that is the optical axis direction of the shooting optical system 22 a and the shooting unit 22 shoots with the tag direction detected by the tag direction detection unit 29; And a control unit C3 for controlling the overall processing and operation of the tuning camera 21-1. The photographing unit 22 includes a photographing optical system 22a, an image sensor 22b, and an A / D conversion unit 22c. The imaging unit 22, the image processing unit 23, the signal processing circuit 24, the input unit 25, the output unit 26, the communication unit 27, the storage unit 28, the tag direction detection unit 29, and the imaging direction adjustment unit 30 are electrically connected to the control unit C3. Connected, the control unit C3 controls each of these components.

  The signal processing circuit 24 receives the response signal having the frequency f2 from the tag 12 via the antenna 24a, amplifies and demodulates the electrical signal corresponding to the response signal, and outputs the amplified signal to the tag direction detection unit 29 and the control unit C3. The antenna 24a is realized by a phased array antenna having electrically variable directivity, and the signal processing circuit 24 rotates one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally in a direction in which the reception sensitivity of the antenna 24a is high at a predetermined scanning period. A response signal of frequency f2 is received while scanning. The antenna 24a may be an antenna having a predetermined high directivity. In this case, the signal processing circuit 24 may scan the direction in which reception sensitivity is high by mechanically rotating the antenna 24a. Good.

  The tag direction detection unit 29 detects the direction in which the response signal of the frequency f2 is strongly received by the signal processing circuit 24 as the tag direction. For example, the tag direction detection unit 29 observes the reception strength of the response signal received by the signal processing circuit 24 within the scanning period of the antenna 24a in time series, and the reception sensitivity of the antenna 24a at the time when the reception strength reaches the maximum value. Is detected as the tag direction. When there are a plurality of points in time at which the reception intensity reaches a maximum value, the tag direction detection unit 29 determines, for example, the direction in which the maximum sensitivity directions at the time when each maximum value is reached, or the maximum sensitivity direction at the point in time at which the maximum maximum value is shown. The tag direction may be used.

  The photographing direction adjusting unit 30 drives a rotationally movable mechanism such as a camera platform on which the tuning camera 21-1 is mounted at every scanning period of the antenna 24 a, and the tuning camera 21 in the tag direction detected by the tag direction detection unit 29. The shooting directions of -1 are made to substantially coincide.

  The other components included in the synchronization camera 21-1, that is, the imaging unit 22, the image processing unit 23, the input unit 25, the output unit 26, the communication unit 27, and the storage unit 28, are each included in the master camera 1. The image processing unit 3, the input unit output unit 26, the communication unit 27, and the storage unit 8 have the same functions. Further, the tuning camera 21-2 shown in FIG. 1 has the same configuration as the tuning camera 21-1, and has an equivalent function.

  Here, processing and operations performed in a coordinated manner by the master camera 1 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure that the master camera 1 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 cooperatively perform when shooting the subject 11 to which the tag 12 is attached. As shown in FIG. 4, the master camera 1 captures the subject 11 and transmits an aiming signal with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view in the photographing direction (step S101). The tag 12 sets a transmission / reception frequency, which is a frequency of a signal that can be transmitted / received by the signal processing circuit 13, to the frequency f1 in advance (step S103), receives the aiming signal transmitted from the master camera 1, and receives an omnidirectional aiming response. A signal is transmitted (step S105).

  Subsequently, the master camera 1 receives the aiming response signal from the tag 12 and transmits a tuning signal in the photographing direction at a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view (step S107), and the tag 12 is tuned from the master camera 1. After receiving the signal and changing the transmission / reception frequency to the frequency f2, a non-directional tuning response signal is transmitted (step S109). The tuning camera 21-1 receives the tuning response signal from the tag 12, detects the tag direction with respect to the tag 12 (step S111), and photographs the subject 12 with the photographing direction aligned with the detected tag direction (step S113). . The synchronization camera 21-2 performs steps S115 and S117 similarly to steps S111 and S113 to photograph the subject 12.

  In this way, in the camera system according to the first embodiment, the master camera 1 can confirm that the subject 11 has been captured within the angle of view and can reliably shoot the subject 11, and the synchronized camera 21- 1 and 2-2 can shoot the subject 11 in synchronization with the master camera 1.

  Note that the master camera 1 transmits an aiming signal at a predetermined transmission cycle, and steps S101 to S117 are repeated in synchronization with this transmission cycle. Within this transmission cycle, the master camera 1 transmits the aiming signal in a pulsed manner, and transmits the tuning signal continuously or intermittently with a shorter period than the transmission cycle. At this time, the master camera 1 transmits the tuning signal until the tag direction detection unit 29 completes the detection of the tag direction, and transmits the tuning signal at least for a period of ½ or more of the scanning period of the antenna 24a.

  The omnidirectional aiming response signal having the frequency f1 oscillated in step S105 is also transmitted to the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2, but the tuning is performed by the signal processing circuit 24 with the transmission / reception frequency set to f2. It is not received by the cameras 21-1, 21-2. Similarly, the omnidirectional tuning response signal having the frequency f2 transmitted in step S109 is also transmitted to the master camera 1, but is not received by the master camera 1 in which the transmission / reception frequency is set to f1 by the signal processing circuit 4. .

  Next, the operation of each camera when a plurality of subjects are photographed by the camera system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a case where a plurality of subjects to which tags 12-1 to 12-5 equivalent to the tag 12 are attached are photographed by the master camera 1 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2. It is a schematic diagram which shows. 5A and 5B, the tags 12-1 to 12-5 themselves are simply illustrated as subjects.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the master camera 1 captures and captures the tags 12-2 to 12-4 within the angle of view, each tag corresponds to the tag signal transmitted in substantially the same range as the angle of view. The aiming response signal transmitted from 12-2 to 12-4 is received, and the tuning signal is transmitted. The tuning cameras 21-1, 21-2 receive the tuning response signals transmitted from the respective tags 12-2 to 12-4, detect the tag direction, and perform shooting by matching the shooting direction to the tag direction. . At this time, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 detect, for example, a direction obtained by averaging the directions in which the tuning response signals from the respective tags 12-2 to 12-4 are strongly received as the tag direction.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, as the tags 12-3 to 12-5 move on the plane H, the master camera 1 rotates the shooting direction, and the tags 12-3 and 12-5 are moved. When captured within the angle of view and photographed, the master camera 1 receives the aiming response signal transmitted from each of the tags 12-3 and 12-5 according to the aiming signal, and transmits a tuning signal. The tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 receive the tuning response signals from the tags 12-3 and 12-5 to detect the tag direction and adjust the shooting direction to perform shooting.

  Thus, even when shooting a plurality of subjects with tags attached, the master camera 1 supplements each subject by receiving the aiming response signal transmitted from each tag located within the angle of view. The tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 receive the tuning response signals transmitted from the respective tags and detect the tag direction, so that the master cameras are the same as in the case of one subject. Shooting can be performed in synchronization with 1. In this case, the subject captured within the angle of view of the master camera 1 is a subject to be photographed by the tuning cameras 21-1, 21-2, and when the subject to which the master camera 1 is aimed is changed, the tuning camera 21- 1 and 21-2 also change an imaging | photography object.

  As described above, in the camera system including the master camera 1 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 according to the first embodiment, the master camera 1 transmits an aiming signal with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view. Then, an aiming response signal transmitted from a tag attached to each subject is received according to the aiming signal, and thereafter, a tuning signal is transmitted with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view. The tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 receive a tuning response signal transmitted from each tag according to the tuning signal, detect the tag direction, and perform shooting by making the shooting direction substantially coincide with the detected tag direction. I am doing so. In this way, the master camera 1 can reliably capture and shoot only the subject within the angle of view even when photographing a plurality of subjects with tags attached thereto, and the synchronized cameras 21-1, 21-21. 2 can shoot the subject that the master camera 1 captures in synchronization with the master camera 1.

  When the master camera 1 receives the aiming response signal from the tag, the master camera 1 may notify the outside by the output unit 6. Thus, the master camera 1 can notify a cameraman who operates the master camera 1 that a desired subject has been captured.

  Further, the master camera 1 may transmit the aiming signal and the tuning signal at a spread angle smaller than the angle of view. As a result, the master camera 1 can focus on a desired subject located in a narrower range within the angle of view, and causes the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 to shoot around the aimed subject. be able to.

  Note that when it is not necessary to confirm that the subject has been captured, the master camera 1 may perform shooting by transmitting only the tuning signal without transmitting the aiming signal.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, a tuning response signal is transmitted from all the tags positioned within the angle of view of the master camera 1 and receiving the tuning signal, and all the subjects corresponding to the transmitted tags are sent to the tuning camera 21-1, In the second embodiment, the tuning response signal is transmitted only to the tag corresponding to the desired subject among the tags that have received the tuning signal.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a master camera 31 included in the camera system according to the second embodiment and tags 42-1 to 42-n attached to a plurality of subjects photographed by the master camera 31. is there. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the master camera 31 includes a control unit C4 and a storage unit 38 instead of the control unit C1 and the storage unit 8 included in the master camera 1. The control unit C4 includes a tuning control unit C4a that controls processing in which the signal processing circuit 4 transmits and receives a read signal and a response signal to and from the tag 42, instead of the tuning control unit C1a. The storage unit 38 includes a tag ID table 38a that is a lookup table. The tag ID table 38a stores the identification information of each subject to be photographed by the master camera 31 and the tag ID that is the identification information of the tags 42-1 to 42-n attached to each subject.

  On the other hand, each of the tags 42-1 to 42-n includes a control unit C5 and a memory 44 instead of the control unit C2 and the memory 14 included in the tag 12. The memory 44 included in each tag 42-1 to 42-n stores tag ID information 44a-1 to 44a-n, which is a tag ID for identifying the tag itself. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components. The camera system according to the second embodiment includes the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 as in the camera system according to the first embodiment.

  Similar to the tuning control unit C1a, the tuning control unit C4a transmits an aiming signal when the master camera 31 captures the subject within the angle of view, and receives an aiming response signal transmitted from the tag 42 in response to the aiming signal. Then, the signal processing circuit 4 is controlled to transmit the tuning signal. Further, the tuning control unit C4a controls the signal processing circuit 4 so as to add the tag ID of the tag attached to the subject desired to be photographed to at least one of the aiming signal and the tuning signal.

  When a tag ID is added to the aiming signal or tuning signal received by the signal processing circuit 13, the control unit C 5 compares the added tag ID with the tag ID of the own tag stored in the memory 44. When both tag IDs are the same, the signal processing circuit 13 is controlled to transmit an aiming response signal or a tuning response signal.

  Here, processing and operations performed in cooperation by the master camera 31 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed in cooperation by the master camera 31 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 when shooting a plurality of subjects to which the tags 42-1 to 42-n are attached. . As shown in FIG. 7, the master camera 31 acquires the tag ID of the tag attached to the subject desired to be captured (step S201), captures the subject, adds the acquired tag ID to the aiming signal, The aiming signal with the tag ID added is transmitted in the photographing direction with a spread angle substantially equal to the field angle (step S203).

  The tags 42-1 to 42-n set the transmission / reception frequency to the frequency f1 in advance (step S205), and receive the aiming signal transmitted from the master camera 31 (step S207). Each tag that has received the aiming signal among the tags 42-1 to 42-n determines whether or not the tag ID of the aiming signal is the same as the tag ID of the own tag (step S209), and is determined to be the same. In the case (step S209: Yes), an omni-directional aiming response signal is transmitted (step S211), and when it is not determined that it is the same (step S209: No), it waits without performing any processing.

  Subsequently, after receiving the aiming response signal from each tag that has received the aiming signal, the master camera 31 adds the tag ID acquired in step S201 to the tuning signal, and uses the tuning signal with the tag ID as the angle of view. Is transmitted in the photographing direction with a spread angle substantially equal to (step S213). At least one of the tags 42-1 to 42-n receives the tuning signal transmitted from the master camera 31 (step S215), and each tag that has received the tuning signal has a tag ID included in the tuning signal and its own tag. It is determined whether or not the tag ID is the same (step S217). If it is determined that the tag ID is the same (step S217: Yes), the transmission / reception frequency is changed to the frequency f2 and an omnidirectional tuning response signal is transmitted ( If it is not determined that they are the same (step S219: No), the process waits without performing any processing.

  Thereafter, the tuning camera 21-1 receives a tuning response signal from each tag that has received the tuning signal, detects the tag direction based on each received tuning response signal (step S221), and detects the tag direction. A desired subject is photographed in accordance with the photographing direction (step S223). The tuning camera 21-2 executes steps S225 and S227 similarly to steps S221 and S223, and photographs the same subject as the tuning camera 21-1.

  In step S201, the master camera 31 acquires the tag ID of the tag attached to the subject desired to be photographed via the input unit 6 or the communication unit 7. Alternatively, the master camera 31 acquires identification information of a subject desired to be photographed via the input unit 6 or the communication unit 7, refers to the tag ID table 38, and tags a tag ID corresponding to the acquired identification information of the subject. You may make it select from ID table 38a.

  Next, a modified example of processing and operations performed in cooperation by the master camera 31 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed in cooperation by the master camera 31 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 when shooting a plurality of subjects to which the tags 42-1 to 42-n are attached. . As shown in FIG. 8, the master camera 31 captures a subject captured within the angle of view, and transmits an aiming signal in the photographing direction with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view (step S301). The tags 42-1 to 42-n set the transmission / reception frequency to the frequency f1 in advance (step S303), and after receiving the aiming signal transmitted from the master camera 31, the omnidirectional aiming having the tag ID of its own tag. A response signal is transmitted (step S305).

  Subsequently, the master camera 31 receives the aiming response signal from each tag that has received the aiming signal, and displays the tag ID of each received aiming response signal on the display device provided in the output unit 6 (step S307). From the displayed tag ID, a tag ID selection request notification corresponding to the subject desired to be photographed is displayed (step S309). The master camera 31 acquires the tag ID based on this selection request, adds the acquired tag ID to the tuning signal, and captures the tuning signal to which the tag ID is added with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view. (Step S311).

  Thereafter, at least one of the tags 42-1 to 42-n receives the tuning signal transmitted from the master camera 31 (step S313), and each tag that has received the tuning signal has a tag ID included in the tuning signal. It is determined whether or not the tag ID of the own tag is the same (step S315). If it is determined that the tag ID is the same (step S315: Yes), the transmission / reception frequency is changed to the frequency f2 and an omnidirectional tuning response signal is transmitted. However, if it is not determined that they are the same (step S315: No), the process waits without performing any processing. Then, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 execute steps S <b> 319 to S <b> 325 similarly to steps S <b> 221 to S <b> 227 and photograph the subject corresponding to each tag that has received the tuning signal.

  In step S307, the master camera 31 may display the subject identification information corresponding to the tag ID included in each received aiming response signal with reference to the tag ID table 38. In step S311, the master camera 31 acquires identification information of the subject selected by a cameraman or the like who operates the master camera 31, refers to the tag ID table 38, and corresponds to the tag ID corresponding to the acquired identification information of the subject. May be selected from the tag ID table 38a. In step S309, the tuning control unit C4a as the input request unit causes the output unit 6 to display a tag ID selection request notification.

  As described above, in the camera system according to the second embodiment, the master camera 31 can transmit the tuning response signal only to the tag attached to the desired subject among the plurality of subjects captured within the angle of view. As a result, it is possible to cause the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 to perform photographing directed to the desired subject. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the master camera 31 adds a tag ID of the tag 42-2 and transmits a tuning signal, so that among the tags 42-2 to 42-4 positioned within the angle of view. A tuning response signal can be transmitted only to the tag 42-2. At this time, the tuned cameras 21-1 and 21-2 perform shooting by matching the shooting direction with the tag 42-2.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9-2, for example, as the tags 43-3 to 42-5 move on the plane H, the master camera 31 rotates the photographing direction to move the tags 42-3 and 12-5. When captured within the angle of view and photographed, the tag ID of the tag 42-3 is added and a tuning signal is transmitted, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 receive the tuning response from the tag 42-3. The signal is received, and shooting is performed by matching the shooting direction with the tag 42-3. In other words, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 change the shooting target in accordance with the change of the tag ID added to the tuning signal by the master camera 31.

  The master camera 31 may further use identification information for identifying the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 to cause each of the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 to photograph individual subjects. That is, the master camera 31 adds a plurality of pieces of information combining the tag ID and the identification information of the tuning camera to the tuning signal and transmits the information. The tag corresponding to each tag ID added to the tuning signal is assigned to this tag ID. The identification information of the combined tuning camera may be added to the tuning response signal and transmitted. Thus, each tuning camera corresponding to the identification information added for each tuning response signal can be directed to the tag that has transmitted the corresponding tuning response signal.

  In addition, the master camera 31 transmits a tuning signal to which the tag ID is added at a spread angle larger than the angle of view, and sends a subject other than the subject photographed by the master camera 31 to each of the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2. You may make it photograph.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first and second embodiments described above, the photographing optical system 2a is a single focus lens, and the master camera 31 has a predetermined angle of view and the directivity of the antenna 4a corresponding to this angle of view. In the third embodiment, the master camera has a variable angle of view, and the directivity of the antenna can be changed corresponding to this angle of view.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the master camera 51 provided in the camera system according to the third embodiment and the tag 12 attached to the subject 11. As shown in FIG. 10, the master camera 51 is replaced with a control unit C6 and a photographing unit 52 in place of the control unit C1, the photographing unit 2, the image processing unit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, and the storage unit 8 included in the master camera 1. An image processing unit 53, a signal processing circuit 54, and a storage unit 58.

  In addition to the tuning control unit C1a, the control unit C4 includes a directivity angle control unit C6b that performs control to change the divergence angle of the aiming signal and the tuning signal transmitted from the signal processing circuit 54 to the tag 12. The photographing unit 52 includes a photographing optical system 52a realized by a zoom lens system instead of the photographing optical system 2a, and a new zoom driving unit 52d as an angle-of-view adjusting unit that changes the focal length of the photographing optical system 52a. Prepare for. The image processing unit 53 newly includes an electronic zoom processing unit 53a as an angle of view adjusting unit, and the storage unit 58 includes a directivity angle table 58a as a lookup table. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components. The camera system according to the third embodiment includes the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 as in the camera system according to the first embodiment.

  The zoom drive unit 52d moves a part of the plurality of lenses included in the photographing optical system 52a in the optical axis direction and changes the focal length based on an instruction from the directivity angle control unit C6b, thereby changing the focal length. 51 changes the angle of view. The electronic zoom processing unit 53a changes the angle of view of the master camera 51 by changing the effective diameter of the image sensor 2b based on an instruction from the directivity angle control unit C6b. The directivity angle table 58a is a focal length and effective diameter set by the zoom drive unit 52d and the electronic zoom processing unit 53a, an angle of view of the photographing unit 52, and a spread angle of a signal transmitted and received by the signal processing circuit 54. The directivity angle that is the spread angle of the signal that can be transmitted and received in 54a is stored in association with each other.

  The signal processing circuit 54 transmits a read signal having the frequency f1 to the tag 12 via the antenna 54a, and a response signal having the frequency f1 transmitted from the tag 12 corresponding to the transmitted read signal is transmitted via the antenna 54a. Receive. Further, the signal processing circuit 54 sets the directivity angle of the antenna 54a based on an instruction from the directivity angle control unit C6b according to the angle of view set by at least one of the zoom drive unit 52d and the electronic zoom processing unit 53a. Change. The antenna 54a is realized by a phased array antenna, an ESPAR antenna (for example, see Patent Document 3) or the like, which is an antenna capable of adjusting the directivity of the antenna such as the directivity angle.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 11, the relationship between the angle of view of the imaging unit 52 and the directivity angle of the antenna 54a will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the master camera 51 performs shooting while focusing on a subject 11 at a long distance, the directivity angle control unit C6b increases the focal length f of the shooting optical system 52a by the zoom drive unit 52d. At the same time, the angle of view θ of the photographing unit 52 is reduced so that the subject 11 can be enlarged and photographed. Further, the directivity angle control unit C6b refers to the directivity angle table 58a, and the signal processing circuit 54 controls the antenna 54a so that the directivity angle corresponds to the focal length f and the angle of view θ set by the zoom drive unit 52d. Change the directivity angle. The directivity angle control unit C6b controls the signal processing circuit 54 so that, for example, the angle of view θ and the directivity angle of the antenna 54a are substantially equal.

  Similarly, when the master camera 51 performs shooting while focusing on the subject 11 at a close distance, the directivity angle control unit C6b enlarges the subject 11 by reducing the focal length f and increasing the angle of view θ. Enable to shoot. Furthermore, the directivity angle control unit C6b refers to the directivity angle table 58a and changes the directivity angle of the antenna 54a so that the directivity angle corresponds to the focal length f and the view angle θ, for example, the view angle θ and the antenna The directivity angle of 54a is made substantially equal.

  On the other hand, the directivity control unit C6b electronically enlarges or reduces the effective diameter d of the image sensor 2b by the electronic zoom processing unit 53a while fixing the focal length f, and as a result, the subject 11 is enlarged and photographed. It may be. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the directivity angle control unit C6b reduces the effective diameter d to the subject 11 at a distance far from the master camera 51 and sets the angle of view θ = θ1. The effective diameter d is enlarged with respect to the subject 11 at a close distance from the angle, and the field angle θ is set to θ2. Then, the directivity angle control unit C6b refers to the directivity angle table 58a and changes the directivity angle of the antenna 54a so that the directivity angle corresponds to the effective diameter d and the view angle θ, for example, the view angle θ and the directivity. Make the corners approximately equal.

The focal length f, the effective diameter d, and the angle of view θ are generally in a relationship represented by the following expression (1). The directivity angle table 58a may store the focal length f, the effective diameter d, the angle of view θ, and the directivity angle of the antenna 54a in advance based on the equation (1). Alternatively, when the directivity angle control unit C6b makes the directivity angle of the antenna 54a equal to the view angle θ, the view angle θ is calculated as needed using the equation (1) instead of referring to the directivity angle table 58a. Also good.
θ = 2 · tan ⁻¹ (d / 2f) (1)

  In addition, the master camera 51 may include either the zoom drive unit 52d or the electronic zoom processing unit 53a. When the master camera 51 includes only the electronic zoom processing unit 53a, the photographing optical system 52a that is a zoom lens system. Instead of this, a photographing optical system 2a which is a single focus lens may be provided.

  As described above, in the camera system according to the third embodiment, the master camera 51 can change the angle of view for photographing by at least one of the photographing optical system 52a, the zoom driving unit 52d, and the electronic zoom processing unit 53a. It is possible to shoot while aiming at a desired subject, and when the angle of view is changed, the directivity angle of the antenna 54a can be changed according to the changed angle of view, so that the desired angle can be changed. The subject can be captured and photographed efficiently in a short time.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first and second embodiments described above, a plurality of subjects located within the depth of field of the master camera are photographed. However, in the fourth embodiment, the depth of field of the master camera deviates from each other. A desired subject is selected from a plurality of subjects and photographed.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a camera system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the camera system according to the fourth embodiment includes a master camera 61 and tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2, and is larger than the depth of field in the shooting direction of the master camera 61. Photographing subjects that are distant subjects and to which tags 72-1 to 72-3 are attached, respectively. In FIG. 12, the tags 72-1 to 72-3 themselves are simply illustrated as subjects.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the master camera 61 and the tags 72-1 to 72-3 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the master camera 61 includes a control unit C7 instead of the control unit C1 included in the master camera 1, and has a subject distance that is a distance from the master camera 1 to the subject focused by the photographing unit 2. A subject distance detection unit 69 for detection is newly provided. Further, the control unit C7 includes a tuning control unit C7a instead of the tuning control unit C1a. On the other hand, each of the tags 72-1 to 72-3 includes a control unit C8 instead of the control unit C2 included in the tag 12, and the control unit C8 newly includes a tag distance calculation unit C8b. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components.

  Similar to the tuning control unit C1a, the tuning control unit C7a transmits an aiming signal to the tags 72-1 to 72-3 located within the angle of view of the master camera 61, and each tag 72- The signal processing circuit 4 is controlled so that the aiming response signal transmitted from 1 to 72-3 is received and the tuning signal is transmitted. The tuning control unit C7a controls the signal processing circuit 4 to cause the subject distance detecting unit 69 to detect the subject distance and add subject distance information indicating the detected subject distance to the tuning signal.

  The tag distance calculation unit C8b is connected to the master camera 61 from the corresponding tags 72-1 to 72-3 based on the time from when the signal processing circuit 13 transmits the aiming response signal to when the tuning signal is received. The tag distance as the transmitter distance, which is the distance, is calculated. Then, the control unit C8 compares the subject distance indicated by the subject distance information added to the tuning signal received by the signal processing circuit 13 with the tag distance calculated by the tag distance calculation unit C8b, and when both distances are substantially equal. The signal processing circuit 13 is controlled to transmit a tuning response signal.

  Here, processing and operations performed in cooperation by the master camera 61 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed in cooperation by the master camera 61 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 when shooting a plurality of subjects to which the tags 72-1 to 72-3 are attached. . As shown in FIG. 14, the master camera 61 detects the subject distance to the subject focused by the photographing unit 2 (step S401), photographs the subject, and outputs an aiming signal in the photographing direction with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view. Transmit (step S403). The tags 72-1 to 72-3 set the transmission / reception frequency to the frequency f1 in advance (step S405), receive the aiming signal transmitted from the master camera 61, and transmit an omnidirectional aiming response signal (step S407). ).

  Each time the master camera 61 receives the aiming signal from each of the tags 72-1 to 72-3, the master camera 61 adds subject distance information indicating the subject distance detected in step S401 to the tuning signal, and uses this subject distance information. The added tuning signal is transmitted in the photographing direction with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view (step S409). Each tag 72-1 to 72-3 receives the tuning signal transmitted from the master camera 31 and calculates the tag distance (step S411). The subject distance corresponding to the subject distance information included in the tuning signal and the step S411 It is determined whether or not the tag distances calculated in (1) are substantially equal (for example, whether the difference between the subject distance and the tag distance is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value) (step S413). : Yes), the transmission / reception frequency is changed to the frequency f2 and a non-directional tuning response signal is transmitted (step S415). If it is not determined that they are equal (step S413: No), the process waits without performing any processing.

  Thereafter, the tuning camera 21-1 receives a tuning response signal from a tag whose subject distance and tag distance are substantially equal, and detects the tag direction based on the received tuning response signal (step S417). The subject is photographed by aligning the photographing direction with the tag direction (step S419). The tuning camera 21-2 executes steps S421 and S423 similarly to steps S417 and S419, and images the same subject as the tuning camera 21-1.

  In step S401, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the tuning control unit C7a causes the subject distance detection unit 69 to detect the distance to the subject corresponding to the tag 72-2 focused by the photographing unit 2 as the subject distance. At this time, the subject distance detection unit 69 may detect the subject distance using a distance detection mechanism such as a triangulation method or a pupil division method that is provided as an autofocus device in a normal camera.

  In step S411, for example, as shown in FIG. 15-2, each tag 72-1 to 72-3 is based on the time and signal speed from when the aiming response signal is transmitted until the tuning signal is received. In addition, the tag distance of the self tag is detected.

  As described above, in the camera system according to the fourth embodiment, the tuning response signal can be transmitted only to the tag corresponding to the subject focused by the master camera 61, and the focused subject is transmitted to the tuning camera 21-1. 21-2, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 corresponding to FIGS. 15-1 and 15-2, a tuning response signal is transmitted only to the tag 72-2, and this tag 72- 2, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 can be pointed to take pictures.

  The tag distance calculation unit C8b causes the signal processing circuit 13 to transmit a tag distance detection signal different from the response signal, receives a signal transmitted from the master camera 61 in response to this signal, and receives the signal from this transmission. The tag distance may be calculated based on the time until.

  Next, another example of the camera system according to Embodiment 4 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing respective configurations of a master camera 81 provided in a camera system as a modification according to the fourth embodiment and tags 42-1 to 42-n attached to a subject. As shown in FIG. 17, the master camera 81 includes a control unit C9 and a storage unit 38 instead of the control unit C7 and the storage unit 8 included in the master camera 61. The control unit C9 includes a tuning control unit C9a instead of the tuning control unit C7a, and a new distance calculation unit C9b. Other configurations are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components. In addition, the camera system as a modified example according to the fourth embodiment includes the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 similarly to the camera system according to the first embodiment.

  Similar to the tuning control unit C7a, the tuning control unit C9a transmits an aiming signal to the tags 42-1 to 42-n located within the angle of view of the master camera 81, and each tag 42- The signal processing circuit 4 is controlled to receive the aiming response signal transmitted from 1 to 42-n and transmit the tuning signal. Further, the tuning control unit C9a causes the subject distance detection unit 69 to detect the subject distance, causes the distance calculation unit C9b to calculate the tag distance, calculates the degree of coincidence between the subject distance and the tag distance, and according to the calculated degree of coincidence. The priority is set for each tag, the set priority is associated with the tag ID of the corresponding tag, and the signal processing circuit 4 adds a tag ID having a higher priority to the tuning signal.

  The distance calculation unit C9b transmits a sighting signal from the signal processing circuit 4 and, based on the time until receiving the sighting response signal transmitted from each tag 42-1 to 42-n according to the sighting signal, The tag distance from the camera 81 to each tag 42-1 to 42-n is calculated.

  Here, processing and operations performed in cooperation by the master camera 81 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed in cooperation by the master camera 81 and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 when shooting a plurality of subjects to which the tags 42-1 to 42-n are attached. . As shown in FIG. 18, the master camera 81 detects the subject distance to the subject focused by the photographing unit 2 (step S501), photographs the subject, and outputs an aiming signal in the photographing direction with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view. Transmit (step S503). The tags 42-1 to 42-n set the transmission / reception frequency to the frequency f1 in advance (step S505), and after receiving the aiming signal transmitted from the master camera 81, the omnidirectional aiming having the tag ID of its own tag. A response signal is transmitted (step S507).

  Each time the master camera 81 receives the aiming signal from each of the tags 42-1 to 42-n, the master camera 81 calculates the tag distance to the corresponding tag (step S509), and detects the calculated tag distance and the step S501. The degree of coincidence with the subject distance is calculated (step S511). Furthermore, the master camera 81 sets priorities of the tags 42-1 to 42-n according to the calculated degree of coincidence, associates the set priorities with the tag IDs (step S513), and sets the priorities. A high tag ID is added to the tuning signal, and the tuning signal to which this tag ID is added is transmitted in the photographing direction with a spread angle substantially equal to the angle of view (step S515).

  Thereafter, each of the tags 42-1 to 42-n receives the tuning signal transmitted from the master camera 81 (step S517), and determines whether or not the tag ID included in the tuning signal is the same as the tag ID of the own tag. (Step S519), if determined to be the same (step S519: Yes), the transmission / reception frequency is changed to the frequency f2 and an omnidirectional tuning response signal is transmitted (step S521). S519: No), waiting without performing any processing. Then, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 execute steps S 523 to S 529 in the same manner as steps S 417 to S 423, and photograph the subject corresponding to the tag that has transmitted the tuning response signal.

  Note that the tuning control unit C9a calculates, for example, the absolute value of the difference between the subject distance and the tag distance as the degree of coincidence in step S511, and sets the priority order in ascending order of the calculated degree of coincidence in step S513. In step S515, a tag ID corresponding to a tag having a priority higher than a predetermined value is added to the tuning signal and transmitted. As a result, the tuning control unit C9a can cause a tuning response signal to be transmitted to a tag corresponding to a subject located within a predetermined range along the shooting direction with the point corresponding to the detected subject distance as a center. In step S515, the tuning control unit C9a may add only the tag ID corresponding to the highest priority to the tuning signal and transmit it.

  In this way, in the camera system as a modified example according to the fourth embodiment, the subject located within the predetermined range along the photographing direction is selected with the subject focused by the master camera 81 as the center. The tuning response signal can be transmitted only to the tag corresponding to the subject, and the selected subjects can be photographed by the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2.

  In the camera system according to the fourth embodiment, a tuning response signal is transmitted only to a tag in which the subject distance and the tag distance are substantially equal, and the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 are allowed to photograph. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a tuning response signal is transmitted to all tags positioned within the angle of view, and a tag positioned at least one of the subject distance and the tag distance is selected from these tags. Alternatively, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 may be allowed to photograph. In this case, information on at least one of the detected subject distance and the calculated tag distance and the shooting direction of the master camera may be supplied from the master camera to the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2. Further, in this case, the tuning cameras 21-1 and 21-2 may acquire information related to the relative positions of the own camera and the master camera.

  On the other hand, in the camera systems according to the first to fourth embodiments described above, the aiming signal, the tuning signal, and the aiming response signal transmitted and received by the master camera and the tuning response signal received by the tuning camera have different frequencies. The signals may have the same frequency. In this case, for example, the master camera and the tag are transmitted by adding the identification information of the transmission partner for each signal, and each master camera, the tuning camera, and the tag that have received this signal have predetermined information based on the identification information. What is necessary is just to judge whether a process is performed.

  In the camera systems according to the first to fourth embodiments described above, one master camera is used. However, a plurality of master cameras may be provided. In this case, for example, identification information of the master camera may be added to each signal transmitted and received in the camera system so that each tag and the tuning camera can always identify the master camera to be photographed in cooperation.

  In the camera systems according to the first to fourth embodiments described above, the read signal and the response signal have been described as radio wave signals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a signal using visible light, infrared light, microwaves, or the like. Good.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the camera system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the master camera and tag shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tuning camera and tag shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which a master camera and a tuning camera shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of each camera at the time of imaging | photography a several to-be-photographed object with the camera system shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of each camera at the time of imaging | photography a several to-be-photographed object with the camera system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tag attached to the master camera with which the camera system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention is equipped, and a to-be-photographed object. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in which the master camera with which the camera system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention is equipped, and a synchronous camera image | photograph a to-be-photographed object in cooperation. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the process sequence which a master camera with which the camera system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention is equipped, and a synchronizing camera image | photograph a to-be-photographed object in cooperation. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of each camera at the time of image | photographing several subjects with the camera system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of each camera at the time of image | photographing several subjects with the camera system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tag attached to the master camera with which the camera system concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention is equipped, and a to-be-photographed object. It is a figure explaining the state which the master camera shown in FIG. 10 adjusts an angle of view and the spread angle of a signal according to the distance to a to-be-photographed object. It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the camera system concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the master camera and tag shown in FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the master camera and the tuning camera shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the state which the master camera shown in FIG. 12 detects to-be-photographed object distance. It is a figure explaining the state which each tag shown in FIG. 12 calculates a tag distance. It is a figure which shows the state which each camera image | photographs the object which the master camera shown in FIG. 12 focused. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the master camera with which the camera system as a modification concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention is provided, and the tag attached to a to-be-photographed object. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in which the master camera with which the camera system as a modification concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention is equipped, and a synchronous camera cooperate and image | photograph a to-be-photographed object.

Explanation of symbols

1, 31, 51, 61, 81 Master camera 2, 22, 52 Imaging unit 2a, 22a, 52a Imaging optical system 2b, 22b Imaging element 2c, 22c A / D conversion unit 3, 23, 53 Image processing unit 4, 13 , 24, 54 Signal processing circuit 4a, 13a, 24a, 54a Antenna 5, 25 Input unit 6, 26 Output unit 7, 27 Communication unit 8, 28, 38, 58 Storage unit 11 Subject 12, 12-1 to 12-5 , 42-1 to 42-n, 72-1 to 72-3 Tag 14, 44 Memory 15 Battery 21-1, 21-2 Tuning camera 29 Tag direction detection unit 30 Shooting direction adjustment unit 38a Tag ID table 44a-1 44a-n Tag ID information 52d Zoom drive unit 53a Electronic zoom processing unit 58a Direction angle table 69 Focus detection unit C1 to C9 Control unit C1a, C4a , C7a, C8a Tuning control unit C2a Frequency switching control unit C6b Direction angle control unit C8b Tag distance calculation unit C9b Distance calculation unit H plane

Claims (24)

A camera for shooting a subject located within an angle of view,
Transmitting means for transmitting the read signal at a spread angle equal to or smaller than the angle of view to a transmitter that transmits a predetermined response signal according to the received read signal attached to the subject;
Receiving means for receiving a response signal from the transmitter;
A camera characterized by comprising An angle-of-view adjusting means for changing the angle of view;
When the angle of view adjustment means changes the angle of view, the spread angle adjustment means for changing the spread angle to be equal to or less than the angle of view of the changed result;
The camera according to claim 1, further comprising: A camera system for photographing one or more subjects attached with a transmitter for transmitting a predetermined response signal in response to a received read signal from a plurality of directions,
An aiming camera for photographing the subject located within the angle of view, having transmission means for transmitting the read signal at a spread angle less than the angle of view to the transmitter;
Receiving means for receiving a response signal from the transmitter, direction detecting means for detecting a transmitter direction that is a direction in which the transmitter is located based on the response signal, and a shooting direction in which the camera captures the subject. A tuning camera that has direction adjustment means that substantially matches the transmitter direction, and shoots the subject that the aiming camera shoots;
A camera system comprising: The aiming camera includes aiming response receiving means for receiving the response signal,
The read signal includes a first read signal and a second read signal;
The aim response receiving means receives a first response signal transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal transmitted by the transmitting means;
The receiving means receives a second response signal transmitted from the transmitter in response to the second read signal transmitted by the transmitting means after the aiming response receiving means receives the first response signal. Receive
The camera system according to claim 3, wherein the direction detection unit detects the transmitter direction based on the second response signal. The first and second read signals are pre-input information and have identification information for identifying the transmitter,
The aim response receiving means receives the first response signal from the transmitter corresponding to the identification information included in the first read signal;
The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the receiving unit receives the second response signal from a transmitter corresponding to identification information included in the second read signal. The aiming camera is
Display means for displaying identification information for identifying the transmitter;
Selection request means for requesting selection of identification information from among the identification information displayed by the display means;
With
The aiming response receiving means receives the first response signal having identification information that is transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal and identifies the transmitter;
The display means displays identification information included in the first response signal,
The transmission means adds identification information selected based on the selection request to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal,
The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the receiving unit receives the second response signal from a transmitter corresponding to the identification information added to the second read signal. The aiming camera includes subject distance detecting means for detecting a subject distance that is a distance from the aiming camera to a subject focused by the aiming camera,
The transmission means adds subject distance information indicating the subject distance to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal,
The receiving means includes a transmitter distance, which is a distance from the transmitter to the aiming camera detected by the distance detecting means included in the transmitter, and a subject indicated by subject distance information added to the second read signal. The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the second response signal is received from a transmitter having a high degree of coincidence with the distance.   The transmitter distance is a distance detected based on a period from when the transmitter transmits the first response signal to when the second read signal is received. 8. The camera system according to 7. The aiming camera is
Subject distance detection means for detecting a subject distance that is a distance from the self-sighting camera to a subject focused by the self-sighting camera;
Transmitter distance detecting means for detecting a transmitter distance which is a distance from the self-sighting camera to the transmitter;
Rank setting means for calculating a degree of coincidence between the subject distance and the transmitter distance, and setting a priority order for a transmitter corresponding to the transmitter distance according to the calculated degree of coincidence;
With
The aim response receiving means receives the first response signal having identification information transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal and having identification information for identifying the transmitter;
The rank setting means associates the identification information included in the first response signal with the priority,
The transmission means adds the identification information corresponding to the priority equal to or higher than a predetermined value to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal,
The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the receiving unit receives the second response signal from a transmitter corresponding to the identification information added to the second read signal.   The transmitter distance detecting means determines the transmitter distance based on a period from when the transmitting means transmits the first read signal to when the aiming response receiving means receives the first response signal. The camera system according to claim 9, wherein the camera system is detected.   The transmission means adds the identification information corresponding to the highest priority to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal. The camera system described.   The camera system according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the first response signal and the second response signal have different frequencies.   The camera system according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the transmission unit transmits the first read signal at a predetermined transmission period while the aiming camera captures the subject. . The receiving means receives the second response signal by scanning a direction in which reception sensitivity is high at a predetermined scanning period,
The camera system according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the direction detection unit detects a direction in which the second response signal is strongly received by the reception unit as the transmitter direction. .   The camera system according to claim 12, wherein the second response signal is transmitted for a period of ½ or more of the scanning period.   The camera system according to claim 3, wherein when the continuous non-reception period by the reception unit reaches a predetermined period, the tuning camera stops photographing the subject. . An angle-of-view adjusting means for changing the angle of view;
When the angle of view adjustment means changes the angle of view, the spread angle adjustment means for changing the spread angle to be equal to or less than the angle of view of the changed result;
The camera system according to claim 3, further comprising: A multi-camera cooperative shooting method for shooting one or more subjects to which a transmitter for transmitting a predetermined response signal according to a received read signal is attached, from a plurality of directions,
A transmission step in which an aiming camera that captures the subject located within an angle of view transmits the reading signal to the transmitter at a spread angle equal to or smaller than the angle of view;
A receiving step in which a tuning camera that captures a subject captured by the aiming camera receives a response signal from the transmitter;
A direction detecting step of detecting a transmitter direction which is a direction in which the transmitter is located based on the response signal;
A direction adjustment step in which the shooting direction in which the synchronization camera captures the subject is substantially matched with the transmitter direction;
A method for cooperative photographing of a plurality of cameras, comprising: The aiming camera includes an aiming response receiving step of receiving the response signal;
The transmitting step includes a first transmitting step and a second transmitting step for transmitting a first reading signal and a second reading signal included in the reading signal, respectively.
The aiming response receiving step receives a first response signal transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal transmitted by the first transmission step;
In the receiving step, after the first response signal is received in the aiming response receiving step, a second signal transmitted from the transmitter in response to a second read signal transmitted in the second transmitting step. The response signal of
The multi-camera cooperative shooting method according to claim 18, wherein the direction detecting step detects the transmitter direction based on the second response signal. The first and second read signals are pre-input information and have identification information for identifying the transmitter,
The aiming response receiving step receives the first response signal from the transmitter corresponding to the identification information included in the first read signal;
The multi-camera cooperative shooting method according to claim 19, wherein the receiving step receives the second response signal from a transmitter corresponding to identification information included in the second read signal. A display step in which the aiming camera displays identification information for identifying the transmitter;
A selection requesting step for requesting selection of identification information from among the identification information displayed by the display step;
Including
The aiming response receiving step receives the first response signal having identification information transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal and having identification information for identifying the transmitter;
The display step displays identification information included in the first response signal,
The second transmission step adds identification information selected based on the selection request to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal;
20. The multi-camera cooperative shooting method according to claim 19, wherein the receiving step receives the second response signal from a transmitter corresponding to the identification information added to the second read signal. . The aiming camera includes a subject distance detecting step of detecting a subject distance that is a distance from the aiming camera to a subject focused by the aiming camera;
The second transmission step adds subject distance information indicating the subject distance to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal;
The receiving step includes a transmitter distance that is a distance from the transmitter to the aiming camera that is detected by a distance detection unit included in the transmitter, and a subject indicated by subject distance information added to the second read signal. The multi-camera cooperative shooting method according to claim 19, wherein the second response signal is received from a transmitter having a high degree of coincidence with a distance. A subject distance detecting step in which the aiming camera detects a subject distance which is a distance from the aiming camera to a subject focused by the aiming camera;
A transmitter distance detecting step for detecting a transmitter distance which is a distance from the aiming camera to the transmitter;
A rank setting step for calculating a degree of coincidence between the subject distance and the transmitter distance, and setting a priority for a transmitter corresponding to the transmitter distance according to the calculated degree of coincidence;
Including
The aiming response receiving step receives the first response signal having identification information transmitted from the transmitter in response to the first read signal and having identification information for identifying the transmitter;
The rank setting step associates the identification information included in the first response signal with the priority,
The second transmission step adds the identification information corresponding to the priority equal to or higher than a predetermined value to the second read signal and transmits the added second read signal;
20. The multi-camera cooperative shooting method according to claim 19, wherein the receiving step receives the second response signal from a transmitter corresponding to the identification information added to the second read signal. .   The transmitter distance detecting step is based on a period from when the first reading signal is transmitted by the first transmitting step to when the first response signal is received by the aiming response receiving step. 24. The method for cooperative photographing of a plurality of cameras according to claim 23, wherein the transmitter distance is detected.

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