JP7491657B2 - Imaging system, imaging control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging system, an imaging control method, and a program.

Digital imaging technology has made great advances in recent years, and it has become easier to generate high-definition digital images using digital cameras. One application of digital imaging technology is the attempt to convert artworks such as paintings into high-definition digital images to preserve them permanently. In the field of preservation technology, it is desirable to faithfully reproduce the original. And the higher the resolution of the digital image, the more faithful the reproduction becomes.

One method proposed for generating high-resolution digital images is to divide a subject into multiple imaging ranges and stitch together the multiple digital images captured in the multiple imaging ranges to generate a single digital image (see Patent Document 1 below). In this method, an electric pan head is used to control the orientation of the digital camera, and the capturing of each imaging range and stitching together of the digital images are automatically processed.

Patent No. 4779041

The proposed method above improves work efficiency by automatically controlling the digital camera and motorized camera platform. However, when photographing a subject with low contrast, the autofocus (AF) function of the digital camera may not be able to focus on the subject, and an error may cause the process to be interrupted midway, or an out-of-focus digital image may be generated. In this case, work efficiency decreases as a result of having to deal with the error and retry the process.

In view of the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, the object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system, an imaging control method, and a program that can improve the focusing accuracy for a subject with a low contrast ratio.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging system is provided that has a projection means for projecting a pattern that forms a light-dark ratio onto a subject, an imaging means for imaging the subject, and a control means for executing a first control for projecting the pattern by the projection means and focusing the imaging means on the subject, and a second control for stopping the projection of the pattern by the projection means and imaging the subject by the imaging means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging control method in which a computer that controls a projection means that projects a pattern that forms a brightness ratio onto a subject and an imaging means that images the subject executes processing including a first control that projects the pattern by the projection means and focuses the imaging means on the subject, and a second control that stops the projection of the pattern by the projection means and images the subject by the imaging means.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer that controls a projection means that projects a pattern that forms a light-dark ratio onto a subject and an imaging means that images the subject to execute processing including a first control that projects the pattern by the projection means and focuses the imaging means on the subject, and a second control that stops the projection of the pattern by the projection means and images the subject by the imaging means.

The present invention can improve the focusing accuracy for subjects with low contrast.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of hardware of a control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a function of a control device according to the present embodiment. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining control of a floodlight and an electric camera head, and imaging control including focusing control according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 4 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining a method for setting a light projection pattern according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining the method of setting the light projection pattern according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a third explanatory diagram for explaining the method of setting a light projection pattern according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the imaging system according to the present embodiment.

One embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that elements having substantially the same functions in this specification and drawings may be given the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

[1. Configuration of imaging system]
The configuration of an imaging system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging system according to the present embodiment. Note that the imaging system 10 is an example of the imaging system according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 10 has a camera body 11, a lens 12, a floodlight 13, an electric pan head 14, and a control device 15.

The camera body 11 is an example of an imaging means. The floodlight 13 is an example of a projection means. The control device 15 is an example of a control means.

The camera body 11 is a digital camera capable of outputting digital images, such as a digital still camera or digital video camera. A lens 12 is attached to the camera body 11. For convenience of explanation, the camera body 11 and the lens 12 are described as separate entities here, but a lens-integrated digital camera in which the camera body 11 and the lens 12 are integrated may also be used. In addition, various types of digital cameras, such as a single-lens reflex camera, a mirrorless single-lens camera, and a compact digital camera, may be used as the camera body 11.

Projector 13 is a light output device capable of projecting a pattern with a contrast ratio of light and dark (hereinafter, projected light pattern) onto a subject using light. For example, projector 13 is a laser projector that can output laser light and project multiple high-brightness lines onto a subject. Any type of laser or color of laser light can be used as projector 13. For example, a semiconductor laser projector that outputs red laser light can be used as projector 13.

For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given on the assumption that the projector 13 is a laser projector, but the type of projector 13 is not limited to a laser projector. For example, the projector 13 may be a projector device capable of projecting an image or video onto a subject, such as a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector or a liquid crystal projector. In addition, an LED projector that uses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light source may be applied to the projector 13.

The floodlight 13 is fixed to the camera body 11, for example. Note that in the example of FIG. 1, the floodlight 13 is fixed to an accessory shoe of the camera body 11, but the method of fixing the floodlight 13 is not limited to this. In addition, the floodlight 13 only needs to be able to follow the movement of the camera body 11 while maintaining a predetermined relationship between the light projection direction and the optical axis direction of the lens 12, and may be fixed to the motorized pan head 14 on which the camera body 11 is placed.

The camera body 11 is placed on the motorized pan head 14. The motorized pan head 14 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, and has a horizontal rotation mechanism that rotates the camera body 11 in a horizontal plane (within the X-Z plane in the figure), a vertical rotation mechanism that rotates the camera body 11 in a vertical plane (within the Y-Z plane in the figure), and a drive circuit that electrically drives these rotation mechanisms. Note that the motorized pan head 14 may have only one of the rotation mechanisms.

The camera body 11, the floodlight 13, and the motorized pan head 14 are connected to the control device 15. In the example of FIG. 1, the camera body 11, the floodlight 13, and the motorized pan head 14 are each connected to the control device 15 by separate wiring, but they may also be connected to the control device 15 using a network such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or short-range wireless communication such as BT (Bluetooth; registered trademark).

The control device 15 is a computer that controls the camera body 11, the floodlight 13, and the motorized pan head 14. In the example of FIG. 1, a notebook PC (Personal Computer) is shown as the control device 15, but a desktop PC, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a server, a workstation, or other computer may also be used as the control device 15.

The control device 15 performs imaging control for the camera body 11. The control device 15 also performs on/off control for the floodlight 13. The control device 15 also performs drive control for the electric pan head 14 (control for changing the rotation angles of the horizontal rotation mechanism and vertical rotation mechanism via a drive circuit). Details of the imaging control, on/off control, and drive control will be described later.

The control device 15 is described further below.

(Control device hardware)
The hardware of the control device 15 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware of the control device according to the present embodiment.

The functions of the control device 15 can be realized, for example, by using the hardware resources shown in FIG. 2. In other words, the functions of the control device 15 can be realized by controlling the hardware shown in FIG. 2 using a computer program.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 15 mainly includes a processor 15a, a memory 15b, a display I/F (Interface) 15c, a communication I/F 15d, and a connection I/F 15e.

The processor 15a is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. The memory 15b is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, etc.

The display I/F 15c is an interface for connecting a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an ELD (Electro-Luminescence Display). For example, the display I/F 15c performs display control using the processor 15a or a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) mounted on the display I/F 15c.

The communication I/F 15d is an interface for connecting to a wired and/or wireless network. For example, the communication I/F 15d can be connected to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, an optical communication network, a mobile phone network, etc. The communication I/F 15d can also include an interface for communicating with other devices using short-range wireless communication such as BT.

The connection I/F 15e is an interface for connecting an external device. For example, the connection I/F 15e is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IEEE 1394 port, or a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI).

The connection I/F 15e can be connected to an input interface such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or a touch pad. The connection I/F 15e can also be connected to an audio device such as a speaker, a printer, or the like. The connection I/F 15e can also be connected to a portable recording medium 15f. The recording medium 15f can be, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

The above-mentioned processor 15a can read a program stored in the recording medium 15f, store it in the memory 15b, and control the operation of the control device 15 according to the program read from the memory 15b.

The program that controls the operation of the control device 15 may be pre-stored in the memory 15b, or may be downloaded from a network via the communication I/F 15d. Such a program may be distributed as a program product that is downloaded via a network. Also, the recording medium 15f that stores the program may be distributed as a product.

The above describes the hardware of the control device 15.

(Functions of the control device)
Next, the function of the control device 15 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the function of the control device according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 15 has a memory unit 151, a light projection control unit 152, an imaging control unit 153, and a camera head control unit 154.

The functions of the storage unit 151 can be realized using the memory 15b described above. The functions of the light projection control unit 152, the imaging control unit 153, and the camera platform control unit 154 can be realized using the processor 15a described above.

The memory unit 151 stores information about the pitch 151a, shooting distance 151b, and focal length 151c.

The pitch 151a is the AF frame pitch sP. The AF frame pitch sP will be described later. The shooting distance 151b is the distance from the image sensor 11a mounted on the camera body 11 to the subject. The focal length 151c is the distance from the focal center (nodal point or no-parallax point NP) of the lens 12 to the image sensor 11a. The NP and focal length 151c are parameters specific to the lens 12.

The light-projection control unit 152 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light-projector 13. The imaging control unit 153 controls the imaging of the camera body 11. The pan-head control unit 154 controls the driving of the electric pan-head 14.

Here, with reference to FIG. 4, the control by the light projecting control unit 152, the imaging control unit 153, and the camera head control unit 154 will be described with specific examples. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the control of the light projector and the electric camera head according to this embodiment, and the imaging control including the focusing control.

The example in FIG. 4 assumes a scene in which a subject 20 is imaged by the imaging system 10. The subject 20 is, for example, a work of art or craft such as a painting, a mural, a folding screen, a sculpture, a statue, or pottery. However, subjects 20 suitable for the imaging system 10 are not limited to these examples. For example, objects that are not usually recognized as aesthetic creations, such as structures such as high-rise buildings and bridge piers, or signs such as wall advertisements and signs, can also be applied to the subject 20.

In addition, in the example of Figure 4, for convenience of explanation, the camera body 11 and the motorized pan head 14 are omitted, and for the imaging system 10, only the imaging element 11a, lens 12, and projector 13 mounted on the camera body 11 are illustrated diagrammatically. In this example, the shooting distance 151b is represented as D, the focal length 151c as fL, the rotation angle in the vertical plane (Y-Z plane) as ψ, and the rotation angle in the horizontal plane (X-Z plane) as φ.

In this embodiment, the subject 20 is imaged in a plurality of imaging ranges. Therefore, the entire subject 20 is pre-divided into a plurality of imaging ranges that are connected to each other or partially overlap each other. Information about each imaging range is pre-stored in the storage unit 151.

Each imaging range can be determined from the focal length fL, the shooting distance D, and the two rotation angles φ and ψ. The focal length fL is a value specific to the lens 12. The shooting distance D is determined when the positions of the camera body 11 and the motorized pan head 14 are fixed relative to the subject 20. Therefore, each imaging range can be defined by the two rotation angles φ and ψ. Therefore, each imaging range can be expressed, for example, by a combination of the two rotation angles φ and ψ.

When the lens 12 is a fixed focal length lens, the focal length fL is fixed to one value, but when the lens 12 is a zoom lens, the focal length fL varies with zooming. In this case, the focal length fL used during imaging is set in advance and stored in the memory unit 151 as information related to the focal length fL. The method of setting each imaging range and the drive control of the motorized camera platform 14 may be, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent No. 4779041.

As an example, we will explain the case where imaging range 22 is captured.

When the two rotation angles φ and ψ are fixed, the imaging range 22 is determined to be a square area centered on the position where a line extending from the optical axis of the lens 12 reaches the subject 20. Therefore, the projector 13 is fixed in advance to an angle that allows it to project a light projection pattern (diagonal stripes 21 in the example of FIG. 4) onto an area on the subject 20 that covers the entire imaging range 22. Note that since the orientation of the projector 13 is linked to the orientation of the lens 12, the projector 13 projects a light projection pattern to cover each imaging range regardless of the two rotation angles φ and ψ.

The tripod head control unit 154 performs drive control of the horizontal rotation mechanism and vertical rotation mechanism of the electric tripod head 14 based on the rotation angles φ and ψ corresponding to the imaging range 22. After drive control of the electric tripod head 14 is completed, the light projection control unit 152 performs lighting control of the projector 13 to project diagonal stripes 21 onto the subject 20. After the diagonal stripes 21 are projected, the imaging control unit 153 performs focusing control to focus on the subject 20 (imaging range 22) by AF as part of the imaging control for the camera body 11.

After focusing on the subject 20, the light projection control unit 152 controls the projector 13 to turn off, and stops the projection of the diagonal stripes 21 onto the subject 20. After the projection stops, the imaging control unit 153, as part of the imaging control for the camera body 11, executes imaging processing (opening and closing the shutter blades, reading out the signal from the imaging element 11a, AD (Analog to Digital) conversion, etc.) to output a digital image of the subject 20 (imaging range 22). Note that the imaging processing is executed in the focused state (focus locked state).

As described above, because the diagonal stripes 21 are projected onto the subject 20, the subject 20 can be easily focused by AF even if the subject 20 is an object with a low contrast ratio. As a result, errors due to focus failures and out-of-focus digital images are less likely to be output, improving the efficiency of automatic imaging by the imaging system 10.

The above-mentioned series of controls for the imaging range 22 are also performed for other imaging ranges. The overall process flow, including switching the imaging range, will be described later.

(How to set the light projection pattern)
Here, a method for setting the light projection pattern will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. In this description, the reason why the diagonal stripes 21 are preferable as the light projection pattern and examples of light projection patterns that can be applied as modified examples will also be described.

Figure 5 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining a method for setting a light projection pattern according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining a method for setting a light projection pattern according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a third explanatory diagram for explaining a method for setting a light projection pattern according to this embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an image seen through the viewfinder eyepiece window 11b mounted on the camera body 11. Viewfinder screen image 11c seen through the viewfinder screen can be seen through the viewfinder eyepiece window 11b. In addition, setting information such as the number of shots that can be taken, ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, F-number, and shutter speed is displayed around the viewfinder screen image 11c. In addition, multiple AF frames (AF frames 11d) are arranged inside the viewfinder screen image 11c.

The AF frame (focus point) is an indicator that indicates at what point the focus will be adjusted (in focus) when taking a photograph. The arrangement of the AF frame corresponds to the arrangement of the AF sensor. The shape and arrangement of the AF frame may differ depending on the type of camera body 11 (manufacturer, model, etc.). Furthermore, in many cases, the camera body 11 is equipped with a function that lights up the AF frame corresponding to the focused point to notify the photographer, and a function that allows the photographer to specify the point to focus on.

The interval between adjacent AF frames is called the AF frame pitch. In this embodiment, the AF frame pitch is denoted as sP. However, the AF frame pitch sP differs depending on how adjacent AF frames are selected. For ease of explanation, in the following, the AF frame pitch sP of the AF frame row arranged in the horizontal direction when viewing the finder screen image 11c as in the example of Figure 5 (hereinafter, the horizontal AF frame row) is denoted as sP1, and the AF frame pitch sP of the AF frame row arranged in the diagonal direction (hereinafter, the diagonal AF frame row) is denoted as sP2.

Depending on the viewfinder field of view, the viewfinder screen image 11c generally corresponds to the imaging range 22 of the subject 20 (the two will match when the viewfinder field of view is 100%).

Now, reference is made to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an imaging range 22 of a subject 20 and a light projection pattern (diagonal stripes 21). In the example of FIG. 6, the inclination angle of the lines (high-luminance lines) that form the diagonal stripes 21 is set to θ. However, the inclination angle θ of the high-luminance lines is set to the same angle as the inclination angle of the diagonal AF frame row. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the distance between adjacent high-luminance lines is referred to as the pattern pitch P.

Here, assuming a situation in which the opposing surfaces of the image sensor 11a and the subject 20 are both parallel to the X-Y plane and the bottom side of the imaging range 22 is parallel to the X-axis (setting of two rotation angles φ and ψ), the relationship between the AF frame pitch sP (sP2 in this example) and the pattern pitch P is as shown in Fig. 7. In other words, the pattern pitch P can be expressed as the following formula (1) using the AF frame pitch sP, the shooting distance D, and the focal length fL.
P = sP × (D - fL) / fL
…(1)

The relationship expressed by the above formula (1) also holds when the tilt angle θ is set to 0 [rad.] and the AF frame pitch sP1 is applied. By setting the pattern pitch P based on the above formula (1), one of the AF frames can capture the contrast created by the high-luminance lines on the subject 20 with a high probability, and focusing failures on a subject 20 with a low contrast can be reduced.

In the above explanation, the opposing surfaces of the image sensor 11a and the subject 20 are parallel (hereinafter referred to as the direct facing condition), but the pattern pitch P increases when the two rotation angles φ and ψ change. On the other hand, the AF frame pitch sP does not change even if the two rotation angles φ and ψ change. In other words, when the setting based on the above formula (1) is performed under the direct facing condition, the relationship between the AF frame pitch sP and the pattern pitch P changes in response to the change in the two rotation angles φ and ψ.

For example, when the rotation angle φ is changed from the state in FIG. 6 (front facing condition), the spacing between the high-luminance lines increases in the X direction. However, the spacing between the high-luminance lines does not increase in the Y direction, so in the case of diagonal stripes 21, the inclination angle θ of the high-luminance lines appears to be substantially smaller. On the other hand, the inclination angle of the diagonal AF frame row does not change, so a point is created where the high-luminance line in the viewfinder screen image 11c crosses the diagonal AF frame row. In other words, the high-luminance line is captured by one of the AF frames.

The principle that high-brightness lines and diagonal AF frame rows cross in the viewfinder screen image 11c as the rotation angle φ changes also applies to changes in the rotation angle ψ. In other words, by employing diagonal stripes 21 and setting the pattern pitch P based on the above formula (1), it is possible to increase the probability of correct focusing even if the camera body 11 is moved by the motorized pan head 14. In this way, the use of diagonal stripes 21 as a light projection pattern is preferable in an imaging system 10 that performs high-resolution photography of a subject 20.

In the above explanation, it was stated that the tilt angle of the diagonal AF frame row and the tilt angle θ of the high-brightness line are made to match, but for example, deviations in the tilt angle may occur due to margin settings or errors. However, such deviations are naturally expected and are, needless to say, within the technical scope of this embodiment.

As a modified example, there is a method of applying a light projection pattern that includes diagonal stripes 21. For example, a mesh-like light projection pattern may be applied in which multiple high-luminance lines that cross the high-luminance lines of the diagonal stripes 21 are superimposed. When applying this modified example, it is preferable that the inclination angle of the crossing high-luminance lines is (π-θ) [rad.] (π is the circular constant), and that the pattern pitch of the crossing high-luminance lines is matched to the pattern pitch P of the diagonal stripes 21.

Another modified example is to set the pattern pitch P of the diagonal stripes 21 to a predetermined value (e.g., 5% of the calculated value) smaller than the value calculated by the above formula (1). Yet another modified example is to adjust the pattern pitch P to be smaller depending on the magnitude of the two rotation angles φ and ψ (the magnitude of deviation from the facing condition). Such modified examples naturally fall within the technical scope of this embodiment.

The configuration of the imaging system 10 has been described above.

2. Processing flow by the imaging system
Next, a flow of processing by the imaging system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the imaging system according to this embodiment.

(S101) The control device 15 receives a capture start trigger, which is a signal to start capturing images of the subject 20. The capture start trigger may be a manual instruction by the photographer (manual instruction), or an instruction automatically input to the control device 15 (automatic instruction). An example of an automatic instruction may be a mechanism that issues an instruction to start capturing images when a preset time has passed or a preset timing has been reached.

(S102) The camera head control unit 154 performs rotation control (drive control) of the electric camera head 14 to orient the camera body 11, lens 12, and floodlight 13 toward the desired imaging range.

For example, the tripod head control unit 154 acquires the rotation angles φ and ψ input by the photographer or stored in advance in the memory unit 151, and instructs the motorized tripod head 14 on the rotation angles φ and ψ. Note that pairs of rotation angles φ and ψ corresponding to multiple imaging ranges are set in advance, and the tripod head control unit 154 selects one pair of rotation angles φ and ψ when the processing of S102 is executed, and gives instructions to the motorized tripod head 14 based on the selected rotation angles φ and ψ.

(S103) When the movement of the electric pan head 14 stops, the light projection control unit 152 controls the lighting of the floodlight 13. The floodlight 13 starts projecting light in response to the lighting control by the light projection control unit 152, and projects a light projection pattern onto the subject 20. For example, the floodlight 13 projects a light projection pattern of diagonal stripes 21 onto the subject 20.

(S104) The imaging control unit 153 issues an imaging instruction to the camera body 11 while the light projector 13 is projecting a light pattern onto the subject 20.

When the time from the completion of the focusing process to the start of the imaging process is known or controllable, the imaging control unit 153 gives the camera body 11 an imaging instruction including an instruction to execute the focusing process and the imaging process. For example, the imaging control unit 153 controls the camera body 11 to start the focusing process in response to receiving a shooting instruction, and when focusing is successful, to wait for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) to elapse before executing the imaging process. The following description is based on this control.

(S105) The light projection control unit 152 controls the light projector 13 to be turned off when a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the image capture instruction was issued by the image capture control unit 153. The timing of turning off the light projector 13 is set to ensure sufficient time for the camera body 11 to complete the focusing process and to stop projecting the light projection pattern before the camera body 11 starts the image capture process.

The reason for providing a predetermined time between focusing and turning off the light and capturing an image is to calm the vibrations that accompany the movement of the electric camera head 14 and those that occur during the focusing process, thereby suppressing blurring. The setting value for the above-mentioned predetermined time can be set to an appropriate value depending on the vibration conditions.

(S106) The imaging control unit 153 determines whether or not digital image data (imaging data) has been received from the camera body 11. If the camera body 11 has succeeded in focusing and photographing, the imaging data is transferred from the camera body 11 to the control device 15. If imaging data has been received, processing proceeds to S107. On the other hand, if imaging data has not been received, processing proceeds to S103.

For example, the imaging control unit 153 monitors the passage of a preset time (e.g., 15 seconds) from the imaging instruction, and if imaging data cannot be received when that time has elapsed, the processing proceeds to S103. As a modified example, the imaging control unit 153 may determine whether the imaging data is imaging data of an in-focus digital image, and proceed to S103 if the imaging data is an out-of-focus digital image.

(S107) The camera head control unit 154 determines whether or not imaging has been completed at all rotation angles (imaging range). For example, when all of the preset rotation angle sets have been selected, the camera head control unit 154 determines that imaging has been completed at all rotation angles. When imaging has been completed at all rotation angles, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 ends. On the other hand, if imaging has not been completed at any rotation angle, the process proceeds to S102.

The above describes the processing flow of the imaging system 10.

As described above, the imaging system 10 divides the subject 20 into multiple imaging ranges and automatically controls the motorized camera head 14 to obtain digital images of each imaging range. At this time, the imaging system 10 uses the floodlight 13 to project a light pattern onto the subject 20 to assist focusing by the camera body 11, thereby suppressing errors caused by focusing failure and the generation of out-of-focus digital images. By employing such a mechanism, the imaging system 10 can more efficiently obtain high-resolution digital images of the subject 20 with low light-dark contrast.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention.

The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the examples disclosed herein. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Imaging system 11 Camera body 11a Imaging element 11b Finder eyepiece 11c Finder screen image 11d AF frame 12 Lens 13 Projector 14 Electric camera platform 15 Control device 15a Processor 15b Memory 15c Display I/F
15d Communication I/F
15e Connection I/F
15f Recording medium 20 Subject 21 Diagonal stripes 22 Imaging range 151 Memory unit 151a Pitch 151b Shooting distance 151c Focal length 152 Light projection control unit 153 Imaging control unit 154 Camera head control unit D Shooting distance fL Focal length NP Nodal point (no parallax point)
sP, sP1, sP2 AF frame pitch P Pattern pitch

Claims (4)

A projection means for projecting a pattern that forms a contrast ratio onto an object;
An imaging means for imaging the subject;
a control means for executing a first control for projecting the pattern by the projection means and focusing the imaging means on the subject, and a second control for stopping the projection of the pattern by the projection means after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first control , and imaging the subject with the imaging means;
an electric pan head for changing the orientation of the projection means and the imaging means;
the projection means is fixed to the imaging means or the motorized pan head, the control means drives the motorized pan head to direct the imaging means in a plurality of directions corresponding to a predetermined rotation angle in a predetermined order, and executes the first control and the second control in each of the plurality of directions, the pattern includes diagonal stripes, and an inclination angle of each line constituting the diagonal stripes is set to the same angle as an inclination angle of an AF frame sequence arranged in a diagonal direction.
Imaging system. the projection means is a laser projector capable of projecting the pattern onto the subject as a high-brightness laser pattern;
The imaging system according to claim 1 . a computer that controls a projection means for projecting a pattern that forms a contrast ratio onto an object, an image capturing means for capturing an image of the object, and an electric pan head for changing the orientation of the projection means and the image capturing means;
an imaging control method for executing a process including a first control for projecting the pattern by the projection means and focusing the imaging means on the subject, and a second control for waiting a predetermined time from the start of the first control, stopping the projection of the pattern by the projection means, and imaging the subject by the imaging means , wherein the projection means is fixed to the imaging means or the motorized camera head, and in the process, the computer drives the motorized camera head to direct the imaging means in a plurality of directions corresponding to a predetermined rotation angle in a predetermined order, and executes the first control and the second control in each of the plurality of directions;
the pattern includes diagonal stripes, and an inclination angle of each line constituting the diagonal stripes is set to be the same as an inclination angle of a series of AF frames arranged in a diagonal direction;
Imaging control method. A computer controls a projection means for projecting a pattern that forms a contrast ratio onto an object, an image capturing means for capturing an image of the object, and an electric pan head for changing the orientation of the projection means and the image capturing means,
a program for executing a process including a first control for projecting the pattern by the projection means and focusing the imaging means on the subject, and a second control for waiting a predetermined time from the start of the first control, stopping the projection of the pattern by the projection means, and imaging the subject by the imaging means , wherein the projection means is fixed to the imaging means or the motorized camera head, and in the process, the computer drives the motorized camera head to direct the imaging means in a plurality of directions corresponding to a predetermined rotation angle in a predetermined order, and executes the first control and the second control in each of the plurality of directions,
The pattern includes diagonal stripes, and an inclination angle of each line constituting the diagonal stripes is set to the same angle as an inclination angle of a series of AF frames arranged in a diagonal direction.

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