CAMERA DEVICE AND IR LIGHT IRRADIATING METHOD
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application
`January 17, 2020, which claims the benefit of
`Japanese
`Appl.
`May 15, 2019, and 2019-007061, filed
`January 18, 2019. The disclosure of each of the
`above-noted
`is
`herein
`referencein its
`
`is a continuation of U.S. Patent
`
`Appl.
`
`No. 16/745,832, filed
`
`Patent
`
`Nos. 2019-092389, filed
`
`applications
`
`expressly incorporated
`
`by
`
`entirety.
`
`1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`for
`
`performing
`
`The present disclosure relates to a camera device and an IR
`irradiation of IR
`that is infrared
`
`light
`
`light.
`
`light irradiating
`
`method
`
`2. BACKGROUND ART
`
`JP-T-2016-516313 discloses an IR beam
`
`method of
`
`a focal
`
`specifying
`generation
`of an IR beam related to the current focal
`
`of a zoom
`
`length
`
`a linear
`
`lens, specifying
`profile
`a beam
`profile-focal length map, and
`signal
`transmitting
`to a current driver of each of a wide
`linear
`
`length using
`ratio related to the
`
`15
`
`specified
`emitter and a narrow
`
`profile
`
`a control
`
`of an
`
`output
`
`IR
`
`angle
`
`IR emitter. The IR beam is used for
`
`angle
`
`illuminating
`
`a
`
`capturing
`
`scene.
`
`target
`
`IR
`
`configuration
`
`IR
`
`of JP-T-2016-516313, the output ratio of wide
`on a zoom
`
`angle
`a
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`However, in the
`and narrow
`
`light
`
`magnification. Thus,
`angle
`light
`changed depending
`arises in that it is difficult to
`control related to IR
`
`is
`
`perform
`
`irradiation.
`
`In
`
`light
`
`problem
`addition, for
`
`in wide
`
`light
`three levels,
`
`in order to be
`
`of
`
`the
`
`scene with IR
`
`angle
`
`angle
`
`capturing target
`example,
`capable
`irradiating
`angle (WIDE), middle (MID), and narrow
`angle (TELE) irradiation ranges of
`a wide
`a middle IR illumination, and a narrow
`IR illumination,
`IR
`in a camera device such as a
`camera.
`
`monitoring
`the IR illumination to be used to switch ON
`
`In this case,
`
`illumination may be
`prepared
`zoom-in or zoom-out, simply controlling
`during
`and OFF causesa difference in
`of IR
`
`brightness
`
`light.
`
`The reasonis that the
`
`brightness
`arises in that occurrence
`
`of IR
`
`of irradiation from each IR illumination is different. A
`
`problem
`
`light
`of a difference in
`
`brightness instantaneously degrades
`
`the
`
`image quality
`
`of a
`
`captured image
`
`and decreases
`
`visibility.
`
`SUMMARYOF INVENTION
`
`The present disclosure is conceived in view of the above matters in the related art.
`a camera device and an IR
`of the present disclosure is to
`
`lightirradiating
`
`provide
`
`An
`
`object
`
`methodfor
`
`adaptively reducing degradation
`
`of the
`
`image quality
`
`of a
`
`captured image by
`
`{P63330 04814889.DOCX}
`
`

`

`simple
`
`control
`
`depending
`
`on a zoom
`
`processat the time of
`
`capturing
`
`2
`
`and
`
`of the
`
`improvingthe visibility
`The present disclosure
`provides
`includes a lens on which
`from a
`
`light
`
`capturing
`
`captured image.
`a camera device
`
`including
`area is incident and
`
`a
`
`a
`
`capturing target
`
`scene
`
`capturing
`
`unit that
`
`based
`
`performs capturing
`area,a first IR illuminatorthatis
`
`on the
`
`transmitted
`
`the lens from the
`
`light
`through
`capturing
`to irradiate a first irradiation range in the
`capturing
`to irradiate a second irradiation range
`area with second IR
`and a controller that is
`
`configured
`second IR illuminatorthat is
`
`capturing
`
`configured
`the first irradiation range in the
`to obtain a zoom
`
`area with first IR
`
`a
`
`light,
`narrower than
`
`light,
`of the lens and controls theirradiation ofthefirst
`
`configured
`and the secondIR
`
`TR
`
`light
`
`light
`
`magnification
`in a case where the zoom
`
`magnification
`a
`
`is
`
`to a
`
`equal
`current of the
`
`supplied
`
`changes
`over
`
`in which the controller
`
`magnification,
`predetermined
`first IR illuminatorfor the irradiation ofthe first IR
`
`zoom
`
`period,
`
`and
`
`second IR
`
`a
`
`supplied
`changes
`over a second
`
`predetermined
`light
`current of the second IR illuminatorforthe irradiation of the
`
`first
`
`time
`
`time
`
`period.
`an IR
`
`provides
`
`light irradiating
`
`method
`
`a zoom
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`light
`predetermined
`In addition, the present disclosure
`a camera device
`alens. The method includes
`
`including
`irradiation offirst IR
`
`obtaining
`a first irradiation
`
`implemented by
`of the lens, and
`controlling
`light having
`magnification
`a secondirradiation range of a narrower
`range and second IR
`light having
`to a
`irradiation range in a case where the zoom
`
`magnification.
`a
`area
`
`Thefirst IR
`
`magnification
`and the second IR
`
`is
`
`equal
`are
`
`than the first
`
`angle
`
`predetermined
`
`zoom
`
`of
`
`emitted toward
`
`being
`capable
`light
`light
`from a first IR illuminator and a secondIR illumination unit
`
`respectively
`capturing
`included in the camera device. The
`
`controlling
`current of the first IR illuminator for the irradiation ofthe first IR
`
`ofthe irradiation includes
`
`a
`
`changing
`overa first
`
`supplied
`
`time
`
`and
`
`a
`
`predetermined
`period,
`supplied
`changing
`over a second
`for the irradiation of the second IR
`
`light
`to the present disclosure, it is
`of the
`and
`
`According
`
`of the
`
`image quality
`
`control
`
`depending
`
`simple
`scene.
`
`visibility
`improve
`captured image
`on the zoom
`processat the time of
`
`the
`
`of the
`
`captured image by
`
`capturing
`
`the
`
`capturing target
`
`light
`current of the second IR illumination unit
`
`predetermined
`to
`
`possible
`
`adaptively
`
`reduce
`
`degradation
`
`time
`
`period.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`1 is an exterior view of a camera
`
`2 is a block
`
`diagram illustrating
`
`one
`
`example
`
`of an internal
`
`configuration
`
`of the
`
`Fig.
`
`Fig.
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`

`

`camera.
`
`Fig.
`
`corresponding
`
`3 is a
`
`diagram illustrating
`to a zoom
`
`one
`
`example
`to a
`
`magnification according
`one
`
`4A is a
`
`Fig.
`
`diagram illustrating
`
`example
`
`of
`
`brightness
`
`control of IR
`
`light
`
`comparative example.
`of current control in a time direction
`
`between WIDEand MID.
`
`4B is a
`
`Fig.
`
`diagram illustrating
`
`one
`
`example
`
`of current controlin the time direction
`
`between MID and TELE.
`
`5 is a
`
`Fig.
`
`one
`
`example
`
`of current controlfor irradiation of IR
`
`diagram illustrating
`to a zoom
`
`light corresponding
`6 is a flowchart
`
`Fig.
`
`magnification according
`one
`
`example
`illustrating
`to Embodiment1.
`
`to Embodiment1.
`
`of an
`
`operation procedure
`
`of IR
`
`light
`
`to a modification
`
`example
`
`of
`
`of an
`
`operation procedure
`
`of IR
`
`light
`
`irradiation
`
`by
`
`a camera
`
`according
`
`7 is a
`
`Fig.
`
`light corresponding
`
`Embodiment1.
`
`diagram illustrating
`to a zoom
`
`magnification according
`
`one
`
`example
`
`of current controlfor irradiation of IR
`
`8 is a flowchart
`
`Fig.
`
`one
`
`example
`illustrating
`to the modification
`
`irradiation
`
`by
`
`Fig.
`
`a camera
`
`according
`9 is a front view of one
`
`example
`
`of Embodiment1.
`
`of a
`
`monitoring
`
`camera
`
`a
`
`including
`
`lens
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`example
`to Embodiment2.
`
`according
`10 is a front view of one
`
`example
`11 is an A-A sectional view of
`
`10.
`
`Fig.
`
`of the condensing
`
`lens
`
`illustrated in
`
`9.
`
`Fig.
`
`12 is a B-B sectional view of
`
`10.
`
`Fig.
`
`13 is a C-C sectional view of
`
`condensing
`
`Fig.
`
`Fig.
`
`Fig.
`
`Fig.
`
`10.
`
`Fig.
`a correlation
`
`example
`
`between an
`
`angular intensity
`
`14 is a
`
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`of a narrow
`
`and an
`
`and an
`
`and an
`
`angle
`
`illumination.
`
`angle
`
`15 is a
`
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`of a wide
`
`angle
`
`angle
`
`illumination.
`
`16 is a
`
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`of a middle
`
`angle
`
`illumination.
`
`angle
`
`a correlation
`
`example
`
`between an
`
`angularintensity
`
`a correlation
`
`example
`
`between an
`
`angular intensity
`
`17 is a
`
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`each lens and an illuminance.
`
`a correlation
`
`example
`
`between a
`
`magnification
`
`of
`
`18 is a front view of one
`
`example
`
`of a
`
`condensing
`
`lens
`
`according
`
`to
`
`Fig.
`
`Embodiment3.
`
`19 is a
`
`Fig.
`
`perspective
`
`view of one
`
`example
`
`of the condensing
`
`illustrated in
`
`lens
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`

`

`18.
`
`Fig.
`
`Fig.
`
`20 is a D-D sectional view of
`
`18.
`
`21 is a
`
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`of a middle
`
`and an
`
`angle
`
`illumination
`
`angle
`
`including
`
`example
`a dual middle
`
`between an
`
`angularintensity
`
`lens.
`
`angle
`
`Fig.
`a correlation
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
`
`Hereinafter, embodiments
`camera device and an IR
`
`and effects of a
`
`specifically disclosing configurations
`method accordingto the present disclosure will be
`light irradiating
`reference to the
`detailed
`
`described in detail with
`
`appropriate
`description may be omitted. For
`a
`of
`
`drawings. Unnecessarily
`a detailed
`of well-known matters and
`
`description
`configurations may be omitted.
`is avoided, and the
`
`By doing
`of
`
`understanding
`
`example,
`the same
`
`duplicate description
`substantially
`so, unnecessary redundancyofthe
`
`following description
`those skilled in theart is facilitated. The
`
`for those skilled in the art to
`
`are
`
`provided
`are not intendedto limit the
`
`subject
`
`and the
`
`appended drawings
`following description
`understand the present disclosure and
`sufficiently
`matter disclosed in the claims.
`
`OF CONTENTS OF EMBODIMENT
`
`(BACKGROUND
`control of IR
`
`light corresponding
`
`magnification
`
`in the
`
`1)
`to a zoom
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`First, brightness
`related art will be described as a
`
`20
`
`Embodiment1 with reference to
`
`light corresponding
`In the graphillustrated in
`comparative example.
`and a vertical axis denotes the
`
`brightness
`
`control of IR
`
`magnification,
`In the cameraofthe related art
`
`Fig. 3,
`of IR
`
`brightness
`to the
`
`comparative example forming
`3 is a
`
`3.
`
`Fig.
`
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`to the zoom
`
`an
`
`of
`
`underlying technology
`one
`
`of the
`
`example
`to the
`
`magnification according
`a horizontal axis denotes the zoom
`
`ofirradiation.
`
`light
`
`in a case
`
`according
`comparative example,
`where the zoom
`is less than z1, irradiation is
`magnification
`angle (WIDE)irradiation range at a constant
`having
`brightness
`case where the zoom
`reaches z2 from z1, irradiation is
`magnification
`(MID)irradiation range at a constant
`BR2 of the middle
`is
`than the
`(MID)IR light
`higher
`brightness
`(WIDE)IR light. Furthermore, in a case where the zoom
`to
`IR
`with
`22, irradiation is
`equal
`performed
`irradiation range at a constant
`
`a wide
`
`performed
`
`with
`
`BR1.
`
`IR
`only
`light
`In addition, in a
`IR
`with
`
`performed
`
`only
`
`light having
`
`a middle
`
`brightness
`
`BR2. The
`
`brightness
`
`BR1 of the wide
`angle
`is greater than or
`
`magnification
`a narrow
`
`only
`
`light having
`
`brightness
`
`BR3. The
`
`brightness
`
`angle (TELE)
`BR3 of the narrow
`
`angle
`
`(TELE)IRlight
`
`is
`
`higher
`
`than the
`
`brightness
`
`BR2 of the middle
`
`(MID)IRlight.
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`

`

`Whenthe zoom
`
`magnification
`irradiation OFF and
`
`IR
`
`light
`
`difference in
`
`switching
`of IR
`
`of irradiation.
`
`5
`
`the wide
`
`Similarly,
`
`in a
`
`the
`
`reaches z1, simply switching
`angle (WIDE)
`irradiation ON causes a
`IR
`the middle
`(MID)
`light
`In other words, when the zoom
`brightness
`light
`with strong IR
`reaches z1, irradiation is
`instantaneously performed
`magnification
`light
`discrete manner.
`when the zoom
`reaches z2, simply switching
`magnification
`the narrow
`IR
`
`middle
`
`irradiation OFF and
`
`(MID)IR light
`irradiation ON causesa difference in
`
`switching
`of IR
`
`angle (TELE)
`light
`In other words,
`with an instantaneous and
`
`of irradiation.
`
`performed
`
`is a
`
`of
`
`when the zoom
`
`discrete increase in
`
`intensity
`zoom-in in which the zoom
`
`10
`
`light.
`
`the zoom
`
`brightness
`light
`reaches z2, irradiation is
`magnification
`of IR
`While the above
`description
`description
`is increased, the same
`to zoom-out in which
`magnification
`applies
`is decreased. That is, when the zoom
`magnification
`with an instantaneous and discrete decrease in
`
`conversely,
`magnification
`reaches 22, irradiation is
`performed
`When the zoom
`TR
`
`light.
`
`magnification
`
`of
`
`intensity
`with an
`
`reaches z1, irradiation is
`performed
`of IR
`light. Thus, the
`image quality
`intensity
`at the momentofthe instantaneous and discrete increase or
`
`instantaneous and discrete decrease in
`
`of the
`
`15
`
`captured image
`
`is
`
`decrease in
`
`degraded
`of IR
`
`light.
`
`A
`
`problem
`
`arises in that
`
`is decreased.
`
`visibility
`of a camera device and an IR
`
`intensity
`Therefore, in the
`method for
`
`following embodiments,
`
`an
`
`example
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`light irradiating
`
`adaptively reducing degradation
`
`of the
`
`image quality
`
`of the
`
`and
`
`improvingthe visibility
`captured image
`on a zoom
`processat the time of
`
`depending
`
`of the
`
`capturing
`
`capturing target
`
`captured image by simply
`a
`scene will be
`
`control
`
`described.
`
`(Embodiment1)
`The exterior of a camera 1 and an internal
`
`configuration
`
`of the camera 1
`
`to Embodiment1 will be described with reference to
`
`1 and
`
`2.
`
`view of the camera 1.
`
`Fig.
`Fig.
`Fig.
`In the present specification, upward, downward, leftward, and
`directions of the camera 1 are denoted
`arrowsillustrated in
`1. The
`rightward
`by
`Fig.
`direction ofthe front side of the page is the forward direction, and the direction of the rear
`side of the page is the rearward direction.
`The camera 1 is a camera device that can be used in both indoor and outdoor
`
`according
`1 is an exterior
`
`locations. For
`
`the camera 1 is a
`
`camera or a conference camera. For
`
`example,
`the camera 1 is fixed and
`
`monitoring
`on the outer wall or the
`
`building
`ceiling
`hung
`the camera 1 is used such that the camera 1 can be converted to be
`
`of a
`
`and is
`
`example,
`
`used.
`
`arranged
`
`by detaching
`
`and
`
`replacing
`
`a
`
`part of components (component
`
`connected to
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`Alternatively,
`on a table
`
`

`

`configuration including
`The camera 1 is a
`
`6
`
`(PTZ)
`
`zoom
`
`process. A
`
`an attachmentsurface such as the outer wall and the
`In
`with another component.
`ceiling)
`addition, while a detailed internal
`will be described below, the camera 1 has a
`configuration
`a lens 22 as a
`capturing optical system and a
`of IR-LEDs32.
`camerathat can
`pantilt zoom
`area can be
`
`plurality
`tilt rotation and a
`
`perform
`a
`panrotation andthetilt
`
`optical
`
`axis direction of the
`
`capturing
`changed by performing
`rotation of the lens 22 and the IR-LEDs 32
`other words, the
`
`(in
`can be
`
`example,
`omni-directionally performed.
`of the camera 1 on the
`
`For
`
`in
`
`the
`
`casing
`
`the camera
`
`lens 22 can be
`changed). Capturing
`1, the pan rotation can be
`performed by turning
`lowerside of a
`pan rotation surface RT1 leftward and
`
`a
`
`pan rotation axis PN1
`rightward along
`of the camera 1 on the
`In other words, the
`parallel
`casing
`upperside of the pan rotation surface RT1 of the camera 1 is fixed on the flat attachment
`surface such as the
`in the camera
`and thus, is not turned.
`In addition, for
`example,
`the lens 22 and the IR-LEDs32 can be
`
`10
`
`that is
`
`to the vertical direction.
`
`ceiling
`
`1,
`
`a tilt unit TLU that
`
`to a 90
`
`subjected
`incorporates
`tilt rotation from the forward direction to the downwarddirection alonga tilt rotation
`in whichthetilt rotation ofthetilt unit TLU can be
`
`degree
`
`15
`
`axis
`
`The
`
`angle
`(not illustrated).
`is not limited to 90
`
`performed
`
`degrees.
`
`from the
`
`area is incident and is
`
`imaged
`
`on an
`
`image
`an area that
`
`area
`
`is a
`
`may
`
`be
`
`monitoring
`referred to as a
`
`configured
`
`to include a
`
`monitoring
`of lenses that are
`
`plurality
`
`In the lens 22, light
`capturing
`sensor 24
`a filter unit 23 described below.
`In the
`through
`following description,
`area.
`In a case where
`capturing target of the camera 1 will be referred to as the
`capturing
`the camera 1 is a
`camerathat is used for
`monitoring purposes, the
`capturing
`area. The lens 22 as the
`capturing optical system is
`optical components such as a focus lens
`of the camera 1 and a zoom lens
`of
`
`capable
`
`changing
`
`the
`
`capable
`zoom
`
`of
`
`adjusting
`
`the focal
`
`length
`of the camera1.
`
`magnification
`Each IR-LED 32is an IR illumination unitfor
`
`20
`
`25
`
`of IR
`
`light
`
`with which the
`
`irradiating
`
`the
`
`area with IR
`
`capturing
`areais irradiated
`
`capturing
`and an IR-LED controlunit 31 as a
`
`The
`
`light.
`can be
`
`adjusted by
`
`light intensity (brightness)
`a control unit 11
`
`controller
`
`include a
`
`plurality
`
`incorporated
`of IR illuminations
`
`(refer
`in the camera 1.
`
`to
`
`Fig. 2)
`In addition, each IR-LED 32is
`configured
`different irradiation distancesor irradiation
`
`to
`
`and
`
`having
`The camera 1 can
`
`30
`
`ranges(irradiation angles).
`
`the type, quantity,
`appropriately adjust
`on the
`of the IR-LEDs 32 to be used for irradiation
`
`light intensity (brightness)
`zoom
`of the lens 22. Each IR-LED 32 is one
`
`magnification
`
`unit
`
`capable
`
`of
`
`performingirradiation
`
`of IR
`
`light
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`example
`and is not limited to a
`
`depending
`ofan IR illumination
`
`emission diode
`
`light
`
`

`

`(LED).
`
`2 is a
`
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`camera 1. The camera 1 as one
`
`one
`
`of an internal
`
`example
`of the camera device is
`
`of the
`
`configuration
`to include a
`
`image
`
`memory 61.
`
`configured
`example
`a lens drive control unit 21, the lens 22,
`communication interface unit 10, the control unit 11,
`a PTZ
`sensor
`24, the IR-LED control unit 31, the IR-LEDs 32,
`the filter unit 23, the
`a
`unit 51, and a
`control unit 41,
`power supply
`The communication interface unit 10 is
`
`a communication circuit
`
`and
`
`configured using
`data or information with a network
`
`for
`
`the
`
`(for example,
`receiving
`transmitting
`to which the camera 1 is connected. The communication interface unit 10
`
`an intranet or
`
`Internet)
`transmits and receives data or information with a video
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`personal computer (PC)
`
`or a
`
`server)
`
`or other cameras
`
`(notillustrated)
`
`network.
`
`monitoring
`
`device
`
`a
`
`(for example,
`connected to the
`
`For
`
`example,
`a central
`
`processing
`
`unit
`
`using
`
`the control unit 11 as one
`
`of the controller is
`
`configured
`
`field
`
`example
`(CPU),a digital signal processor (DSP),or
`The control unit 11 functions as a controller of the
`
`ofall
`
`programmable gate array (FPGA).
`of the camera 1 and
`a control process for
`operation
`performs
`managingthe operation
`units of the camera
`a data
`input-output process with each unit of the camera
`a data
`1,
`1,
`operation (calculation) process, and a data storage process. The control unit 11 operates in
`accordance with a
`program stored in the memory 61. When the control unit 11 operates, the
`control unit 11 uses the memory 61 andstores data
`the control unit 11 in the
`
`generated by
`
`memory 61.
`
`For
`
`a
`
`the control unit 11 reads and obtains parameters (for example,
`pan
`example,
`to one or
`tilt rotation amount, and the zoom
`rotation amount,
`magnification) corresponding
`more
`from the memory 61. The control unit 11 can instruct
`predetermined preset positions
`of the camera 1
`the posture and the zoom
`the PTZ control unit 41 to
`change
`magnification
`by
`at least one ofthe panrotation, the tilt rotation, and the zoom
`process such that the
`executing
`a control
`axis is directed to any preset position.
`The control unit 11 generates
`optical
`signal
`the parameters such as the pan rotation amount,
`for PTZ control
`thetilt rotation
`including
`amount, and the zoom
`to the PTZ control unit
`and transmits the control
`magnification
`signal
`41. The PTZ control unit 41 executes at least one of the pan rotation,thetilt rotation, and
`the zoom
`process based on the control
`from the control unit 11.
`signal
`the control unit 11 can store information related to the current
`example,
`magnification (that is, the zoom
`
`For
`
`zoom
`
`recent)
`
`magnification corresponding
`
`(most
`to the most recent
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`

`

`focal
`
`length
`to the zoom
`
`of the lens
`
`22)
`
`8
`
`of the lens 22 in the memory 61 and obtain the information related
`The control unit 11 can
`
`instruct the lens drive control
`
`directly
`
`magnification.
`the zoom
`
`unit 21 to
`
`change
`
`control unit 41.
`
`magnification
`In a case where the zoom
`
`of the lens 22 without
`
`the PTZ
`
`passing through
`reaches a
`
`zoom
`
`of types of
`
`predetermined
`magnification
`the control unit 11 controls irradiation of a
`
`to
`
`IR
`
`light
`
`Fig. 5),
`magnification (refer
`with which the IR-LEDs 32 can
`
`plurality
`irradiation. Details of an
`
`perform
`
`operation
`
`ofthe control of IR
`
`irradiation will be described below with
`light
`
`procedure example
`reference to
`Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, and
`in order to
`For
`
`example,
`
`5.
`
`Fig.
`
`the
`
`of IR
`
`brightness
`change
`to the IR-LEDs 32 in order to
`
`other words,
`light (in
`irradiation of IR
`
`a current
`
`10
`
`amount
`
`that is
`
`supplied
`(value)
`to the zoom
`
`magnification)
`
`corresponding
`a
`11 generates
`transmits the
`
`perform
`light
`of irradiation from the IR-LEDs32, the control unit
`current amount of the [R-LEDs 32 and
`
`instruction for the
`
`supplied
`change
`instruction to the IR-LED control unit 31.
`
`change
`
`For
`
`example,
`
`a filter
`
`switching signal
`
`for
`
`switching
`
`a
`
`the control unit 11 generates
`from the lens 22
`
`15
`
`filter for
`
`transmitting light
`unit 23 and transmits the filter
`
`from the
`
`(that is, light
`capturing area)
`to the filter unit 23. For
`
`in thefilter
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`switching signal
`the control unit 11 generates the filter
`switching signal
`daytime,
`ofvisible
`in orderto
`obtain the
`
`easily
`unit generates the filter
`obtain the
`
`captured image
`
`switching signal
`ofIR
`
`light.
`
`for
`
`selecting
`
`captured image
`
`example, during
`an IR cutfilter
`
`selecting
`
`for
`
`the control
`
`easily
`
`light. During nighttime,
`a visible
`cutfilter in order to
`light
`
`Thelens drive control unit 21
`
`the zoom
`
`magnification
`
`of the lens 22 in
`
`changes
`instruction for the zoom
`
`accordance with the
`
`control unit 11 or a
`
`magnification
`change
`instruction from the PTZ control unit 41.
`
`of the lens 22 from the
`
`change
`In the lens 22 as one
`
`of a
`
`capturing unit, light
`sensor 24
`
`from the
`
`capturing
`thefilter unit 23. As
`
`area is
`
`example
`andthe
`on the
`is
`incident,
`image
`through
`light
`imaged
`described above,the lens 22 as the
`capturing optical system is
`configured
`of lenses that are
`optical components such as a focus lens
`capable
`of the camera 1 and a zoom lens
`the zoom
`of
`
`plurality
`
`focal
`
`length
`the camera1.
`
`to include a
`
`of
`
`adjusting
`
`the
`
`magnification
`
`of
`
`capable
`
`changing
`
`Thefilter unit 23 as one
`
`example
`the IR cut filter and the visible
`
`of the
`
`light
`
`(for example,
`
`capturing
`cut
`
`unit includes
`
`offilters
`
`plurality
`switches onefilter
`
`selectively
`on the filter
`
`and
`
`filter)
`offilters
`
`depending
`theplurality
`transmitting light
`from the control unit 11. The IR cutfilter is a filter that can block a
`
`from the lens 22 among
`
`switching signal
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`

`

`9
`
`wavelength
`
`wavelength
`
`in an IR
`
`light range.
`in a visible
`
`light range.
`sensor 24 as one
`
`Thevisible
`
`cutfilter is a filter that can block a
`light
`Thefilter unit 23 may be omitted from the camera 1.
`a
`
`example
`
`of the
`
`capturing
`
`unit is
`
`configured using
`
`The
`
`image
`
`device
`
`(CCD)
`
`or a
`
`element.
`
`charge coupled
`solid state
`
`capturing
`includes an
`
`image processing
`
`complementary
`In addition, the
`circuit for
`
`metal oxide semiconductor
`
`sensor 24 may includea
`
`image
`
`a
`
`(CMOS)as
`
`that
`
`chip
`
`generating
`
`for
`
`image processing
`
`data of the
`
`captured image by performing
`on an electric
`of a
`
`signal
`
`subject image
`
`well-known
`signal processing
`output from the solid state
`sensor 24 is
`the
`
`image
`include a
`
`10
`
`capturing
`
`element. The data of the
`
`into the control unit 11. The
`
`captured image generated by
`sensor 24 may further
`
`image
`
`input
`unit that can
`
`range of IR
`
`light
`
`with which the
`
`capturing
`sensitivity
`adjust
`gain adjustment
`ofthe controller
`The IR-LED control unit 31 as one
`example
`area is irradiated, depending
`capturing
`the current amount
`
`the
`
`of the
`
`element.
`
`the irradiation
`
`adjusts
`on the zoom
`
`(value) supplied
`
`to each IR-LED 32
`
`to the zoom
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`magnification by variably controlling
`based on the
`to the
`
`description below)
`
`(refer
`
`change
`
`instruction
`
`corresponding
`
`from the control unit 11.
`
`light.
`
`For
`
`capturing
`
`area with IR
`
`can
`
`irradiation of
`
`ofa first IR illumination
`
`magnification
`Each IR-LED 32is an IR illumination unitthat irradiates the
`each IR-LED 32 includes an LED groupthat
`perform
`example,
`each IR-LED 32
`IR
`three types of different irradiation ranges.
`light having
`Specifically,
`includes a WIDEirradiation LED group 32Wi,
`a MID irradiation LED group 32Mi, and a
`TELEirradiation LED group 32Te.
`The WIDEirradiation LED group 32Wias one
`example
`irradiation offirst IR
`referred to as "WIDEIR
`
`unit can
`
`having
`
`WIDEIR
`
`light
`Irradiation of the WIDEIR
`
`perform
`light (hereinafter,
`For
`first irradiation range of the widest
`example,
`angle.
`IRWiis a location at a short distance from the camera 1
`
`the main
`
`light")
`area for
`
`capturing
`
`light
`
`IRWi is
`
`performed
`
`in order to
`
`capture
`
`during nighttime.
`a wide field of view at
`
`a low zoom
`
`magnification.
`The MIDirradiation LED group 32Mias one
`
`of a second IR illumination
`
`example
`referred to as "MID IR
`
`light")
`
`For
`
`the main
`
`perform
`light (hereinafter,
`a secondirradiation range of the second widest
`example,
`angle.
`area for MID IR
`IRMiis a location at a middle distance from the camera 1
`
`unit can
`
`having
`
`capturing
`
`irradiation of second IR
`
`light
`Irradiation of the MID IR
`
`during nighttime.
`widefield of view at a
`
`certainly high
`magnification.
`The TELEirradiation LED group 32Te as one
`
`zoom
`
`IRMiis
`
`light
`
`performed
`
`in order to
`
`a
`
`capture
`
`example
`
`ofa third IR illumination
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`

`

`unit can
`
`irradiation of third IR
`
`10
`
`long
`
`perform
`light (hereinafter,
`a third irradiation range of the narrowest
`example,
`angle.
`IRTe is a location at a
`distance from the camera 1
`
`having
`for TELE IR
`
`light
`Irradiation of the TELE IR
`
`referred to as "TELE IR
`
`light")
`
`For
`
`the main
`
`area
`
`capturing
`
`during nighttime.
`narrow field
`
`slightly
`
`of view at a
`
`significantly high
`
`IRTe is
`
`performed
`
`in order to
`
`a
`
`capture
`
`light
`zoom
`
`magnification.
`the above three types of LED groupsincluded in each
`following description,
`IR-LED 32 will be illustrated for easy understanding
`of the
`description. However, the three
`are not for limitation purposes. For
`different
`types having
`example,
`slightly
`as the MID irradiation LED group 32Mi.
`irradiation ranges may be
`disposed
`The PTZ control unit 41 executes each of the pan rotation of the
`casing
`camera 1 on the lowerside of the pan rotation surface RT1 andthe tilt rotation ofthetilt unit
`TLUbased onthe control
`on the
`
`In the
`
`types
`
`two
`
`ofthe
`
`that is
`
`the control unit 11
`
`signal
`generated by
`depending
`to the above
`In addition,
`description) correspondingto the preset position.
`parameters (refer
`instruction for the zoom
`the PTZ control unit 41 transmits the
`of the
`
`magnification
`
`signal
`to the above
`
`that is
`
`generated by
`
`the
`
`to
`
`change
`lens 22 to the lens drive control unit 21 based on the control
`on the parameters (refer
`description) corresponding
`this PTZ control is executed based on the control
`
`control unit 11
`
`depending
`the preset position.
`the control unit 11
`
`For
`
`example,
`
`generated by
`
`a
`
`by
`
`trigger
`
`of an
`
`input
`
`signal
`of an execution instruction from the
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`video
`
`monitoring
`
`device connected
`
`through
`
`the network into the control unit 11
`
`through
`
`the
`
`20
`
`communication interface unit 10.
`
`unit 51
`
`supplies powerto the camera 1 from an external
`The power supply
`unit 51 may
`with power
`The power supply
`commercial power supply.
`be directly supplied
`In addition, the power supply
`from the external commercial power supply.
`unit 51 may be
`such that a
`that can accumulate electric
`
`a
`
`charges
`configured
`battery (for example,
`cell)
`is included in the power supply
`from the external commercial power supply
`supplied
`or can be attached to and detached from the power supply
`unit 51. The powersupply
`supply powerto the camera 1 even in a state where the powersupply
`may beable to
`unit 51 is
`disconnected from the external commercial power supply.
`a random access
`The memory 61 is
`configured using
`stores a
`program necessary for
`stores data or information
`
`unit 51
`
`unit 51
`
`memory (RAM)and
`the
`of the
`
`executing
`
`operation
`
`a read
`
`the
`
`operation.
`
`only memory (ROM)and
`camera 1 and also
`
`temporarily
`generated during
`the RAM is a work memory that is used at the time of
`the ROM stores a
`
`For
`
`example,
`unit 11. For
`
`example,
`
`program for
`
`controlling
`
`the control unit 11 in
`
`operation
`
`of the control
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`

`

`11
`
`advance.
`
`camera 1
`
`Next, the
`
`according
`
`irradiation in the
`light
`operation procedure example
`to Embodiment1 will be described with reference to each of
`
`of the control of IR
`
`Fig. 4A, Fig.
`of current control in a time
`
`5.
`
`4A is a
`
`4B, and
`diagram illustrating
`Fig.
`Fig.
`4B is a
`direction between WIDE and MID.
`
`Fig.
`
`one
`
`example
`
`control in the time direction between MID and TELE.
`
`Fig.
`
`diagram illustrating
`5 is a
`
`one
`
`example
`
`of current
`
`one
`
`diagram illustrating
`to the zoom
`
`example
`
`of current control for irradiation of IR
`
`light corresponding
`magnification
`Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, and
`Fig. 5, for convenience, the irradiation
`"WIDE".
`Theirradiation range of the MID IR
`is denoted
`
`to Embodiment 1.
`
`according
`range of the WIDEIR
`
`light
`
`In
`
`by
`Theirradiation range of the TELEIR
`light
`5 are illustrations for
`
`is denoted
`
`"MID".
`
`Fig.
`
`light
`by
`In addition, while
`Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, and
`(that is, WIDE -> MID ->
`of zoom-in
`(that is, TELE -> MID ->
`zoom-out
`
`the samecan be
`
`TELE),
`
`WIDE),
`
`and the
`
`magnitudes
`
`is denoted
`
`"TELE".
`
`by
`
`facilitating understanding
`to a
`
`of the
`applied
`description
`oftimesta, tb, tc, td, and te
`
`are not
`
`important.
`
`In
`
`Fig. 4A,
`
`amount
`
`a horizontal axis denotes time, and a vertical axis denotes the current
`to the WIDEirradiation LED group 32Wior the MID irradiation
`(value) supplied
`In order to
`LED group 32Mi.
`
`the
`
`of
`
`Fig. 4A, it is assumed that each of
`simplify
`description
`the WIDEirradiation LED group 32Wiand the MID irradiation LED group 32Miis
`with the same number of LEDs
`
`configured
`
`(for example, two).
`a case where a zoom
`Z reaches a
`
`For
`
`example,
`
`z1
`
`to
`
`Fig. 5)
`(refer
`magnification
`to "MID"at time ta is considered.
`
`zoom
`
`light
`process in the
`
`to
`
`predetermined
`magnification
`from "WIDE"
`the irradiation range of IR
`for
`switching
`Thatis, it is considered that the zoom
`camera 1 is zoom-in from "WIDE" to "MID".
`In this case, the control unit 11 transmits,
`current
`instruction for
`the
`
`a
`
`the IR-LED control unit 31,
`change
`supplied
`gradually decreasing
`amountof the WIDEirradiation LED group 32Wifrom a
`current value
`at a time
`before the zoom
`
`immediately
`
`(for
`predetermined
`Z reaches z1 to zero at
`
`time
`
`the
`
`example, A1)
`time tb over a
`
`change
`
`magnification
`tk. The IR-LED control unit 31
`predetermined
`period
`adjusts
`current amountof the WIDEirradiation LED group 32Wiin accordance with the
`supplied
`a
`to the IR-LED control unit 31,
`instruction. The control unit 11 transmits,
`change
`current amountof the MID irradiation LED
`
`predetermined
`(for example, A1)
`tk. The IR-LED control unit 31
`predetermined
`period
`adjusts
`amountof the MID irradiation LED group 32Mi in accordance with the
`
`instruction for
`
`gradually increasing
`group 32Mifrom zero to a
`
`the
`
`supplied
`current value
`
`time
`
`{P63330 04814827.DOC}
`
`at time tb over the
`
`the
`
`supplied
`
`current
`
`change
`
`instruction.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`

`In addition, for
`zoom
`
`12
`
`example,
`
`a case where the zoom
`
`z1
`
`to
`
`for
`
`Z reaches the
`
`magnification
`the irradiation range of
`
`TR
`
`the
`
`instruction for
`
`predetermined
`
`predetermined
`magnification
`(refer
`Fig. 5)
`switching
`from "MID"to "WIDE"at time tb is considered. That is, it is considered that the
`light
`process in the camera 1 is zoom-out from "MID" to "WIDE".
`zoom
`In this case, the control
`a
`to the IR-LED control unit 31,
`unit 11 transmits,
`change
`gradually decreasing
`current amount of the MID irradiation LED group 32Mi from a
`supplied
`at a time
`before the zoom
`current value
`
`(for example, A1)
`reaches z1 to zero at time ta over the
`
`31
`
`adjusts
`
`the
`
`10
`
`with the
`
`change
`
`immediately
`
`time
`
`supplied
`
`predetermined
`period
`current amountof the MID irradiation LED group 32Miin accordance
`supplied
`a
`to the IR-LED controlunit 31,
`instruction. The control unit 11 transmits,
`current amount of the WIDE
`instruction for
`the
`
`magnification
`tk. The IR-LED control unit
`
`Z
`
`change
`gradually increasing
`irradiation LED group 32Wifrom zero to a
`time tb over the
`
`time
`
`predetermined
`period
`adjusts
`current amountof the WIDEirradiation LED group 32Wiin accordance with the
`
`current value
`
`at
`
`(for example, A1)
`predetermined
`tk. The IR-LED control unit 31
`
`the
`
`supplied
`
`15
`
`change
`
`instruction.
`
`In
`
`Fig. 4B,
`
`amount
`
`a horizontal axis denotes time, and a vertical axis denotes the current
`to the MIDirradiation LED group 32Mior the TELEirradiation
`(value) supplied
`In order to
`LED group 32Te.
`Fig. 4B, it is assumed that the MID
`two
`LEDs, and the TELE
`four LEDsthat are double the
`
`irradiation LED group 32Miis
`
`irradiation LED group 32Teis
`
`the
`
`of
`
`example,
`
`simply
`description
`configured with, for
`configured with, for
`example,
`number of LEDsof the MID irradiation LED group 32Mi.
`a case where the zoom
`
`For
`
`example,
`
`z2
`
`to
`
`Fig. 5)
`(refer
`magnification
`"TELE"at time tc is considered.
`
`Z reaches a
`
`zoom
`
`light
`processin the
`
`to
`
`predetermined
`magnification
`from "MID"to
`the irradiation range of IR
`for
`switching
`Thatis, it is considered that the zoom
`camera 1 is zoom-in from "MID" to "TELE".
`In this case, the control unit 11 transmits,
`current
`instruction for
`the
`
`a
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`the IR-LED control unit 31,
`change
`supplied
`gradually decreasing
`amountof the MID irradiation LED group 32Mi from a
`current value
`at a time
`before the zoom
`
`(for
`predetermined
`Z reaches z2 to zero at
`
`