IMAGE INPUT SYSTEM

• US 20070097460A1
• Filed: 08/30/2006
• Published: 05/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tomoaki Kawai
• Original Assignee: Tomoaki Kawai
• Inventors: KAWAI, Tomoaki
• Granted Patent: US 7,583,414 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 358/500
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/631 Graphical user interfaces [GUI] specially adapted for controlling image capture or setting capture parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/634 Warning indications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/695 Control of camera direction for changing a field of view, e.g. pan, tilt or based on tracking of objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

This invention provides an image input system capable of setting an arbitrary imaging inhibited area. This system displays a map showing the positions of cameras arranged in an office and the directions in which these cameras can be aimed, or displays the view angles of the cameras. An operator designates an imaging inhibited area on the map. In accordance with the designated imaging inhibited area, a limiting direction is calculated for each camera, and each camera is so controlled as not to point in that direction. Even when cameras are fixed, the system controls display so that an imaging inhibited area is not displayed.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus connected view a network with a plurality of external apparatuses each of which has an operation panel and an image displaying window, comprising:

a storage unit; and

an output unit for outputting a plurality of images which are extracted from an image stored by said storage unit in accordance with areas set by the operation panels to the image displaying windows corresponding to the operation panels to display the plurality of images.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel sets a center position and a size of the area.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output unit adds an identifier to each of the plurality of images to be output.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage unit stores an image captured by a camera.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of external apparatuses has a plurality of the image displaying windows and said output unit outputs the plurality of extracted images to said at least one of the plurality of external apparatuses.

6. An image output method for outputting images via a network to a plurality of external apparatuses each of which has an operation panel and an image displaying window, said method comprising:

a storing step of storing an image to a storage; and

an outputting step of outputting a plurality of images which are extracted from an image stored in said storage in accordance with areas set by the operation panels to the image displaying windows corresponding to the operation panels to display the plurality of images.

7. The image output method according to claim 6, wherein the operation panel sets a center position and a size of the area.

8. The image output method according to claim 6, wherein said outputting step adds an identifier to each of the plurality of images to be output.

9. The image output method according to claim 6, wherein said storing step stores an image captured by a camera.

10. The image output method according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of external apparatuses has a plurality of the image displaying windows and said output step outputs the plurality of images to said at least one of the plurality of external apparatuses.