Abstract: A picture photographed by a camera portion is sent to a video capturing portion of a computer. The picture is displayed in an operation area of a monitor. A panorama picture of which pictures in part or all moving range of a pan tiler are combined is displayed in a panorama operation area. A pan tilter portion sends positional information of pan and tilt to the computer through a mode controller. With a mouse, the operation area and the panorama operation area are operated so as to select an object. The computer obtains data for driving the pan tilter. Thus, the selected object is displayed at the center of the operation area.

Abstract: A personal computer detects the current state of a video camera with reference to setting information transmitted thereto from a work station. When a command for controlling the video camera is inputted from a mouse, the personal computer predicts an image, which is assumed to be shot by the video camera upon execution of the command, with reference to both the information transmitted from the work station and the command inputted from the mouse, and then displays the predicted image on a CRT monitor. Referring to the image being displayed on the CRT monitor, a user performs a manipulation to instruct execution of the command in the case of executing the previous input command. As a result, the command inputted previously is transmitted to the work station via an internet, thereby controlling the video camera and a pan tilter. Thus, the video camera connected via a network or the like can be controlled smoothly.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus for tracking an imaging object, includes: imaging means for imaging the imaging object; driving means for driving the imaging means to perform panning and tilting; position detection means for detecting a position of the imaging object in an image outputted from the imaging means; automatic tracking means for calculating a displacement amount between the position of the imaging object detected by the position detection means and a reference position in the image outputted from the imaging means and controlling the driving means based on the displacement amount so that the position of the imaging object may coincide with the reference position to automatically track the imaging object; and reference position setting means for setting the reference position.

Abstract: A picture photographed by a camera portion is sent to a video capturing portion of a computer. The picture is displayed in an operation area of a monitor. A panorama picture of which pictures in part or all moving range of a pan tiler are combined is displayed in a panorama operation area. A pan tilter portion sends positional information of pan and tilt to the computer through a mode controller. With a mouse, the operation area and the panorama operation area are operated so as to select an object. The computer obtains data for driving the pan tilter. Thus, the selected object is displayed at the center of the operation area.

Abstract: A motion detection system for detecting motion in input images. One of the input images is stored for use as a reference image for motion detection processing. The reference image is updated according to any one of a multiple of possible updating modes. Images input after establishment of the reference image are compared to the reference image and the detection of motion in the input images is based on the comparison. The interval in which motion in the input images is detected is extended according to a predetermined extension time.

Abstract: An incorrect operation is prevented from occurring in a tracking system for keeping track of a photographic object and taking a picture of the photographic object. When a body which is most likely to be recognized incorrectly as a photographic object exists, pan/tilt driving is carried out on a lens block employed in the tracking system so that an optical axis of the lens block is brought into the range of an angle set as an allowed-drive range. By doing so, the lens block will never take a picture of the body. As a result, an incorrect operation can be prevented from occurring due to incorrect recognition of the body as a photographic object.

Abstract: The automatic tracking/image sensing device includes a lens barrel for supporting an image sensing lens, a support mechanism for supporting the lens barrel in such a way that the lens barrel can be moved, driver for driving the lens barrel, an image sensor installed at a location in close proximity to an image created by the image sensing lens, a video signal processor for generating a video signal based on a signal output by the image sensor, an object position detector for computing a positional deviation from the current position of the object to the center of the screen in accordance with the video signal generated by the video signal processor, a deflection detecting sensor for detecting the deflection of the lens barrel and a lens barrel posture controller for adjusting the angle of the lens barrel by using a driver in accordance with the positional deviation and the deflection.

Abstract: A video camera system and method for automatically controlling the exposure of a desired object image. A plurality of average luminance values are respectively determined by a plurality of light measurement units. A plurality of reference luminance values are obtained from a plurality of reference value circuits. Selected ones of the average luminance values and the reference luminance values are utilized to form control signals. Such control signals control the video camera so as to maintain a proper exposure of the desired object.

Abstract: A focus adjusting device for flange back adjustment of an inner focus lens assembly including a zoom lens, a focus lens, and a compensator lens, comprises: driving means for driving the zoom lens; zoom lens position detecting means for detecting information on position of the zoom lens; focus lens driving means for driving the focus lens; focal condition detecting means for detecting a focal condition; and computing means for computing an optical end of the focus lens by using information obtained previously on a ratio between the distance from one to the other of opposite mechanical ends of the zoom lens and the distance from one to the other of opposite optical ends of the zoom lens.