Abstract: An automatic imaging method is provided that selects and images one target in a monitoring environment where multiple target candidates exist on input video images. The method acquires tracking video images of a target by steps of: estimating, for each block obtained by dividing an imaging region of input video image I, whether a part or all of an object to be tracked and imaged appears in the block, and extracting set of blocks P in which the object is estimated to appear; presetting N number of regions Si (i=1, 2, 3 . . . N) of arbitrary shape on an imaging region of input video image I, together with priorities pi (i=1, 2, 3 . . .

Abstract: The multi-video recorder incorporates a multiplexing means permitting selection of the video signal from each of plurality of TV cameras according to a predetermined importance or priority and a priority changed due to occurrence of a new event and transmission of the video image thus selected over a single line and recording it by a single video tape recorder by time shared multiplexing the video signal at every frame, field or unit of time. It also can reproduce or demultiplex the video signal recorded as multiplexed, with each designated TV camera or by sequentially selecting the video signal from each TV camera. The system also has a means for inserting in said time shared multiplexed video signal a control signal such as select information, event information, time information or the like, so it can selectively demultiplex the video signals recorded as multiplexed, as desired.