JP2017183908A - Switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switching device capable of executing acquisition of image data and transmission of a control signal in parallel for different imaging units, the switching device being configured to connect multiple imaging units to an image processing board.SOLUTION: A switching control unit 51 switches whether a first camera 13 or a second camera 15 transmits image data GD to an image processing board 17. The image processing board 17 generates an additional signal AD by adding a camera number CN for identifying a control target to a serial communication signal SD and transmits the additional signal to the switching control unit 51. Based on the camera number CN of the additional signal AD, the switching control unit 51 determines which one of the first and second cameras 13 and 15 is a control target. The switching control unit 51 generates the serial communication signal SD by deleting the camera number CN from the additional signal AD and transmits the serial communication signal to the camera that is determined as the control target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a switching device that is connected between a plurality of image capturing units and an image processing board and switches image capturing units connected to the image processing board.

  Conventionally, in the manufacturing industry, an image processing system that recognizes an image captured by a camera (such as a machine vision camera) instead of a human eye and performs positioning, inspection, etc. of a workpiece conveyed on a production line Is being used. For example, there is an image processing system in which a plurality of cameras and a frame grabber board are connected by a camera link cable compliant with the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard, and power is supplied by the camera link cable (for example, Patent Document 1). . In the image processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a switch for switching power supply to a camera is provided in an image processing apparatus incorporating a frame grabber board. In this image processing system, it is possible to individually stop power supply to a plurality of cameras by operating a switch.

  By the way, in the communication standard based on the above-mentioned Camera Link (registered trademark), for example, image data, a camera control signal, and a serial communication signal are transmitted between the camera and the frame grabber board. In the camera link standard, a configuration in which a camera and a frame grabber board are connected by a single camera link cable is called base configuration. When it is desired to connect a plurality of cameras to one frame grabber board by this base configuration, the frame grabber board requires a connection port for connecting to each camera.

JP 2009-60504 A

  On the other hand, it is conceivable to connect a plurality of cameras to one connection port of the frame grabber board and share the connection port by providing a switching device between the frame grabber board and the plurality of cameras to switch the connection. . However, in the conventional switching device compliant with the camera link standard, when the camera connected to the frame grabber board is switched, all of the image data, camera control signal, and serial communication signal described above are selected by the selected camera and frame grabber. It will be sent to and received from the board. For this reason, for example, acquisition of image data and setting change by a serial communication signal cannot be executed simultaneously in separate cameras, and it is necessary to switch by a switching device whenever necessary processing occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and relates to a switching device that connects a plurality of imaging units to an image processing board. Image data acquisition and control signal transmission are performed in parallel on separate imaging units. It is an object to provide a switching device that can be executed.

  The switching device according to the technique disclosed in the present application made in view of the above problems, an image processing unit side interface to which a plurality of image capturing units are connected, and image processing that performs image processing on image data captured by each of the plurality of image capturing units. A board-side interface that is connected to the board and executes communication conforming to the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard with the image processing board, and a plurality of imaging units that are connected between the imaging unit-side interface and the board-side interface. A switching control unit that switches which image data of the imaging unit is transmitted to the image processing board, and the switching control unit receives a control signal for controlling any of the plurality of imaging units as an imaging unit to be controlled An additional signal, which is a signal to which identification data for identifying the image is added, is input from the image processing board, and a control signal is sent to the imaging unit corresponding to the control target of the identification data. The process of, and executes in parallel with the switching processing of an image pickup unit for transmitting image data.

  In the switching device of the present invention, it is possible to execute acquisition of image data and transmission of control signals in parallel on separate imaging units.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the additional signal (write command) transmitted / received between an image processing board and a switching apparatus. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the additional signal (read command) transmitted / received between an image processing board and a switching apparatus. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the serial communication signal (write command) transmitted / received between a switching apparatus and a camera. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the serial communication signal (read command) transmitted / received between a switching apparatus and a camera. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing system of a 2nd mode. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing system of 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image processing system 10 according to a first embodiment including a switching device 11 that embodies the switching device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 10 includes a switching device 11, a first camera 13, a second camera 15, and an image processing board 17. The image processing system 10 of the first embodiment is an image processing system for mounting on a component mounting apparatus that mounts electronic components on a circuit board, for example. For example, the component mounting apparatus performs an operation of mounting an electronic component held by a mounting head on a circuit board that is transported by a transport device. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that the first camera 13 and the second camera 15 are mounted on the mounting head and used for imaging a mark provided on the circuit board or imaging an electronic component held on the mounting head. Further, the image processing board 17 can detect the positional deviation of the circuit board or the electronic component by performing image processing on the image data GD captured by the first camera 13 and the second camera 15.

  The first and second cameras 13 and 15 are, for example, machine vision cameras conforming to the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard. The first camera 13 is connected to the switching device 11 via a camera link cable L1 compliant with the camera link standard. Similarly, the second camera 15 is connected to the switching device 11 via a camera link cable L2 compliant with the camera link standard. Therefore, two camera link cables L1 and L2 are connected to the switching device 11 of the present embodiment.

  The switching device 11 has an image input interface (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “IF”) 21, a serial communication IF 22, and a CC output IF 23 as interfaces connected to the first camera 13 via the camera link cable L 1. doing. These image input IF 21, serial communication IF 22 and CC output IF 23 are, for example, a configuration (base configuration) connected to the first camera 13 through a single camera link cable L1.

  Similarly, the switching device 11 includes an image input IF 31, a serial communication IF 32, and a CC output IF 33 as interfaces connected to the second camera 15 via the camera link cable L2. These image input IF 31, serial communication IF 32, and CC output IF 33 are collectively connected to the second camera 15 by a single camera link cable L2, for example.

  The switching device 11 is connected to the image processing board 17 via a camera link cable L3 compliant with the camera link standard. Therefore, the switching device 11 is connected between the image processing board 17 and the first and second cameras 13 and 15. The switching device 11 includes an image output IF 41, a serial communication IF 42, and a CC input IF 43 as interfaces connected to the image processing board 17 via the camera link cable L3.

  The image processing board 17 is, for example, a frame grabber board having an interface compliant with the camera link standard. For example, the image processing board 17 transmits a trigger signal to the first and second cameras 13 and 15 according to each stage during the mounting operation of the electronic component on the circuit board of the component mounting apparatus. This trigger signal is an exposure signal that instructs the first and second cameras 13 and 15 to start imaging. The image processing board 17 uses, for example, a control signal CC1 defined by the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard as a trigger signal. The image processing board 17 transmits a control signal CC1 to the CC input IF 43 of the switching device 11 via the camera link cable L3.

  Further, the image processing board 17 instructs the switching device 11 to switch the camera that transmits the image data GD, using the control signals CC2 to CC4 defined by the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard. The image processing board 17 transmits control signals CC2 to CC4 to the CC input IF 43 of the switching device 11 via the camera link cable L3.

  The switching device 11 includes a switching control unit 51 that performs overall control of the device. The switching control unit 51 is configured by a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The switching control unit 51 includes a switching unit 53 and a processing unit 54 as logic circuits. The switching control unit 51 is not limited to a logic circuit, and may be, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a combination of these and a logic circuit.

  The switching unit 53 executes control for switching the transmission source of the image data GD. The switching unit 53 inputs control signals CC <b> 2 to CC <b> 4 from the image processing board 17 through the CC input IF 43. For example, the image processing board 17 instructs the switching unit 53 of the switching control unit 51 to switch by changing the signal levels of the three control signals CC2 to CC4. For example, when the high-level control signal CC2, the low-level control signal CC3, and the low-level control signal CC4 are input, the switching unit 53 switches to a state in which the image data GD of the first camera 13 is transferred to the image processing board 17. . In this state, when receiving the control signal CC1 from the image processing board 17, the switching unit 53 transfers the control signal CC1 to the first camera 13 via the CC output IF 23. The first camera 13 performs imaging according to the input of the control signal CC1. Further, when receiving the image data GD from the first camera 13 via the image input IF 21, the switching unit 53 transfers the received image data GD to the image processing board 17 via the image output IF 41.

  Similarly, for example, when the low level control signal CC2, the high level control signal CC3, and the low level control signal CC4 are input, the switching unit 53 transfers the image data GD of the second camera 15 to the image processing board 17. Switch to state. In this state, when receiving the control signal CC1 from the image processing board 17, the switching unit 53 transfers the control signal CC1 to the second camera 15 via the CC output IF 33. The second camera 15 performs imaging according to the input of the control signal CC1. Further, when receiving the image data GD from the second camera 15 via the image input IF 31, the switching unit 53 transfers the received image data GD to the image processing board 17 via the image output IF 41.

  The image processing board 17 executes image processing on the image data GD captured by the first and second cameras 13 and 15. The image processing board 17 detects, for example, a positional deviation of the circuit board by image processing on the image data GD, and determines the next control content (such as the movement destination of the mounting head).

<About the first mode>
Here, the switching control unit 51 of the present embodiment has two modes, a first mode and a second mode. For example, the switching control unit 51 changes the mode in accordance with an operation from the user on the operation unit 11 </ b> A provided in the switching device 11. Although details will be described later, in the first mode, the switching control unit 51 determines the transmission destination of the serial communication signal SD based on the camera number CN included in the additional signal AD received from the image processing board 17. The mode changing method is not limited to the user interface such as the operation unit 11A, but may be a changing method using a dip switch. Alternatively, the switching control unit 51 may be configured to change the mode based on control from the image processing board 17.

  The image processing board 17 of the present embodiment executes control for the first and second cameras 13 and 15 by a serial communication signal SD that is a signal by serial communication. For example, the image processing board 17 performs serial communication by UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication with the serial communication IF 42 of the switching device 11 via the camera link cable L3, and transmits and receives the serial communication signal SD. The serial communication signal SD is a control signal for adjusting the sensitivity by changing the gains (amplification factors) of the first and second cameras 13 and 15, for example. Alternatively, the serial communication signal SD is, for example, a control signal that sets a region of interest (ROI) among imaging regions that can be imaged by the first and second cameras 13 and 15. Further, the serial communication signal SD is a control signal for changing lighting or extinguishing of the lighting devices provided in the first and second cameras 13 and 15, for example.

  The image processing board 17 adds a camera number CN for identifying a camera to be controlled to be controlled by the serial communication signal SD to the serial communication signal SD. The image processing board 17 transmits the additional signal AD obtained by adding the camera number CN to the serial communication signal SD to the serial communication IF 42 via the camera link cable L3.

  2 and 3 show an example of the data structure of the additional signal AD transmitted / received between the image processing board 17 and the switching device 11. Note that a grabber board compliant with the camera link standard executes camera setting change or status reading from the camera, for example, by serial communication. The structure of communication data in this serial communication differs depending on the vendor or the like. For this reason, the data structure of the additional signal AD shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is an example, and the data structure is not particularly limited to this data structure. 2 and FIG. 3 (such as “CR” and “ACK”) are characters represented by ASCII codes. For example, CR represents a carriage return (“0x0d” in decimal notation).

  FIG. 2 shows the change in the settings of the first and second cameras 13 and 15, more specifically, for example, data of the additional signal AD used for writing to the registers of the first and second cameras 13 and 15. The structure is shown. The first column in FIG. 2 shows the type of command. The first line indicates how many bytes of data it is. For example, the write command is composed of 9-byte data. In each command, character data (W, ACK, NAK) indicating the type of command is set in the first byte. In each command, the camera number CN for identifying the camera to be controlled is set in the second byte. In addition, when more camera numbers CN are required to increase the number of cameras that can be identified, the camera number CN may be represented by data of 2 bytes or more. A “CR” code is set at the end of each command.

  FIG. 3 shows an additional signal used to read the status from the first and second cameras 13 and 15, more specifically, for example, to read the register values of the first and second cameras 13 and 15. The data structure of AD is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the image processing board 17 sets dummy data (5th to 8th bytes) in the read command transmitted to the switching device 11. In addition, in the normal response command transmitted from the switching device 11 (first and second cameras 13 and 15), read data (5th to 8th bytes) read from the register is set. The command at the time of reading is the same as the command at the time of writing shown in FIG.

  For example, when performing write control, the image processing board 17 transmits the write command additional signal AD shown in FIG. 2 to the serial communication IF 42 of the switching device 11 via the camera link cable L3. The image processing board 17 transmits an additional signal AD in which the camera number CN corresponding to the camera to be controlled is set. The processing unit 54 of the switching control unit 51 inputs the additional signal AD from the serial communication IF 42. The processing unit 54 determines which of the first and second cameras 13 and 15 is the control target based on the camera number CN of the additional signal AD. In addition, the processing unit 54 generates a serial communication signal SD in which the camera number CN is deleted from the additional signal AD.

  4 and 5 show an example of the data structure of the serial communication signal SD transmitted / received between the switching device 11 and the first and second cameras 13 and 15. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the serial communication signal SD has a structure in which data is packed by deleting the camera number CN of the second byte from the additional signal AD shown in FIGS.

  After determining the transmission destination, the processing unit 54 transmits a write command (serial communication signal SD) from which the camera number CN shown in FIG. 4 is deleted. For example, when the first camera 13 is determined as a control target, the processing unit 54 transmits a serial communication signal SD to the first camera 13 via the serial communication IF 22. The first camera 13 receives the write data (the fourth to seventh byte data in FIG. 4) of the serial communication signal SD received from the switching device 11 as the address (the second to third byte data in FIG. 4). A process of writing to the register address corresponding to the value of is executed. Thereby, the first camera 13 is changed in settings such as gain.

  For example, when the writing process to the register is normally completed, the first camera 13 transmits a normal response command illustrated in FIG. 4 to the serial communication IF 22 of the switching device 11 via the camera link cable L1. The processing unit 54 of the switching control unit 51 adds the camera number CN to the received serial communication signal SD and transfers it to the image processing board 17. In this case, when the processing unit 54 detects that the serial communication signal SD is input from the serial communication IF 22 to which the first camera 13 is connected, the camera number corresponding to the first camera 13 with respect to the received serial communication signal SD. CN is added. Accordingly, the processing unit 54 can add the camera number CN corresponding to the first and second cameras 13 and 15 to the serial communication signal SD. Then, the processing unit 54 generates a normal response command (additional signal AD) shown in FIG. The processing unit 54 transmits the generated additional signal AD from the serial communication IF 42 to the image processing board 17 via the camera link cable L3. The image processing board 17 receives the additional signal AD (normal response command) from the switching device 11 and determines the camera number CN, thereby recognizing that the writing control for the first camera 13 has been completed normally. .

  When executing the reading process, the additional signal AD (data shown in FIG. 3) with the camera number CN is transmitted and received between the image processing board 17 and the switching device 11 as in the writing process. Further, a serial communication signal SD (data shown in FIG. 4) from which the camera number CN is removed is transmitted and received between the switching device 11 and the first and second cameras 13 and 15. For example, when the first camera 13 receives the read command shown in FIG. 5, the first camera 13 reads the data from the address of the register designated by the read command data (the second to third byte data in FIG. 5). The first camera 13 sets the read data as a response command (4th to 7th byte data in FIG. 5) and transmits it to the image processing board 17. As a result, the image processing board 17 can read the set value and the like from the register of the first camera 13.

  In addition signal AD shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, when the specific number ("0" etc.) is designated as the camera number CN, the process part 54 controls the received additional signal AD with respect to the switching apparatus 11. FIG. You may determine that it is a signal. As a result, the image processing board 17 can execute control (writing process, reading process, mode change process, etc.) on the switching device 11 by setting a specific number as the camera number CN of the additional signal AD. Become.

<About the second mode>
Next, the second mode of the switching control unit 51 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the first mode described above, the switching device 11 determines the transmission destination of the serial communication signal SD based on the camera number CN. However, for example, when the first and second cameras 13 and 15 have a function of identifying the camera number CN, the switching device 11 is a process that does not require a determination process based on the camera number CN. Therefore, the switching controller 51 in the second mode does not execute the determination based on the camera number CN and transfers the additional signal AD to all the cameras (the first and second cameras 13 and 15) as they are. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first mode, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  Unlike the first and second cameras 13 and 15 shown in FIG. 1, the first camera 63 and the second camera 65 shown in FIG. 6 have identification units 63A and 65A for identifying the camera number CN, respectively. Yes. The identification units 63A and 65A are composed of programmable logic devices such as FPGA, for example.

  The switching control unit 51 in the second mode does not execute the camera number CN determination process by the processing unit 54. Further, the switching control unit 51 deletes the camera number CN for the additional signal AD received from the image processing board 17 and the camera number CN for the signal input from the serial communication IFs 22 and 23 (first and second cameras 63 and 65). The additional processing is not executed. Then, the switching control unit 51 transmits the additional signal AD received from the image processing board 17 to both the first and second cameras 63 and 65 as it is.

  The identification units 63A and 65A of the first and second cameras 63 and 65 execute control based on the serial communication signal SD if the camera number CN of the additional signal AD received from the switching device 11 identifies itself. To do. That is, in the second mode, the first and second cameras 63 and 65 recognize the camera number CN and determine whether or not the control target is itself. Thereby, the image processing board 17 can designate the camera to be controlled by the camera number CN, and can execute control by the serial communication signal SD for the designated camera.

  In addition, the first and second cameras 13 and 15 in the first mode transmitted a serial communication signal SD to which the camera number CN is not added when transmitting a response command or the like (see FIGS. 4 and 5). . On the other hand, the identification units 63A and 65A of the first and second cameras 63 and 65 in the second mode transmit data such as the camera number CN shown in FIGS. An additional signal AD set with its own camera number CN is transmitted. The switching control unit 51 transfers the additional signal AD received from the first and second cameras 63 and 65 to the image processing board 17 as it is. Therefore, in the second mode, unlike the first mode, data (additional signal AD) transmitted and received between the image processing board 17 and the switching device 11, the switching device 11, the first and second cameras 63 and 65, Data (additional signal AD) transmitted / received between the two is the same data.

  As a result, the image processing board 17 can recognize the serial communication signal SD transmitted from which camera by determining the camera number CN of the received additional signal AD. Since the switching control unit 51 in the second mode does not execute the transmission destination determination process based on the camera number CN and the addition / deletion process of the camera number CN, the processing load is reduced. In addition, the switching control unit 51 can execute appropriate processing according to the function of the connected camera by switching between the first mode and the second mode.

  Incidentally, the first cameras 13 and 63 and the second cameras 15 and 65 are examples of an imaging unit. The image input IFs 21 and 31, the serial communication IFs 22 and 32, and the CC output IFs 23 and 33 are examples of the imaging unit side interface. The image output IF 41, serial communication IF 42, and CC input IF 43 are examples of a board-side interface. The serial communication signal SD is an example of a control signal. The camera number CN is an example of identification data. The control signals CC2 to CC4 are examples of a switching signal and a camera control signal.

As mentioned above, according to 1st Embodiment described in detail, there exist the following effects.
<Effect 1> The switching unit 53 of the switching control unit 51 of the first embodiment switches which of the first and second cameras 13 and 15 transmits image data GD to the image processing board 17. Further, the image processing board 17 generates an additional signal AD in which a camera number CN for identifying a control target is added to the serial communication signal SD. The processing unit 54 of the switching control unit 51 receives the additional signal AD from the image processing board 17 via the serial communication IF 42. The processing unit 54 determines which of the first and second cameras 13 and 15 is the control target based on the camera number CN (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the additional signal AD. In addition, the processing unit 54 generates a serial communication signal SD in which the camera number CN is deleted from the additional signal AD, and transmits the generated serial communication signal SD to the camera that is determined as the control target.

  Thereby, the switching control unit 51 can transmit the serial communication signal SD to a camera different from the camera that transmits the image data GD to the image processing board 17 based on the camera number CN of the additional signal AD. Become. Therefore, in the switching device 11 of the present embodiment, acquisition of the image data GD and control by the serial communication signal SD can be executed in parallel on different cameras.

  For example, in the image processing system 10 of the present embodiment, the first camera 13 is imaged and acquired by the control signal CC1 with the control signal CC1, while the other second camera 15 is in an unrelated timing. It is possible to execute a gain setting by the serial communication signal SD. That is, the image processing system 10 can execute imaging and setting change in parallel at any timing without correlating each other's processing with respect to each of the first and second cameras 13 and 15. Alternatively, for example, in the image processing system 10, the gain of the serial communication signal SD for the other second camera 15 in accordance with the timing at which the first camera 13 performs imaging of the image data GD with the control signal CC <b> 1. Settings can be executed. That is, the image processing system 10 can execute imaging and setting change in parallel for each of the first and second cameras 13 and 15 by intentionally matching the timing of each other's processing.

<Effect 2> Also, in the image processing system 10 to which the second mode shown in FIG. 6 is applied, each of the first and second cameras 63 and 65 has identification units 63A and 65A for identifying the camera number CN. Have. The switching controller 51 in the second mode state transmits the additional signal AD received from the image processing board 17 as it is to both the first and second cameras 63 and 65 via the serial communication IFs 22 and 32. If the camera number CN of the additional signal AD received from the switching control unit 51 identifies itself, the identification units 63A and 65A execute control based on the serial communication signal SD. For this reason, if the additional signal AD having the same content is simultaneously transmitted from the serial communication IFs 22 and 32 to each of the first and second cameras 63 and 65, each of the identification units 63A and 65A determines the camera number CN. Control accordingly. Accordingly, the switching device 11 in the second mode does not require a destination determination process based on the camera number CN, and the processing load is reduced.

<Effect 3> The image processing board 17 and the switching device 11 are connected via a camera link cable L3 compliant with the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard. The switching device 11 inputs the additional signal AD via the camera link cable L3. Therefore, the switching device 11 of the present embodiment does not need to provide an interface for inputting the additional signal AD (control signal) separately from an interface (image output IF 41 or the like) for connecting the camera link cable L3. The number of communication lines connected to the board 17 can be reduced.

<Effect 4> The switching unit 53 is a camera that transmits image data GD to the image processing board 17 based on the signal levels of the control signals CC2 to CC4 received from the image processing board 17 (first and second cameras 13 and 15). ). In such a configuration, the image processing board 17 can execute the switching process of the camera that acquires the image data GD with respect to the switching device 11 in addition to the instruction process of the control target by the camera number CN.

Second Embodiment
Next, an image processing system 10A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. In the image processing system 10A of the second embodiment, a first image capturing unit 81 and a second image capturing unit 83 that capture image data GD from the first sensor unit 73 and the second sensor unit 75 and perform image correction and the like. Is different from the first embodiment in that the switching device 71 is provided. Further, the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 are determined based on the camera number CN as in the second mode identifying units 63A and 65A (see FIG. 6) of the switching control unit 51 of the first embodiment. Execute.

  More specifically, the first and second sensor units 73 and 75 include, for example, an image sensor such as a CMOS, and a lens that forms an image on the image sensor. The first image capturing unit 81 performs a correction process on the image data GD input from the image sensor of the first sensor unit 73, a process of extracting an image area set by the ROI from the image data GD, and the like. Similarly, the second image capturing unit 83 executes a correction process on the image data GD input from the image sensor of the second sensor unit 75 and the like. The first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 are configured by a logic circuit such as an FPGA, for example.

  The switching control unit 85 of the switching device 71 transmits the image data GD to the image processing board 17 based on the control signals CC2 to CC4 received from the image processing board 17 as in the first embodiment. The two sensor units 73 and 75 (first and second image capturing units 81 and 83) are switched.

  For example, when the first sensor unit 73 is selected based on the control signals CC <b> 2 to CC <b> 4, the switching control unit 85 transfers the control signal CC <b> 1 received from the image processing board 17 to the first image capturing unit 81. The first image capturing unit 81 performs predetermined processing on the image data GD captured from the first sensor unit 73 and transmits the image data GD to the switching control unit 85 in response to the input of the control signal CC1.

  In the switching device 71 of the second embodiment, each of the first and second image capture units 81 and 83 is connected to the serial communication IF 42. Both the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 input the additional signal AD transmitted from the image processing board 17 as it is through the serial communication IF 42. Therefore, the switching control unit 85 of the second embodiment is not connected to the serial communication IF 42 and does not execute a determination process based on the camera number CN.

  Each of the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 executes control based on the serial communication signal SD if the camera number CN of the input additional signal AD identifies itself. That is, the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 of the second embodiment recognize the camera number CN and determine whether or not the control target is itself. Thereby, the image processing board 17 can designate the image capturing unit to be controlled by the camera number CN, and can execute control by the serial communication signal SD for the designated image capturing unit.

  Further, when transmitting the response command, the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 add a response command to which the camera number CN shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is added, that is, an addition in which the own camera number CN is set. The signal AD is transmitted to the serial communication IF 42. The serial communication IF 42 transfers the additional signal AD input from the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 to the image processing board 17 as it is. As a result, the image processing board 17 can recognize the serial communication signal SD transmitted from which image capturing unit by determining the camera number CN of the received additional signal AD.

  Incidentally, the 1st and 2nd sensor parts 73 and 75 are examples of an imaging part.

As mentioned above, according to 2nd Embodiment described in detail, there exist the following effects.
<Effect 1> Each of the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 receives the additional signal AD added with the camera number CN from the image processing board 17 via the serial communication IF 42. Each of the first and second image capturing units 81 and 83 executes control based on the serial communication signal SD if the camera number CN identifies itself. Thereby, the switching device 71 of the second embodiment includes, for example, a process of transmitting the image data GD from the first sensor unit 73 (first image capturing unit 81) to the image processing board 17, and the other second sensor unit. It is possible to execute the control by the serial communication signal SD for 75 (second image capturing unit 83) at a timing unrelated to each other or at a timing that is intentionally matched.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the first embodiment, the switching control unit 51 includes the first mode and the second mode, but may be configured to include only one of the modes.
In the first embodiment, the switching device 11 performs control for switching the connection between the image processing board 17 and the first and second cameras 13 and 15 based on the control signals CC2 to CC4. Not exclusively. For example, the switching device 11 may execute the switching control by a signal (an example of a switching signal) based on a user operation on the operation unit 11A (an example of an input interface). Alternatively, the switching device 11 may include an interface for instructing a switching operation separately from an interface compliant with the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the switching device 11 includes a USB IF 93 (an example of an input interface) for connecting to the image processing board 17 via a USB cable L4 compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. Also good. And the switching apparatus 11 may switch a connection based on the switching signal input from USBIF93 via USB cable L4. In such a configuration, the camera link standard control signals CC2 to CC4 can be used for purposes other than the switching instruction.

  The USBIF 93 and the USB cable L4 in FIG. 1 are illustrated for explanation. Therefore, it goes without saying that the image processing system 10 does not have to include the USBIF 93 and the USB cable L4 when performing the control by the control signals CC2 to CC4 in the first embodiment. Further, the communication means for transmitting a signal for instructing switching from the image processing board 17 to the switching device 11 is not limited to wired communication but may be wireless. That is, the switching signal input interface included in the switching device 11 may be an interface for wireless communication. In addition to the image processing board 17, the switching device 11 may include an input interface (I / O interface or the like) for inputting a signal instructing switching from another device or the like.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the switching apparatuses 11 and 71 were the structures which can connect two cameras, the structure which can connect the 3 or more multiple camera may be sufficient. In this case, for example, the switching devices 11 and 71 may execute transmission of the image data GD and control by the serial communication signal SD to different cameras. For example, the image processing system 10 executes the imaging of the image data GD for one camera by the control signal CC1, and sets the gain by the serial communication signal SD for an arbitrary camera among other cameras. Etc. may be appropriately executed. Alternatively, for example, the image processing system 10 executes gain setting or the like for a camera associated with the camera being imaged among the other cameras in accordance with the timing of performing image capturing or the like for one camera. May be.

  In the first embodiment, the image processing board 17 executes both the imaging instruction (transmission of the control signal CC1) to the first and second cameras 13 and 15 and the image processing of the captured image data GD. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a device that issues an imaging instruction and a device that performs image processing may be separate devices.

In addition, the configuration (number of apparatuses) of the image processing systems 10 and 10A of the above embodiments is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the switching device 11 may not include the operation unit 11 </ b> A and the USBIF 93.
In each of the above embodiments, the component mounting apparatus is described as an example of the apparatus including the switching device in the present application. However, the present application is not limited to this, for example, a screen for printing solder on a work robot or a circuit board. The present invention can be applied to apparatuses that require various other cameras such as printing apparatuses.

  11, 71 switching device, 13, 63 first camera (imaging unit), 15, 65 second camera (imaging unit), 17 image processing board, 21, 31 image input IF (imaging unit side interface), 22, 32 serial Communication IF (imaging unit side interface), 23, 33 CC output IF (imaging unit side interface), 41 Image output IF (board side interface), 42 Serial communication IF (board side interface), 43 CC input IF (board side interface) ), 51, 85 switching control unit, 73 first sensor unit (imaging unit), 75 second sensor unit (imaging unit), 81, 83 first and second image capture units, AD additional signal, CN camera number ( Identification data), L3 camera link cable, GD image data, SD serial communication signal (control signal).

Claims (7)

An imaging unit side interface to which a plurality of imaging units are connected;
A board-side interface that is connected to an image processing board that performs image processing on image data captured by each of the plurality of imaging units, and that performs communication based on the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard with the image processing board;
A switching control unit that is connected between the imaging unit side interface and the board side interface and that switches which imaging unit of the plurality of imaging units is to transmit the image data to the image processing board. ,
The switching control unit inputs an additional signal that is a signal obtained by adding identification data for identifying an imaging unit to be controlled to a control signal for controlling any of the plurality of imaging units from the image processing board, and A switching device characterized in that a process of transmitting the control signal toward an imaging unit corresponding to the control target of identification data is executed in parallel with a switching process of the imaging unit that transmits the image data. An imaging unit side interface to which a plurality of imaging units are connected;
A board-side interface that is connected to an image processing board that performs image processing on image data captured by each of the plurality of imaging units, and that performs communication based on the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard with the image processing board;
A switching control unit that is connected between the imaging unit side interface and the board side interface and that switches which imaging unit of the plurality of imaging units is to transmit the image data to the image processing board. ,
The switching control unit is configured to input an additional signal, which is a signal obtained by adding identification data for identifying the imaging unit to be controlled, to a control signal for controlling any of the plurality of imaging units from the image processing board. A switching device characterized in that the process of transmitting the additional signal to all of the plurality of imaging units is executed in parallel with the switching process of the imaging unit that transmits the image data. A plurality of image capturing units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of image capturing units, each of the plurality of image capturing units being connected, and capturing image data captured by each of the plurality of image capturing units;
A board-side interface that is connected to an image processing board that performs image processing on the image data and that performs communication with the image processing board in conformity with the Camera Link (registered trademark) standard;
A switching control unit that is connected between the plurality of image capturing units and the board-side interface, and that switches which imaging unit among the plurality of imaging units transmits the image data to the image processing board; With
Each of the plurality of image capturing units includes an additional signal that is a signal obtained by adding identification data for identifying the image capturing unit to be controlled to a control signal for controlling any of the plurality of image capturing units. When the control target of the identification data is input from the image processing board and is the control object, the control based on the control signal is performed in parallel with the switching process of the imaging unit that transmits the image data by the switching control unit. A switching device characterized by executing. The board side interface is connected to the image processing board via a camera link cable conforming to the camera link (registered trademark) standard,
The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control signal is a serial communication signal input via the camera link cable.   The switching control unit receives a switching signal for switching which image data of the imaging unit among the plurality of imaging units is to be transmitted to the image processing board from the image processing board. The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The board side interface is connected to the image processing board via a camera link cable conforming to the camera link (registered trademark) standard,
6. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein the switching signal is a camera control signal input via the camera link cable.   The switching control unit includes an input interface for inputting a switching signal for switching which imaging unit of the plurality of imaging units transmits the image data to the image processing board. The switching device according to claim 4.

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