JP2003060974A - Television camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television camera that does not cause shocks or disturbances in a displayed image at its switching, in the case of switching the displayed image between an image by a returned video signal and an imaging video signal and decreases delay difference between the imaging video signal and the returned video signal much more. SOLUTION: The television camera includes a synchronization circuit 14, that synchronizes an image phase of the imaging video signal with an image face of the returned video signal; and a field inversion processing circuit 13 that implements field inversion processing, so as to replace a field video signal configuration for a first field video signal period with a field video signal configuration for a second field video signal configuring a video signal for each frame period of the returned video signal and vice versa.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention selectively selects and switches a video signal obtained by picking up an image with a television camera device and a video signal having a screen phase different from the screen phase of the picked-up video signal. The present invention relates to an improvement in the technique of screen phase synchronization between the video signals so that the images of the above are switched in synchronization with each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional television camera device, for example, a broadcast television camera device for capturing and obtaining a video signal of broadcast quality required by a broadcasting station,
A cameraman operating the television camera device
A picked-up video signal which is a video signal picked up by a television camera device which is operated by itself, and a video signal which is input from outside the camera device and which is picked up by another television camera device or a currently broadcasted video signal. Viewfinder (VF) by switching between the return video signal which is a signal
It can be displayed on. Then, by using this switching function, the cameraman frequently switches between the return video signal and the imaged video signal of his / her television camera device, and observes images by comparing these images. In that case, if a shock (disconnection of the image) or a disturbance of the image occurs in the VF due to the switching timing, the program creation by the image capturing operation will be hindered. Usually, in order to eliminate the switching shock and the disturbance of the image, the screen phases of the return image signal and the imaged image signal on the camera head side are synchronized, that is, the frame image signals of those image signals are not synchronized. The start timings must be the same.

As a conventional television camera device for synchronizing the screen phases in this way, the above-mentioned switching is performed by synchronizing the output video signal of the television camera device with the input external video signal. I was able to eliminate shocks and image distortion.

By the way, in recent years, high-definition TV broadcasting (HDT
In response to the start of V broadcasting), there is an increasing demand for so-called multi-standard television camera devices that output HDTV video signals and current broadcasting system video signals (hereinafter SDTV video signals) at the same time. Some of the multi-standard television camera devices have a circuit for converting an HDTV video signal into an SDTV video signal. Depending on the conversion processing in this conversion circuit, the converted video signal is delayed with respect to the unconverted video signal by a certain time. Therefore, the external video signal is synchronized with the converted video signal that is the output video signal of the television camera device, and the television camera device inputs the external synchronization signal as a return video signal, A delay difference occurs between the video signal (return video signal) and the captured video signal before conversion (HDTV video signal), which causes the above-described switching shock and video disturbance.

As a method of avoiding this, by using a frame synchronizer circuit (hereinafter referred to as an FS circuit) for the return video signal input to the television camera device, the screen phase of the captured video signal (HDTV video signal) before conversion is changed. In contrast, external video signal (return video signal)
Conventionally, a method of synchronizing so that the screen phases of are the same has been used.

FIG. 2 shows a block configuration example of a television camera device using this conventional technique, and its operation will be described in more detail. In the example of this figure, the television camera device includes a camera head 1 and a camera control unit (C
CU unit) 8 ', which are connected by a cable so that video signals, control signals, etc. can be transmitted and received.

In the camera head 1, the image pickup light from the subject, which is condensed by an image pickup lens (not shown), is split into each color light by the prism 20, and then the high definition CCD 3 picks up the image by the split image pickup light. A subject image is formed on the surface. The high-definition CCD 3 captures the subject image, obtains captured image signals of each color, and outputs the captured image signals to the signal processing circuit 4. In the signal processing circuit 4, various video signal processing is performed on the input video signal, for example, white
Balance adjustment, gamma correction processing, and the like are performed, and a high-definition video signal (HDTV video signal) is obtained. Then, the HDTV video signal subjected to the video signal processing is input to the transmission processing circuit 5 and subjected to signal processing for cable transmission, and is also input to the image selection circuit 7.

The HDTV video signal processed by the transmission processing circuit 5 is input to the reception processing circuit 9 of the CCU section 8'via a cable and is subjected to processing such as reproduction and error correction of the signal transmitted there. .

The HDTV video signal output from the reception processing circuit 9 is down-converted in the video frequency by a down converter (DC) 10 and the like, and the input HD
S of the screen phase delayed with respect to the screen phase of the TV video signal
Converted to DTV video signal, and the SDTV video signal is S
The signal is output from the D output terminal to a rear stage (not shown) of the television camera device, for example, a video signal distribution facility in a broadcasting station. Further, the HDTV video signal output from the reception processing circuit 9 is also input to the delay circuit 11, where the screen phase of the HDTV video signal before conversion in the down converter 10 and the delayed SDTV video signal after conversion are performed. Is delayed by the same delay amount as the phase difference from the screen phase of, for example, a processing delay amount of about 10 horizontal scanning periods (hereinafter, 10H), and the delayed HDTV video signal is output from the HD output terminal to the rear stage of the television camera device (Fig. (Not shown), for example, the SDTV video signal and the HDTV video signal which are synchronized with each other are output from the television camera device by being output to the video signal distribution facility or the like in the broadcasting station, so that they are synchronized. This simplifies the video signal distribution facility (video signal processing system) in the broadcasting station at the subsequent stage, and simplifies the system configuration.

On the other hand, from the video signal processing system in the subsequent stage,
Due to the similar structural advantage, it is general that the video signal synchronized with the output video signal of the television camera device is input to the television camera device. Therefore, when the video signal synchronized with the video signal output from the HD output terminal or the SD output terminal from the video signal processing system in the subsequent stage is input to the return input terminal as the return video signal, the input video signal at the return input terminal The screen phase of the HDTV output from the signal processing circuit 4 described above.
It will be different from the screen phase of the video signal.

In this case, if the HDTV video signal is input to the image selection circuit 7 with the same screen phase and is also input to the image selection circuit 7, the HDTV video signal output from the signal processing circuit 4 is selectively switched and switched. If a video signal is input to the VF2 and the operator observes an image based on the input video signal, the switching shock and the video disturbance described above will occur.

Therefore, as a method of avoiding the problem, as shown in FIG. 2, the return video signal input to the CCU section 8'is converted into a frame synchronizer circuit (hereinafter referred to as FS circuit).
15 into which the picked-up image signal before conversion (HDT
The screen phase of the external video signal (return video signal) is synchronized with the screen phase of the V video signal. At this time, the return video signal subjected to the synchronization processing is delayed by a period obtained by subtracting the above-mentioned delay period of about 10H from the one frame video period as compared with the return video signal before the synchronization processing. In total, the synchronization process is delayed for at least one frame period.

Therefore, the return video signal synchronized by the FS circuit 15 is input to the transmission processing circuit 12 to be subjected to signal processing for cable transmission, and further, the reception processing circuit 6 of the camera head 1 via the cable. The signal transmitted to the image selection circuit 7 is input to the image selection circuit 7 after the signal transmitted therethrough is subjected to processing such as reproduction and error correction.

Then, one of the HDTV video signal (imaging video signal) output from the signal processing circuit 4 input to the image selection circuit 7 and the return video signal also input to the image selection circuit 7 is selectively switched. The switched video signal is input to the VF2, and the operator observes an image based on the input video signal. At this time, since the two video signals switched by the image selection circuit 7 are synchronized by the FS circuit 15, the switching shock and the disturbance of the video do not occur.

However, even if the image pickup video signal and the return video signal respectively input to the image selection circuit 7 are synchronized in screen phase, the delay of the video content between these video signals is at least one frame period or more. Therefore, for a cameraman who operates and controls the television camera device by viewing the display screen on the VF2 while switching those images, it is possible to capture a program that captures a fast-moving subject, or the tempo of the program progress. When capturing an image of a program that is fast, the cameraman's camera operation (camera work) is hindered.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a television camera device with an external video signal (return video signal) such as a video signal from another television camera device or a video signal currently being broadcast. When the image is displayed by switching between the image and the imaged video signal of the television camera device that is capturing the image itself, no shock or image disturbance occurs in the image display at the time of switching,
In addition, the delay difference between the picked-up video signal and the return video signal should be further reduced.

[0017]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a first video signal obtained by picking up a subject image and a screen phase delayed from the screen phase of the first video signal. In a television camera device having an image selection circuit for selectively switching and outputting the second video signal, a synchronizing circuit for synchronizing the screen phase of the second video signal with the screen phase of the first video signal, and the second video signal. A field inversion processing circuit for performing field inversion processing so that the field video signal configuration of the first field video signal period and the field video signal configuration of the second field video signal period, which configure the video signal of each frame period of the signal, are interchanged with each other Is to have.

Further, according to the present invention, the first video signal obtained by picking up the subject image and the second screen phase delayed by a predetermined delay amount within one field period with respect to the screen phase of the first video signal. In a television camera device having an image selection circuit for selectively switching and outputting a video signal, the screen phase of the second video signal is synchronized with the screen phase of the first video signal with a phase change amount of less than one field cycle. Field inversion so that the synchronization circuit and the field video signal configuration of the first field video signal period and the field video signal configuration of the second field video signal period that compose the video signal of each frame period of the second video signal are interchanged with each other. By performing the processing, the first field video signal is configured with the video signal configuration of the second field video signal,
And a field inversion processing circuit for configuring the second field video signal with the video signal configuration of the first field video signal.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a block configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention, and its operation will be described. In the example of this figure, the television camera device comprises a camera head 1 and a camera control unit unit (CCU unit) 8, which are connected by a cable so that video signals, control signals and the like are transmitted and received. .

In the camera head 1, the image pickup light from the subject, which is condensed by an image pickup lens (not shown), is split into each color light by the prism 20, and then the high definition CCD 3 picks up the image by the split image pickup light. A subject image is formed on the surface. The high-definition CCD 3 captures the subject image, obtains captured image signals of each color, and outputs the captured image signals to the signal processing circuit 4. In the signal processing circuit 4, various video signal processing is performed on the input video signal, for example, white
Balance adjustment, gamma correction processing, and the like are performed, and a high-definition video signal (HDTV video signal) is obtained. Then, the HDTV video signal subjected to the video signal processing is input to the transmission processing circuit 5 and subjected to signal processing for cable transmission, and is also input to the image selection circuit 7.

The HDTV video signal processed by the transmission processing circuit 5 is received by the reception processing circuit 9 of the CCU unit 8 via a cable.
Is input to and is subjected to processing such as reproduction and error correction of the signal transmitted there.

The HDTV video signal output from the reception processing circuit 9 has its video frequency down-converted by a down converter (DC) 10 and the like.
S of the screen phase delayed with respect to the screen phase of the TV video signal
Converted to DTV video signal, and the SDTV video signal is S
The signal is output from the D output terminal to a rear stage (not shown) of the television camera device, for example, a video signal distribution facility in a broadcasting station. Further, the HDTV video signal output from the reception processing circuit 9 is also input to the delay circuit 11, where the screen phase of the HDTV video signal before conversion in the down converter 10 and the delayed SDTV video signal after conversion are performed. Is delayed by the same delay amount as the phase difference from the screen phase of, for example, a processing delay amount of about 10 horizontal scanning periods (hereinafter, 10H), and the delayed HDTV video signal is output from the HD output terminal to the rear stage of the television camera device (Fig. (Not shown), for example, by being output to the video signal distribution facility in the broadcasting station, the television camera device outputs the synchronized SDTV video signal and HDTV video signal, which are synchronized as described above. By doing so, the video signal distribution equipment (video signal processing system) in the latter stage of the broadcasting station is further simplified and the system configuration becomes simpler.

On the other hand, from the video signal processing system in the subsequent stage,
From a similar configuration advantage, it is general that a video signal synchronized with the output video signal of the television camera device is input to the television camera device. Therefore, from the video signal processing system in the subsequent stage to the HD When a video signal synchronized with the video signal output from the output terminal or the SD output terminal is input to the return input terminal as a return video signal, the screen phase of the input video signal at the return input terminal is the signal processing circuit described above. HDTV output from 4
It is different from the screen phase of the video signal.

Therefore, the return video signal input to the CCU unit 8 is supplied to the frame synchronizer circuit (FS circuit).
14 into which the captured video signal (HDT) before conversion is input.
The screen phase of the external video signal (return video signal) is synchronized with the screen phase of the V video signal. At this time, the FS circuit 14 uses the above-mentioned conventional FS circuit.
Unlike the circuit 15, the return video signal subjected to the synchronization processing is delayed by a period obtained by subtracting the above-mentioned delay period of about 10H from the one-field video period as compared with the return video signal before the synchronization processing. To be By doing so, the synchronization process is performed so that the total delay time is the shortest and the one-field period is sufficient.

Then, the synchronized video signal is input to the field inversion processing circuit 13, where the field video signal structure of the first field video signal period and the second field video signal which constitute the video signal of each frame period are formed. Field inversion processing is performed so that the field video signal configurations of the periods are interchanged.

In this field inversion processing, the first field video signal is configured with the video signal configuration of the second field video signal, and the second field video signal is configured with the video signal configuration of the first field video signal. The processing for this is performed, and its operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of a video signal in each part of the television camera apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention and a timing difference between the video signals.

First, FIG. 3 (A) shows the state of a signal when the picked-up video signal picked up by the television camera device is input to the image selection circuit 7. Here, a video signal is configured in one frame period by the first field video signal period and the second field video signal period, and the video signal is a configuration in which the video signal is repeated. And FIG. 3 (A)
The return video signal delayed by a predetermined period with respect to FIG.
As shown in (B), it is input to the return input terminal of the CCU section 8 of the television camera device of the present invention, and further, F
It is input to the S circuit 14. Here, it is assumed that the phase difference (delay amount) between the signal of FIG. 3A and the signal of FIG. 3B is a period of 10H to 20H as shown in the figure. Therefore, the image pickup video signal input to the image selection circuit 7 and the return video signal input to the FS circuit 14 are not in screen synchronization.

The return video signal (FIG. 3 (B)) input to the FS circuit 14 is delayed by one field period in total so that a signal as shown in FIG. 3 (C) is generated. Is output from. Here, FIG. 3 (C)
The return video signal shown in FIG. 3 is screen-synchronized with the imaged video signal of FIG. 3A in the frame cycle, but the field cycle is out of timing between the first field video signal period and the second field video signal period. It is in a state. Therefore, it is not a perfect screen synchronization that is synchronized up to the field cycle.

Therefore, the return video signal of FIG. 3 (C) is further input to the field inversion processing circuit 13, where it is output as a signal as shown in FIG. 3 (D).
At this time, the return video signal of FIG. 3D is the same as that of FIG.
In comparison with the return video signal of, the signal of the first line is moved to the position of the 634th line by the number of scanning lines counted in the frame unit, and
The signal of the 24th line is arranged so as to come to the position of the 1st line. Furthermore, when this signal is sent back in the form of an analog signal, the sync waveform signal within the V_BL period is reinserted, and when it is sent back as a digital signal, the sync code that is also inserted within the V_BL period is reinserted. That is, the sync waveform or sync code for the first field is added to the beginning of the second field video signal, and the sync waveform or sync code for the second field is added to the beginning of the first field video signal. In addition, the signal on the 623rd line is blanked. By doing so, the field cycle is timed to match the first field video signal period and the second field video signal period, and perfect screen synchronization can be achieved in which the field cycle is synchronized.

By the above processing, the return video signal of FIG. 3D input to the image selection circuit 7 of the camera head 1 is strictly based on the field inversion-processed return video signal. As shown in FIG. 4, which illustrates the display of an image (return image) and an image (camera image) based on a captured video signal, the entire line is raised by one line due to the lack of the first line. However, when the camera head 1 operates as a high-definition television camera device having 1125 scanning lines, this error is only 0.1% or less, which is not a problem. By synchronizing, the above-mentioned switching shock and image distortion will not occur, and the total delay time will be reduced to one field period. It can facilitate more the camera operation, thereby significantly improving the operability.

[0032]

As described above, when the present invention is used, image disturbance may occur when a cameraman switches between an image on the television camera device and a return image and displays it on the viewfinder (VF) of the television camera device. Without
Further, the delay difference between the picked-up video signal and the return video signal can be halved as compared with the conventional method, and the operability is greatly improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a block configuration example of a television camera device using a conventional technique.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of a video signal in each unit of the television camera apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and a timing difference between the video signals.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a display state of an image (return image) based on a return video signal subjected to field inversion processing and an image (camera image) based on a captured video signal according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: camera head, 2: viewfinder (VF),
3: High-definition CCD, 4: Signal processing circuit, 5, 12:
Transmission processing circuit, 6, 9: Reception processing circuit, 7: Image selection circuit, 8, 8 ': Camera control unit section (CCU
Part), 10: down converter (DC), 11: delay circuit, 13: field inversion processing circuit, 14, 1
5: Frame synchronizer circuit (FS circuit), 2
0: prism.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image selection circuit for selectively switching and outputting a first video signal obtained by picking up a subject image and a second video signal having a screen phase delayed with respect to the screen phase of the first video signal. In a television camera device, a synchronizing circuit for synchronizing the screen phase of the second video signal with the screen phase of the first video signal, and a first field video forming a video signal of each frame period of the second video signal. A television camera device comprising: a field inversion processing circuit that performs a field inversion process so that the field image signal configuration of the signal period and the field image signal configuration of the second field image signal period are interchanged with each other. 2. A first video signal obtained by picking up a subject image and a second video signal having a screen phase delayed by a predetermined delay amount within one field cycle with respect to the screen phase of the first video signal. In a television camera device having an image selection circuit for selectively switching and outputting, a synchronization circuit for synchronizing the screen phase of the first video signal with the screen phase of the second video signal with a phase change amount less than one field cycle, Field inversion processing is performed so that the field video signal configuration of the first field video signal period and the field video signal configuration of the second field video signal period that compose the video signal of each frame period of the second video signal are interchanged with each other. Then, the first field video signal is configured by the video signal configuration of the second field video signal, and the second field video signal is configured as the first field video signal. And a field inversion processing circuit configured to have a video signal configuration of a field video signal. 3. The television camera device according to claim 2, wherein the phase change amount is an amount corresponding to the predetermined delay amount.