JP2001245206A - Image capturing system and camera device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the need for the video adjustment of a camera device, even when the camera device and a host computer are reconnected to each other after they are disconnected from each other, SOLUTION: The camera device 101 is provided with an image pickup element 102, an A/D (analog to digital) conversion circuit 103 receiving an analog output signal of the image pickup element 102 as input, a signal processing circuit 104 performing various signal processings on a digital video signal, a video storage medium 105 storing the output of the signal processing circuit 104, a nonvolatile storage medium 107 storing the parameter of the signal processing, a USB interface circuit 108 connected to a host computer 109 and a control circuit for reading the parameter of the signal processing, which is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107, and controlling the signal processing circuit 104, whenever the camera device 101 is connected to the host computer 109.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image capturing system and a camera device for performing signal processing on a captured image, and more particularly, to an image capturing device capable of performing optimal video adjustment immediately after connecting a camera device to another device. The present invention relates to a system and a camera device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a video conference system currently in widespread use, an image photographed by a camera device is transmitted to a host computer and then displayed on a display of the host computer. At this time, the analog video signal output from the camera device is input to an interface board called a video capture board provided in a host computer, processed into a digital signal, and displayed on a display device.

In recent years, the digitization of a signal processing circuit inside a camera device has been advanced, and therefore, a video signal transmitted from the camera device to a host computer has also been digitized. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 10-232924 discloses a USB device for transferring digital video signals.
A moving image capturing system that transmits a video signal of a camera device to a host computer using a (Universal Serial Bus) interface is disclosed. A device using the USB interface has a hot plug function that can be connected and disconnected while the device is turned on.

[0004]

However, the conventional USB
The camera device using the interface has a feature that it can be freely connected to and disconnected from the host computer as described above. However, each time the camera device is connected to the host computer, the image of the camera device is adjusted. It has to be fixed, and there is a problem that user convenience is poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to adjust the image of a camera device even if the camera device is disconnected from a host computer and then reconnected. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image capturing system and a camera device in which the convenience of a user who does not need to be improved is improved.

[0006]

An image capture system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a host computer and a camera device controlled by the host computer for signal processing. The camera device is connected to the imaging device, the imaging device, a digital conversion circuit that converts an analog output signal of the imaging device into a digital signal, and a video signal that is connected to the digital conversion circuit and output from the digital conversion circuit.
A signal processing circuit that performs predetermined signal processing based on the control information, a nonvolatile storage medium that stores control information used for the predetermined signal processing, and communication between the host computer and the host computer Signal for controlling the signal processing circuit connected to the camera-side interface circuit for performing the control, the control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium and the non-volatile storage medium, and using the control information. Processing circuit control means, control information writing means connected to the camera-side interface circuit and the non-volatile storage medium, and for writing control information received from the host computer to the non-volatile storage medium;
A video signal transmitting unit connected to the camera-side interface circuit and the signal processing circuit and configured to transmit a signal-processed video signal to the host computer via the camera-side interface circuit.

[0007] Control information for signal processing transmitted from the host computer is stored in a non-volatile storage medium. The control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium is used for signal processing of a video signal in a signal processing circuit. Therefore, by using the control information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium,
The trouble of reentering the control information every time the camera device is used is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image capturing system that is easy for the user to use.

Preferably, the signal processing circuit control means is connected to the camera-side interface circuit, and detects detection means for detecting that the camera device and the host computer are connected, and the detection means, the nonvolatile storage medium, and the signal A control information return unit connected to the processing circuit for reading control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium in accordance with an output of the detection unit, and controlling the signal processing circuit using the control information.

Each time the camera device is connected to the host computer, signal control is performed using control information stored in a nonvolatile storage medium. For this reason, every time the camera device and the host computer are connected, the trouble of resetting the control information is reduced, and an image capturing system that is easy for the user to use can be provided.

[0010] More preferably, the initial value of the control information is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium in advance.

More preferably, the host computer is connected to the camera device and is connected to the host computer side interface circuit for performing communication with the host computer, and is connected to the computer side interface circuit to control the signal processing circuit. Initialization means for outputting a signal for returning the control information used for the initial value to the camera device via the computer-side interface circuit, wherein the camera device is further connected to the camera-side interface circuit. And a means for reading an initial value of the control information from the non-volatile storage medium in response to the output of the initialization means, and controlling the signal processing circuit using the initial value of the control information.

If the image adjustment is not successful, the control information is returned to the initial value, so that the image can be adjusted again.

More preferably, the host computer is connected to the camera device, and has a computer-side interface circuit for communicating with the camera device; control information setting means for setting control information; control information setting means; Control information transmitting means connected to the computer-side interface circuit and transmitting control information to the camera device via the computer-side interface circuit;

More preferably, the host computer is further connected to a computer-side interface circuit and connected to control information reading means for reading control information stored in a non-volatile storage medium, and control information reading means, Control information display means for displaying the read control information.

The host computer can read and display the control information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium of the camera device. Therefore, the user can update the control information based on the displayed control information.

[0016] A camera device according to another aspect of the present invention includes an image sensor, a digital conversion circuit connected to the image sensor, and converting an analog output signal of the image sensor into a digital signal.
A signal processing circuit that is connected to the digital conversion circuit and performs predetermined signal processing on the video signal output from the digital conversion circuit based on the control information, and stores control information used for the predetermined signal processing. A non-volatile storage medium, an interface circuit for performing external communication, and a non-volatile storage medium and a signal processing circuit,
The control information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium is read out, and the signal processing circuit control means for controlling the signal processing circuit using the control information is connected to the interface circuit and the nonvolatile storage medium. Control information writing means for writing control information to the non-volatile storage medium, and a video signal transmission connected to the interface circuit and the signal processing circuit for transmitting the signal processed video signal to the outside via the interface circuit Means.

The control information for signal processing transmitted from the host computer is stored in a nonvolatile storage medium. The control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium is used for signal processing of a video signal in a signal processing circuit. Therefore, by using the control information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium,
The trouble of reentering the control information every time the camera device is used is reduced. Therefore, a camera device that is easy for the user to use can be provided.

Preferably, an initial value of the control information is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium in advance. More preferably,
The camera device is further connected to an interface circuit, reads an initial value of control information from a nonvolatile storage medium in response to an external instruction, and controls the signal processing circuit using the initial value of the control information. Means.

If the image adjustment is not successful, returning the control information to the initial value makes it easier to perform the image adjustment again.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, an image capturing system according to the present embodiment is connected to a camera device 101, adjusts an image of the camera device 101, and adjusts an image of the camera device 101. And a host computer 109 for receiving and displaying the output digital video signal.

The camera device 101 includes a lens (not shown)
And an A / D (Analog to Digita) connected to the image sensor 102 and receiving an analog output signal of the image sensor 102 as an input.
l) The conversion circuit 103 is connected to the A / D conversion circuit 103, receives a digital video signal output from the A / D conversion circuit 103 as an input, performs luminance calculation and the like, and outputs a calculation result to a control circuit 106 described later. And a signal processing circuit 104 that performs various kinds of signal processing such as luminance adjustment, white balance, and contour correction on the video signal in accordance with the control signal from the control circuit 106.
And a video storage medium 105 connected to the signal processing circuit 104 and storing the video signal subjected to the signal processing.

The camera device 101 further includes a nonvolatile storage medium 10 for storing parameters (hereinafter referred to as “video adjustment information”) for signal processing performed by the signal processing circuit 104.
7, a video storage medium 105 and a control circuit 1 to be described later.
06, a USB interface circuit 108 for transmitting the video signal stored in the video storage medium 105 to the host computer 109 and receiving video adjustment information and other signals from the host computer 109;
A / D conversion circuit 103, signal processing circuit 104, nonvolatile storage medium 107, and USB interface circuit 108
, Based on calculation results such as luminance calculation received from the signal processing circuit 104, video adjustment information received from the host computer 109 via the USB interface circuit 108, and video adjustment information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107. And a control circuit 106 for controlling the A / D conversion circuit 103 and the signal processing circuit 104.

The control circuit 106 performs image adjustment such as luminance adjustment, white balance, and contour correction on the signal processing circuit 104 based on the calculation result such as the luminance calculation output from the signal processing circuit 104. Further, the control circuit 106 receives the video adjustment information from the host computer 109 via the USB interface circuit 108 and stores it in the nonvolatile storage medium 107. Further, the control circuit 10
6 controls the A / D conversion circuit 103 and the signal processing circuit 104 based on the video adjustment information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107 and the video adjustment information received from the host computer 109.

Referring to FIG. 2, host computer 10
9 is a computer main body 41 and a computer main body 41
45 and mouse 46 for giving instructions to
And a display 42 for displaying an image captured by the camera device 101 and an image adjustment screen described later.
A magnetic tape device 43 for reading a program executed by the computer main body 41, a CD-ROM,
(Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) device 47 and communication modem 49 are included.

A program for processing to be described later, which is executed by the host computer 109, includes a magnetic tape 44 or a CD-R,
Recorded on the OM 48, the magnetic tape device 43 and the CD-
Each is read by the ROM device 47. Alternatively, it is read by the communication modem 49 via the communication line.

Referring to FIG. 3, computer body 41
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50 for executing a program read via the magnetic tape device 43, the CD-ROM device 47, or the communication modem 49;
ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing other programs and data necessary for the operation of the computer body 41
mory) 51 and a RAM (Random A) for storing the program, parameters for executing the program, calculation results, and the like.
ccess Memory) 52, a magnetic disk 53 for storing programs, data, and the like, and a camera device 101
And a USB interface circuit 54 that receives a video signal from the camera device 101 and transmits a video information signal and other signals to the camera device 101.

Magnetic tape device 43, CD-ROM device 4
7 or the program read by the communication modem 49 is executed by the CPU 50.

The digital video signal output from the camera device 101 is connected to the USB interface circuit 108 and the U
The data is taken into the host computer 109 via the SB interface circuit 54 and displayed on the display 42.
On the display 42, an image adjustment screen is displayed to adjust the image captured by the camera device 101, and the user can input image adjustment information on the image adjustment screen.

Referring to FIG. 4, the image adjustment screen includes a brightness section 201 for adjusting the brightness of the image, a white balance section 206 for adjusting the white balance of the image, and a gamma correction for the image. A gamma correction unit 209 for adjusting parameters, a color unit 210 including a slider bar for adjusting color gain of an image,
A video quality section 211 composed of a slider bar for adjusting image quality, a sharpness section 212 composed of a slider bar for adjusting edge enhancement of the image,
A default button 213 for returning image adjustment parameters to an initial state, and an OK button 21 for confirming image adjustment
4 and a cancel button 21 for stopping image adjustment
5

A brightness section 201 has a check box 202 for selecting whether or not to automatically adjust the brightness of the image, an AGC (Auto Gain Control) section 203 for adjusting the gain of the brightness of the image, and A shutter 204 for adjusting a shutter speed at the time of imaging, and a flickerless 205 for inputting a parameter of flickerless adjustment for suppressing a flicker phenomenon when an image is captured under illumination of a fluorescent lamp. . Flickerless 205
Includes a button for selecting not to perform flickerless adjustment and four buttons for selecting parameters for flickerless adjustment.

The white balance unit 206 includes a check box 207 for selecting whether or not to automatically adjust the white balance of an image, and a slider bar 208 for adjusting white balance parameters.

The gamma correction unit 209 includes four buttons for inputting gamma correction parameters.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the image adjustment processing of the camera device 101 executed by the host computer 109 will be described. 4 on the host computer 109.
Is activated (YE in S102)
S) The image adjustment information is read from the camera device 101 to display the image adjustment information set last time on the image adjustment screen. That is, the host computer 109 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 8 to the USB interface circuit 54 in order to read the video adjustment information from the camera device 101.
(S104). Here, bmRequest of the USB command indicates a data transfer direction, and wLength indicates the number of data transfer bytes. Further, wRequest, wValue, and wIndex are values uniquely set by the vendor of the camera device 101. After receiving the image adjustment information from the camera device 101, an image adjustment screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed (S105).

When the check box 202 is selected on the image adjustment screen (YES in S106), the host computer 109 automatically adjusts the brightness of the image.
The USB command shown in FIG. 9 is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S1).
08).

When the selection of the check box 202 is released (YES in S110), the host computer 109 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 10 to the USB interface circuit to release the automatic adjustment of the image brightness. (S1).
12).

When the selection of the check box 202 is released, the slider bars of the AGC section 203 and the shutter 204 can be moved, and the five buttons of the flickerless 205 can be selected. When the slider bar of the AGC unit 203 is moved by the input operation of the user (YES in S116), the host computer 109 changes the gain value of the brightness of the image to the value indicated by the slider bar. , U shown in FIG.
The SB command is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S118).

When the slider bar of the shutter 204 is moved by the user's input operation (YE in S120).
S) In order to change the value of the shutter speed to the value of the position indicated by the slider bar, the host computer 109 converts the USB command shown in FIG.
The data is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the B interface circuit 54 (S122).

Referring to FIG. 6, 5-5 of flickerless 205
If any one of the buttons is selected (YES in S124), the host computer 109 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 13 to inform the camera apparatus 101 that the flickerless parameter value or the flickerless adjustment is not performed. Is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S126).

Referring to FIG. 6, check box 207
Is selected (YES in S128), the host computer 1 automatically adjusts the white balance of the image.
09 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 14 to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S130).

When the selection of the check box 207 is canceled (YES in S132), the host computer 109 cancels the automatic adjustment of the white balance of the image.
Transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 15 to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S134).

When the selection of the check box 207 is released, the slider bar 208 for setting the adjustment value of the white balance becomes movable. Slider bar 208
Is moved by the user's input operation (S13).
(YES in 6), the host computer 109 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 16 to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 in order to change the adjustment value of the white balance (S138).

When any one of the four buttons of the gamma correction unit 209 is selected (YES in S140), the host computer 109 changes the gamma correction parameter value to the selected value, as shown in FIG. The indicated USB command is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S142).

When the slider bar of the color section 210 is moved by the input operation of the user (YE in S144).
S) In order to change the value of the color gain of the image to the value of the position indicated by the slider bar, the host computer 109 converts the USB command shown in FIG.
The data is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the interface circuit 54 (S146).

Referring to FIG. 7, video quality section 21
When the first slider bar is moved by the user's input operation (YES in S148), the host computer 10 changes the parameter value for adjusting the image quality to the value indicated by the slider bar.
No. 9 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 19 to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S150).

The slider bar of the sharpness section 212 is
When moved by the input operation of the user (S152
YES), the host computer 109 sends the USB command shown in FIG. 20 via the USB interface circuit 54 to change the parameter value of the edge enhancement applied to the video to the value of the position indicated by the slider bar. To the camera device 101 (S154).

When the OK button 214 is pressed by a user's input operation (YES in S156), the host computer 109 causes the non-volatile storage medium 107 of the camera device 101 to store the current video adjustment information as shown in FIG. 2
Is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S15).
8). Thereafter, the video adjustment processing ends.

When the cancel button 215 is pressed by a user input operation (YES in S160)
S) It is necessary to return the image adjustment information to the value before starting the image adjustment screen. Therefore, in order to read the previously set video adjustment information stored in the non-volatile storage medium 107 of the camera device 101, the host computer 109 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. Transmission to the camera device 101 (S16
2). When the command shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted, the camera apparatus 101 transmits the previously set video adjustment information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107. For this reason, the host computer 109 receives this via the USB interface circuit 54 (S164). The host computer 109 transmits the received video adjustment information to the host computer 109, and sends the USB command shown in FIGS.
The data is transmitted to the camera device 101 via the interface circuit 54 (S166). Thereafter, the video adjustment processing ends.

If the default button 213 has been pressed by a user input operation (YES in S168),
The host computer 10 reads the initial value of the video adjustment information from the non-volatile storage medium 107 of the camera device 101.
9 transmits the USB command shown in FIG. 22 to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 (S170). When the USB command shown in FIG. 22 is transmitted, the camera device 101 sends the non-volatile storage medium 1
The initial value of the video adjustment information stored in 07 is transmitted. For this reason, the host computer 109
Received via the B interface circuit 54 (S17)
2). The received video adjustment information is transmitted to the host computer 10.
9 and the USB commands shown in FIGS. 9 to 20 are transmitted to the camera device 101 via the USB interface circuit 54 in order to readjust the image (S17).
4). Then, the process returns to S106.

With reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25, the video adjustment processing executed by the camera device 101 based on the exchange of information with the host computer 109 will be described.

The control circuit 106 is connected to the USB shown in FIG.
When the command is received (YES in S202), the setting for automatically adjusting the brightness of the image is set in the signal processing circuit 1 (S202).
04 (S204).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S206),
The setting for canceling the automatic adjustment of the brightness of the video is made to the signal processing circuit 104 (S208).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S210),
The gain value of the brightness of the video specified by the USB command is set in the signal processing circuit 104 (S212).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S214),
The value of the shutter speed specified by the USB command is set in the signal processing circuit 104 (S216).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S218),
The flickerless parameter value specified by the USB command is set in the signal processing circuit 104 (S220). If it is specified in the USB command that flickerless adjustment is not to be performed, the control circuit 106 causes the signal processing circuit 104 not to perform flickerless adjustment.
Control.

Referring to FIG. 24, when the control circuit 106 receives the USB command shown in FIG.
If YES at 222, settings for automatically adjusting the white balance are made to the signal processing circuit 104 (S22).
4).

The control circuit 106 operates in the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S226),
The setting for canceling the automatic adjustment of the white balance is made to the signal processing circuit 104 (S228).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S230),
The white balance adjustment value specified by the USB command is set in the signal processing circuit 104 (S232).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S234),
The parameter value of the gamma correction specified by the USB command is set in the signal processing circuit 104 (S236).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S238),
The color gain value of the video specified by the USB command is set in the signal processing circuit 104 (S240).

Referring to FIG. 25, when the control circuit 106 receives the USB command shown in FIG.
242), the parameter value for adjusting the quality of the video specified by the USB command is
4 (S244).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S246),
The parameter value of the edge enhancement applied to the video is set in the signal processing circuit 104 (S248).

The control circuit 106 operates according to the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S250),
It is determined that the OK button 214 on the image adjustment screen (FIG. 4) has been pressed, and the image adjustment information currently set in the signal processing circuit 104 is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107 (S2).
52).

Referring to FIG. 26, nonvolatile storage medium 10
An example of the video adjustment information stored in 7 will be described.
The state of the check box 202 of the brightness unit 201 is stored in the first byte of the nonvolatile storage medium 107. The state of the check box 207 of the white balance unit 206 is stored in the second byte. The type of the selected button of the flickerless 205 is stored in the third byte. The fourth byte stores the white balance adjustment value.

The gamma correction parameter value is stored in the fifth byte. The gain value of the brightness of the video set by the AGC unit 203 is stored in the sixth byte. The shutter speed is stored in the seventh byte. The value of the color gain set by the color unit 210 is stored in the eighth byte.
In the ninth byte, a parameter value for adjusting the video quality set by the video quality unit 211 is stored. The parameter value of the edge enhancement set by the sharpness unit 212 is stored in the tenth byte.

The control circuit 106 is connected to the USB shown in FIG.
If the command has been received (YES in S254), it is determined that the cancel button 215 on the image adjustment screen (FIG. 4) has been pressed, and the image adjustment information currently set in the signal processing circuit 104 is activated on the image adjustment screen. Return to the previous state.
For this reason, the control circuit 106 controls the nonvolatile storage medium 107
Is transmitted to the host computer 109 via the USB interface circuit 108 (S256). After that, the host computer 109 sends the non-volatile storage medium 10
The USB command (the USB command shown in FIGS. 9 to 20) corresponding to the video adjustment information stored in 7 is transmitted. For this reason, the control circuit 106 performs video adjustment according to the transmitted USB command.

Since the camera device 101 and the host computer 109 have the USB interface circuits 108 and 54, respectively, both can be connected while the power is on. When the camera device 101 and the host computer 109 are once disconnected and connected again, the control circuit 106
7 is read from FIG. 7, and video adjustment is performed based on the video adjustment information before separation. In this way, every time the camera apparatus 101 and the host computer 109 are connected, the state of the image of the camera apparatus 101 can be quickly or automatically returned to the state before disconnection.

That is, the following control is performed. When the control circuit 106 determines that the camera apparatus 101 and the host computer 109 are connected (S
It is determined whether or not the video adjustment information is stored in the non-volatile storage medium 107 (S260).
When the video adjustment information as shown in FIG. 26 is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107 (YES in S260),
The control circuit 106 performs video adjustment based on the video adjustment information (S262). Even if the video adjustment information as shown in FIG. 26 is not stored, if the initial value of the video adjustment information described later is stored, the control circuit 106 sets the initial value of the video adjustment information. Perform video adjustment based on the value.

In the test before shipment from the factory, the camera device 101 and the host computer 109 are connected for the first time.
7 does not store video adjustment information. Therefore, the initial value of the video adjustment information is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107 in advance. That is, individual adjustment of the camera device 101 is performed using an inspection jig for image adjustment, and the optimum setting information at this time is set as an initial value.

An example of the initial value of the video adjustment information will be described with reference to FIG. 1 of the nonvolatile storage medium 107
The state of the check box 202 of the brightness unit 201 is stored in the first byte. The state of the check box 207 of the white balance unit 206 is stored in the twelfth byte. The type of the selected button of the flickerless 205 is stored in the thirteenth byte. The adjustment value of the white balance is stored in the 14th byte.

The gamma correction parameter value is stored in the fifteenth byte. The gain value of the brightness of the video set by the AGC unit 203 is stored in the 16th byte. The 17th byte stores the shutter speed. The color gain value set by the color unit 210 is stored in the 18th byte. The parameter value for adjusting the video quality set by the video quality unit 211 is stored in the 19th byte. In the 20th byte, the parameter value of the edge enhancement set by the sharpness unit 212 is stored.

The setting of the initial value of the video adjustment information is performed according to the following control. The control circuit 106 controls the camera device 1
01 is connected to the host computer 109 (YES in S258), and the non-volatile storage medium 107 is
If no information is stored in (S260: N
O), the image adjustment information automatically adjusted by the signal processing circuit 104 is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107 as an initial value of the image adjustment information (S264).

The control circuit 106 controls the US shown in FIG.
If the B command has been received (YES in S266),
It is determined that the default button 213 has been pressed on the image adjustment screen (FIG. 4) of the host computer 109.
When the default button 213 is pressed, it is necessary to reset the image adjustment information to the initial state. For this reason, the control circuit 106 transmits the initial value of the video adjustment information shown in FIG. 27 to the host computer 109 (S26).
8).

As described above, when various settings are made on the image adjustment screen of the host computer 109,
Image adjustment information is transmitted from the host computer 109 to the camera device 101, and image adjustment of the camera device 101 is performed. The image adjustment information transmitted to the camera device 101 is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium 107 by pressing an OK button 214 on the image adjustment screen. The video adjustment information stored in the non-volatile storage medium 107 is read into the control circuit 106 each time the camera device 101 and the host computer 109 are connected, and video adjustment is performed based on the read video adjustment information. . Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the image every time the camera device 101 and the host computer 109 are connected, and it is possible to provide a user-friendly image capturing system.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0075]

The control information for signal processing transmitted from the host computer is stored in the non-volatile storage medium. The control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium is used for signal processing of a video signal in a signal processing circuit. Therefore, by using the control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium, the trouble of re-inputting the control information every time the camera device is used is reduced. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to use.

Each time the camera device is connected to the host computer, signal control is performed using the control information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium. For this reason, every time the camera device and the host computer are connected, the trouble of resetting the control information is reduced, and the user can easily use the control information.

Further, when the image adjustment is not performed properly, the control information is returned to the initial value, so that the image adjustment can be easily performed again.

Further, the host computer can read and display the control information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium of the camera device. Therefore, the user can update the control information based on the displayed control information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image capturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a host computer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a host computer.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video adjustment screen displayed on a display of a host computer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a video adjustment process of the camera device executed by the host computer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an image adjustment process of the camera device executed by the host computer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a video adjustment process of the camera device executed by the host computer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a USB command for reading video adjustment information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing USB commands for automatically adjusting the brightness of an image.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a USB command for canceling automatic adjustment of image brightness.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a USB command for setting a gain value of image brightness.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a USB command for setting a value of a shutter speed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a USB command for setting a parameter value for flickerless adjustment.

FIG. 14 shows a U for automatically adjusting white balance.
It is a figure showing an SB command.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a USB command for canceling automatic white balance adjustment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a USB command for setting a white balance adjustment value.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a USB command for setting a parameter value of gamma correction.

FIG. 18 shows a US for setting a value of a color gain of an image.
It is a figure showing a B command.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a USB command for setting an image quality adjustment parameter value.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a USB command for setting a parameter value of edge enhancement.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a USB command for storing image adjustment information in a nonvolatile storage medium of the camera device.

FIG. 22 shows a US for reading an initial value of video adjustment information.
It is a figure showing a B command.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a video adjustment process performed by the camera device.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a video adjustment process performed by the camera device.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a video adjustment process performed by the camera device.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of video adjustment information stored in a nonvolatile storage medium.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial value of video adjustment information stored in a nonvolatile storage medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

41 computer body, 42 display, 43
Magnetic tape device, 44 magnetic tape, 45 keyboard,
46 mouse, 47 CD-ROM device, 48 CD-
ROM, 49 communication modem, 50 CPU, 51 RO
M, 52 RAM, 53 magnetic disk, 54, 108
USB interface circuit, 101 camera device, 10
2 imaging device, 103 A / D conversion circuit, 104 signal processing circuit, 105 video storage medium, 106 control circuit, 107 nonvolatile storage medium, 109 host computer, 201 brightness section, 202 check box, 203 AGC section, 204 shutter , 205
Flickerless, 206 White balance unit, 207
Check box, 208 slider bar, 209 gamma correction section, 210 color section, 211 video quality section, 212 sharpness section, 213 default button, 214 OK button, 215 cancel button.

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image capture system including a host computer and a camera device that is signal-processed and controlled by the host computer, wherein the camera device is connected to an image sensor, the image sensor, and an analog of the image sensor. A digital conversion circuit that converts an output signal into a digital signal; and a signal processing circuit that is connected to the digital conversion circuit and performs predetermined signal processing based on control information on a video signal output from the digital conversion circuit. A nonvolatile storage medium that stores control information used for the predetermined signal processing; a camera-side interface circuit connected to the host computer for performing communication with the host computer; Connected to a storage medium and the signal processing circuit and stored in the nonvolatile storage medium Signal control circuit for controlling the signal processing circuit using the control information, and connected to the camera-side interface circuit and the non-volatile storage medium, and received from the host computer. Control information writing means for writing the obtained control information to the non-volatile storage medium, and connected to the camera-side interface circuit and the signal processing circuit, and the signal-processed video signal is transmitted through the camera-side interface circuit. And an image signal transmitting means for transmitting the image signal to the host computer. 2. The signal processing circuit control unit is connected to the camera-side interface circuit, and detects a connection between the camera device and the host computer, the detection unit, and the non-volatile memory. Control for reading the control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium according to the output of the detecting means, connected to the volatile storage medium and the signal processing circuit, and controlling the signal processing circuit using the control information The image capturing system according to claim 1, further comprising information recovery means. 3. The image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein an initial value of the control information is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium in advance. 4. The host computer is connected to the camera device, and is connected to the host computer-side interface circuit for performing communication with the host computer; and the computer-side interface circuit is connected to the signal processing circuit. Initialization means for outputting a signal for returning control information used for control to an initial value to the camera device via the computer-side interface circuit, The camera device further comprises: Connected to the camera-side interface circuit and responsive to the output of the initialization means,
Reading an initial value of the control information from the nonvolatile storage medium,
4. The image capturing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for controlling the signal processing circuit using an initial value of the control information. 5. The host computer is connected to the camera device, a computer-side interface circuit for performing communication with the camera device, control information setting means for setting control information, and the control information setting. 2. The image capturing system according to claim 1, further comprising control means for transmitting control information to said camera device via said computer-side interface circuit, said control information transmitting means being connected to said means and said computer-side interface circuit. 6. The host computer is further connected to the computer-side interface circuit, and is connected to control information reading means for reading control information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium, and to the control information reading means. And control information display means for displaying the read control information.
An image capturing system according to claim 1. 7. An image pickup device, a digital conversion circuit connected to the image pickup device for converting an analog output signal of the image pickup device to a digital signal, connected to the digital conversion circuit, and output from the digital conversion circuit. A signal processing circuit that performs predetermined signal processing on the video signal based on the control information; a non-volatile storage medium that stores control information used for the predetermined signal processing; and A signal connected to the non-volatile storage medium and the signal processing circuit, for reading control information stored in the non-volatile storage medium, and controlling the signal processing circuit using the control information. Processing circuit control means, connected to the interface circuit and the non-volatile storage medium, and transmitting control information transmitted from the outside to the Control information writing means for writing to a non-volatile storage medium; video signal transmission connected to the interface circuit and the signal processing circuit for transmitting a signal-processed video signal to the outside via the interface circuit And a camera device. 8. The camera device according to claim 7, wherein an initial value of the control information is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium in advance. 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: reading an initial value of control information from said non-volatile storage medium in response to an instruction from outside, connected to said interface circuit, and using said initial value of said control information. 9. The camera device according to claim 8, comprising means for controlling a circuit.