JP2002223385A - Digital camera controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain optimum image data as necessary by easily and rapidly changing resolution or a frame rate in a digital camera. SOLUTION: A live camera mode is continuously operated, in which image data by isochronous transmission from the digital camera 20 is outputted in real time to a multi-scan monitor 30 with a high frame rate. When a trigger signal is inputted during an operation in the live camera mode, the imaging mode of the digital camera 20 is changed to operate a capture camera mode in which a high resolution still image is inputted, preserved in an image memory 125, and is subjected to a compression processing and outputted to a network, etc. A foot switch, a light detection switch or an input signal by the network are used as the trigger signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera controller for performing control for outputting an image input from a digital camera to a monitor device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a digital camera which outputs an image in a data transmission format conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard, for example, a digital camera and a multi-scan monitor are used as systems for displaying image data captured by the camera on a multi-scan monitor. IEEE1 between
A personal computer equipped with a 394 input board is provided.
An IEEE1394 digital camera system has been put to practical use in which an interface between a digital camera and a multi-scan monitor is provided by an IEEE1394 input board. In addition, a digital camera having a plurality of resolutions (image sizes) is provided as a digital camera used in this type of system. Generally, a configuration in which a rate, a color signal format (data array format), and the like are uniquely determined is used.

[0003]

In the above-described conventional system, when changing the resolution or frame rate of a digital camera, for example, a menu is selected on a personal computer screen using application software of the personal computer. Must be performed, otherwise the same resolution and frame rate will be maintained. For this reason, depending on the operation mode of the system, there are cases in which imaging is performed in a state in which work on the personal computer is difficult, and cases in which it is desired to make changes in a short time or to automatically make changes periodically. Therefore, there is a problem that such a case cannot be easily dealt with and workability is poor. In addition, since conditions such as resolution and frame rate are fixed on the digital camera side as described above, if these are arbitrarily changed, further complicated signal processing is performed using application software on the personal computer side. And so on. For example, when a camera image is to be compressed using JPEG or the like, as in the case of converting the resolution or the like described above,
It is necessary to perform menu selection and other operations on the PC screen.

Therefore, for example, when it is desired to adjust the angle of view or focus (that is, to increase the frame rate even if the resolution is slightly lowered), or on the contrary, it is desired to capture a higher definition image and store and transmit the data. In such a case (that is, when it is desired to increase the resolution even if the frame rate is lowered), it is not easy to set the optimum resolution and frame rate at each time. Also,
In systems that have the function of printing out image data or transmitting over a network, it is usually easy to use different compression methods, such as increasing the compression rate to reduce the amount of data and lowering the compression rate to obtain high-definition images only when necessary. It could not be realized.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable the resolution and frame rate of a digital camera to be easily and quickly switched, and to be optimized as needed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera controller capable of obtaining various image data.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a camera connection section for connecting a digital camera having a plurality of image pickup modes, and a monitor connection section for connecting a monitor device, wherein image data input from the digital camera is provided. A camera control means for remotely controlling a change in an imaging mode of the digital camera, a trigger input means for externally inputting a predetermined trigger signal, and the trigger signal. Control means for switching and controlling the operation of the camera control means in response to the input of

According to the digital camera controller of the present invention, the operation of the camera control means is switched and controlled based on a trigger signal input from the outside, so that the resolution and frame rate of the digital camera can be easily and quickly switched. And optimal image data can be obtained as needed. Similarly, by controlling the switching of the processing operation of the image data input from the digital camera based on the input of the trigger signal, processing such as compression of the image data input from the digital camera can be easily and quickly switched. And optimal image data can be obtained as needed. As a result, it is possible to effectively cope with the case where the digital camera system is used in various forms, and it is possible to provide a multifunctional digital camera system with good operability and excellent expandability.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital camera controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example in which the digital camera controller shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a digital camera and a multi-scan monitor. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera controller 10
It is provided between the digital camera 20 and the multi-scan monitor 30. The digital camera controller 10 has an LCD display screen 1 on the entire surface of the device housing 10A.
0B (including a touch panel). The digital camera controller 10 is connected to an input cable 12 serving as input means for externally inputting a predetermined trigger signal. In this example, an example of a configuration in which a trigger signal is input by a wired cable will be described. However, it is also possible to receive the trigger signal by wireless communication means. Becomes As the wireless communication means, a means using infrared rays instead of radio waves may be used. In this case, an infrared receiver is provided instead of the input cable 12. Further, the digital camera controller 10 transmits image data to a LAN.
(For example, 10B) for outputting to an external device (not shown) via a (local area network) or the like.
ASE-T) 14 is connected.

In FIG. 2, one digital camera 2
Although the figure shows a state where 0 and one multi-scan monitor 30 are connected, it is configured such that a plurality of digital cameras 20 and a plurality of multi-scan monitors 30 can be connected, and these can be appropriately selected and controlled. A configuration is also possible. In this example, the connection between the digital camera controller 10 and the digital camera 20 is I
Cables conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard (IEEE 13
94 cable) 40, and the connection between the digital camera controller 10 and the multi-scan monitor 30 is D
A sub15 pin cable 50 is used. However,
The present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to those using other interface cables.

The digital camera 20 is compatible with both still images and moving images, and has various image modes (VGA,
SVGA, XGA, SXGA, etc.), and has a plurality of sets of imaging modes each combining a unique resolution (image size), frame rate, color signal format (data array format), and the like. The captured signal is output to the digital camera controller 10 by isochronous transmission conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard. The setting and control of the imaging mode for the digital camera 20 are performed by the digital camera 20.
In addition to the direct operation in the above, remote control can be performed by sending a control signal from the digital camera controller 10 via the cable 40. By setting various conditions, the multi-scan monitor 30 converts an image input from the cable 50 into each image mode (VGA, SV, etc.).
The display is performed in a display mode such as a predetermined resolution (image size) corresponding to GA, XGA, SXGA, etc., a refresh rate, a horizontal frequency, a pixel frequency, or the like.
The setting and control of the display mode in the multi-scan monitor 30 can be remotely controlled by transmitting a control signal from the digital camera controller 10 via the cable 50 in addition to the direct operation in the multi-scan monitor 30. is there.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera controller 10 includes a CPU 111, a CPU bus (local bus) 112, a system ROM 113, a system RAM 114, a PCI bus 115, PCI bridge circuits 116A and 116B, a physical layer control circuit. 117,
Link control circuit 118, converter circuit 119, graphic control circuit 120, graphic memory 121, L
CD 122, LCD controller 123, analog touch screen 124, image memory 125, image memory controller 126, raster-block conversion circuit 127,
It comprises a JPEG circuit 128, a CPU interface 129, an Ethernet (registered trademark) controller 130, a pulse transformer 131, and the like.

The CPU 111 plays a central role in controlling the digital camera controller 10 and controls the system RO.
Based on a program or the like stored in M113, each unit of the digital camera controller 10 is controlled via the CPU bus 112 to execute the processing operation according to the present embodiment.
For example, the CPU 111 performs a process of transmitting a control signal to the digital camera 20 by asynchronous transmission of IEEE 1394 and switching an imaging mode of the digital camera 20. Further, a trigger signal input from the outside via the input cable 12 described above is input to the CPU 111, and an interrupt signal #INT from the converter circuit 119 is input to the CPU 111. Further, an operation signal from the analog touch screen 124 is input. In the operation of the present example, the image data that has been subjected to the compression modulation processing by the JPEG circuit 128 is transmitted to the CPU interface 12.
9. The image data is input to the CPU 111 via the CPU bus 112, and the CPU 111 performs a process of transmitting the image data to the LAN via the Ethernet controller 130 or the like. The details of such an operation will be described along a specific example described later.

The system ROM 113 stores various programs and fixed data necessary for the operation of the CPU 111, and uses, for example, a flash ROM. The system RAM 114 is used as a temporary storage or a work memory for various data for the CPU 111 to perform various controls, and uses, for example, an SDRAM.
The PCI bus 115 transmits various data between peripheral circuits as an extension bus of the CPU 111. In the present embodiment, the PCI bus 115 mainly controls the data stream by isochronous transfer (real-time data) according to the IEEE 1394 standard from the converter circuit 119 for graphic control. Circuit 12
0 to output to the multi-scan monitor 30.

[0014] PCI bridge circuits 116A, 116B
Controls connection between the PCI bus 115, the CPU bus 112, the converter circuit 119, and the like. The physical layer control circuit 117 is a so-called PHY chip that controls the IEEE 1394 physical layer.
It has a function of converting an analog signal input from the E1394 cable 40 via the connector 42 into digital data. The link control circuit 118 is a so-called LINK chip that controls an IEEE 1394 link layer, and controls an interface between the physical layer control circuit 117 and the CPU 111 or the converter circuit 119.

The converter circuit 119 converts a data stream of image data transmitted from the digital camera 20 by isochronous transmission into a display image format. That is, the digital camera 20
Has various color signal formats corresponding to the imaging mode (resolution, image size, frame rate), and converts this into an RGB data array for a display image on the multi-scan monitor 30. The data stream is converted into a data stream suitable for PCI transmission and sent to the PCI bridge circuit 116B. The converter circuit 119 is connected to a CPU transmitted through the CPU bus 112.
In accordance with an instruction from the digital camera 111, a process of extracting a still image from image data transmitted from the digital camera 20 by isochronous transmission and storing the same in the image memory 125 via the image memory controller 126 is performed. And
Based on the saving operation to the image memory 125, the CPU
It operates to send an interrupt signal #INT to the CPU 111.

The image memory controller 126 has a CPU
Based on an instruction from the CPU 111 transmitted via the bus 112, the image data of the converter circuit 119 is stored in the image memory 125, and the image memory
5 is read out and output to the raster-block conversion circuit 127. The raster-to-block conversion circuit 127 converts raster-format image data for monitor scanning sent from the image memory controller 126 into pixel blocks of a predetermined unit (for example, 8 × 8 pixels) required for compression processing. .

The JPEG circuit 128 is connected to the CPU bus 112
The JPEG data compression is performed on the pixel blocks input from the raster-block conversion circuit 127 on the basis of an instruction from the CPU 111 transmitted via the CPU 111. The compressed data is transferred to the CPU 111 via the CPU interface 129 and the CPU bus 112. With such a configuration, the digital camera 2
A processing mode in which a high-definition still image that can be imaged at 0 is fetched into an image memory and subjected to predetermined compression is realized. As described in a second operation example described later,
In this example, by changing the compression ratio in the JPEG circuit 128, there are two still image processing modes with different definition (a high-definition capture mode and a low-definition live mode). In this example, the converter circuit 11
9, the image memory controller 126 and the raster-block conversion circuit 127 are constituted by one IC chip, and the image memory 125 uses an external memory element. Also, J
Another IC chip is used for the PEG circuit 128. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

The Ethernet controller 130 has a CP
The transmission of image data to the LAN is controlled based on an instruction from U. In this example, LA is mainly used for still images.
N to other terminal devices. Also,
The pulse transformer 131 is an Ethernet controller 1
A transmission signal is output to the LAN cable based on the control of 30. In this example, an Ethernet LAN using a 10BASE-T standard bus is used.

The graphic control circuit 120 converts the image data transmitted from the digital camera 20 and the image data transmitted from the CPU 111 into a PCI bridge circuit 116.
A, 116B and received through the PCI bus 115,
While writing to the graphic memory 121, the image data in the graphic memory 121 is read,
The signal is transmitted to the monitor 30 through the connector 52 and the cable 50. The graphic control circuit 120 has a resolution, a refresh rate,
A monitor output register for temporarily storing a horizontal frequency, a pixel frequency, and the like is included. The data transmission from the converter circuit 119 to the graphic control circuit 120 and the graphic memory 121 on the PCI bus 115 is performed by a DMA transmission operation using the PCI bridge circuit 116B as a bus master.

The LCD 122 displays various kinds of information on the LCD display screen 10B under the control of the CPU 111.
22 for controlling the display operation. The analog touch screen 124 is a display screen 1 of the LCD 122.
0B, and functions as a touch panel that detects an operator's operation corresponding to the display content of the LCD 122.

The means for supplying a trigger signal to the CPU 111 may be as follows. (1) Use a mechanical contact switch. For example, by using a foot-operated switch (so-called foot switch), a trigger signal can be input in a case where work is performed with both hands closed. Further, a configuration may be employed in which a trigger signal is input from a remote place using a normal manual switch. (2) Use an optical detection type switch. A configuration is possible in which a moving object is detected using a reflection type or transmission type optical sensor, and this is input as a trigger signal. As the detection light, infrared light or the like may be used in addition to the normal light. (3) Use other detector switches. For example, the presence of a moving object may be detected by a metal detector or an ultrasonic sensor, and this may be input as a trigger signal.

(4) Input through a network. For example, by inputting a trigger signal through the Internet, a LAN, or the like, control can be performed from a remote communication terminal or the like. (5) Input a trigger signal by wireless communication. Instead of wired communication, it is also possible to input a trigger signal by wireless communication means (including infrared communication means). For example, with a configuration in which a trigger signal is input from a mobile body such as a portable terminal, it is possible to send an instruction to perform imaging using the trigger signal while freely moving the shooting site of the camera. (6) A trigger signal is input periodically. For example, by performing time management using a timer, an imaging operation using a trigger signal can be performed at fixed intervals (for example, in units of several seconds, several minutes, or several hours), or imaging can be performed at a predetermined time in a day using a trigger signal. Operation can be performed, and work can be performed unattended. In this example, by selecting and using the trigger signal as described above, it is possible to switch the imaging mode of the digital camera 20 and the processing mode of the digital camera controller 10 and obtain a required image.

Next, a specific operation example of this embodiment will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing a first operation example according to the present embodiment. In this example, an operation of outputting image data by isochronous transmission from the digital camera 20 to the multi-scan monitor 30 in real time at a high frame rate in real time (herein referred to as a live camera mode) is continuously performed. When a trigger signal is input to the digital camera 20, the imaging mode of the digital camera 20 is switched, a high-definition still image is input, stored in the image memory 125, compressed, and output to a network or the like (here, an operation is performed). Capture camera mode). As a specific operation condition, in the live camera mode, VGA low-resolution image data is transmitted at a TV frame rate of 30 fps. In the capture camera mode, SXGA high-resolution image data is transmitted at a frame rate of 7.5 fps.

First, prior to the start of the operations shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an operation setting for switching between the live camera mode and the capture camera mode is performed by a trigger signal.
This operation setting is based on L of the digital camera controller 10.
By inputting the conditions of each mode using the analog touch screen 124 along a setting menu (not shown) displayed on the CD display screen 10B (LCD 122),
When there is no trigger signal input, the camera operates in the live camera mode, and when there is a trigger signal input, the capture camera mode is set.

After the setting is completed, the operation shifts to the operation shown in FIG. First, in step S1, the converter circuit 119 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B
Inhibit DMA transfer of the data stream by the PCI bus 115 (turn off the DMA Enable signal),
In step S2, the image data output of the digital camera 20 by the isochronous transmission is stopped. Then, the link control circuit 118, the PCI bridge circuit 116B, and the graphic control circuit 120 are initialized (step S3), and the live camera mode of the digital camera 20 and the converter circuit 119 is set (step S4). That is, the resolution is set to VGA and the frame rate is set to 30 fps for the digital camera 20, and the color signal format (data array format) determined on the digital camera 20 side corresponding to the VGA and 30 fps is set for the converter circuit 119. Is converted to the RGB data format for display.

Next, in step S5, the converter circuit 119 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B send the PCI
The DMA transfer of the data stream by the bus 115 is permitted (the Enable signal of the DMA is turned on), and in step S6, the digital camera 20 can output image data by isochronous transmission. As a result, the digital camera 20 can perform a live mode imaging operation, isochronously transmit a data stream from the digital camera 20 by activation control and the like from the digital camera controller 10, and perform a PCI bridge circuit 1 operation.
The data is output to the multi-scan monitor 30 by a 16B DMA transfer operation or the like, and is displayed in real time. Thereafter, monitoring of the trigger signal input is started (step S7), and if no trigger signal is input, the operation is performed in the live mode.

If a trigger signal is input, the digital camera 20 stops outputting image data by isochronous transmission in step S8 to shift to the capture camera mode. Subsequently, in step S9, the DMA transfer of the data stream by the PCI bus 115 is prohibited for the converter circuit 119 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B (Enable of DMA).
Turn off the signal). Then, the capture camera mode of the digital camera 20 and the converter circuit 119 is set (step S10). That is, the digital camera 20 has a resolution of SXGA and a frame rate of 7.
5 fps is set, and the S
The color signal format (data array format) determined on the digital camera 20 side corresponding to XGA and 7.5 fps is set to be converted to the RGB data format for display.

Next, in step S11, the converter circuit 119 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B send the PC
The DMA transfer of the data stream by the I bus 115 is permitted (the Enable signal of the DMA is turned on), and in step S12, the image data can be output by the digital camera 20 by isochronous transmission. This allows
The multi-scan monitor 30 displays a high-definition image temporarily with a lower frame rate than in the live camera mode. Then, after such data stream switching, C 111 is controlled by the CPU 111.
The image memory controller 126 is started via the PU bus 112 and the converter circuit 119, and the SXG for one screen is
The storage of the A image data in the image memory 125 is permitted (step S13).

Then, it waits for an interrupt signal #INT from the converter circuit 119 (step S14).
If there is, the JPEG circuit 128 and the raster-block conversion circuit 127 are activated via the CPU bus 112, and the image data stored in the image memory 125 is sequentially read out. Raster
Block conversion and JPEG compression are performed, and the compressed data is transferred to the CPU interface 129 and the CPU bus 11.
2 via the CPU 111 (or the system RAM 11
4) (Step S15). Such compressed data is stored in the Ethernet controller 13, for example.
0 and transmitted to a network such as a LAN via the pulse transformer 131, and transmitted to a terminal device connected to the network to perform JPEG decompression and display on a display unit. It should be noted that various utilization methods of such image data are conceivable, and are not limited to the case where the image data is transmitted to a network as in this example.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are flowcharts showing a second operation example according to the present embodiment. In this example, the digital camera system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used as a Web server for image distribution. In a normal operation, an image captured by the digital camera 20 is periodically used as a relatively low-resolution still image. Delivery to clients. Also, a high-definition still image is distributed only when a client requests the server. As a result, the burden on the Web is normally reduced by low-resolution image distribution, and high-resolution image distribution is performed only in special cases, thereby satisfying the needs of the client. In this example, an operation of performing image distribution periodically is referred to as a standard live mode, and an operation of performing irregular high-resolution image transmission is referred to as an acquire mode. That is, in the standard live mode, the image of the digital camera 20 is sequentially transmitted, for example, at intervals of several seconds, and a state in which the image changes is provided to the client terminal. On the other hand, in the acquire mode, when the user operates, for example, an acquire key provided in the client terminal, the Web server switches the mode and performs high-definition image transmission.

First, in FIG. 5, in step S21, it is determined whether the Web server is in the standard live mode or the acquire mode.
22 and if the mode is the acquire mode, step S3
Proceed to 2. In step S22, it is monitored whether or not a trigger signal by the above-mentioned periodic timer is input. If the trigger signal is input, in order to execute the operation in the standard live mode, in step S23, the digital The image data output by the isochronous transmission of the camera 20 is stopped. Subsequently, in step S24, the converter circuit 11
9 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B are prohibited from DMA transfer of the data stream by the PCI bus 115 (turn off the DMA Enable signal). And
After the end of one frame, the standard live mode of the digital camera 20, the converter circuit 119, and the JPEG circuit 128 is set (step S25). That is, for the digital camera 20, the resolution is set to VGA, the frame rate is set to 30 fps, and the converter circuit 119 is set.
Is set so that the color signal format (data array format) determined on the digital camera 20 side corresponding to the VGA and 30 fps is converted to the RGB data format for display. Further, the compression rate (high compression rate) of the standard live mode is set in the JPEG circuit 128.

Next, in step S26, the converter circuit 119 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B send the PC
The DMA transfer of the data stream by the I bus 115 is permitted (the Enable signal of the DMA is turned on), and in step S27, the image data output by the digital camera 20 by the isochronous transmission is enabled. Then, after such data stream switching, the image memory controller 126 is started via the CPU bus 112 and the converter circuit 119 under the control of the CPU 111, and the VGA image data for one screen is stored in the image memory 125. Permission is given (step S28).

Then, it waits for an interrupt signal #INT from the converter circuit 119 (step S29).
If there is, the JPEG circuit 128 and the raster-block conversion circuit 127 are activated via the CPU bus 112, and the image data stored in the image memory 125 is sequentially read out. Raster
Block conversion and JPEG compression are performed, and the compressed data is transferred to the CPU interface 129 and the CPU bus 11.
2 via the CPU 111 (or the system RAM 11
4) (Step S30). Then, the compressed data is transmitted to a network such as a LAN via the Ethernet controller 130 and the pulse transformer 131 (step S31), and is transmitted to a client terminal device connected to the network to perform JPEG decompression and display on the display unit. Display.

In step S21, if the Web server is in the acquire mode (high-resolution camera mode) based on a request from the client, the flow advances to step S32 to execute the operation in the acquire mode. Stop image data output by transmission. Subsequently, in step S33, the converter circuit 119 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B send P
The DMA transfer of the data stream by the CI bus 115 is prohibited (the Enable signal of the DMA is turned off).
After waiting for the end of one frame, the acquirer mode of the digital camera 20, the converter circuit 119, and the JPEG circuit 128 is set (step S34).
That is, the digital camera 20 has a resolution of SXG
A, the frame rate is set to 7.5 fps, and the converter circuit 119 displays the color signal format (data array format) determined by the digital camera 20 corresponding to the SXGA and 7.5 fps in the RGB data for display. Set to convert to format. Further, the compression rate (low compression rate) of the standard live mode is set in the JPEG circuit 128.

Next, in step S35, the converter circuit 119 and the PCI bridge circuit 116B send the PC
The DMA transfer of the data stream by the I bus 115 is permitted (the Enable signal of the DMA is turned on), and in step S36, the image data can be output by the digital camera 20 by the isochronous transmission. Then, after such data stream switching, the image memory controller 126 is started via the CPU bus 112 and the converter circuit 119 under the control of the CPU 111, and the SXGA image data for one screen is stored in the image memory 125.
Is permitted (step S37).

Then, it waits for an interrupt signal #INT from the converter circuit 119 (step S38).
If there is, the JPEG circuit 128 and the raster-block conversion circuit 127 are activated via the CPU bus 112, and the image data stored in the image memory 125 is sequentially read out. Raster
Block conversion and JPEG compression are performed, and the compressed data is transferred to the CPU interface 129 and the CPU bus 11.
2 via the CPU 111 (or the system RAM 11
4) (Step S39). Then, the compressed data is transmitted to a network such as a LAN via the Ethernet controller 130 and the pulse transformer 131 (step S40), transmitted to a client terminal device connected to the network, subjected to JPEG decompression, and displayed on the display unit. Display.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and various technically preferred limitations have been given thereto, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. . For example, in the above example, a JPEG circuit (JPEG chip) is provided separately from the CPU 111 and JPEG is executed by hardware processing.
It may be performed by software processing of U111. As a method of compressing a still image, JPE
The compression method is not limited to G, and another compression method may be used. Further, in the above-described example, the configuration in which signal processing is performed on a still image has been described. However, depending on the usage of the system, a configuration in which constant signal processing is performed on a moving image may be performed as necessary.

Further, in the above-described example, an example in which the operation is performed by one trigger signal has been described. However, a configuration may be employed in which a plurality of trigger signals can be input, and an operation may be performed by each trigger signal. Also, in the above example,
The example in which the compression processing is performed as the signal processing operation based on the trigger signal has been described, but a configuration in which another signal processing is performed may be employed. Further, in the above-described example, a multi-scan monitor is used as a monitor device that outputs an image, but another monitor device may be used. In the above example, the network for outputting image data is 1
Although the Ethernet LAN using the OBASE-T standard bus is used, another network may be used.

[0039]

As described above, according to the digital camera controller of the present invention, the operation of the camera control means is switched and controlled based on a trigger signal input from the outside, so that the resolution and frame rate of the digital camera can be controlled. Can be switched easily and quickly,
Optimal image data can be obtained as needed. Similarly, by controlling the switching of the processing operation of the image data input from the digital camera based on the input of the trigger signal, processing such as compression of the image data input from the digital camera can be easily and quickly switched. And optimal image data can be obtained as needed. As a result, it is possible to effectively cope with the case where the digital camera system is used in various forms, and it is possible to provide a versatile digital camera system with good operability and scalability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital camera controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example in which the digital camera controller shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a digital camera and a multi-scan monitor.

FIG. 3 is a first view of the digital camera controller shown in FIG. 1;
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the above.

FIG. 4 is a first view of the digital camera controller shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the above.

FIG. 5 shows a second example of the digital camera controller shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the above.

FIG. 6 shows a second example of the digital camera controller shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the above.

FIG. 7 shows a second example of the digital camera controller shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the above.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 digital camera controller, 20 digital camera, 30 multi-scan monitor, 40, 50
…… Cable, 111… CPU, 112… CPU bus, 113… System ROM, 114… System R
AM, 115 ... PCI bus, 116A, 116B ...
PCI bridge circuit, 117... Physical layer control circuit,
118 link control circuit, 119 converter circuit, 120 graphic control circuit, 121 graphic memory, 122 LCD, 123 LCD
Controller 124, analog touch screen,
125 image memory 126 image memory controller 127 raster-block conversion circuit 128
... JPEG circuit, 129 ... CPU interface, 1
30 ... Ethernet controller, 131 ... Pulse transformer.

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A camera connection unit for connecting a digital camera having a plurality of imaging modes and a monitor connection unit for connecting a monitor device, wherein image data input from the digital camera is transferred to a monitor device and displayed. A digital camera controller for remotely controlling a change in an imaging mode of the digital camera; a trigger input unit for externally inputting a predetermined trigger signal; and the camera control in response to the input of the trigger signal. A digital camera controller, comprising: control means for switching and controlling the operation of the means. 2. The digital camera has a plurality of combinations of resolutions, frame rates, and signal formats in a unique combination as the plurality of imaging modes, and the camera control means includes a resolution, a frame rate, and a signal format of the digital camera. 2. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera controller controls switching of a set of the digital camera. 3. A processing unit for performing predetermined processing on image data input from the digital camera, wherein the control unit controls switching of the operation of the camera control unit in response to the input of the trigger signal. 2. A digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein at least one of switching control of the operation of said processing means is switched. 4. The digital camera controller according to claim 3, wherein said processing means stores image data input from said digital camera in an image memory and performs compression processing. 5. The digital camera controller according to claim 4, wherein said control means controls switching of a compression ratio in a compression process of said processing means in accordance with an input of said trigger signal. 6. The control means inputs high-resolution still image data from a digital camera by the camera control means in response to the input of the trigger signal, and stores the still image data in an image memory by the processing means. And further performing a compression process.
Digital camera controller as described. 7. The digital camera controller according to claim 4, wherein said control means sends out still image data compressed by said processing means to a network. 8. The control means controls the camera control means and the processing means in response to the input of the trigger signal, and switches to image data having a resolution, a frame rate, and a compression rate independent of each other. The digital camera controller according to claim 4. 9. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein said trigger input means is a means for inputting a trigger signal from a mechanical contact switch. 10. The digital camera controller according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical contact type switch is a foot-operated switch. 11. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein said trigger input means is means for inputting a trigger signal from an optical detection type switch. 12. The digital camera controller according to claim 11, wherein said optical detection type switch is a switch for detecting a moving object. 13. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein said trigger input means is means for inputting a trigger signal through a network. 14. The digital camera controller according to claim 13, wherein said trigger input means is means for inputting a trigger signal from a communication terminal via a network. 15. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein said trigger input means is means for inputting a trigger signal by wireless communication means. 16. The digital camera controller according to claim 15, wherein said trigger input means is means for inputting a trigger signal from a moving body by wireless communication means. 17. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein said trigger input means is means for inputting a trigger signal from a timer. 18. The digital camera controller according to claim 17, wherein said timer is means for periodically outputting a trigger signal. 19. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein the camera connection unit and the monitor connection unit connect the digital camera and the monitor device via predetermined cables, respectively. 20. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein the digital camera
2. The digital camera controller according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera controller outputs image data conforming to the H.94 standard.