JP2004056282A - Image signal relay apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image signal relay apparatus whereby advantages of cameras can be utilized without causing disadvantages to the production facility as a whole by selecting various cameras even when the cameras and display apparatuses adopt different systems of image signals. <P>SOLUTION: The image signal relay apparatus 10 includes a camera interface 12 connectable to a high resolution camera 116 outputting an image signal; a display interface 14 connectable to a display apparatus 108 reproducing the image signal as an image; and an image signal converter 16 converting the image signal received by the camera interface 12 into an image signal of different system and outputting the resulting image signal to the display interface 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image signal repeater used in a production facility or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, cameras are frequently used in production facilities and the like.
[0003]
For example, the production equipment may be imaged with a camera and displayed on a display so that an operator can easily maintain and manage the production equipment.
[0004]
Further, an image signal of a camera may be used for automatic control of a production facility or the like. As an example, in an electronic component mounting machine that mounts electronic components on a substrate, generally, a holding posture of the electronic component to be picked up and a mounting posture of the substrate are imaged by a camera, and a computer is configured based on an image signal of the camera. The electronic component can be accurately mounted on the substrate by executing control for correcting a deviation between the original posture and the actual posture.
[0005]
In addition, an operator may use a camera to teach a component mounting position, a component reference position, and the like in order to correct an installation error or the like of the apparatus.
[0006]
This is carried out by moving the camera with the XY drive device or moving the head on which the components are sucked, and adjusting the actual reference position to the cursor on the camera image indicating the design reference position.
[0007]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a general connection example of a camera, a display, and a computer in a production facility.
[0008]
The production facility 100 includes a computer 102 for automatic control. The computer 102 receives an image signal of an image captured by the camera 106 via the image signal repeater 104, and executes automatic control of the production equipment 100 based on the image signal. Further, the production facility 100 includes a display 108 for displaying an image captured by the camera 106, so that an operator can easily perform maintenance and management.
[0009]
The camera 106 includes a CCD element or the like, converts a captured image into an electric signal, and outputs an image signal of a system such as NTSC conforming to a standard such as EIA or CCIR.
[0010]
The display 108 also reproduces and displays an image signal on an image based on a method such as NTSC conforming to a standard common to the camera 106.
[0011]
The image signal repeater 104 includes a camera interface 110 connected to a camera 106 for inputting an image signal, a display interface 112 connected to a display 108 for outputting an image signal, and a computer 102 ( External control means interface 114 for outputting an image signal connectable to a system bus (not shown) of the external control means).
[0012]
The camera interface 110 can be connected to the camera 106 via a cable (not shown) or the like, and can receive an image signal from the camera 106.
[0013]
The external control means interface 114 is adapted to output an image signal of a system compatible with the computer 102. The camera 106 is generally configured to output image signals in analog format, while the computer 102 is configured to capture image signals in digital format. Therefore, in general, an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) is provided between the external control means interface 114 and the camera interface 110 or inside the computer 102. Some cameras have a built-in analog-to-digital converter and output digital image signals. In this case, the image signal repeater does not have an analog-to-digital converter.
[0014]
The display interface 112 sends the image signal captured by the camera interface 110 to the display 108. Since the camera 106 and the display 108 transmit and receive image signals based on a common method such as NTSC conforming to the standard, the image signals are not converted between the display interface 112 and the camera interface 110.
[0015]
As described above, the camera 106, the computer 102, and the display 108 can be easily connected to transmit the image signal via the image signal repeater 104.
[0016]
In recent years, there has been a demand for using a high-resolution camera, a double-speed camera, a line sensor camera, or the like to further refine control and improve productivity. For example, if a high-resolution camera with a pixel count of about 1024 × 1024 is used instead of a camera of a standard based on a standard with a pixel count of about 512 × 512, a precise image signal can be obtained and a highly accurate It is possible to realize automatic control and the like.
[0017]
Generally, a high-resolution camera, a double-speed camera, a line sensor camera, and the like output an image signal in a system conforming to a standard different from the standard (hereinafter, referred to as a “non-standard”). Can be freely processed, so that precise automatic control and the like can be realized by capturing image signals from various types of cameras such as a high-resolution camera.
[0018]
On the other hand, since the display 108 adopts a method based on a standard different from that of the high-resolution camera or the like, even if the display 108 and the high-resolution camera are connected via the image signal It cannot be reproduced and displayed on the display.
[0019]
On the other hand, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 9, the image signal of the high-resolution camera 116 is fetched by the computer 102, converted into the resolution of the display 108, and displayed on the display 108.
[0020]
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, a general-purpose personal computer 118 is provided in the computer 102, and an image capture port 119 for a high-resolution camera installed in the personal computer 118 converts an image signal of the high-resolution camera 116. The data was captured as data and displayed on the monitor / display 120 of the personal computer 118.
[0021]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the computer 102 shown in FIG. 9, a series of processing of capturing an image signal, converting a resolution, and displaying an image is necessary. For this reason, the amount of data transmission / reception of the system bus of the computer 102 may become excessive, and the processing capability of the computer 102 may be reduced, delaying the processing such as automatic control, and causing a problem that the productivity may be reduced.
[0022]
In other words, by adopting a high-resolution camera or the like to further refine control and improve productivity, the advantages of the high-resolution camera or the like can be enjoyed. On the other hand, disadvantages may occur in the production equipment as a whole. Was.
[0023]
Further, in the case of the personal computer 118 shown in FIG. 10, increasing the personal computer 118 and its monitor / display 120 involves increasing the size of the production equipment, making it impossible to secure an installation space, and making this configuration difficult. In many cases, there is a problem that the cost is increased.
[0024]
Further, in the case of the computer 102 in FIG. 9, a series of image display processing is necessary as described above, and in the case of the personal computer 118 in FIG. 10, image data is captured by the image capture board 119, DMA transfer of data, display on the monitor display 120, and a series of processing are required. For this reason, the amount of image data has increased, and display loss has occurred during these processes. That is, a continuous image cannot be displayed, and a discontinuous still image is displayed. When a camera teaching operation is performed with a discontinuous still image, moving parts, etc. being taught may not be continuously captured, and may overshoot the cursor. There is a problem that it becomes difficult. That is, there is a problem that highly accurate teaching cannot be performed.
[0025]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when the method of an image signal is different between a camera and a display, various cameras are selected, and disadvantages occur as a whole production facility. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image signal repeater that can enjoy the advantages of a camera without using the same.
[0026]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a camera interface that can be connected to a camera that outputs an image signal, a display interface that can be connected to a display that reproduces an image signal as an image, and a method that uses an image signal input to the camera interface. An image signal converter that converts the image signal into a different image signal and outputs the image signal to the display interface.
[0027]
Further, it is preferable that the image signal converter can convert an image signal conforming to a non-standard standard into an image signal conforming to a standard standard.
[0028]
The image signal converter controls a memory capable of writing an image signal input to the camera interface in a digital format, and controls writing of the image signal to the memory and reading of the image signal from the memory. Controller for converting an image signal written in the memory from a digital format to an analog format, a synchronizing signal generating circuit for generating an image synchronizing signal, the image synchronizing signal and the image in the analog format And a signal synthesizing circuit for synthesizing a signal and outputting the synthesized signal to the display interface.
[0029]
The image processing apparatus further includes an internal control unit configured to convert a digital image signal written in the memory and execute at least one image conversion process of a reduction / enlargement process, a grayscale conversion process, a cutout display process, and a character addition display process. You may.
[0030]
Further, an external control means interface connectable to the external control means for outputting an image signal to the external control means may be provided.
[0031]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if the method of an image signal is different between a camera and a display, various cameras can be selected and the advantage of a camera can be enjoyed without producing disadvantages as a whole production facility. .
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image signal repeater according to the present embodiment.
[0034]
The image signal repeater 10 includes a camera interface 12 that can be connected to a high-resolution camera 116 that outputs an image signal, a display interface 14 that can be connected to a display 108 that reproduces an image signal into an image, and a camera interface 12. And an image signal converter 16 that converts an image signal input to the image signal into an image signal of a different system and outputs the image signal to the display interface 14.
[0035]
The feature of this embodiment is the image signal repeater 10, and the production equipment 100, the computer 102, the high-resolution camera 116, the display 108, and the like are the same as those in the related art, and are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. The description is omitted as appropriate.
[0036]
The high-resolution camera 116 has a built-in image sensor and an analog-to-digital converter (not shown), and converts a captured image into a digital electric signal of a system conforming to a non-standard, and outputs the electric signal. I have.
[0037]
The display 108 adopts a system such as NTSC or VGA conforming to a standard such as EIA or CCIR, and receives and reproduces and displays an analog image signal in a system conforming to the standard. . That is, the display 108 reproduces and displays an image signal of a system conforming to a standard different from the image signal output from the high-resolution camera 116.
[0038]
The camera interface 12 can be connected to a high-resolution camera 116 based on a non-standard standard via a cable (not shown) or the like, and is connected to the image signal converter 16. The digital image signal to be transmitted to the image signal converter 16 is transmitted.
[0039]
The display interface 14 can be connected to a display 108 conforming to a standard via a cable (not shown) or the like, and is connected to the image signal converter 16 and transmitted from the image signal converter 16. An analog image signal is output to the display 108.
[0040]
The image signal converter 16 is capable of converting a digital image signal conforming to a non-standard standard into an analog image signal conforming to a standard.
[0041]
The image signal converter 16 specifically has a memory 18 capable of writing an image signal input to the camera interface 12 in a digital format, and writes an image signal to the memory 18 and reads an image signal from the memory 18. A memory controller 20 for controlling, a digital-to-analog converter 22 for converting an image signal written in the memory 18 from a digital signal to an analog signal, a synchronization signal generation circuit 24 for generating an image synchronization signal, and a synchronization signal generation circuit And a signal synthesizing circuit 26 for synthesizing the image synchronizing signal 24 and the analog signal of the digital-to-analog converter and outputting the synthesized signal to the display interface 14.
[0042]
Further, the image signal repeater 10 converts the digital image signal written in the memory 18 and can execute image signal processing such as reduction / enlargement processing, density conversion processing, cutout display processing, and character addition display processing. And an internal computer (internal control means) 28.
[0043]
An external control means interface 30 is connected to the internal computer 28. The external control means interface 30 can be connected to the computer 102 (external control means) directly or indirectly via a cable or the like. The internal computer 28 converts the digital image signal written in the memory 18 into image data of 512 × 512, 1024 × 1024 or the like which is suitable for automatic control involving image recognition in the computer 102, and converts the image signal via the external control means interface 30. Output to the computer 102.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the image signal repeater 10 will be described.
[0045]
First, the high-resolution camera 116 captures an image, and outputs a digital image signal of a system conforming to a non-standard standard to the camera interface 12 of the image signal repeater 10.
[0046]
The camera interface 12 transmits the input image signal to the memory controller 20, and the memory controller 20 writes the transmitted image signal to the memory 18. Next, the memory controller 20 reads the image signal from the memory 18 and outputs the image signal to the digital-to-analog converter 22 in accordance with the operating frequency of the NTSC system or the like (conforming to the standard) adopted by the display 108.
[0047]
The digital-to-analog converter 22 converts a digital image signal into an analog signal and sends it to the signal synthesizing circuit 26. On the other hand, the synchronization signal generation circuit 24 sends out the image synchronization signal to the signal synthesis circuit 26.
[0048]
The signal synthesizing circuit 26 synthesizes the analog image signal sent from the digital-to-analog converter 22 and the image synchronizing signal sent from the synchronizing signal generating circuit 24, and outputs it to the display interface 14.
[0049]
The display interface 14 outputs to the display 108 the image signal from the signal synthesizing circuit 26 converted into the NTSC system or the like. Since the image signal converter 16 is dedicated hardware for image conversion processing, it can execute a series of image signal conversion processing at high speed.
[0050]
As a result, the display 108 can reproduce the input image signal of the NTSC system or the like and display it continuously. That is, the display 108 can continuously display images captured by the high-resolution camera 116 of a system conforming to different standards.
[0051]
Accordingly, the operator can reliably execute a highly accurate teaching operation such as a component reference position.
[0052]
Next, the operation of the internal computer 28 will be described.
[0053]
The internal computer 28 reads out the image signal written in the memory 18 and outputs it to the computer 102 via the external control means interface 30.
[0054]
The computer 102 performs automatic control and the like based on the input image signal. Since the high-resolution camera 116 captures an image, the image signal is fine, and the computer 102 can execute highly accurate automatic control or the like accordingly.
[0055]
As described above, since the conversion of the image signal between the high-resolution camera 116 and the display 108 based on the different standards is performed inside the image signal repeater 10, the processing capability of the computer 102 is reduced. Is not spent on conversion of the image signal for this purpose.
[0056]
Although the computer 102 takes in image signals as needed for automatic control and the like, the computer 102 does not constantly transmit and receive image signals, and the amount of data transmitted and received on the system bus of the computer 102 does not become excessive. That is, processing such as automatic control in the computer 102 is not limited for transmission and reception and conversion of image signals, the computer 102 can reliably execute automatic control and the like, and the production equipment 100 has high productivity. .
[0057]
Further, the image signal repeater 10 has a simple structure and is compact as compared with a general-purpose personal computer, and can be installed in a small space. Therefore, it is applicable to existing production equipment.
[0058]
Further, since the image signal repeater 10 has a configuration in which the display interface 14 and the external control means interface 30 are internally connected to the common camera interface 12, the wiring of the computer 102, the high-resolution camera 116, and the display 108 is simple. It is compact and wiring work is easy.
[0059]
Also, by slightly changing the specifications of the image signal converter according to the display and camera system, it can be applied to various types of cameras and displays, and various types of cameras and displays can be easily installed in production equipment. Can be.
[0060]
In particular, the computer 102 only needs to be able to handle the size of the image data from the high-resolution camera 116, and does not require a program or the like for adapting the image data to the method of the display 108. Therefore, the setting of the computer 102 is easy.
[0061]
Further, the monitor and the camera can be used freely without being restricted by the method of the image signal, and the range of selection of the monitor and the camera can be expanded. For example, an inexpensive monitor can be selected from various types of displays, or an existing display can be used, whereby the cost of production equipment can be reduced.
[0062]
Next, the image conversion processing by the internal computer 28 will be described.
[0063]
First, the image signal reduction / enlargement processing will be described. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a part of a display having 1024 × 1024 pixels.
[0064]
For example, an image signal of 512 × 512 pixels is obtained by converting an image signal so as to thin out one line of pixels every other line in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction from 1024 × 1024 pixels, thereby obtaining an image signal of 512 × 512 pixels. Can be reduced by a factor of two. Similarly, by converting the image signal so as to thin out one line of pixels every α-1 lines in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, a reduction process of 1 / α times is possible. Further, by converting the image signal so that the pixels in the area obtained by the reduction processing are translated in the vertical and / or horizontal directions, the reduced image is displayed in an arbitrary area of 1024 × 1024 pixels. Can be.
[0065]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, an image signal of 1024 × 1024 pixels is obtained by inserting another pixel of one line every other line in the vertical and horizontal directions into 512 × 512 pixels. The image can be enlarged twice. Further, the data of the X-th pixel (X, Y) in the horizontal direction and the Y-th pixel in the vertical direction existing before the enlargement processing are converted into the pixels (X + 1, Y), (X, Y + 1), (X X + 1, Y + 1), the same image as before the enlargement can be obtained. Similarly, by inserting another pixel in the α-1 line every other line in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, it is possible to enlarge by α times.
[0066]
Next, the grayscale conversion display will be described.
[0067]
FIG. 4 shows light and shade data at each pixel of the display.
[0068]
The grayscale data of each pixel is written in 8 bits, and is specifically represented by a number from 0 to 255.
[0069]
In the grayscale data, 0 indicates black and 255 indicates white. 1 to 254 indicate darker gray as the number is smaller. When the image display on the display is performed only in white or black, the grayscale data of the pixel whose grayscale data is 0 is rewritten to 255, and the grayscale data of the pixel whose grayscale data is 255 is rewritten to 0, so that the black and white are changed. An inverted negative display can be performed.
[0070]
Similarly, various gray scale changes are possible by appropriately rewriting gray scale data. Similarly, not only in a monochrome image but also in a color image, various grayscale changes are possible by appropriately rewriting grayscale data of each pixel with other grayscale data.
[0071]
Next, the cutout display processing will be described.
[0072]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the image signals of four objects S1, S2, S3, and S4 captured by the camera 116 are stored in the memory 18. Next, among the four imaged objects, only the image signals of the pixels in the predetermined area including the imaged object S1 to be cut out and displayed are held, and the image signals of the pixels in the other areas are uniformly displayed such as displaying white, for example. It is converted to an image signal and output to the display interface. As a result, only the selected imaged object S1 is displayed on the display 108.
[0073]
Next, the character addition display processing will be described.
[0074]
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the character A is displayed in black in an 8 × 8 pixel area, the X-th pixel in the horizontal direction and the Y-th pixel in the vertical direction are (X, Y). Pixels of (3, 2 to 6), (4, 2), (4, 4), (5, 2), (5, 4), (6, 2 to 6) among pixels in the 8 × 8 area A can be displayed in black characters by rewriting the image signal of (a) to an image signal for displaying black characters and converting the image signals of other pixels into a uniform image signal for displaying, for example, white. Similarly, it is also possible to display an arbitrary figure such as a dot, a line, or another character display.
[0075]
As described above, since the image signal repeater 10 includes the memory 18 in which image signals can be written in a digital format, various image conversion processes can be freely performed.
[0076]
In the present embodiment, the image signal repeater 10 includes the external control means interface 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image signal is used only for maintenance management by an operator. In the case of equipment that does not execute automatic control or the like based on an image signal, an image signal repeater having no external control means interface may be used.
[0077]
Also in this case, images from cameras having different image signal systems can be easily displayed on the display. Further, it is possible to freely select a camera and a display without being limited by a method of an image signal, and it is possible to obtain effects such as contributing to cost reduction of equipment.
[0078]
Further, even in a facility for executing automatic control or the like based on an image signal, another image signal repeater 32 is disposed between the high-resolution camera 116 and the computer 102, for example, as shown in FIG. The image signal repeater 40 for connecting the display 108 and the high-resolution camera 116 may have no external control means interface.
[0079]
Further, in the present embodiment, the internal computer 28 performs the reduction / enlargement processing of the image signal, the gradation conversion processing, the cutout display processing, and the character addition display processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, an internal computer that executes any one of these image conversion processes may be used.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, the image signal repeater 10 includes the internal computer 28. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there is no need to enlarge or reduce the image captured by the camera. If it is sufficient to display the image on a display, the image signal repeater may be configured without an internal computer.
[0081]
In the present embodiment, the high-resolution camera 116 outputs a digital image signal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the high-resolution camera 116 outputs an analog image signal. However, the present invention can be naturally applied to such a case. In this case, an analog-to-digital converter is provided between the camera interface 12 and the memory controller 20 in the image signal repeater 10 to convert the analog image signal output from the high-resolution camera into a digital signal, and Just output it.
[0082]
Further, in the present embodiment, the image signal repeater 10 is configured to convert the image signal of the high-resolution camera 116 into an image signal of a system conforming to the standard, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the present invention is naturally applicable to other types of cameras conforming to non-standards, such as a double-speed camera and a line scan camera.
[0083]
Further, in the present embodiment, the image signal repeater 10 is configured to convert an image signal of a system conforming to a non-standard into an image signal of a system conforming to a standard, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, an image signal repeater that converts an image signal of a system conforming to the standard into an image signal of another system conforming to the standard may be used. Also in this case, the range of selection of the display and the camera can be expanded.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even when the method of the image signal is different between the camera and the display, the image can be continuously displayed on the display, and the production operation can be performed without any trouble. An excellent effect is provided that a small and inexpensive production facility that can be provided can be provided, and the advantages of various cameras can be enjoyed without causing disadvantages in the production facility.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image signal repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing image reduction processing by the image signal repeater.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an image enlargement process by the image signal repeater;
FIG. 4 is a table showing conversion processing of grayscale data by the image signal repeater;
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an image clipping display process by the image signal repeater.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a character addition display process by the image signal repeater.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image signal repeater according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional image signal repeater.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a combination of a conventional image signal repeater and a high-resolution camera.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another configuration of a combination of a conventional image signal repeater and a high-resolution camera.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 40, 104 ... image signal repeater
12, 110… Camera interface
14, 112 ... Display interface
16 ... Image signal converter
18… Memory
20 ... Memory controller
22 Digital-to-analog converter
24 ... Synchronous signal generation circuit
26 ... Signal synthesis circuit
28 Internal computer (internal control means)
30, 114 ... external control means interface
102: Computer (external control means)
106 ... Camera
108, 120 ... Display
116 ... High resolution camera

Claims (5)

A camera interface connectable to a camera that outputs an image signal, a display interface connectable to a display that reproduces the image signal into an image, and an image signal input to the camera interface into an image signal of a different system. An image signal converter for converting and outputting the converted signal to the display interface. In claim 1,
An image signal repeater, wherein the image signal converter is capable of converting an image signal conforming to a non-standard standard into an image signal conforming to a standard. In claim 1 or 2,
The image signal converter includes a memory capable of writing an image signal input to the camera interface in a digital format, and a memory for controlling writing of the image signal to the memory and reading of the image signal from the memory. A memory controller, a digital-to-analog converter that converts an image signal written in the memory from a digital format to an analog format, a synchronization signal generation circuit that generates an image synchronization signal, and the image synchronization signal and the analog format image signal. A signal combining circuit for combining and outputting the combined signal to the display interface. In claim 3,
An internal control unit capable of converting a digital image signal written in the memory and performing at least one image conversion process of a reduction / enlargement process, a density conversion process, a cutout display process, and a character addition display process is provided. An image signal repeater characterized by the above-mentioned. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image signal repeater comprising an external control means interface connectable to the external control means for outputting an image signal to the external control means.

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