JP2005064816A - Camera control unit and monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dispense with a video switcher and to reduce the number of cables when video signals from a plurality of cameras are selectively monitored by a camera control unit (CCU). <P>SOLUTION: The camera control unit includes a plurality of CCUs 1-1 to 1-4 having switching means 24, 25 of a video output mode for outputting a video signal from a camera 11 from two terminals P, W, and a signal through mode for outputting an input video signal to one terminal from a residual terminal by connecting the terminals P, W cascade-connected by using the terminals P, W in such a manner that the cascade-connected both-end CCUs are connected to monitors 17, 18 by using the terminals P, W not used for cascade connection. The switching means 24, 25 of the CCUs are controlled to set the one CCU 1-2 to the video output mode, and the other CCU to the signal through mode. Thus, output video signals PIX2, WFM2 from the terminals P, W of the CCU 1-2 set to the video output modes are passed through the other CCU, and supplied to the monitors 17, 18. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera control unit and a monitoring system that selectively monitors video signals from a plurality of cameras via the camera control unit.

  A camera control unit (CCU) that plays the role of an interface between video cameras and other devices in a television broadcasting station studio or in a television broadcast vehicle has a one-to-one correspondence with multiple video cameras. For example, when monitoring a video signal from each video camera, the video signal output from the CCU is supplied to a waveform monitor or a picture monitor (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of such a monitoring system. A camera control unit (CCU) 12 is connected to each video camera (four video cameras in the figure) 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. The CCU 12 has a signal terminal P for outputting a video signal PIX for picture monitor and a signal terminal W for outputting a video signal WFM for waveform monitoring, and is sent from the corresponding video camera 11. Video signals such as Y color difference signals are converted into VBS signals such as NTSC signals by an encoder (not shown) and output from these terminals.

  The signal terminals P and W of each CCU 12 are connected to the video switcher 13 by connection cables C1 to C8. The video switcher 13 is a selector for selecting video signals PIX and WFM from any one CCU 12, and compensates for signal deterioration of each input video signal due to cable loss in each connection cable C1 to C8. An f compensation circuit 14 and a mixing circuit 15 for synthesizing the character signal with the video signal PIX for picture monitor are included.

  The switcher control panel 16 is an operation panel for designating a desired one CCU 12 (CCU 12 corresponding to the desired one video camera 11 whose video signal is desired to be monitored). A control signal CTL indicating the operation result is given from the switcher control panel 16.

The video switcher 13 selects and outputs the video signals PIX and WFM from the designated CCU 12 based on the control signal CTL. The video signals PIX and WFM output from the video switcher 13 are respectively sent from the video switcher 13 to the picture monitor 17 and the waveform monitor 18 and displayed as images on the picture monitor 17 and displayed as waveforms and vectors on the waveform monitor 18. The
JP-A-9-238277 (paragraph number 0002, FIG. 5)

  However, in such a conventional monitoring system, since a video switcher must be provided between the CCU and the picture monitor or waveform monitor, the existence of the video switcher is required when the entire system is to be saved in space or reduced in cost. Was a barrier.

  Further, in the conventional monitoring system, in order to connect each CCU and the video switcher, the number of connection cables twice as many as the number of CCUs (eight in the example of FIG. 1) is required. This was also a barrier to space saving and cost reduction of the entire system.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and eliminates the need for a video switcher and reduces the number of connection cables when selectively monitoring video signals from a plurality of cameras via a camera control unit. It was made as.

  In order to solve this problem, the applicant of the present invention uses two signal terminals and a video signal sent from the camera in a camera control unit (CCU) that supplies a video signal sent from the camera to equipment other than the camera. Switching between the video output mode for outputting from the two signal terminals and the signal through mode for connecting the two signal terminals to each other and outputting the video signal input to one signal terminal as it is from the remaining one signal terminal A CCU with switching means for performing is proposed.

  This CCU has a video output mode in which a video signal sent from a camera is output from two signal terminals, and a video signal input to one signal terminal by connecting the two signal terminals to each other as it is. It is possible to switch to the signal through mode output from the terminal.

  A plurality of CCUs are provided corresponding to a plurality of cameras in a one-to-one correspondence, the plurality of CCUs are cascade-connected using the two signal terminals, and CCUs at both ends of the cascade connection are connected to the two CCUs. Of the two signal terminals, the signal terminal that is not used for cascade connection is connected to a separate monitor, and the switching means of each CCU is controlled so that only one desired CCU is set to the video output mode and the rest is left. When the CCU of the CCU is set to the signal through mode, the two video signals output from the two signal terminals of the CCU in the video output mode pass through the two signal terminals of the other CCUs as they are and are supplied to different monitors. Is done.

  Accordingly, by selecting which CCU is set to the video output mode, unlike the conventional monitoring system as shown in FIG. 1, a desired camera among a plurality of cameras can be selected without providing a video switcher. The video signal can be monitored by two monitors (for example, a picture monitor and a waveform monitor).

  The number of connection cables required for monitoring is one less than the number N of CCUs for cascading CCUs (N-1), and the CCUs at both ends connected in cascade are connected to the monitor. A total of (N + 1) cables with the two connecting cables to be used is sufficient. Therefore, while the conventional monitoring system as shown in FIG. 1 requires twice as many connection cables as the number of CCUs (2N), the number of connection cables is also reduced.

  In this way, when video signals from a plurality of cameras are selectively monitored via the CCU, a video switcher is not necessary and the number of connection cables is reduced.

  In this CCU, as an example, it is preferable to further include a circuit for pre-compensating the f characteristic of the video signal output from the two signal terminals. Thereby, it becomes possible to compensate in advance for signal deterioration of the output video signal of each CCU due to a cable loss in the connection cable connecting the CCUs in cascade or the connection cables connecting the CCUs at both ends connected in cascade to the monitor. .

  Moreover, in this CCU, as an example, it is preferable that this switching means switches to the signal through mode when the power of the CCU is turned off. As a result, even when the power of some of the cascaded CCUs is turned off (when a video camera corresponding to the CCU is not used, for example), the video signal output from the other CCU The CCU whose power is turned off can be passed through and supplied to the monitor.

  Next, the applicant corresponds to a plurality of cameras and the plurality of cameras on a one-to-one basis, and a plurality of video signals sent from the corresponding cameras are supplied to devices other than these cameras. In a monitoring system having a single camera control unit (CCU) and selectively monitoring video signals output from the plurality of CCUs, each CCU transmits two signal terminals and a corresponding camera. A video output mode in which the received video signal is output from the two signal terminals, and a signal through in which the two signal terminals are connected to each other and the video signal input to one signal terminal is output as it is from the remaining one signal terminal. Switching means for switching between modes, and these CCUs are cascade-connected using these two signal terminals. In both cases, the CCUs at both ends connected in cascade are connected to separate monitors using the signal terminal that is not used for the cascade connection of the two signal terminals, and this CCU of the plurality of CCUs is connected. The present invention proposes a monitoring system provided with operation means for controlling the switching means so that only one CCU is set to the video output mode and the remaining CCUs are set to the signal through mode.

  In this monitoring system, a plurality of CCUs according to the present invention described above are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of cameras, the plurality of CCUs are cascade-connected using the two signal terminals, and The CCUs at both ends of the cascade connection are connected to separate monitors using the signal terminal that is not used for the cascade connection of the two signal terminals, and a desired one of the plurality of CCUs is selected by the operating means. Only one CCU is set to the video output mode, and the remaining CCUs can be set to the signal through mode.

  Therefore, unlike the conventional monitoring system as shown in FIG. 1, by selecting which CCU is set to the video output mode by the operation means, a desired one of a plurality of cameras can be selected without providing a video switcher. The video signals from these cameras can be monitored on two monitors (eg, a picture monitor and a waveform monitor).

  The number of connection cables required for monitoring is one less than the number N of CCUs for cascading CCUs (N-1), and the CCUs at both ends connected in cascade are connected to the monitor. A total of (N + 1) cables with the two connecting cables to be used is sufficient. Therefore, while the conventional monitoring system as shown in FIG. 1 requires twice as many connection cables as the number of CCUs (2N), the number of connection cables is also reduced.

  In this way, when video signals from a plurality of cameras are selectively monitored via the CCU, a video switcher is not necessary and the number of connection cables is reduced.

  In this monitoring system, as an example, it is preferable to further include a circuit for pre-compensating the f characteristic of the video signal output from the two signal terminals of the CCU. Thereby, it becomes possible to compensate in advance for signal deterioration of the output video signal of each CCU due to a cable loss in the connection cable connecting the CCUs in cascade or the connection cables connecting the CCUs at both ends connected in cascade to the monitor. .

  Also in this monitoring system, as an example, it is preferable that the CCU switching means switches to the signal through mode when the power supply of the CCU is turned off. As a result, even when the power of some of the cascaded CCUs is turned off (when a video camera corresponding to the CCU is not used, for example), the video signal output from the other CCU The CCU whose power is turned off can be passed through and supplied to the monitor.

  According to the present invention, when video signals from a plurality of cameras are selectively monitored via a camera control unit (CCU), a video switcher is not required and the number of connection cables is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect that a monitoring system for selectively monitoring video signals from a plurality of cameras via the CCU can save space and cost.

  In addition, it is possible to compensate in advance for the signal deterioration of the output video signal of each CCU due to the cable loss in the connection cable connecting the CCUs in cascade or the connection cables connecting the CCUs at both ends connected in cascade to the monitor. It is done.

  Even when the power of some of the CCUs connected in cascade is turned off (when a video camera corresponding to the CCU is not used, for example), the video signal output from another CCU There is also an effect that the CCU with the switch turned off can be passed through and supplied to the monitor.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part related to video signal monitoring in the camera control unit (CCU) according to the present invention.

  In this CCU1, a signal terminal P for outputting a video signal PIX for picture monitor is connected to the output side of the relay switch 24 having two inputs and one output, and for outputting a video signal WFM for waveform monitoring. The signal terminal W is also connected to the output side of the relay switch 25 having two inputs and one output.

  In front of the relay switches 24 and 25, f special compensation circuits 22 and 23 are provided, respectively. The output signal of the f-special compensation circuit 22 is input to one input terminal of the relay switch 24, and the output signal of the f-special compensation circuit 23 is also input to one input terminal of the relay switch 25. The remaining one input end of the relay switch 24 is connected to the remaining one input end of the relay switch 25. Each of the f special compensation circuits 22 and 23 can adjust the compensation amount.

  The mixing circuit 21 for synthesizing the character signal with the video signal PIX for the picture monitor is provided in the preceding stage of the f special compensation circuit 22. In the CCU 1, a video signal such as a Y color difference signal sent from a corresponding video camera (not shown) is converted into a VBS signal such as an NTSC signal by an encoder (not shown), and a mixing circuit 21 and an f precompensation circuit. 23.

  In a state where the relay switches 24 and 25 are switched to the f-specimen compensation circuit 22 and 23 side, respectively, the VBS signal supplied to the mixing circuit 21 is transmitted to the signal terminal P via the f-special compensation circuit 22 and the relay switch 24. And the VBS signal supplied to the f precompensation circuit 23 is output from the signal terminal W via the relay switch 25.

  On the other hand, since the signal terminal P and the signal terminal W are connected in a state where the relay switches 24 and 25 are switched to the input end side connected to each other, one of the signal terminals P and W is externally connected. The video signal input to the other signal terminal is output as it is from the other signal terminal.

  As described above, the CCU 1 is a mode in which the video signals transmitted from the video camera are output from the signal terminals P and W as the video signal PIX for the picture monitor and the video signal WFM for the waveform monitor by the relay switches 24 and 25, respectively. (Referred to as “video output mode”), a mode in which the signal terminals P and W are connected to each other and a video signal input to one signal terminal is directly output from the other signal terminal (“signal through mode”). Can be switched).

  The CCU 1 switches to the video output mode by switching the relay switches 24 and 25 to the f preferential compensation circuits 22 and 23 side when a control signal designating the CCU 1 is input from the outside to the control input terminal IN. In other cases, switching to the signal through mode is performed by switching the relay switches 24 and 25 to the input end side connected to each other.

  Further, when the power supply of the CCU 1 is turned off, the relay switches 24 and 25 are switched to the input end side connected to each other, thereby switching to the signal through mode.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the monitoring system using the CCU 1, and the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to FIG. In this monitoring system, CCU 1 is connected to four video cameras 11 in a one-to-one correspondence, and CCU 1-1, CCU 1-2, CCU 1-3, CCU 1 are sequentially identified from the top in order to distinguish each CCU 1. -4. The internal configuration of each of the CCU 1-1 to CCU 1-4 is omitted except for the relay switches 24 and 25.

  Also, the video signal PIX for the picture monitor of the CCU 1-1 and the video signal WFM for the waveform monitor are expressed as PIX1 and WFM1, respectively, and the video signals PIX and WFM of the CCU1-2 are expressed as PIX2 and WFM2, respectively. 3 video signals PIX and WFM are expressed as PIX3 and WFM3, respectively, and CCU1-4 video signals PIX and WFM are expressed as PIX4 and WFM4, respectively.

  These four CCU1-1 to 1-4 connect the signal terminal W of CCU1-1 and the signal terminal P of CCU1-2 with a connection cable C1, and the signal terminal W of CCU1-2 and the signal of CCU1-3 The terminal P is connected by the connection cable C2, and the signal terminal W of the CCU1-3 and the signal terminal P of the CCU1-4 are connected by the connection cable C3.

  Of the CCU 1-1 and CCU 1-4 at both ends connected in cascade as described above, the CCU 1-1 is connected to the picture monitor 17 by the connection cable 5 using the signal terminal P not used for the cascade connection. The CCU 1-4 is connected to the waveform monitor 18 by the connection cable 4 using the signal terminal W that is not used for the cascade connection.

  From the switcher control panel 16 which is an operation panel for designating one desired CCU (CCU corresponding to the desired one video camera 11 whose video signal is desired to be monitored) among the CCUs 1-1 to 1-4. The control signal CTL indicating the operation result is input to the control input terminals IN of the CCU1-1 to CCU1-4.

  In this monitoring system, the video signal from each video camera 11 is selectively monitored by the picture monitor 17 and the waveform monitor 18 as follows.

  For example, when an operation for designating CCU1-2 is performed on the switcher control panel 16, a control signal CTL indicating that CCU1-2 is designated is provided from the switcher control panel 16 to each of the CCU1-1 to CCU1-4.

  At this time, since the CCU 1-2 is designated by the control signal CTL in the CCU 1-2, as shown in FIG. 3, the relay switches 24 and 25 are respectively connected to the f preferential compensation circuits 22 and 23 (FIG. 2) By switching to the side, the video output mode is set.

  In contrast, in the remaining CCU1-1, CCU1-3, and CCU1-4, since the CCU1-1, CCU1-3, and CCU1-4 are not specified by the control signal CTL, they are also shown in FIG. When the relay switches 24 and 25 are switched to the input end side connected to each other, the signal through mode is set.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the video signal sent from the corresponding video camera 11 is output from the signal terminal P of the CCU 1-2 as the video signal PIX2 for picture monitor. Thereafter, the signal is input to the signal terminal W of the CCU 1-1 through the connection cable C1, is output as it is from the signal terminal P of the CCU1-1, and is supplied to the picture monitor 17 through the connection cable C5.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the video signal sent from the corresponding video camera 11 is output from the signal terminal W as the waveform monitoring video signal WFM2 from the signal terminal W of the CCU 1-2. Thereafter, the signal is input to the signal terminal P of the CCU1-3 through the connection cable C2, is output as it is from the signal terminal W of the CCU1-3, and is input to the signal terminal P of the CCU1-4 through the connection cable C3. 4 is directly output from the signal terminal W and supplied to the waveform monitor 18 through the connection cable C4.

  As a result, the video signal from the video camera 11 corresponding to the CCU 1-2 designated by the switcher control panel 16 can be monitored by the picture monitor 17 and the waveform monitor 18.

  Here, an example in which CCU1-2 is specified has been described. However, when CCU1-1, CCU1-3, and CCU1-4 are specified, the video signals output from the signal terminals P and W of the specified CCU are similarly described. PIX and WFM pass through the signal terminals P and W of other CCUs as they are and are supplied to the picture monitor 17 and the waveform monitor 18.

  Thus, unlike the conventional monitoring system as shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring system using the CCU 1 selectively monitors video signals from a plurality of video cameras without providing a video switcher. be able to.

  The number of connection cables required for monitoring is one (N-1) connection cables less than the number N of CCUs 1 for cascading CCUs 1, and CCUs 1 at both ends connected in cascade are connected to the monitor. Therefore, a total of (N + 1) (5 in the example using four CCUs 1 as shown in FIG. 3) is sufficient. Therefore, in the conventional monitoring system, 2N connection cables (8 in the example using four CCUs as shown in FIG. 1), which is twice the number of CCUs, are required. The number is also reduced.

  In this way, when video signals from a plurality of cameras are selectively monitored via the CCU, a video switcher is not necessary and the number of connection cables is reduced. Therefore, a monitoring system that selectively monitors video signals from a plurality of cameras via the CCU can save space and cost.

  Further, by providing the f pre-compensation circuits 22 and 23 in the CCU 1, each CCU 1 due to a cable loss in the connection cable for connecting the CCU 1 in cascade or the connection cable for connecting the CCU 1 at both ends connected in cascade to the picture monitor and the waveform monitor. Of the output video signals PIX and WFM can be compensated in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the path length until the video signals PIX and WFM output from the cascaded CCUs 1 are input to the picture monitor and the waveform monitor differs depending on the CCU 1, but the f precompensation circuit 22 , 23 can adjust the compensation amount, so that it is possible to perform f-special compensation corresponding to each path length.

  In addition, when the power source of the CCU 1 is turned off, the relay switches 24 and 25 are switched to the input end side connected to each other to switch to the signal through mode. Even when it is turned off (when the video camera corresponding to the CCU1 is not used, for example), the video signal output from the other CCU1 passes through the CCU1 with its power turned off as it is to the picture monitor and waveform monitor. Can be supplied.

  In the above example, the video signals PIX and WFM are respectively output from the signal terminals P and W of the CCU 1 switched to the video output mode, and the CCUs 1 at both ends connected in cascade are connected to the picture monitor and the waveform monitor. However, as another example, for example, a video signal is output from only one of the signal terminals P and W of the CCU 1 switched to the video output mode, and the output video signal passes through the CCU 1 at both ends of the cascade connection. By connecting only the CCU 1 to the monitor, the video signal may be monitored only by one monitor. Even in this case, since the video switcher is unnecessary, the monitoring system can be saved in space and cost can be reduced.

  FIG. 3 shows a monitoring system in which the CCU 1 is directly connected to the switcher control panel 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to a monitoring system in which a CCU is connected to an operation panel such as a switcher control panel via a command network control unit (CNU) that controls the entire system. In that case, the input terminal of the CCU that inputs the control signal from the CNU is used as the control input terminal IN of the CCU 1 shown in FIGS.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the conventional monitoring system. It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the camera control unit of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the monitoring system of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Camera control unit (CCU)
1-1 Camera control unit (CCU)
1-2 Camera control unit (CCU)
1-3 Camera control unit (CCU)
1-4 Camera control unit (CCU)
11 Video Camera 16 Switcher Control Panel 17 Picture Monitor 18 Waveform Monitor 21 Mixing Circuit 22 f Special Compensation Circuit 23 f Special Compensation Circuit 24 Relay Switch 25 Relay Switch P Signal Terminal W Signal Terminal C1 Connection Cable C2 Connection Cable C3 Connection Cable C4 Connection cable C5 Connection cable

Claims (6)

In a camera control unit that supplies a video signal sent from a camera to a device other than the camera,
Two signal terminals;
A video output mode in which a video signal sent from the camera is output from the two signal terminals, and a video signal input to one signal terminal by connecting the two signal terminals to each other from the remaining one signal terminal. A camera control unit comprising switching means for switching to a signal through mode to be output. The camera control unit according to claim 1,
A camera control unit, further comprising a circuit for pre-compensating the f characteristic of the video signal output from the two signal terminals. The camera control unit according to claim 1,
The camera control unit, wherein the switching means switches to a signal through mode when the power of the camera control unit is turned off. Multiple cameras,
A plurality of camera control units that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of cameras and that supply video signals sent from the corresponding cameras to devices other than the cameras. In the monitoring system for selectively monitoring the video signal output from the unit,
Each of the camera control units
Two signal terminals;
A video output mode for outputting a video signal sent from a corresponding camera from the two signal terminals, and a video signal input to one signal terminal by connecting the two signal terminals to each other as they are Switching means for switching to the signal through mode output from the
The plurality of camera control units are cascade-connected using the two signal terminals, and the camera control units at both ends connected in cascade are not used for cascade connection of the two signal terminals. Each is connected to a separate monitor using signal terminals,
Operation means for controlling the switching means of the plurality of camera control units so that only one camera control unit is set to the video output mode and the remaining camera control units are set to the signal through mode is provided. A unique monitoring system. The monitoring system according to claim 4,
The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit further includes a circuit for pre-compensating the f characteristic of the video signal output from the two signal terminals. The monitoring system according to claim 4,
The switching system switches to the signal through mode when the power source of the camera control unit is turned off.

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