JP2006109001A - Imaging apparatus, image data transmission processor and image data receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus of which the usability is enhanced, which has the number of area information and transmits self-capability to a user though it has a plurality of areas where an object is picked up. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus has a self-information storage part 105 capable of setting the plurality of areas to an imaging area and which stores at least number information of the plurality areas which can be set, a use area setting part 106 which stores area information for setting a used area among the plurality of areas and a means 107 for changing/correcting the area information stored in the use area setting part which outputs the number information of the areas from the self-information storage part according to an instruction from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an image data transmission processing apparatus, and an image data receiving apparatus capable of setting a plurality of independent areas for reading out image data in an imaging area using a CMOS sensor, for example.

  As an imaging device using a photoelectric conversion element, there are a CCD type imaging device and a CMOS type imaging device. In a CCD type imaging device, an imaging signal in a field unit is read from a two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion element. On the other hand, in the CMOS type image pickup device, an image pickup signal in units of pixels can be directly read from the two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion devices.

  A monitoring system or a component inspection system has been developed using the above-described imaging apparatus. In a conventional monitoring system or component inspection system, an imaging signal is read from the entire surface of the imaging unit, and this imaging signal is transferred to a monitor or a comparison circuit. In the surveillance system, the user ticks the image on the monitor. In the component inspection system, the comparison circuit compares the reference pattern with the image pattern of the imaging signal. Information on whether or not the reference pattern matches the image pattern is used as an inspection result.

  In the above-described apparatus, it is desired to further improve the usability of the apparatus. In addition, high-speed transmission of data has been demanded.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that has a plurality of areas for imaging a subject but has improved usability. It is another object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus that has a plurality of areas to be imaged, has information on the number of the areas, and can transmit the user's own ability. It is another object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus having a function that can easily set and change a region to be used among a plurality of regions.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an image transmission apparatus capable of transmitting image data obtained from the imaging apparatus at a high speed and a receiving apparatus for receiving the transmitted image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is capable of setting a plurality of areas with respect to the imaging area, and at least a self-information storage unit storing number information of the plurality of areas that can be set, and the plurality of areas A use region setting unit that stores region information for setting a region to be used, and a first response unit that outputs the number information of the region from the self information storage unit in response to an external command; A second response means for changing / modifying the area information stored in the use area setting section in response to a command from the outside, and a setting in the use area setting section in response to a command from the outside Data output means for outputting the imaged data of the area that has been processed.

  By the above means, self-information of the imaging apparatus can be grasped, and the imaging area can be arbitrarily changed and corrected, so that the usability is improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 to which the present invention is applied, and a personal computer 200 for setting a usage pattern of the imaging apparatus 100.

  The imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 101 using a CMOS sensor, and image data read from the imaging unit 101 is output to the high-speed transmission line 103 via the interface unit 102. The high-speed transmission line 103 is connected to, for example, an inspection device (not shown).

  The imaging apparatus 100 can set a plurality of independent areas in the imaging area (this setting operation will be described later). By giving a read address to the plurality of areas, image data from each area can be taken out. Since there are limits in the plurality of areas, the number of areas may vary depending on the imaging apparatus. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 100 is provided with a self information register 105. The self information register 105 stores various data related to the imaging device 100. Among them, in particular, here is information on how many of the plurality of areas can be set. Here, this information is proved as used area information.

  In addition, the self-information may include attributes of the imaging apparatus 100 itself, such as resolution, aspect ratio, transmission speed capability, ID, manufacturer information, identification information (ID) of each area, and the like.

If there is a request from the personal computer 200 before use, the imaging apparatus 100 can transmit the use area information to the personal computer 200. The personal computer 200 can read the self information of the imaging apparatus 100 and check the capability, characteristics, and the like of the imaging apparatus 100. In addition, the previous used area information can be checked, the number of used areas can be adjusted, and the used areas can be edited.
When the personal computer 200 adjusts the number of used areas and edits the used areas, the information is set in the used area setting unit 106. The imaging apparatus 100 sets a reading area based on information set in the use area setting unit 106, and outputs image data from the set area.

  The imaging apparatus 100 includes a control unit 107. The control unit 107 can control mutual communication and data exchange between the imaging apparatus 100 and the personal computer 200. The control unit 107 gives a driving pulse to the imaging unit 101. Also, a self-information processing unit 108 that reads self-information and outputs it to the outside, a use area information processing unit 109 for setting a use area, and an image data reading control unit for reading image data from the imaging unit 101 110, and further includes a transmission processing unit 111 for packetizing the image data into a predetermined format and sending it to the transmission line.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a description will be given of setting a use area before using the apparatus by looking at the screen 211 on the display of the personal computer 200. It is assumed that the imaging apparatus 100 is imaging the subject 201. Assume that the subject 201 is a semiconductor chip, for example. Here, it is assumed that a use area is set in order to check whether or not the terminals of the semiconductor chip normally exist. It is assumed that 3 is set as the number of use areas in the imaging apparatus 100. For this setting, when the imaging apparatus 100 and the personal computer 200 are connected and a predetermined key operation is performed, self-information is sent from the imaging apparatus 100. The personal computer 200 may input the number of used areas in the displayed self-information.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which three use areas 202, 203, and 204 surrounded by dotted lines are set. The use areas 202, 203, and 204 are exactly aligned with the positions of the terminals of the semiconductor chip 201, but the positions and sizes can be arbitrarily adjusted with a cursor. That is, the use areas 202, 203, and 204 can be moved to arbitrary positions and their sizes can be corrected by the graphic processing application. This operation is herein referred to as editing of the used area.

  The editing result is reflected in the use area setting unit 106 to determine a use area in the image pickup area of the image pickup unit 101.

  FIG. 2 shows a procedure for performing the above-described use area setting operation. First, when there is a request for self-information from the personal computer 200 to the imaging apparatus (camera) 100, the imaging apparatus 100 transmits the self-information to the personal computer 200. The personal computer 200 analyzes the self-information and displays frames with IDs as many as the number of used areas, for example. Thereby, it can be grasped how many use areas the imaging apparatus 100 can use. Next, the personal computer 200 can set the number of used areas while selecting the frame (ID) with the cursor, and the imaging apparatus 100 transmits the set number of used areas to the personal computer 200. To display. When the personal computer 200 corrects the position, size, etc. of the use area, the imaging apparatus 100 corrects the position, size, etc. of the use area accordingly, and displays on the personal computer 200 as shown in FIG. Is executed. Here, when a determination operation is performed from the personal computer 200, use area setting information is stored in the use area setting unit 106 based on the operation of the use area information processing unit 109.

  FIG. 3A shows a state in which the use areas WOI1, WOI2, and WOI3 are set in the imaging area of the imaging unit 101. The use area setting unit 106 for setting use areas WOI1, WOI2, and WOI3 stores use area information. FIG. 3B shows information in the use area setting unit 106. For the area WOI1, the “valid” flag is stored, the start X coordinate 7 and the start Y coordinate 2 are stored, the width X is 3, and the width Y is 5. This value is based on the pixel address unit set in the imaging area of the imaging apparatus 100, and for example, the upper left corner of the imaging area is the minimum address (0, 0) and the lower right corner is the maximum address. For the area WOI2, the “valid” flag is stored, the start X coordinate 2 and the start Y coordinate 6 are stored, the width X is 4, and the width Y is 3. Regarding the area WOI3, the “valid” flag is stored, the start X coordinate 1 and the start Y coordinate 1 are stored, the width X is 4, and the width Y is 4.

  FIG. 4A shows the state of the address when data is read from the use area of FIG. FIG. 4B shows a state in which data from the use areas WOI1, WOI2, and WOI3 are stored in the buffer memories BF1, BF2, and BF3.

  In the above example, the use areas are separated from each other, but the use areas may overlap. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the usage area of the imaging unit 101 and the storage data in the usage area setting unit 106 when the usage areas WOI3 and WOI2 overlap. In this case, since the overlap area exists, the read data of the overlap area can be used in common as the data of each use area. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, data at addresses (X, Y) = (2, 4) to (4, 4) can be used in common. Therefore, the same data is stored in the buffer memories BF3 and BF2.

  FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show how the image data read from the imaging unit 101 is sent out on the transmission line. Assume that areas AA, AB, AC, and AD are set in the imaging unit 101. At the time of reading, data is acquired in the order of enclosing numerals 1-11 along the scanning line. The image data read out here corresponds to each number portion. And it is stored as the payload of the transmission standard to be used. Numbers 1-9 in packets 1, 2, and 3 in FIG. 7B correspond to numbers 1-9 in FIG. 7A, respectively. The packet length of this transmission standard is constant, and padding data (all zeros) is inserted when the in-packet data does not satisfy the packet. A packet has a header and a footer for packet identification. By having the footer, the packet can be identified more reliably.

  FIG. 7C shows one packet structure. At the beginning, a packet identifier P-ID is described. The P-ID includes a frame identification number and a number indicating the packet order. The identification number of the frame can be used for identification when image data of a plurality of frames is continuously transmitted, for example. The number indicating the packet order is useful for recognizing the packet order when the packet transmission order is changed due to the convenience of the transmission system. A camera ID for identifying the imaging apparatus 100 is described. Further, information indicating the type of transmission data is described. This is because, in the case of transmitting the above-mentioned image data, there is control information for preparing on the receiving side, such as the number of buffers and the capacity, in order to capture and store the image data as the transmission information. . Further, a region ID obtained by reading transmitted image data may be included.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiving apparatus that receives the packet transmitted as described above and stores the image data in the buffer memory. The buffer memory is prepared in the form as shown in FIG. 4B or 6B.

  The packet is received and once taken into the buffer (step SA1). Next, the packet header is analyzed (step SA2), and it is determined whether the packet is an image data packet (step SA3). If the packet is an image data packet, the image data is captured (step SA4). It is determined whether it is in the used area (step SA5). If it is the image data in the use area currently being captured, it is stored in the buffer of the current pointer without switching the buffer pointer. However, if it is determined in step SA5 that the image data is in the next use area, the pointer of the buffer to be stored is switched (step SA6), and the image data is stored in the buffer.

  The receiving device has means for receiving a packet and detecting imaging device identification information included in the header of the packet. In addition, there are provided means for preparing a plurality of buffers from the control information included in the header, and means for selecting, from the plurality of buffers, a buffer for storing image data included in the packet from the control information included in the header.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may include buffer information to be stored accompanying the image data. In another embodiment, the buffer information set in advance in the use area setting unit 109 may be transmitted to the receiving side, and the buffer area may be secured in advance by the receiving device.

  As described above, the apparatus of the present invention can read image data at high speed and transmit it at high speed. Image data is read directly from the imaging unit 101 of the imaging apparatus and inserted into a data storage unit for packets to be output to the transmission line. For this reason, high-speed reading and high-speed transmission are possible.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the apparatus in one embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate a part of operation | movement of the apparatus of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting of the use area | region in an imaging part with the apparatus of this invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of addresses when image data is read from the use area of FIG. 3 and the state of image data stored in a buffer memory in association with addresses. Explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a use area | region in an imaging part with the apparatus of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of an address when image data is read from the use area of FIG. 5 and the state of image data stored in a buffer memory in association with the address. Explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the transmission form at the time of the image data read from the imaging part of the apparatus which concerns on this invention being output on a transmission line. The flowchart which shows a mode that the extraction process of image data is performed in the receiver which receives the packet transmitted with the transmission format shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Imaging device (camera), 101 ... Imaging part, 102 ... Interface, 103 ... Transmission line, 105 ... Self-information register, 106 ... Use area setting part, 107 ... Control part, 200 ... Personal computer.

Claims (4)

A plurality of areas can be set with respect to the imaging area, and a self-information storage unit that stores at least number information of the plurality of areas that can be set;
Of the plurality of areas, a use area setting unit that stores area information for setting a use area;
In response to a command from the outside, a first response means for outputting the number information of the area from the self-information storage unit;
Second response means for changing / correcting the area information stored in the use area setting unit in response to an external command;
Data output means for outputting the image data of the area set by the use area setting unit in response to a command from the outside;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The data output means further includes means for storing the image data in a packet for transmission;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for inserting an imaging apparatus identifier into a header of the packet for transmission. A plurality of areas can be set with respect to the imaging area, and a self-information storage unit that stores at least number information of the plurality of areas that can be set;
Of the plurality of areas, a use area setting unit that stores area information for setting the number of areas to be used and the position and size of the areas;
In response to a command from the outside, first response means for outputting the number information of the area from the self information storage unit,
Second response means for changing / correcting the area information stored in the use area setting unit in response to an external command;
In response to a command from the outside, means for taking out the image data of the area set by the use area setting unit, and storing the image data in a packet for transmission;
Means for inserting an imaging device identifier in the header of the packet for transmission; means for outputting the packet having the header and a transmission line;
An image data transmission processing apparatus comprising: Means for receiving a packet and detecting imaging device identification information included in a header of the packet;
Means for preparing a plurality of buffers from the control information included in the header;
An image data receiving device comprising: means for selecting, from the plurality of buffers, a buffer in which image data included in a packet is to be stored from control information included in the header.

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