JP2009088626A - System - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital video camera and a television connection system in which the digital video camera is provided with a mode that serves as an outer measure sensor when the digital video camera is connected to a television and which can control the image quality, volume and the like of a television in accordance with the surrounding environment. <P>SOLUTION: When the digital video camera 102 is connected to a television 101, a mode of the digital video camera 102 goes into outer measure sensor mode and the role of the outer measure sensor of the television 101. Microphone functions, photometry functions, colorimetry functions, and ranging functions, all of which the digital video camera 102 has are used to acquire the surrounding environment information, and volume, brightness, and white balance of the television 101 are controlled, according to the surrounding environment. Also, when the distance between a viewer and the television is small, a warning display is displayed to the television. ON/OFF of the function for playing the role of the outer measure sensor can be set arbitrarily. When it is detected that there is no person in front of the television 101, the television 101 is turned off. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system when a digital video camera and a television are connected.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the remarkable development of telecommunications technology, the development of multimedia such as high-definition high-definition (HDTV), multi-channel broadcasting using satellite broadcasting technology, digital high-definition broadcasting, and the like is progressing. Electrical devices that respond to these trends have also been developed, and various multifunctional products have appeared. For example, as a television receiver, a full HD television receiver compatible with terrestrial digital broadcasting is also widespread. On the other hand, despite the widespread use of video cameras in ordinary households, their use frequency is low compared to other home appliances. One of the causes is complicated preparation for photographing. For example, since a video camera is usually stored in a case or a shelf, the video camera must be taken out of the storage place when used. In addition, the battery must be connected to a power outlet via a battery or a dedicated AC adapter as a power source, and the battery is not charged when attempting to take a picture. Conventionally, connecting a video camera to a television receiver is best when viewing images shot with the video camera, displaying images shot with the video camera on the television receiver, and taking images taken with the camera. For example, when a sample image such as a color bar is displayed on a television receiver so as to achieve a good color balance, and the image is captured by a camera and calibrated (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-48440

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point of view, and the problem is that the frequency of use of a video camera and the complexity of preparation are eliminated, and a television receiver is provided using various functions of the video camera. It aims at providing the system which controls the function of a machine according to the surrounding environment.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a video imaging means for imaging a subject and converting it into an electrical signal, a video signal processing means for processing the electrical signal and converting it into a video signal, and a photometric means for detecting the amount of light. A color temperature measuring means for determining the color temperature of the light detected by the photometric means, a video adjusting means for adjusting the light amount and white balance from the video signal, a zoom control means for controlling enlargement / reduction of the shooting screen, A video signal output means for outputting the video signal to an external device, a microphone for detecting sound, a sound processing means for processing the sound signal detected by the microphone, and a distance measurement for measuring the distance of the subject portion of the shooting screen. Distance means, camera control microcomputer that controls the entire video camera, video signal, audio signal, and control signal terminals and power supply connections to external devices In a system of an imaging device having a terminal and a television receiver including a receiving unit that receives a television broadcast connected to the imaging device, the imaging device serves as an external measurement sensor of the television receiver. A system characterized by having a mode.

  The television receiver further comprising brightness control means for controlling screen brightness controls the brightness control means according to the brightness detected by the photometry means of the imaging device. System.

  The television receiver further comprising a white balance control means for controlling the white color of the screen controls the white balance control means for controlling the white color according to the color temperature detected by the color temperature measuring means of the imaging device. A system characterized by that.

  A system characterized in that the zoom means is controlled to the wide end during the brightness control and white balance control.

  Control further comprising an audio output device for outputting the television broadcast audio signal received by the receiving means for receiving the television broadcast as audio, and controlling the audio output device so that the output level becomes a predetermined constant value. The system comprising: the television receiver having means for controlling the audio output device in accordance with an audio signal level detected by the microphone of the imaging device.

  A system in which characteristics of the microphone are changed when the audio output control is performed.

  A warning display is displayed on the television receiver in accordance with the distance obtained from the distance measuring means for the distance between the television receiver and the viewer.

  When the imaging device is in the external measurement sensor mode according to claim 1, it is possible to arbitrarily set whether to manually select or automatically select an item to be used as an external measurement sensor.

  When the imaging device is connected to the television receiver, the power source of the imaging device is turned on / off in synchronization with the power source of the television receiver to charge the battery.

  A system characterized by turning off the power of the television receiver when the imaging apparatus further comprising a person detecting means for detecting a person does not detect a person.

  The television capable of further receiving a digital television broadcast wave carrying a multiplexed digital television signal in which a video signal and an audio signal by a broadcast program and a data signal by various data are encoded and multiplexed, respectively. The system according to claim 1, wherein the John receiver performs control according to claim 1 to claim 10 in accordance with genre data of a broadcast program.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by providing the video camera with a mode to be an external measurement sensor, the viewer can obtain the optimum white balance, brightness, volume, and volume according to the usage environment of the television receiver. It is possible to watch television at a distance, and it is possible to open up new possibilities for the connection form of a video camera and a television receiver.

  Further, charging the battery while connected to the television receiver eliminates the troublesome preparation and leads to an improvement in the frequency of use of the video camera.

  In addition, there is a power saving effect by turning off the power of the television receiver upon detection of a person.

  Next, details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

  The outline of the present invention will be described. According to the present invention, when a digital video camera is connected to a television, the mode of the digital video camera is set to the external measurement sensor mode, and serves as an external measurement sensor of the television. Then, the volume, brightness, and white balance of the television are controlled according to the surrounding environment. In this way, by providing the external sensor mode in the digital video camera, various functions of the digital video camera can be used effectively so that viewers can always enjoy TV images with the optimum image quality and volume. Become.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a digital video camera. The digital video camera 102 includes an image sensor 305, a CPU 301, an image processing engine 302, a flash ROM (flash ROM) 303, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) 304, a photometric circuit 308, a colorimetric circuit 306, a distance measuring circuit 307, an I / F 309, and a power source. A circuit 310 and a battery 311 are provided. The image sensor 305 is a photoelectric conversion element for converting an image formed through the lens of the digital video camera 102 into an electric signal. A CPU 301 is a central processing unit that controls the entire digital video camera 102 and performs arithmetic processing, and executes processing related to the digital video camera in the flowchart of FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a Flash ROM (flash ROM) 303. The image processing engine 302 processes the electrical signal sent from the image sensor 305. The Flash ROM 303 stores a program for controlling the entire digital video camera 102. The SDRAM 304 is used for data processing work. The I / F 309 is for connecting an external device. The distance measuring circuit 307 detects a phase difference from the subject image light incident on the image sensor 305 and measures the distance to the subject according to the phase difference. The CPU 301 drives the photographic lens in accordance with the distance measurement signal from the distance measurement circuit 307 and controls focusing. The photometry circuit 308 detects the brightness of the subject and uses the subject luminance signal as a luminance signal for determining exposure conditions such as a shutter time and an aperture value, or a luminance signal for determining the charge accumulation time of the image sensor. To the CPU 301. The color measurement circuit 306 detects the color of the subject. As a power source of the digital video camera 102, an external power source such as an AC power adapter (not shown) connected to the battery 311 or a power input terminal can be used. The power supplied from the battery 311 or the like is converted into a required voltage by a power supply circuit 310 including a DC / DC converter, and then supplied to each circuit block.

  FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system configuration example of the present invention. A digital video camera 102 is coupled to the television 101. Digital video camera 102 is coupled to television 101 via cable 103. When it is detected that the video camera 102 is connected to the television 101, the mode provided in the video camera 102 becomes the external measurement sensor mode and plays the role of the external measurement sensor of the television. Using the microphone 104 of the video camera 102, ambient sounds are detected and the volume of the television 101 is changed. Using the photometric function of the video camera 102, the brightness of the television 101 is changed according to the ambient brightness. Further, the color balance function of the video camera 102 is used to adjust the white balance of the television 101. Accordingly, the image quality and volume of the television 101 can be controlled according to the surrounding environment, and the viewer can view the television with the optimum image quality and volume.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an operation when the digital video camera according to the embodiment of the present invention is used as an external measurement sensor of a television. First, it is identified whether the digital camera is connected to the television (step S201). Next, when the sensor VTR mode (step S202) and the sensor mode (step S203) are selected, the process proceeds to step S204. The sensor mode (step S203) is a mode that is used when displaying a television broadcast, and the sensor VTR mode (step S202) is a mode that is used when playing back a previously recorded recording medium. Subsequently, it is selected whether the function as the external measurement sensor is set manually or set to AUTO (step S204). If manual is set, the process proceeds to step S205 to select which sensor to use. When the microphone 104 is selected (step S208), the characteristics of the microphone are changed to characteristics suitable for detecting the surrounding volume. Then, the volume on the television side is changed according to the surrounding volume (step S209). When the photometry function is selected as a sensor in step S205, the lens is set to the wide end in order to detect the brightness of the entire surroundings (step S206). Then, the brightness of the television is changed according to the ambient brightness (step S207). For example, when the surroundings are bright, the brightness of the television is increased, and when the surroundings are dark, the brightness of the television is decreased. If the colorimetric function is selected as a sensor in step S205, the lens is set to the wide end in order to detect the color temperature of the surrounding illumination (step S210). Then, the white balance of the television is changed according to the surrounding lighting conditions (step S211). If the distance measuring function is selected as a sensor in step S205, the distance between the television and the viewer is measured (step S212), and if close, a warning is displayed on the television screen (step S213). A warning display example at this time is shown in FIG.

  In step S205, which function is used as a sensor is selected from the menu. At that time, it is possible to select from either the menu on the TV side or the menu on the digital video camera side. If the AUTO setting is selected in step S204, all sensor functions are turned on (step S214). In order to use the microphone 104 as a sensor, the characteristic of the microphone is changed to a characteristic suitable for detecting the surrounding volume (step S215). Subsequently, in order to detect the brightness of the entire surroundings using the distance measuring function as a sensor, the lens is set to the wide end (step S216). Then, in order to detect the color temperature of the surrounding illumination using the colorimetric function as a sensor, the lens is set to the wide end (step S216). Further, the distance between the TV and the viewer is measured using the distance measuring function (step S217). If the distance is close, the volume, brightness, and white balance on the TV side are controlled in step S218. Display on the television screen that warns that the person is close to the television screen. If the distance in step S217 is far, the control of the volume, brightness, and white balance on the television side is performed (step S219).

  When shifting to the external sensor mode, power is not supplied to the video camera 102 by not supplying power to blocks that are not used as sensors. Further, power may be supplied from the television 101 via the cable 103. At that time, the battery 105 is also charged. Then, the video camera 102 is turned on / off in synchronization with the power on / off of the television 101. Further, the video camera 102 detects whether or not there is a person in front of the television 101. If no person is in front of the television 101 for a certain period of time, the television 101 is automatically turned off.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the TV 101 and the digital video camera 102 are connected, the user selects the mode. However, even when the mode is automatically switched when the connection is detected. Good.

  As explained above, the external sensor mode can be provided in the digital video camera, so that the video image quality and volume can be controlled according to the surrounding environment by utilizing the functions of the video camera. There is an effect that enables you to enjoy TV with optimal image quality and volume. In addition, it is a new usage method for connecting a video camera to a TV. By taking the video camera into daily life even during shooting, it eliminates the hassle of preparation and leads to an increase in the frequency of use of the video camera. Play.

  In addition, when a person is detected by the video camera, the television is turned off when there is no person in front of the television, so that power saving can be achieved.

  The first embodiment according to the genre data of a broadcast program acquired in a television capable of receiving a digital television broadcast wave carrying a video signal and an audio signal by a broadcast program and data signals of various data The same control as that shown in FIG. For example, if the genre data is a movie, white balance and brightness are controlled so that the viewing environment is the same as that of a movie theater. If the genre data is music, white balance and brightness are controlled so that the viewing environment is the same as the live concert venue. If the genre data is sports, white balance and brightness are controlled so that the viewing environment is the same as that of the spectator.

  As described above, by using the digital broadcast data and performing the control described in the first embodiment, the viewer can view the video with the optimum image quality according to the surrounding environment and the video genre. There is an effect that you can enjoy.

(Other examples)
In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the digital video camera is taken as an example of the imaging device, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a digital camera.

  In addition, although the connection method between the television 101 and the video camera 102 is described as an example via the cable 103, it may be wireless.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the system which connects the digital video camera and television concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of operation | movement at the time of using the video camera concerning embodiment of this invention as an external measurement sensor of a television. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the video camera in this example. The example of a screen displayed when the distance of a television and a viewer is near is shown.

Explanation of symbols

101 Television receiver 102 Digital video camera (imaging device)
104 Microphone 306 Color measuring circuit 307 Distance measuring circuit 308 Photometric circuit

Claims (11)

  Video imaging means for imaging a subject and converting it to an electrical signal, video signal processing means for processing the electrical signal and converting it to a video signal, photometric means for detecting the amount of light, and color temperature of light detected by the photometric means Color temperature measuring means for discriminating, video adjusting means for adjusting the light quantity and white balance from the video signal, a microphone for detecting sound, a sound processing means for processing a sound signal detected by the microphone, and a shooting screen Ranging means having a distance measuring unit for measuring a subject portion of the subject, a microcomputer for controlling a camera for controlling the entire video camera, a zoom control means for controlling enlargement / reduction of a photographing screen, and an external device An imaging device having terminals for video signals, audio signals, control signals, and terminals for power connection to be connected, and a television broadcast connected to the imaging device are received. System in the system of the television receiver, characterized by having a mode in which the imaging device is external measuring sensor of the television receiver comprising a receiving means for.   The television receiver further comprising a brightness control means for controlling the brightness of the screen controls the brightness control means according to the brightness detected by the photometry means of the imaging device. The system according to claim 1.   The television receiver further comprising white balance control means for controlling the white color of the screen controls white balance control means for controlling white color according to the color temperature detected by the color temperature measuring means of the imaging device. The system according to claim 1.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the zoom unit is controlled to a wide end when the control according to claim 2 or 3 is performed.   Control further comprising an audio output device for outputting the television broadcast audio signal received by the receiving means for receiving the television broadcast as audio, and controlling the audio output device so that the output level becomes a predetermined constant value. The system according to claim 1, wherein the television receiver including means controls the audio output device according to an audio signal level detected by the microphone of the imaging device.   The system according to claim 1, wherein a characteristic of the microphone is changed when performing the control according to claim 5.   The warning display is displayed on the television receiver according to a distance obtained from the distance measuring unit of the imaging apparatus as a distance between the television receiver and a viewer. system.   When the imaging apparatus is in the external measurement sensor mode according to claim 1, it is possible to arbitrarily set whether an item to be used as an external measurement sensor is selected manually or automatically. The described system.   When the imaging device is connected to the television receiver, the power source of the imaging device is turned on / off in synchronization with the power source of the television receiver, and the battery of the imaging device is charged. The system of claim 1, characterized in that:   2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the television receiver is turned off when the imaging apparatus further comprising a person detection unit for detecting a person does not detect the person.   The television capable of further receiving a digital television broadcast wave carrying a multiplexed digital television signal in which a video signal and an audio signal by a broadcast program and a data signal by various data are encoded and multiplexed, respectively. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the John receiver performs control according to genre data of a broadcast program.

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