JP2011176757A - Camera, and method of reading parameter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera compatible with various specifications, while suppressing cost increase, even if a plurality of setting data corresponding to the specification are stored, and to provide a method of reading a parameter. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging device 100 which performs image processing based on parameters of the image processing includes a memory 23 which stores the plurality of parameters corresponding to the specification that may be required for the imaging device, an attachment section 9 which attaches a cable 50 connected to an external device to cases 11 and 12 for accommodating a board for image processing in such a way that a board 20 is encapsulated, a characteristic detector 31 for detecting characteristics of the cable attached to the attachment section 9, and a parameter providing device 32 for selecting the parameter corresponding to the characteristics from the memory 23 and providing it to an image sensor 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera that performs image processing based on video parameter setting data, and more particularly to a camera that can store a plurality of setting data and a parameter reading method.

  Even relatively small cameras have functions that can change video parameters such as video cropping range, left-right reversal, brightness setting, and image quality, and cameras that can store video parameter setting data have come to be used. It was. For example, a camera mounted on a vehicle is required to be able to set video output inversion due to differences in brightness, hue, arrangement position (front monitoring and rear monitoring), and to store video parameter setting data. The video parameters are finely determined according to the use of the camera, the preference of the customer, the type and position of the vehicle to be mounted, that is, according to the specifications of the camera.

  As a basic configuration common to cameras, a lens, an image sensor that captures video, a memory that stores setting data, a circuit that performs image processing, a board on which these are mounted, a housing that covers these, and the like There is. Even if the specifications are different, since the basic configuration is common, it is possible to cope with different video parameters by changing only the setting data stored in the memory of the camera.

  On the other hand, the external device that uses the video of the camera and the cable that connects the camera are individually designed in the same manner as the setting data described above. This is because not only video parameters but also required characteristics such as cable waterproofness, length, thickness, number of core wires, and terminal shape differ depending on the installation location of the camera. Note that the configuration of the connection portion between the cable and the camera is not related to the setting data, and it is common that the specifications are the same regardless of the camera and cable specifications.

  However, conventional cameras often only store setting data of one specification in memory. For this reason, it is known that setting data needs to be selected and stored in a memory according to the specifications of a camera such as a vehicle on which the camera is mounted, and it is known that various restrictions are imposed on camera manufacturing and the like.

  Thus, although it is conceivable to write setting data from an external device to the memory, this method increases the cost of the cable when the setting data is stored (or changed) in the memory after the camera is mounted on the vehicle. . That is, setting data can be written to or rewritten in the memory by connecting the memory and the external device via a serial cable. However, since the number of cores of the cable is added for writing the setting data, specifications that require a long cable of nearly 10 m, such as an in-vehicle rear view camera, greatly increase the cost.

  Here, the control data is stored for each of a plurality of shooting conditions, and when it is detected via the data communication interface that the camera is connected to the imaging apparatus, the plurality of shooting conditions are displayed and a desired shooting condition is selected. An imaging control apparatus that guides to the above is considered (for example, see Patent Document 1). By doing so, it becomes possible to select the shooting conditions from a position away from the imaging device and to accurately control the imaging device.

  However, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 requires a communication line for the data communication interface, there is a problem that the cost of the data communication interface and the cable described above is increased.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a camera and a parameter reading method that can cope with various specifications while suppressing a cost increase even if a plurality of setting data corresponding to the specifications is stored. To do.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus that performs image processing based on image processing parameters, a storage unit that stores a plurality of parameters according to specifications that may be required for the imaging apparatus, and an image processing board An attachment portion for attaching a cable connected to an external device to a case for housing the substrate so that the substrate is hermetically sealed, a feature detection means for detecting a feature of the cable attached to the attachment portion, and the feature Parameter providing means for selecting the corresponding parameter from the storage means and providing the selected parameter to the image sensor.

  Even if a plurality of setting data corresponding to specifications is stored, it is possible to provide a camera and a parameter reading method that can cope with various specifications while suppressing an increase in cost.

It is an example of the figure explaining the outline of a parameter setting method. It is an example of the figure which illustrates typically the installation place of the vehicle-mounted camera. It is an example of the block diagram of the conventional camera. It is an example of the figure which illustrates typically writing of the setting data to a memory | storage means. It is an example of the figure explaining the structure of a memory | storage means. It is an example of the block diagram of the camera of a present Example. It is an example of the figure which illustrates typically the writing to a memory | storage means, and the structure of a memory | storage means. It is an example of the figure which shows the memory map of a memory | storage means. It is an example of the flowchart figure which shows the procedure which memorize | stores setting data in a memory | storage means. It is an example of the flowchart figure which shows the procedure until an image sensor reads setting data. It is a figure which shows an example of a model recognition means. It is a figure which shows an example of the peripheral circuit of the switch which a model recognition means and a cable characteristic comprise. It is a figure which shows another example of a model recognition means. It is a figure which shows an example of the peripheral circuit which a model recognition means comprises. It is a figure which shows an example of the peripheral circuit which the metal slice and the wiring in a rear case connection part form. It is a figure which shows another example of a model recognition means. It is a figure which shows an example of the peripheral circuit which a model recognition means and a cable characteristic comprise. It is a figure which shows an example of the procedure of an assembly | attachment process. It is an example of the block diagram of a circuit board.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The outline of the parameter setting method of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The memory 33 of the camera 100 stores a plurality of setting data for each specification that the camera 100 may correspond to. For example, the setting data a is setting data corresponding to the specification a, the setting data b is setting data corresponding to the specification b, and the setting data c is setting data corresponding to the specification c.

  The cable 50 is provided with a characteristic part (hereinafter referred to as a cable characteristic) for each specification. The cable characteristics are determined for each location where the camera 100 is arranged, for example. That is, it is determined for each specification of the camera 100. Specifically, the cable feature is a shape or electrical feature for electrically notifying the camera side of the distinction of the cable 50. The cable feature is designed based on a design concept common to the plurality of cables 50. On the camera side, model recognition means 31 is provided for notifying the memory 33 of selection information corresponding to the cable characteristics when the cable 50 is fixed (connected) to the camera side.

  The setting data a to c in the memory 33 are stored in association with the cable features a to c. For this reason, the memory 33 can specify the optimum setting data for the specification from the setting data a to c based on the selection information corresponding to the cable characteristics. The image sensor 22 can read the specified setting data and shoot a video or perform image processing.

  Therefore, if setting data ac of all specifications that the camera can handle in hardware is stored, the image sensor 22 can shoot with the optimum setting data simply by connecting the camera body and the cable 50. Can do. Further, since it is not necessary to access the memory 33 on the cable itself, a signal line for notifying the cable 50 of the specification to the camera side is unnecessary, and an increase in cost can be prevented.

  Actually, when the camera is activated (when the power is turned on), the model recognizing unit 31 detects the cable characteristic of the already connected cable 50 and outputs the selection information to the storage unit 23. Therefore, the image sensor 22 selects setting data to be read every time it is activated.

  By adopting such a configuration, the multi-model low-volume production with different setting data and cables 50 depending on the application, customer requirements, vehicle type, etc., but the main body is the same in the camera assembly process in the common camera 100. Accordingly, it is possible to mount the camera 100 that performs video output based on optimum setting data simply by connecting an appropriate cable 50 to the camera.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost by sharing many manufacturing processes for multiple models. The number of cores of the cable 50 is not increased and the cost is not increased.

  In addition, even in the multi-model low-volume production camera 100 that is likely to be manufactured after being ordered, the contents of the memory 33 can be shared by storing a plurality of setting data in the memory 33, so that the production efficiency is improved. Can do.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a diagram for schematically explaining the installation location of the camera 100 mounted on the vehicle. There are a wide variety of on-board cameras 100. Depending on the vehicle, it may be mounted at four locations on the front, left and right sides, and rear of the vehicle. The camera 100 arranged at the front is called a front view camera, the camera 100 arranged at the side is called a side view camera, and the camera 100 arranged at the rear is called a rear view camera.

  The front view camera is a camera 100 for photographing the front of the vehicle and the left and right as wide as possible, and is disposed on a bumper or a rearview mirror as shown. The side view camera is a camera 100 for photographing an image for grasping the distance from the road shoulder and an image in front of the passenger seat that is likely to be a blind spot from the driver's seat. The rear view camera is a camera 100 for photographing the rear of the vehicle. Each camera 100 is better as the field of view is wider, and is required to be waterproof because it is exposed to wind and rain. For this reason, the camera 100 using a wide-angle lens of about 190 degrees and having waterproof performance is the basic performance of the camera 100, and the camera 100 common to any application can be used.

  However, when the front view camera enters the road only in front of the vehicle from the alley, for the purpose of checking the left and right obstacles and other vehicles that become blind spots from the driver's seat, it is more in the vehicle width direction than the front direction. Close left and right (hereinafter referred to as “left and right”) images are important. For this reason, it is desirable that the front view camera can cut out and output only the video in the left-right direction.

  On the other hand, the rear view camera projects a rear image on the monitor 60 viewed by the driver facing forward, and therefore requires a video that is reversed left and right compared to the front view camera. In addition, not only the left and right images but also the image of the rear front is important, so that the images are often not cut out.

  Further, since the side view camera is in a position where it is difficult for the light of the vehicle to circulate, it is preferable to shoot with a setting strong against darkness.

  As described above, even if the camera 100 has the same basic performance, it can be installed in a vehicle by changing the setting of video parameters such as the position and presence of video, the presence or absence of left-right inversion, or brightness according to the application. can do.

  On the other hand, since the driver sees only one monitor 60 in the driver's seat, the distance from each camera 100 to the monitor 60 varies greatly from camera to camera, and the cable 50 connecting the monitor 60 and the camera 100 is common. It cannot be made.

  Not only the length of the cable 50 but also the cable 50 connecting the front view camera and the monitor 60 needs to be wound around a space close to the engine room where the temperature is high. It is desirable. Since the rear view camera is often arranged at the trunk door, the cable 50 connecting the rear view camera and the monitor 60 is required to have flexibility by opening and closing the trunk and low loss in a long transmission path. Since the side view camera is often installed in a side mirror, some waterproofness may be lower than that of the front or rear. Thus, individual conditions are included in the video parameters and cable characteristics in accordance with customer requirements such as application and vehicle type. The cable features described above can be geometric or electrical features to identify this cable characteristic.

  In the present embodiment, a function required for the camera 100 according to a mounting target (here, a vehicle) and a mounting location of the camera 100 is referred to as a specification. Video parameters are also determined according to the specifications. The video parameter and the setting data are almost synonymous, and a more specific name of the setting data is the video parameter.

  The plurality of setting data stored in the memory is specified by the cable characteristics. Accordingly, the specification of the camera 100 is indefinite when mounted at each position of the vehicle, and the specification of the camera 100 is determined by connecting the cable to the camera 100.

  In this embodiment, the camera 100 is mounted on the vehicle as an example. However, the camera 100 may be mounted on a vehicle other than the vehicle, such as a security camera 100 installed in a home or office. The concept of specifying a plurality of video parameters by cable characteristics can be applied.

[Configuration of Camera 100]
The configuration of the camera 100 will be described. For comparison, the configuration of the conventional camera 100 will be described first.
<Conventional camera 100>
FIG. 3 shows an example of a configuration diagram of a conventional camera 100. The camera 100 roughly includes a lens 14, a front case 11, and a rear case 12.

  The lens 14 is generally composed of a plurality of lenses 14a and 14b in order to reduce aberrations. For this reason, a lens fixing member (lens cell) for holding the lens 14 is required. In this figure, the front case 11 holding the two lenses 14a and 14b also serves as the lens fixing member.

  In addition, in order to ensure waterproofness, the lens 14 and the front case 11 are in close contact with each other with waterproof rubber, an O-ring, packing, or the like as necessary. Similarly, the front case 11 and the rear case 12 are in close contact with each other by utilizing the deformability and elasticity of the waterproof ring 13 such as an O-ring so that the front case 11 and the rear case 12 are similarly waterproof. The rear case 12 has an insertion hole 9 into which the cable 50 can be inserted. The rear case connecting portion 51 of the cable 50 is molded so that it can be screwed to the insertion hole 9 of the rear case 12 in many cases, and there is no packing between the insertion hole 9 and the rear case 12. The waterproof function is secured by a waterproof ring 30 made of rubber or rubber.

  A circuit board 20 is fixed in a space formed by the front case 11 and the rear case 12. On the circuit board 20, an image sensor 22, a storage unit 23, an image processing unit 24, an I / F circuit 25, an output circuit 26, a connector 27, a pad 29, and a power supply 31 are mounted. An image sensor 22 that converts light incident through the lens 14 into an electrical signal is mounted on the circuit board 20. The image sensor 22 includes a CMOS type and a CCD type, but many of the CMOS types (examples in the figure) have an image processing function and an I / F function with the storage means 23. On the other hand, in the case of a CCD, a CCD control circuit is externally attached, and the CCD control circuit provides an interface with image processing and storage means 23.

  The image sensor 22 or the CCD control circuit reads initial settings (video parameters) from the storage unit 23 at the time of activation, captures video data under the set conditions, and outputs them to the image processing unit 24. The image processing unit 24 performs correction processing such as brightness, outline sharpness, and distortion on the video data output from the image sensor 22.

  The corrected video data is converted into a format for output to the outside by the output circuit 26. Currently, the mainstream signal format of the camera 100 mounted on the vehicle is in accordance with an analog video signal standard such as NTSC (National Television System Committee) or PAL (Phase Alternating Line). The converted analog video signal is transmitted to an external device (such as a monitor 60) via a cable 50 connected to the connectors 27 and 28 inside the camera.

  When the camera 100 performs image processing according to the setting from the outside, the I / F circuit 25 connected to the external device via the connectors 27 and 28 transmits / receives data to / from the external device, and the image processing unit 24. A command signal for setting is notified. As an example of using this function, there is a case where a switch (not shown) connected to the end of the cable terminal 52 is used to select whether to overlay a vehicle width line or characters on the screen. . A command signal from an external device is received by the I / F circuit 25 via the cable 50 and output to the image processing unit 24. As a result, the image processing unit 24 can overwrite the overlay information on the video data output from the image sensor 22 and superimpose a vehicle width line, characters, or the like on the analog video signal.

  Electric power necessary for the operation of the camera 100 is supplied to the power supply circuit 21 through the cable 50. The power supply circuit 21 converts the voltage into a voltage necessary for a device inside the camera and distributes it to each block. The pad 29 will be described below. The pad 29 serves as an interface for connecting each block (especially the storage means 23) and an adjustment device.

  In this embodiment, the image sensor 22 and the storage unit 23 are directly connected. However, the image sensor 22 may be connected to the storage unit 23 via the image processing unit 24.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a diagram for schematically explaining writing of setting data to the storage means 23. A general method for writing the setting data is a method in which the memory writing and operation inspection apparatus 40 rewrites the data via the pads 29 arranged on the circuit board 20.

  At the time of manufacturing the circuit board 20, for example, the memory writing and operation inspection apparatus 40 has an operation inspection process for supplying power to the circuit board 20 and confirming the basic operation after mounting components on the circuit board 20. At this time, in order to mechanically check the operation confirmation, a pad 29 is provided that exposes a copper foil pattern that can be directly touched at a predetermined position on the circuit board 20 with a signal line necessary for the inspection in advance.

  The memory writing / operation checking device 40 checks whether the signal level is a desired level by touching the pad 29 with a needle-like probe.

FIG. 5 is an example of a diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage unit 23. The signal line necessary for writing to the storage means 23 is also formed with a pad 29 in the same manner as the signal line for inspection. For example, when writing to the storage means 23 is performed by serial communication, this signal line is a signal line for a clock signal, a data signal, and a master / slave switching signal. Before the inspection, the memory writing and operation inspection device 40 supplies only the power supply circuit 21 to the circuit board 20 and sets data of all specifications that may be adapted to the camera body to the storage means 23 through these pads 29. Is written and stored.
Note that a signal line may be arranged on the connector 27 instead of the pad 29. In this case, when rewriting the setting data in the storage means 23, it is not necessary to connect a large-scale memory writing / operation inspection device 40 having a needle (probe) to be brought into contact with the pad 29. However, since it is necessary to connect the memory writing and operation inspection device 40 to the connector 27 instead, the connector 27 is increased in size by several pins in which the number of signal lines is increased.

  Further, by arranging the signal line in the connector 27, there is an advantage that the setting data in the memory 33 can be rewritten until the rear case 12 is assembled as a camera assembling process. The work of inserting and removing 27 is required.

  In the storage unit 23 of FIG. 5, for example, only one set data of the specification n is stored at the address 0000000h. Thus, in the conventional camera 100, only one setting data is stored, and if necessary, it can be rewritten to cope with a plurality of specifications.

  When the power of the camera body is turned on or when the memory writing and operation inspection device 40 supplies power to the circuit board 20, the image sensor 22 reads the setting data from the storage means 23, and the video data according to the video parameter based on the setting data. Make corrections.

<Camera 100 of this embodiment>
FIG. 6 shows an example of a configuration diagram of the camera 100 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same parts as those in FIG.

  The camera 100 in FIG. 6 includes a model recognizing unit 31 in the insertion hole 9 serving as a connecting portion between the rear case 12 and the cable 50. The model recognition unit 31 is connected to the pad 29 and the storage unit 23. The model recognizing unit 31 notifies the storage unit 23 of selection information that is a recognition result of the cable feature. A method for recognizing cable characteristics will be described later.

  A plurality of setting data is stored in the storage unit 23 of FIG. The writing method to the storage means 23 is almost the same as that in FIG.

  Note that the storage means 23 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM represented by a flash memory.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating the writing to the storage unit 23 and the configuration of the storage unit 23. 7 differs from FIG. 5 in that the storage means 23 includes not only the memory 33 but also the address control means 32. In FIG. 7, the memory writing and operation inspection device 40 (not shown) accesses the storage means 23 via the pad 29. The memory writing and operation inspection device 40 writes a plurality of setting data stored in advance at predetermined addresses in the memory 33.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a diagram showing a memory map of the storage means 23. Setting data of each specification is written in order from the top address of the memory 33. Setting data a of specification 1 is stored at address 0000000h, setting data b of specification 2 is stored at address 1000000h, setting data c of specification 3 is stored at address 2000000h, and setting data d of specification 4 is stored at address 3000000h. Has been.

  Therefore, assuming that the number of setting data stored in the memory 33 is n, the memory 33 requires n times the size of the memory 33 of the conventional storage unit 23. However, since the size of one setting data is very small, a memory 33 having a very large size is not necessary even if the setting data increases several times. Further, even if considering the relationship between the current size and cost of the memory 33, the cost is hardly increased.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the model recognizing means 31 detects a cable feature designed based on a design concept common to the plurality of cables 50. As a result of identifying the cable feature, the model recognition unit 31 notifies the address control unit 32 of selection information indicating setting data to be selected.

  When the address control unit 32 acquires the selection information, the address control unit 32 determines the top address of the memory 33 in which the setting data to be read by the image sensor 22 is stored, and relays the exchange of the setting data between the memory 33 and the image sensor 22. There are several methods for associating selection information with setting data. A relatively simple method is that the head address of specification 1 is set to 000000h, the head address of specification 2 is set to 100000h ... : Most significant bit). When each setting data is stored in the memory 33 in association with the selection information, the address control unit 32 specifies the setting data associated with the selection information output from the model recognition unit 31.

  The address control unit 32 controls a read-out address requested by the image sensor 22. For example, when the image sensor 22 has a function that can specify the address of the setting data to be read, the address control means 32 may specify the head address of the specification according to the selection information to the image sensor 22. When this function is not provided and the image sensor 22 automatically reads the setting data from the zero address, the address control means 32 corrects the address information sent to the memory 33 by relaying the communication output from the image sensor 22 (offset). )

<Procedures for assembly, model recognition, and reading of setting data>
FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure for storing setting data in the storage unit 23.
First, in the process of assembling the camera 100 to the vehicle, the following is performed.

  In the substrate operation inspection process, the memory writing and operation inspection apparatus 40 stores all setting data corresponding to specifications that the camera 100 may support in the storage unit 23 (S110).

  Next, according to the specification, the manufacturing robot or the worker connects one end of the cable 50 to the camera 100 and the other end to an external device such as a monitor 60 or a switch (S120).

  FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure until the image sensor 22 reads setting data. The procedure in FIG. 10 is executed every time the camera 100 mounted on the vehicle is operated (activated).

  Power is supplied to the camera 100 by a user operation (S210).

  Since the cable 50 is already connected, the model recognition unit 31 outputs selection information corresponding to the cable characteristics to the address control unit 32 (S220).

  The address control unit 32 specifies the start address of the setting data read from the memory 33 according to the selection information notified from the model recognition unit 31 according to the selection information and setting data association rule (S230).

  The image sensor 22 reads the setting data starting from the start address from the memory 33 and sets it in the RAM, the register, or the like (S240). Thereafter, the image sensor 22 corrects the video data in accordance with the setting data and outputs it to the image processing unit 24.

  When the storage unit 23 is directly connected to the image processing unit 24, the image processing unit 24 can provide the same function as the address control unit 32.

[Specific Configuration of Model Recognition Unit 31]
Next, the model recognition unit 31 will be described in detail. The model recognition unit 31 converts the cable feature into selection information. The cable characteristics appear in the shape or electrical properties of the rear case connecting portion 51 of the cable 50.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the model recognition unit 31. The model recognizing means 31 is installed in the insertion hole portion 9 with which the rear case connecting portion 51 contacts in order to identify the cable feature when the cable 50 is assembled to the camera 100. As described above, the rear case connecting portion 51, which is the camera side end of the cable 50, is molded to maintain the waterproof property of the contact point with the rear case 12 and to be screwed to the rear case 12. There are many cases. A waterproof rubber is sandwiched between the mold part and the rear case 12, and a wire or connector (not shown) to be connected to the board is passed through the hole of the rear case 12, and the mold part and the rear case 12 are firmly attached with screws or the like. Fix it. As described above, the cable 50 is firmly fixed in the insertion hole 9 in order to ensure hermeticity, so that the model recognition means 31 can be operated reliably.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the recognition of the cable feature is performed with the tip shape of the mold part that is a part of the rear case connection part 51. In other words, the shape of the mold tip is a cable feature. The cable characteristic of FIG. 11 is the presence or absence of the convex part 37 in the direction perpendicular to the rear case 12. In the left figure of FIG. 11, the mold part does not have the convex part 37, and in the right figure of FIG. 11, the mold part has the convex part 37.

  The shape of the mold tip is designed so that the presence and location of the convex portion 37 and the position are different for each cable feature in a portion close to the portion where the wire comes out and close to the substrate.

  On the other hand, the rear case 12 is mounted with a switch whose ON / OFF state changes depending on the presence / absence and position of the convex portion 37. The terminal 35 of the switch is an elastic body such as a spring, and maintains a state where it does not contact the electrode 36 due to elastic force in the neutral state. Therefore, when the cable 50 without the convex part 37 is connected as shown in the left figure, the terminal 35 and the electrode 36 do not contact each other.

  On the other hand, when the cable 50 having the convex portion 37 is connected, the convex portion 37 presses the terminal 35 of the switch to the electrode 36, so that the terminal 35 and the electrode 36 come into contact with each other.

  Therefore, by detecting the presence / absence of contact between the terminal 35 and the electrode 36, the model recognizing means 31 can determine the cable characteristic, that is, the specification.

  FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of a peripheral circuit of the switch formed by the model recognition unit 31 and the cable feature. The peripheral circuit makes it possible to take out the voltage change due to the ON / OFF of the switch as selection information and identify the cable characteristics.

  The peripheral circuit of the switch shown in FIG. 12A is pulled up to the power supply voltage. Since the power supply voltage Vcc and the ground are connected via a switch, when the switch is open, the voltage is pulled up by the resistor R and the selection information becomes High. When the switch is closed, the power supply voltage Vcc is grounded to the ground, so that the selection information is Low. Therefore, the selection information represents the state of the switch, that is, the cable characteristics.

  FIG. 12A shows a simple configuration with one mechanical shape change (one switch). By increasing this to two or more locations, 2 ^ n types of states (multi-bit) Can appear. Only by setting n = 2, four types of cable characteristics can be discriminated.

  The cable features are individually designed with at least different specifications for which the setting data needs to be changed. However, if the setting data is the same even if the camera 100 is placed in a different location, only the terminal shape, the cable length, and the thickness of the cable end may be changed, and the cable characteristics may be made common.

  FIG. 12B is an example of a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the address control unit 32. The address control means 32 has a multiplexer 34 and a register 44 that stores the addresses of the setting data a, b, c. When the selection information is supplied to the multiplexer 34, the multiplexer 34 outputs the address of the corresponding setting data to the image sensor 22. Therefore, the image sensor 22 can read setting data corresponding to the specification from the memory 33.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the model recognition unit 31. The model recognition means 31 shown in FIG. 13 includes metal springs 38 and 39 and their peripheral circuits. When the cable 50 is connected to the insertion hole 9 of the rear case 12, the metal piece 42 of the rear case connection portion 51 can be connected to the metal springs 38 and 39. Assuming that there are two metal springs 38 and 39, the metal piece 42 comes into contact with one of the three states, only one of them, both, or neither. Therefore. The model recognizing means 31 can identify the cable feature depending on where the metal piece 42 is formed in the rear case connecting portion 51.

  The rear case 12 is formed with spring-like metal springs 38 and 39 that can contact the metal piece 42 at a place where the metal piece 42 may be inserted. In FIG. 13, metal springs 38 and 39 are provided at positions in contact with the metal piece 42 on the assumption that the metal piece 42 is formed at positions on the left and right sides of the drawing with respect to the wire.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a peripheral circuit configured by the model recognition unit 31. The metal spring 38 is pulled up to the power supply voltage Vcc through a resistor R, and the metal spring 39 is also pulled up to the power supply voltage Vcc through a resistor R. In the figure, selection information by the metal spring 38 is selection information A, and selection information by the metal spring 39 is selection information B. In a state where the metal piece 42 is not in contact with either of the metal springs 38 and 39, the selection information A and B are both High.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a diagram illustrating cable characteristics of the cable 50 of FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a peripheral circuit formed by the metal piece 42 and the wiring in the rear case connection portion 51. The metal piece 42 is electrically connected to the GND line 43 inside the rear case connection portion 51. The GND line 43 is a line connected to the GND of the circuit board 20 of the camera 100.

  14 and 15, when the cable 50 having the metal piece 42 is connected to the rear case 12, the metal piece 42 contacts the metal spring 38 or 39 according to the formation position of the metal piece 42. Yes (may not contact). The metal piece 42 is connected to the GND line 43 inside the cable, and the GND line 43 is also electrically connected to the GND of the circuit board 20 through the connectors 27 and 28. For this reason, the selection information A and B of the metal springs 38 and 39 in contact with the metal piece 42 changes from a pull-up state to a low voltage.

  Although not shown, when the rear case connecting part 51 having the two metal pieces 42 is connected to the rear case 12, the selection information of the metal springs 38 and 39 is changed to a low voltage. Although not shown, when the rear case connection part 51 that does not have any metal piece 42 is connected to the rear case 12, the selection information A and B of the metal springs 38 and 39 remains High. . Thus, four cable features can be identified even with two metal springs.

  Further, if the number of the metal springs 38 and 39 is increased, the model recognizing means 31 can identify more cable features. For example, if the number of metal springs is three, eight cable features can be identified.

  The configuration example of the address control means 32 is the same as that shown in FIG. That is, by connecting a plurality of selection information A and B to the multiplexer 34, the multiplexer 34 can output the address of setting data corresponding to the cable characteristics to the image sensor 22.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the model recognition unit 31. The model recognition means 31 in FIG. 16 is a metal spring 38 and its peripheral circuit. That is, it differs from FIG. 13 in that there is only one metal spring 38. Since the position of the metal piece 42 is common even if the specification changes, the metal spring 38 of the rear case 12 may be provided at one location. For this reason, the model recognizing means 31 recognizes the specification from the difference in resistance value connecting the metal piece 42 arranged in the mold part of the rear case connecting part 51 and the GND wire 43.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a peripheral circuit configured by the model recognition unit 31 and the cable feature. The peripheral circuit of the metal spring 38 is the same as that of FIG. 14, but in FIG. 14, there is only one metal spring 38.
On the other hand, in the rear case connection portion 51, a resistor having a resistance value R2 is disposed between the metal piece 42 and the GND line 43. A characteristic of the cable characteristic of the cable 50 of FIG. 16 is that the resistance value R2 differs depending on the specification. When the cable 50 is connected to the insertion hole 9 of the rear case 12, the metal spring 38 and the metal piece 42 come into contact with each other, so that the power supply voltage Vcc, the metal spring 38, the metal piece 42, and the GND wire 43 are connected in series. The Therefore, the voltage between the power supply voltage Vcc and the substrate GND is divided by the resistance values R1 and R2, and the voltage of the selection information is determined by the cable characteristics.

  For example, if the resistance value R1 = 1 kΩ, the resistance value of the cable A is R2 = 1 kΩ, and the resistance value of the cable B is R2 = 2 kΩ, the voltage as the selection information is Vcc / 2 in the case of the cable A, In this case, Vcc × 2/3.

  When the selection information becomes a voltage value, the address control means 32 converts the voltage value of the selection information into digital data. In order to detect these voltage values, a plurality of comparators, an A / D converter, or the like may be used and digitized into multiple bits. If the digital data is output to the multiplexer 34, the multiplexer 34 can output the address of the setting data corresponding to the cable characteristics to the image sensor 22.

  In the example of FIG. 17, a plurality of cable features can be identified simply by changing the resistance value R <b> 2, so that there is an advantage that the types of identifiable cable features can be easily increased.

[Camera assembly process]
The circuit assembly process will be described. Hereinafter, the circuit board 20 has a general two-sheet configuration. In the following description, it is assumed that one circuit board 20 is a sensor board 20a and the other circuit board 20 is an image processing board.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of the assembly process, and FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration diagram of the circuit board 20.

  The sensor substrate 20 a is equipped with an image sensor 22, a storage unit 23, and a pad 29 for writing setting data to the storage unit 23. An image processing unit 24, an output circuit 26, an I / F circuit 25, and a power supply circuit 21 are mounted on the image processing board 20b. The function of each block is as described in FIG.

  The sensor board 20a and the image processing board 20b are connected to each other by a pair of connectors 27 and 28, and power is supplied from the power supply circuit 21 of the image processing board 20b to the image sensor 22 and the like, and the image of the sensor board 20a. Video data is transmitted from the sensor 22 to the image processing unit 24.

The assembly process of the camera 100 will be described.
(1) Lens assembly For example, a manufacturing apparatus or an operator fixes a plurality of lenses 14 to a lens fixing part made with high accuracy.
(2) Setting data writing The memory 33 as the storage means 23 is mounted on the sensor substrate 20a. The lens assembly and the assembly of the sensor substrate 20a in the next process are very delicate processes, and the minute misalignment adversely affects the image quality. Therefore, the blocks of the sensor substrate 20a are bonded and fixed not only during the assembly. Even later, it is necessary to be cautious when handling the sensor substrate 20a.

  For this reason, it is desirable to write to the memory 33 before adjusting the position of the sensor substrate 20a. Specifically, in the operation inspection process, in order to confirm the operation of each mounted block or power supply system, the circuit board 20 is set in the memory writing and operation inspection apparatus 40. It is easy to write. As described above, if the writing to the memory 33 is performed in the operation inspection process of the single substrate, the work efficiency and the image quality can be maintained.

  Although the operation inspection process is in the initial stage of the camera assembly process, if the setting data to be written differs for each specification, it is necessary to wait for an order for each specification and select and write the setting data according to the specification. For this reason, in the conventional camera 100, it is difficult to proceed with the steps after the step (2) before receiving an order, which has been an issue for improving the production efficiency.

In the present embodiment, all of the setting data of a plurality of specifications can be written in the memory 33, so that the steps after the step (2) can be advanced as long as the specifications can be handled by the written setting data.
(3) Sensor board position adjustment
The sensor board 20a on which the image sensor 22 is mounted is fixedly held, and the lens 14, the lens fixing component, and the like so that the three axes of X, Y, and Z are eliminated while the worker or the manufacturing robot sees the output image. The position of the sensor substrate 20a is adjusted. Since the analog video signal is not output by the sensor substrate alone, the adjustment is performed by connecting the sensor substrate 20a and the dummy substrate for adjustment corresponding to the image processing substrate 20b to the sensor substrate 20a.
(4) Sensor substrate adhesive fixing An operator or a manufacturing robot firmly fixes the lens fixing component positioned in the step (3) to the sensor substrate 20a with screws or an adhesive.
(5) Front case assembly An operator or a manufacturing robot assembles the module in which the lens 14 and the sensor substrate 20a are integrated into the front case 11. At this time, waterproof packing or the like is sandwiched so as to fill a gap between the lens 14 and the front case 11.
(6) Image processing board assembly An operator or a manufacturing robot connects the sensor board 20a fixed to the front case 11 and the image processing board via the connector 41. As a result, the signal lines of the sensor substrate 20a and the image processing substrate 20b are connected. You may connect by solder etc., without going through the connector 41. FIG.
(7) Image processing substrate fixing In order to keep the distance between both substrates constant, an operator or a manufacturing robot fixes the relative value of both with a fixing member. For example, a spacer is sandwiched between the substrates, and both the substrates are screwed in a direction in which the spacers are compressed.
(8) Rear case assembly After an operator or a manufacturing robot sandwiches a waterproof packing or the like for ensuring waterproofness between the front case 11 and the rear case 12, the front case 11 and the rear case 12 are connected. The connection method is often screwed or the like, but if the material of the front case 11 and the rear case 12 is plastic, it is also effective to harden it by ultrasonic welding or the like. The rear case 12 has an insertion hole 9 into which the cable 50 can be inserted later on the side opposite to the sensor substrate 20a.
(9) Cable assembly An operator or a manufacturing robot inserts the connector 28 for connecting the substrate at the end of the cable into the connector 27 on the image processing substrate 20b from the insertion hole 9 of the rear case 12. A wire rod longer than the distance from the rear case connecting portion 51 to the connector 28 is folded and pushed into the rear case, and the worker or the manufacturing robot confirms that the model recognizing means 31 operates, while confirming that the rear case connecting portion 51 operates. Insert the mold part into the rear case 12. At this time, in order to ensure waterproofness between the mold part and the rear case 12, a waterproof packing is sandwiched and firmly adhered by screwing or ultrasonic fusion.

  Therefore, the sensor substrate 20a and the image processing substrate 20b can be sealed in the front case 11 and the rear case 12 by the above assembling process, and the model recognition is achieved by connecting the cable 50 to the insertion hole 9 of the image processing substrate 20b. The means 31 can be activated.

  As described above, the camera 100 of the present embodiment stores setting data of all specifications that can be supported by the camera 100, and simply connects a cable having a cable feature that specifies the specification to the camera. The image sensor 22 can take an image with optimum setting data.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Front case 12 Rear case 13, 30 Waterproof ring 14 Lens 21 Power supply circuit 22 Image sensor 23 Memory | storage means 24 Image processing part 27, 28, 41 Connector 29 Pad 31 Model recognition means 32 Address control means 33 Memory 34 Multiplexer 35 Terminal 36 Electrode 37 Convex parts 38, 39 Metal spring 40 Memory writing and operation inspection device 50 Cable 51 Rear case connection part 100 Camera

Japanese Patent No. 36552

Claims (11)

An imaging device that performs image processing based on parameters for image processing,
Storage means for storing a plurality of the parameters according to specifications that may be required for the imaging apparatus;
A mounting portion for attaching a cable connected to an external device to a case for storing a substrate for image processing so that the substrate is hermetically sealed;
Feature detection means for detecting the characteristics of the cable attached to the attachment portion;
Parameter providing means for selecting the parameter corresponding to the feature from the storage means and providing it to the image sensor;
An imaging device comprising: The feature detection means detects the feature based on the shape or electrical characteristics of the cable at a portion in contact with the mounting portion.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The feature detection means detects the feature based on whether or not the attached cable turns on an electrical contact.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The feature detection means has a first terminal pulled up by a resistor and a second terminal grounded,
The electrical contact is turned on when the attached cable short-circuits the first terminal and the second terminal,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 3. Having a metal terminal provided in the mounting portion;
The feature detection means detects the feature based on whether or not the metal section of the attached cable is in contact with the metal terminal.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The metal terminal is pulled up by a resistor,
The metal piece is short-circuited to a GND line of the attached cable, which is connected to the ground of the imaging device,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5. A plurality of the metal terminals in the mounting portion;
The feature detection means detects the feature from at least one of the metal terminals in contact with the metal piece or the number of metal terminals in contact with the metal piece among the plurality of metal terminals.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6. A resistor is connected in series to the metal piece and the GND line.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6. The feature detection means detects the feature based on a pull-up potential when the metal terminal and the metal piece contact each other, which changes depending on a resistance value of the resistor.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 8. The storage means stores the parameter at a different address for each feature,
The parameter providing means includes
Supplying an address corresponding to the feature or the parameter stored in the address to the image sensor;
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. Storage means for storing a plurality of parameters according to specifications that may be required for the imaging apparatus;
A mounting portion for attaching a cable connected to an external device to a case for storing a substrate for image processing so that the substrate is hermetically sealed;
An image sensor that performs image processing based on the parameter, a parameter reading method for an imaging apparatus,
A step of detecting a characteristic of the cable attached to the attachment portion by a feature detection means;
A parameter providing unit selecting the parameter corresponding to the feature from the storage unit and providing the parameter to the image sensor;
A parameter reading method characterized by comprising:

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