JP2012124750A - Parameter management system, imaging apparatus, and parameter management apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a parameter management system, an imaging apparatus, and a parameter management apparatus capable of inexpensively managing parameters characteristic to the imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: On the basis of the result of adjustment of a camera module 30 (imaging apparatus) by an electrical adjustment apparatus 31, a work station 32 stores parameters of various kinds of adjustment values/setting values in a server apparatus 33 in association with identification information such as a serial number. This enables a camera-incorporating mobile phone 30A equipped with the camera module 30 to communicate with the server apparatus 33 (parameter management apparatus) managing the parameters on the basis of identification information on the mobile phone in supply of power, thereby downloading the parameters.

Description

  The present invention relates to a parameter management system, an imaging apparatus, and a parameter management apparatus unique to an imaging apparatus such as color temperature and chromatic aberration.

  An imaging apparatus such as a digital camera is composed of a combination of a plurality of units. In particular, a camera unit in which a lens unit, a sensor, and a signal processing circuit are integrated is a main part of an imaging apparatus, and desired optical characteristics cannot be obtained only by mechanical accuracy at the time of integration. Color reproduction due to may be deteriorated.

  As a countermeasure against this, an electrically erasable / writable memory (for example, EEPROM: Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) is used for correction in the subsequent signal processing using the adjustment value / setting value based on the adjustment result in the manufacturing process. ). Then, as shown in Patent Document 1, adjustment / setting is performed in the manufacturing process of the imaging device, and the result is stored in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, thereby ensuring high image quality.

JP 2009-510868 A

  However, the conventional image pickup apparatus has to use an expensive EEPROM in order to maintain the adjustment value / setting value unique to the image pickup with high reliability, which increases the cost.

  In addition, for example, when changing the adjustment value / setting value in the EEPROM of the imaging device built in the mobile communication device, the imaging device manufacturer from the dealer of the operator via the service station of the manufacturer of the mobile communication device It was very time consuming and costly to distribute.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of such a conventional situation, and an object thereof is to provide a parameter management system, an imaging apparatus, and a parameter management apparatus that can manage parameters specific to the imaging apparatus at low cost. To do.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a parameter management system according to the present invention communicates with an imaging device, a parameter management unit that associates and manages an identification number of the imaging device and a parameter unique to the imaging device, and A parameter management device including a communication unit that transmits parameters unique to the imaging device, a communication unit that communicates with the parameter management device based on the identification information of the imaging device, and downloads parameters specific to the imaging device; And an imaging device including an imaging unit that acquires an image using a parameter.

  In addition, the parameter management system according to the present invention communicates with the imaging device, the parameter management unit that manages the identification information of the imaging device and the parameters specific to the imaging device, and sets parameters specific to the imaging device. A parameter management device including a communication unit to transmit, a communication unit that communicates with the parameter management device based on the identification information of the imaging device, downloads parameters unique to the imaging device, and transfers the downloaded parameters to the imaging device And an adjustment device including a transfer unit.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention communicates with an external parameter management apparatus based on the identification information of the imaging apparatus, and acquires an image using the communication unit that downloads parameters specific to the imaging apparatus and the downloaded parameters. And an imaging unit.

  In addition, the parameter management device according to the present invention communicates with an imaging device, a parameter management unit that manages the identification information of the imaging device in association with parameters unique to the imaging device, and sets parameters specific to the imaging device. And a communication unit for transmission.

  According to the present invention, for example, when the power is turned on, parameters inherent to the imaging apparatus are downloaded from the parameter management apparatus, so that the conventionally used EEPROM becomes unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, when changing parameters specific to the imaging apparatus, it is not necessary to return the parameters to the imaging apparatus manufacturer, and time costs and distribution costs can be reduced.

It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of an imaging device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the color temperature which is one of the AWB process adjustment results. It is a figure for demonstrating chromatic aberration adjustment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the handling of the parameter in the past. It is a schematic diagram which shows the handling of the parameter in this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the network in this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the parameter management system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating download of full data. It is a figure for demonstrating downloading of partial data. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a server device A. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a server device A.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail in the following order with reference to the drawings.
1. Imaging device Parameter 3. Outline of parameter management system 4. Specific example of parameter management system

<1. Imaging device>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus 10 includes a lens 11, a camera signal processing unit 12, an image signal processing unit 13, a lens control unit 14, an SDRAM 15, an SRAM 16, a communication unit 17, and a GPS (Global Posiioning Sysem). System) 18.

  In FIG. 1, image light incident from a subject is coupled onto an imaging surface (Pixel Array) 121 such as a solid-state imaging device, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, in a camera signal processing unit 12 by an optical system including a lens 11. Imaged. The solid-state imaging device is not limited to the CCD image sensor, but an XY address type solid-state imaging represented by another charge transfer type solid-state imaging device or a CMOS (Complementary Meal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensor) image sensor. An element may be sufficient.

  An imaging signal output from the solid-state imaging device is subjected to processing such as automatic gain control processing in an AGC (Auomaic Gain Control) unit 122 and processing such as CDS (Correlaed Double Sampling) in an analog front end (AFE) unit 123. After being applied, the image signal processing unit 13 is supplied.

  The image signal processing unit 13 includes a signal processing unit 131, a CPU (Cenral Processing Uni) 132, a Jpeg encoder 133, an I / F circuit 134, and the like. The image signal processing unit 13 converts an image pickup signal (image signal) supplied from the camera signal processing unit 12. Various types of signal processing are performed.

  The signal processing unit 131 automatically reproduces an appropriate color state by automatically determining a light state by a pre-processing unit that amplifies and filters an image signal, an AE (Auo Exposure) processing unit that automatically determines exposure, and a light condition. Auto white balance (AWB) processing unit, color reproduction processing unit that interpolates color information from adjacent pixels and surrounding pixels, γ correction unit to obtain a more natural display, pixel conversion, aspect ratio A scaler unit that sets the vertical frequency so as to obtain an optimum image, a noise reduction (NR) processing unit, and a chromatic aberration correction unit that corrects chromatic aberration generated in the lens 11.

  The CPU 132 performs preprocessing adjustment result values, AE processing adjustment result values, AWB processing adjustment result values, color reproduction processing adjustment result values, γ correction adjustment result values, scaler adjustment result values, NR setting values, and chromatic aberration adjustments in the signal processing unit 131. Control to set result values, various user set values, etc.

  Specifically, parameters unique to the imaging device 10 such as the adjustment values / setting values described above are downloaded from the outside via the communication unit 17 when the power is turned on or periodically, and developed on the SRAM 16 which is a volatile memory. By doing so, the signal processor 131 is controlled.

  Further, in the automatic exposure control, the CPU 132 controls the AGC control amount in the camera signal processing unit 12, the shutter control amount for determining the shutter speed, the control amount for the aperture diameter of the diaphragm, etc. according to the brightness information (luminance information) of the subject image. Control to set.

  Further, the CPU 132 sends a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal VD and horizontal synchronization signal HD) used in the camera signal processing unit 12 and various timing signals for driving the CCD image sensor via the timing generator (G) 124. Generate.

  The lens control unit 14 performs zoom / focus / iris control. Further, the mounting of an option lens or the like is detected, and the unique identification number of the option lens is notified to the CPU 132.

  The SDRAM 15 stores parameters unique to the downloaded imaging device 10. Since the SDRAM 15 is cheaper than the EEPROM, the cost of the imaging device 10 can be reduced.

  The SRAM 16 reads various data used when the CPU 132 performs control, for example, various parameters necessary for the processing in a predetermined imaging mode, is read from the SDRAM 15 and temporarily stored.

  The communication unit 17 communicates with an external parameter management device based on the identification information of the imaging device 10 and downloads parameters specific to the imaging device 10. The parameter is downloaded by receiving full data or partial data of a necessary part. The parameter is expanded on the SRAM 16 and stored in the SDRAM 15 as necessary.

  The GPS 18 detects the current position on the earth and notifies the CPU 132 of position information. The position information is used when changing parameters unique to the imaging apparatus 10 as described later.

  The imaging apparatus 10 having such a configuration can realize cost reduction by downloading a unique parameter from an external parameter management apparatus when the power is turned on, for example, so that the conventionally used EEPROM becomes unnecessary.

<2. Parameter>
Next, parameters unique to the imaging apparatus 10 will be described. As described above, the parameters unique to the imaging apparatus 10 include the preprocessing adjustment result value, the AE process adjustment result value, the AWB process adjustment result value, the color reproduction process adjustment result value, the γ correction adjustment result value, the scaler adjustment result value, Adjustment values / setting values such as an NR setting value, a chromatic aberration adjustment result value, and various user setting values. Hereinafter, as a specific example, an AWB process adjustment result value and a chromatic aberration adjustment result value will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the color temperature which is one of the results of the AWB process adjustment. An image pickup apparatus often performs outdoor / indoor determination in the AWB algorithm and switches the AWB processing with respect to the color temperature, and performs the AWB processing on the basis of the color temperature of about 5600K for the outdoor. However, as shown in FIG. 2 (A), the color temperature of sunlight changes according to the incident angle of the sun to the atmosphere, so that the color temperature is higher at higher latitudes than just below the equator. For this reason, when the color temperature of about 5600K is stored as the adjustment value, the color temperature of sunlight becomes high and the image quality becomes bluish in high latitude areas.

  In order to solve this problem, in the present embodiment, the communication unit 17 notifies the external parameter management device of the positional information related to the latitude by the GPS 18 and downloads the color temperature setting value suitable for the latitude from the parameter management device. To improve image quality. Specifically, for example, the parameter management device determines the color temperature setting value based on the color temperature table as illustrated in FIG. 2B and the position information notified from the imaging device 10, and the imaging device 10 By downloading them, the adjustment value at the time of factory shipment is changed to the optimum value of the imaging device 10.

  In addition, as the calculation of the optimum value of the color temperature in the parameter management device, a method of obtaining by linear approximation from two points of the adjustment value of the outdoor color temperature and the other (low color temperature or high color temperature), etc. An arithmetic function may be mounted in accordance with the AWB function built in the imaging apparatus 10. In recent years, 3G mobile phones have been introduced, and most mobile communication devices are equipped with GPS devices. Therefore, white balance performance can be improved by utilizing these devices.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining chromatic aberration adjustment. As shown in FIG. 3A, a wide converter such as a wide-angle lens is likely to generate chromatic aberration of magnification, and chromatic aberration is generated toward the periphery as compared with a standard lens. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3B, the chromatic aberration correction values of the wide converter are set such that the lens center areas A and B are set to low values and the lens peripheral areas D and E are set to high values. On the other hand, since a teleconverter such as a telephoto lens tends to cause longitudinal chromatic aberration, the aperture is reduced and suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the parameter management device determines the contents that need to be changed by notifying the parameter management device of the unique identification number of an optional lens mounted on the imaging device 10 such as a wide converter or a teleconverter. Then, by downloading and changing the adjustment value / setting value of the function required by the imaging apparatus 10, it is possible to ensure a higher image quality. Further, the development of the imaging device 10 and the optional lens can be desynchronized.

<3. Overview of parameter management system>
Next, an overview of a parameter management system that downloads parameters specific to the imaging apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the handling of parameters in the prior art, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the handling of parameters in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, various adjustment values / setting values are conventionally set by the workstation 22 based on the adjustment result by the electric controller 21 in order to absorb the variation generated in the manufacturing process and ensure the image quality. The data is written in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM of the module 20 (imaging device).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, based on the adjustment result by the electrical controller 31 of the camera module 30 (imaging device), parameters of various adjustment values / setting values are set by the workstation 32 such as the serial number. The information is stored in the server device 33 in association with the identification information. Then, the camera built-in mobile phone 30A equipped with the camera module 30 communicates with a server device 33 (parameter management device) that manages parameters based on its own identification information, and downloads the parameters. Specifically, when the camera-equipped mobile phone 30A is connected to the Internet via the wireless base station 34, the wireless control station 35, and the packet switch 36 when the power is turned on, the server device 33 is connected to the server device 33 and authenticated by the identification information. Download parameters of various adjustment values / setting values.

  As described above, when the imaging apparatus downloads the unique parameters from the server apparatus 33 when the power is turned on, the conventionally used EEPROM becomes unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced. Further, the parameters can be changed without returning to the imaging device manufacturer as in the conventional case, and the time cost and the distribution cost can be reduced.

  Here, the link between the parameter and the camera built-in mobile phone 30A will be described. The manufacturing information (parameters) of the camera module 30 can be broadly divided into three types: those relating to lenses, those relating to sensors, and those relating to users. These pieces of manufacturing information can be finally linked by using a QR code (registered trademark) by laser marking, a serial number, or the like as identification information unique to the camera module 30.

  For example, with respect to the manufacturing information regarding the lens, a QR code is added in the lens ASSY state, and the server identification information and the lens adjustment value / setting value information are stored in the server device 33 in association with each other. When the assembly of the lens, sensor, and substrate is completed, the server device 33 manages the lens identification information and the camera module 30 identification information in association with each other. With this mechanism, the lens manufacturing information and the camera module 30 manufacturing information can be linked.

  The camera built-in mobile phone 30 </ b> A acquires the identification information of the camera module 30 by reading the QR code, and notifies the server device 33 of the identification information, thereby adjusting the adjustment value / setting value of the camera module 30 including the lens. Parameters can be downloaded.

<4. Specific example of parameter management system>
Next, a specific example of a parameter management system that downloads parameters unique to the imaging apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a network in the present embodiment. In this network, a mobile communication device 41 having an imaging device built therein, a server device A42 that manages parameters specific to the imaging device, a server device B43 that inspects the imaging device, and a settlement for the inspection of the imaging device. A payment / billing server device 44 that performs billing is connected.

  The mobile communication device 41 corresponds to the camera-equipped mobile phone 31A shown in FIG. 5, and includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 411, a memory 412, a display unit 413, a NIC 414, an input unit 415, and an imaging device 416. Is provided. Here, the NIC 414 includes a specific configuration related to the terminal-base station-packet switch of the mobile communication device 41. The imaging device 416 corresponds to the camera module 30 shown in FIG.

  The server apparatus A42 corresponds to the server apparatus 33 shown in FIG. 5 and includes an MPU 421, a memory 422, a NIC 423, and a database 434. The database 434 stores lens identification information and camera module 30 identification information in association with each other.

  The server device B43 includes an MPU 431, a memory 432, a NIC 433, and a database 434, and constitutes a simple inspection device for the mobile communication device 41 as will be described later.

  The settlement / billing server device 44 includes an MPU 441, a memory 442, a NIC 443, and a database 444, and performs settlement / billing according to the inspection in the server device B43.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the parameter management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The mobile communication device 51, server device A52, server device B53, and settlement / billing server device 54 shown in FIG. 7 are respectively the mobile communication device 41, server device A42, and server device shown in FIG. It corresponds to B43 and the settlement / billing server device 44.

  The mobile communication device 51 includes a communication control unit 511, a camera module 512, a display unit 513, a settlement unit 514, and an option attachment recognition unit 515. The communication control unit 511 has a function of downloading the adjustment value / setting value of the camera module 512. The settlement unit 514 functions as so-called electronic money and exchanges with the settlement / billing server device 54. The option wearing recognition unit 514 corresponds to the lens control unit 14 shown in FIG. 1, and notifies the server device A52 according to the wearing of the lens.

  The server device A52 includes a communication control unit 521, a reception unit 522, a database unit 523, a hard disk drive (HDD) 524, an arithmetic processing unit 525, a data creation unit 526, and a file transmission unit 527.

  The communication control 521 receives the identification information of the mobile communication device 51 and the position information added by the mobile communication device 51 transmitted in the packet, and performs the authentication work in the receiving unit 522. The arithmetic processing unit 525 refers to the database unit 523 based on the identification information of the mobile communication device 51 to determine whether the mobile communication device 51 needs to download full data or partial data. . The arithmetic processing unit 525 executes partial data arithmetic processing based on position information added by the mobile communication device 51, and sequentially performs processing when a plurality of partial data is necessary.

  After the calculation process, the data creation unit 526 merges data to create data. Then, the database unit 523 creates a database by linking the created data with the identification information and position information of the mobile communication device, and stores them in a main storage device such as the HDD 524. Thereafter, the file transmission unit 527 generates the created data as data that can be transmitted, and transmits the data via the communication control unit 521.

  The server apparatus B 53 includes a communication control unit 531, a reception unit 532, a database unit 533, a hard disk drive (HDD) 534, an arithmetic processing unit, a simple adjustment / inspection machine 535, and a file transmission unit 536.

  In a sensor used for a digital still camera or the like, a pixel may be damaged due to exposure to cosmic rays after shipping inspection, and a white bright spot may be generated in a dark image. The camera module 512 has a built-in function for correcting this defect.

  In the present embodiment, the simple adjustment / inspection machine 535 has a dark box function capable of capturing an image in a completely dark state, and mainly displays an image indicating position information of a white defect during use by the end user (after shipping inspection). It has a function of acquiring and transmitting to the server apparatus A52 via the communication control unit 531. Further, the communication control unit 531 communicates with the server apparatus A52 based on the identification information of the camera module 51, and downloads parameters specific to the camera module 51. The simple adjustment / inspection machine 535 transmits the downloaded parameters to the camera module 51. It has the function to transfer to.

  The server device A52 analyzes the image sent based on the reported defect, determines whether the setting value / adjustment value needs to be changed, changes the setting value / adjustment value if necessary, and corrects the white defect. Data is sent to the server apparatus B53. At this time, the server device A52 determines whether it is a full data download or a partial download, and notifies the server device B53. The server apparatus B 53 stores the download data in its own HDD 534 and transfers the setting value / adjustment value parameters to the mobile communication apparatus 51 in cooperation with the simple adjustment / inspection machine 535. Details of downloading from the mobile communication device 51 to the camera module 512 will be described later.

  If the server device B53 provided with the simple adjustment / inspection machine 535 is arranged in a telecommunications carrier's store, an image is acquired in a dark box and sent to the server device A52. If there is a new address compared with the position information of the white defect, it can be updated as an adjustment value. Further, the camera module 512 of the mobile communication device 51 can be corrected and returned to the end user at a store in a short time using the download function of the server device B53.

  Further, the server apparatus B53 can make a paid service by exchanging with the settlement / billing server apparatus 54. Specifically, the payment server 542 of the payment / billing server device 54 can provide a service to the user of the mobile communication device 51 by communicating with the payment unit 514 of the mobile communication device 51.

  Next, operations of the mobile communication device 51 and the server device A52 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8, when the power is first applied to the camera module 512 (hereinafter referred to as initial power-on), the mobile communication device 51 downloads full data of adjustment values / setting values at the time of shipment from the factory. The function and the function of partially downloading the necessary adjustment value / setting value data from the original data based on the position information added by the mobile communication device 51 as shown in FIG. And have. In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, steps that perform the same processing are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In step S11, the camera module 512 mounted on the mobile communication device 51 is powered on. The camera module 512 requests download of setting values / adjustment values, and the communication control unit 511 connects to the server apparatus A52. Then, the mobile communication device information such as the authentication request (step S14), the manufacturing number, the ID information, and the telephone number is transmitted (step S14), and the password is transmitted in response to the password request (step S14) (step S17). Thus, the authentication is completed (step S18). In this way, confidentiality can be enhanced by using a password managed by the business operator to confirm the identity of the user. In addition, by using a password managed by the business operator, when the mobile communication device 51 is lost, the adjustment value / setting value information can be read out to the outside.

  In step S19, the mobile communication device 51 notifies the camera module 512 of the identification information of the camera module 512, and in step S20, notifies the server device A52 of the identification information of the camera module 512.

  In step S21, the mobile communication device 51 receives the identification information confirmation notification from the server device A52. In step S22, the mobile communication device 51 makes a request for downloading the setting value / adjustment value parameter (manufacturing information) unique to the camera module 512. .

  The arithmetic processing unit 525 of the server device A52 refers to the database unit 523 based on the identification information, and determines whether the mobile communication device 51 needs to download full data or partial data. Specifically, it is determined that full data download is necessary at the time of initial power-on, and it is determined that partial data download is necessary for other cases.

  If it is determined that full data download is necessary, the server device A52 notifies the mobile communication device 51 of the start of full parameter download in step S23 shown in FIG. In step S24, the mobile communication device 51 notifies the camera module 512 that it is a full data download.

  In step S <b> 25, the mobile communication device 51 disassembles the received packet and reassembles the parameters necessary for the camera module 512. In step S26, the mobile communication device 51 notifies the parameter download completion and starts downloading the parameters of the camera module 512 (step S27).

  In step S28, the camera module 512 expands the downloaded parameter on the RAM, and when “End of file” indicating completion of data download is received, the camera module 512 collates the identification information with the device information in the parameter, and performs a checksum or the like. Confirm that there is no data damage due to communication error.

  In step S29, when the confirmation is completed, the camera module 512 notifies the mobile communication device 51 of the completion of parameter download. In step S30, the mobile communication device 51 stores the parameters reassembled in step S25 in the memory.

  On the other hand, when determining that the partial data needs to be downloaded, the server device A52 notifies the mobile communication device 51 of the start of partial downloading of the parameters in step S33 shown in FIG. In step S <b> 34, the mobile communication device 51 notifies the camera module 512 that partial data is being downloaded.

  In step S <b> 35, the mobile communication device 51 disassembles the received packet and reassembles the parameters necessary for the camera module 512. In step S36, the mobile communication device 51 notifies the parameter download completion and starts downloading the parameters of the camera module 512 (step S37).

  In step S38, the camera module 512 updates only necessary portions when the downloaded parameters are expanded on the RAM. When the end of file is received, the identification information is compared with the device information in the parameter, and it is confirmed by checksum or the like that there is no data damage due to a communication error.

  In step S39, when the confirmation is completed, the camera module 512 notifies the mobile communication device 51 of the end of parameter download. In step S40, the mobile communication device 51 stores the parameters reassembled in step S35 in the memory.

  Thus, by setting the hardware / software according to the data on the RAM expanded by downloading and starting the camera, it is possible to eliminate the need for mounting the EEPROM.

  In the above example, the downloaded parameters are stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the downloaded parameters are downloaded every time the camera is started without being stored in the memory. It may be.

  Next, the operation of the server device A52 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the server device A52 receives the identification information of the camera module 512 (step S41), the server device A52 searches the identification information stored in the HDD 524 to determine whether the camera corresponds to the parameter change (step S42). If it is determined in step S42 that the camera is a compatible camera, the process proceeds to step S43.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the camera is not compatible, the process proceeds to step S44, NACK is returned (step S44), communication is disconnected (step S45), and the operation of the server apparatus A52 is terminated.

  In step S43, the server apparatus A52 determines whether or not the camera module 512 has been powered on for the first time (hereinafter referred to as initial power on). If the initial power is not turned on in step S43, the process proceeds to step S46.

  On the other hand, if the mobile communication device 51 is initially turned on in step S43, the process proceeds to step S47, where the full data of the original parameters is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S47). (Step S48), the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  In step S <b> 46, the server device A <b> 52 determines whether position information has been acquired from the mobile communication device 51. In step S46, when the position information is not acquired, the process proceeds to step S49.

  On the other hand, if the position information is acquired in step S46, the process proceeds to step S50, and it is determined whether or not a change from setting data at the time of factory shipment is necessary. This determination can be made, for example, according to the distance from the graph shown in FIG.

  When it is determined in step S50 that the change from the setting data at the time of shipment from the factory is necessary, the data creation unit 526 of the server device A52 creates data 1 of the portion that needs to be changed (step S51), and flag 1 (Step S52), the process proceeds to step S49.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S50 that there is no need to change the setting data at the time of factory shipment, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the server device A52 notifies the mobile communication device 51 that data update is not necessary, and disconnects communication (step S54).

  In step S49, the server apparatus A52 detects the mounting of the option lens. For example, detection by the lens control unit shown in FIG. 1, detection by a QR code attached to the lens, or the like can be used for detection of wearing. In step S49, if an optional lens is mounted, the process proceeds to step S55, and if an optional lens is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S56, the server device A52 determines whether the flag set in step S52 exists. If the flag exists, the data 1 of the portion that needs to be changed from the factory setting data is stored in the database, and the history is recorded (step S57). Then, data 1 is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S58). After the transmission is completed, the communication is disconnected (step S59), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the flag does not exist in step S56, the mobile communication device 51 is notified that the data update is unnecessary (step S60), the communication is disconnected (step S61), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated. .

  In step S55, the server apparatus A52 determines whether or not the option lens is A type. If the option lens is A type, the process proceeds to step S62. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S62, the data creation unit 526 of the server device A52 creates data 2A necessary for the option lens by calculation. In the next step S64, the server apparatus A52 determines whether or not the flag set in step S52 exists. If the flag exists, the data creation unit 526 creates data by merging the data 1 and the data 2A of the part that needs to be changed from the factory setting data, saves the data in the database, and records the history. (Step S66). Then, the merged data is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S67). After the transmission is completed, the communication is disconnected (step S68), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if there is no flag in step S64, the data 2A is saved in the database and the history is recorded (step S69). Then, the data 2A is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S70). After the transmission is completed, the communication is disconnected (step S71), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  In step S63, the server apparatus A52 determines whether the option lens is a B type. If the option lens is the B type, the process proceeds to step S72. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S72, the data creation unit 526 of the server device A52 creates data 2B necessary for the option lens by calculation. In the next step S74, the server apparatus A52 determines whether the flag set in step S52 exists. If the flag exists, the data creation unit 526 creates data by merging the data 1 and the data 2B of the part that needs to be changed from the factory setting data, stores the data in the database, and records the history. (Step S76). Then, the merged data is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S77). After the transmission is completed, the communication is disconnected (step S78), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if there is no flag in step S74, the data 2B is saved in the database and the history is recorded (step S79). Then, the data 2B is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S80). After the transmission is completed, the communication is disconnected (step S81), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  In step S73, the server A52 determines whether or not the option lens is an N type. If the option lens is an N type, the process proceeds to step S82.

  In step S82, the data creation unit 526 of the server device A52 creates data 2N necessary for the option lens by calculation. In the next step S83, the server apparatus A52 determines whether or not the flag set in step S52 exists. If the flag exists, the data creation unit 526 creates data by merging the data 1 and the data 2N of the part that needs to be changed from the factory setting data, stores the data in the database, and records the history. (Step S85). Then, the merged data is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S86). After the transmission is completed, the communication is disconnected (step S87), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the flag does not exist in step S83, the data 2N is saved in the database and the history is recorded (step S88). Then, the data 2N is transmitted to the mobile communication device 51 (step S89). After the transmission is completed, the communication is disconnected (step S90), and the operation of the server device A52 is terminated.

  As described above, an adjustment value / setting value can be stored for securing the conventional image quality by constructing a system that can download the adjustment value / setting value parameter necessary for ensuring the image quality of the camera module via the server device. Therefore, it is not necessary to mount an EEPROM built in the image pickup apparatus, and the size and cost can be reduced.

  In addition, if necessary, it is possible to use a NAND flash memory or the like with a low bit unit price built in the mobile communication device, so that the system cost can be lowered and the access frequency to the server device can be lowered.

  Furthermore, the adjustment value / setting value parameter can be downloaded from the server device using the communication function of the mobile communication device, so that the adjustment value / setting value can be optimized. Can be provided

  Furthermore, by constructing a server device having a simple adjustment / inspection function, it is possible to deal with in close proximity to the end user, such as a mobile communication device store or a mobile communication device repair reception center. This makes it possible to speed up repairs / failures, improve services, and reduce distribution costs.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Imaging device, 11 Lens, 12 Camera signal processing part, 13 Image signal processing part, 14 Lens control part, 15 SDRAM, 16 SRAM, 17 Communication part, 18 GPS, 20 Camera module, 21 Electrical conditioner, 22 Workstation, 30 camera module, 31 electrical controller, 32 workstation, 33 server device, 34 wireless base station, 35 wireless control station, 36 packet switch, 41 mobile communication device, 42 server device A, 43 server device B, 44 settlement / Billing server device, 51 Mobile communication device, 52 Server device A, 53 Server device B, 54 Payment / billing server device

Claims (9)

A parameter management unit comprising: a parameter management unit that associates and manages identification information of an imaging device and a parameter unique to the imaging device; and a communication unit that communicates with the imaging device and transmits parameters specific to the imaging device; ,
A parameter comprising: a communication unit that communicates with a parameter management device based on identification information of the imaging device, and that downloads a parameter specific to the imaging device; and an imaging device that acquires an image using the downloaded parameter. Management system.   The parameter management system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit of the imaging apparatus downloads the parameter when power is turned on.   The parameters are selected from pre-processing adjustment result values, AE processing adjustment result values, AWB processing adjustment result values, color reproduction processing adjustment result values, γ correction adjustment result values, scaler adjustment result values, NR setting values, and chromatic aberration adjustment result values. The parameter management system according to claim 2, wherein the parameter management system is at least one. The parameter is an AWB process adjustment result value,
The imaging apparatus includes a position detection unit that detects a current position on the earth,
The parameter management system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit downloads an AWB process adjustment result from a parameter management device based on the position information of the current position. The above parameter is the chromatic aberration adjustment result value,
The imaging apparatus includes a detection unit that detects a lens,
The parameter management system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit downloads a chromatic aberration adjustment result value from the parameter management device based on the identification information of the lens. A communication unit that communicates with an external parameter management device based on the identification information of the imaging device, and downloads parameters specific to the imaging device;
An imaging device comprising: an imaging unit that acquires an image using the downloaded parameter. A parameter management unit that manages the identification information of the imaging device and the parameters unique to the imaging device in association with each other;
A parameter management device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an imaging device and transmits parameters unique to the imaging device. A parameter management unit comprising: a parameter management unit that associates and manages identification information of an imaging device and a parameter unique to the imaging device; and a communication unit that communicates with the imaging device and transmits parameters specific to the imaging device; ,
Parameter management comprising: a communication unit that communicates with a parameter management device based on identification information of the imaging device, and that downloads a parameter specific to the imaging device; and a transfer device that transfers the downloaded parameter to the imaging device. system. The adjustment device includes an inspection unit that acquires an image indicating position information of a white defect,
The parameter management system according to claim 8, wherein the communication unit downloads white defect correction data from a parameter management device based on the position information of the white defect.

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