JP3646324B2 - Video camera equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a video camera device, and more particularly to a video camera device capable of variably setting an aspect ratio of an image to be output according to an aspect ratio of an image sensor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a video camera apparatus uses an image pickup device that generates an image pickup signal corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3 (width: height of a screen), an NTSC method, a PAL method, or the like that displays an image on an aspect ratio 4: 3. The standard television system is widely used. Further, for example, a new television system that handles an image with a wide aspect ratio of 16: 9, such as an EDTV (Extended Definition Television) system, has been proposed, and an image sensor with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is used. Video camera devices that display realistic screens have been realized and are becoming popular.
[0003]
The video camera device includes a CCD block that uses a CCD image sensor that generates an imaging signal by imaging a subject as an imaging element, and an image processing block for outputting an imaging signal supplied from the CCD block. .
[0004]
The CCD block and the image processing block are each manufactured as a dedicated block for each aspect ratio, and are connected for each aspect ratio to capture and output images.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, an image frame obtained by a CCD image sensor having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 can be converted into an image frame obtained by a CCD image sensor having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 by using an aspect converter.
[0006]
For this reason, in a video camera device using a CCD block provided with a CCD image sensor with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, an image with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is output by an image processing block with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, or An image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 can be output using the aspect converter in the image processing block.
[0007]
However, the video camera device is preset so as to output an image with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 or an aspect ratio of 4: 3, and the aspect ratio of the output is changed by replacing the CCD block. There was a problem that it was not possible. Further, the image processing blocks are manufactured independently for each aspect ratio, and the image processing blocks cannot be shared. This complicates the manufacturing process and increases the cost of the image processing block.
[0008]
In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a video camera device that variably sets an output aspect ratio according to an aspect ratio of an image sensor and outputs an image with the aspect ratio. .
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A video camera device according to the present invention includes an image sensor provided with a unique information memory having information related to an aspect ratio, and an image signal generated by the image sensor having an aspect ratio different from the aspect ratio of the image signal. An aspect ratio converting means for converting to a signal; a detecting means for detecting an aspect ratio of an imaging signal generated by the image sensor from the inherent information memory provided in the image sensor; and an aspect detected by the detection means And a means for controlling the conversion processing of the aspect ratio conversion means when the imaging signal is converted into a signal having an aspect ratio different from the ratio.
[0010]
[Action]
In the video camera device according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the aspect ratio of the image pickup signal generated by the image pickup device provided with the unique information memory having information related to the aspect ratio is detected from the unique information memory by the detecting unit. When the imaging signal is converted into a signal having an aspect ratio different from the aspect ratio detected by the detection unit, the conversion process of the aspect ratio conversion unit is controlled.
[0011]
【Example】
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, a video camera device according to the present invention includes a CCD block 1 that generates an imaging signal by imaging a subject, and an image processing block that outputs an imaging signal supplied from the CCD block 1. Is provided.
[0013]
The CCD block 1 includes a CCD image sensor 11 that photoelectrically converts light from a subject to generate R, G, and B imaging signals, and a unique signal that indicates unique information of the CCD image sensor 11, such as an aspect of an image frame. A specific information memory 12 composed of an EPROM or general-purpose IO circuit for storing a ratio determination signal, a specification determination signal for determining which of the NTSC, PAL and EDTV systems is used, or correction information for defective pixels, etc. And a PA circuit 13 for amplifying the imaging signal generated by the CCD image sensor 11.
[0014]
The image processing block includes a shading unit 2 that performs shading correction and defect correction of an image pickup signal supplied from the CCD block 1, an aspect converter 3 that can convert an aspect ratio of the image pickup signal supplied from the shading unit 2, and Image processing means 4 that performs image processing to output the image pickup signal supplied from the aspect converter 3, and the aspect ratio and image processing means of the aspect converter 3 based on the unique signal stored in the unique information memory 12 of the CCD block 1 4 and image frame setting means 5 for controlling the switching of the switch 38 of the D / A converter 25 of the image processing means 4.
[0015]
The shading means 2 includes an amplification circuit 14 that amplifies the imaging signal supplied from the CCD block 1, an A / D converter 15 that A / D converts the imaging signal supplied from the amplification circuit 14, and an A / D converter 15. A shading circuit 16 for correcting the on-screen shading of the R, G, and B signals of the image pickup signal supplied from, and the amplifying circuit by D / A converting the shading correction signal supplied from the shading circuit 16 14, a D / A converter 17 supplied to 14, a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 18 in which a shading correction signal for correcting shading by the shading circuit 16 is stored, and a A / D converter 15. In order to correct pixel defects due to deterioration with time of the CCD image sensor 11 from the captured image signal And a defect detection circuit 19.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 2, the aspect converter 3 includes a FIFO memory 31 that converts the imaging signal supplied from the shading unit 2 on a time axis, an RCF circuit 32 that converts a sampling rate, the FIFO memory 31, and the RCF circuit 32. And a control LSI 33 for controlling.
[0017]
The FIFI memory 31 writes the image signal into the memory cell at an imaging signal sampling rate of 18 MHz in order to convert the image signal of an image frame with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 into an aspect ratio of 4: 3, which is 3/4 times 18 MHz. By reading out the image signal written in the memory cell at 13.5 MHz, an image frame having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is cut out from an image frame having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 as shown in FIGS. By outputting an imaging signal with a ratio of 4: 3 at a sampling rate of 13.5 MHz, a time axis expansion process of 4/3 times is performed. The position to cut out the image frame with the aspect ratio of 4: 3 from the image frame with the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is designated by setting the FIFO length.
[0018]
The RCF circuit 32 writes an imaging signal having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 at the sampling rate of 18 MHz in the FIFI memory 31 and reads it at a sampling rate of 13.5 MHz. An imaging signal with a sampling rate of 18 MHz is generated by performing sampling rate conversion processing with a conversion ratio of 3: 4.
[0019]
The RCF circuit 32 includes a rate converter filter that performs filtering processing by sequentially switching filter coefficients according to an output rate. The image signal of an image frame having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 generated by the FIFI memory 31, that is, a sampling rate of 13.5 MHz. Sampling with a conversion ratio of 3: 4 by performing a downsampling of 1 / 3n (= 1/6) after 4n (= 8) times oversampling, with a positive integer n being 2, for example, A rate conversion process is performed to generate an image signal of an image frame with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 at a sampling rate of 18 MHz. Note that the rate converter filter that performs the filtering process by sequentially switching the filter coefficients according to the output rate is configured by a register pre-FIR filter or a register post-FIR filter.
[0020]
As described above, in the aspect converter 3 according to the present invention, the FIFO memory 31 performs the time axis conversion process of 4/3 times on the imaging signal with the sampling rate of 18 MHz indicating the image with the aspect ratio of 16: 9. As shown in FIG. 6, an imaging signal having a sampling rate of 13.5 MHz indicating an image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is generated. In addition, the RCF circuit 32 performs sampling rate conversion processing with a conversion ratio of 3: 4 on the imaging signal with the sampling rate of 13.5 MHz, thereby sampling an image with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 as shown in FIG. An imaging signal with a sampling rate of 18 MHz indicating an image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 can be generated from the imaging signal with a rate of 18 MHz.
[0021]
Here, in the RCF circuit 32, a 3: 4 conversion is performed by performing 1 / 3n downsampling after 4n times oversampling on the imaging signal with a sampling rate of 13.5 MHz generated by the FIFO memory 31. Ratio sampling rate conversion can be performed.
[0022]
The control LSI 33 switches the sampling rate at the time of writing / reading the imaging signal to / from the memory cell of the FIFO memory 31 and switches the filter coefficient of the RCF circuit 32 according to the output rate.
[0023]
The image processing unit 4 includes a linear matrix circuit 21 that linearly adjusts the gradation with respect to the luminance of the imaging signal supplied from the aspect converter 3, and a gamma correction, a black level correction, and an imaging signal supplied from the linear matrix circuit 21. A gamma / knee circuit 22 that corrects the white level, a matrix circuit 23 that converts the RGB signal of the corrected imaging signal into Y, RY, and BY signals, and the Y, RY, and BY signals. From the encoder circuit 24 that converts the signal into an image signal, the D / A converter 25 that performs D / A conversion while removing the pseudo signal during the sampling process from the image signal supplied from the encoder circuit 24, and the encoder circuit 24 From the aspect converter 3 which sends out the supplied image signal at 18 MHz and the aspect converter 3 A correction signal is added to the output signals of the linear matrix circuit 21 and the gamma / knee circuit 22 based on the supplied imaging signal, and the rate of the rate converter 26 is set in accordance with the rate of the imaging signal. And an image enhancement circuit 27 for setting processing parameters.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 8, the D / A converter 25 cuts the D / A converter 35 that D / A converts the image signal supplied from the encoder circuit 24 and the pseudo signal of the D / A converted image signal. First and second filters 36 and 37, a switch 38 for switching and transmitting the output signal of the first filter 36 or the second filter 37, and an amplifier 39 for amplifying the output signal.
[0025]
The first filter 36 cuts the pseudo signal due to the sampling process when the image converter converts the image frame of the image pickup signal from the aspect ratio 16: 9 to 4: 3. The read-out rate of the FIFO memory of the converter 3 is 13.5 MHz, and the signal is suppressed at a frequency of 13.5 MHz or higher.
[0026]
The second filter 37 is a case where the imaging signal generated by the CCD block 1 is supplied to the image processing means 4 at a rate frequency of 18 MHz without being converted by the aspect converter 3 as shown in FIG. It is configured to suppress the signal at a frequency of 36 MHz or higher.
[0027]
The processing parameter correction signal set by the image enhancement circuit 27 includes, for example, horizontal and vertical levels of detail signals for emphasizing image contours, black and white level clips, gamma correction signals, and knee signals. The signal includes a correction coefficient for correcting the signal and the like.
[0028]
The image frame setting means 5 detects the unique signal in the unique information memory 12 of the CCD block 1 and sets whether the aspect conversion is performed by the aspect converter 3 based on the detection result. The cut-off frequency of the pseudo signal is set by setting the aspect ratio of the imaging signal output from the image signal and selecting the connection condition of the switch 38 of the D / A converter 25 of the image processing means 4, and the image processing The setting of the processing parameter by the image enhancement circuit 27 of the means 4 is instructed.
[0029]
The image frame setting means 5 stores the initial setting of the operation means 6 for switching the aspect ratio of the image frame, the CCD block 1 of the video camera device, and the image processing block. A setup card 7 on which initial settings are read is provided.
[0030]
The video camera device having the above configuration determines the aspect ratio of the CCD image sensor 11 from the unique signal of the unique information memory 12 provided in the CCD block 1 by the image frame setting means 5 when the power is turned on. When it is determined as 4: 3, the aspect ratio switching by the operation means 6 is locked. If it is determined that the aspect ratio is 16: 9, the aspect ratio can be switched by operating the operation unit 6. When the operation unit 6 is operated to switch the aspect ratio from 16: 9 to 4: 3. In order to perform the switching setting by the image frame setting means 5, the aspect converter 3 is set so that the aspect conversion is performed, and the switch 38 of the D / A converter 25 of the image processing means 4 is set to the first filter 36. It is set to be connected, and the processing parameter by the image enhancement circuit 27 of the image processing means 4 is instructed to be set under the switching condition. Thereafter, the image signal supplied from the CCD image sensor 11 via the A / D converter 15 of the shading means 2 is subjected to the aspect conversion by the aspect converter 3, and the image signal subjected to the aspect conversion is converted by the image processing means 4. The image is processed and sent out from the D / A converter 25 as an image signal.
[0031]
When the image frame setting means 5 determines that the aspect ratio is 16: 9 and the operation means 6 performs an operation for switching the aspect ratio from 4: 3 to 16: 9, the image frame setting means 5 sets the switching. Therefore, the aspect converter 3 is set not to perform the aspect conversion, the switch 38 of the D / A converter 25 of the image processing means 4 is set to be connected to the second filter 37, and the image processing is performed. It is instructed to set the processing parameters by the image enhancement circuit 27 of the means 4 under the above switching conditions.
[0032]
Further, when the CCD block 1 is replaced or when the CCD block 1 is attached for the first time, the CCD is derived from the unique signal in the unique information memory 12 provided in the CCD block 1 by the image frame setting means 5 when the power is turned on. When the aspect ratio of the image sensor 11 is determined and the aspect ratio is determined to be 4: 3, the switching of the aspect ratio by the operation unit 6 is locked, and when the aspect ratio is determined to be 9:16, the operation unit 6 According to the aspect ratio set by the operation, the image frame setting means 5 sets the aspect ratio of the aspect converter 3 and the connection state of the switch 38 of the D / A converter 25 of the image processing means 4, and the image processing means 4 The image enhancement circuit 27 is instructed to set processing parameters.
[0033]
Therefore, the video camera apparatus according to the present embodiment can be easily switched from the aspect ratio 16: 9 to 4: 3, or from the aspect ratio 4: 3 to 16: 9 by using an image sensor having an aspect ratio of 16: 9. To do.
[0034]
Also, by sharing the image processing block so that both of the aspect ratios of 4: 3 and 16: 9 can be used, the manufacturing process is simplified and the members used in the image processing block are shared, thereby reducing the cost of the video camera device. Is possible.
[0035]
In addition, it is easy for a manufacturer and user of a video camera device to shift from a conventional image frame having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 to an image frame having an aspect ratio of 16: 9.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the video camera device of the present invention, the aspect ratio of the image pickup signal generated by the image pickup device provided with the unique information memory having the information related to the aspect ratio is set to the unique information memory. The detection signal is detected by the detection means, and the conversion processing of the aspect ratio conversion means is controlled, so that the imaging signal can be converted into a signal having an aspect ratio different from the aspect ratio detected by the detection means.
[0037]
For this reason, it is possible for video camera device manufacturers and users to provide a video camera device that can easily shift from the conventional 4: 3 aspect ratio image frame to the 16: 9 aspect ratio image frame. And
[0038]
In addition, it is possible to provide a video camera device that can be easily switched from an aspect ratio of 16: 9 to 4: 3 or an aspect ratio of 4: 3 to 16: 9 by using an image sensor having an aspect ratio of 16: 9.
[0039]
Also, by sharing the image processing block so that both of the aspect ratios of 4: 3 and 16: 9 can be used, the manufacturing process is simplified and the members used in the image processing block are shared, thereby reducing the cost of the video camera device. Is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of a video camera apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of an aspect converter of the video camera device.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating how an image frame is cut out by the aspect converter.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating image frame cutout timing in the aspect converter.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an imaging signal obtained by cutting out an image frame in the aspect converter.
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a frequency band of an image pickup signal obtained by cutting out an image frame in the FIFO memory of the aspect converter.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a frequency band of an imaging signal obtained by cutting out an image frame in the RCF circuit of the aspect converter.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a D / A converter of image processing means of the video camera device.
FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram of a first filter in the D / A converter.
FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram of a second filter in the D / A converter.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CCD block 3 Aspect converter 4 Image processing means 5 Image frame setting means 11 CCD image sensor 12 Specific information memory 15 A / D converter 25 D / A converter 27 Image enhancement circuit 31 FIFO memory 32 RCF circuit

Claims (1)

An image sensor provided with a unique information memory having information related to an aspect ratio;
An aspect ratio conversion means for converting an imaging signal generated by the imaging element into a signal having an aspect ratio different from the aspect ratio of the imaging signal;
Detecting means for detecting an aspect ratio of an image signal generated by the image sensor from the specific information memory provided in the image sensor;
A video camera apparatus comprising: means for controlling a conversion process of the aspect ratio conversion means when the imaging signal is converted into a signal having an aspect ratio different from the aspect ratio detected by the detection means.

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