JP4362933B2 - Video camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a video camera that can generate imaging signals of a plurality of formats by itself.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A commercial video camera for broadcasting or the like is connected to a camera control unit called CCU (Camera Control Unit) that performs lens aperture, contour correction, gamma correction, etc., and constructs a camera system integrally with the camera control unit, Sometimes used. In addition, such a video camera may be connected to a recording device such as a VTR (Video Tape Racoder) and may record an imaging signal of a predetermined format generated by imaging and signal processing with the video camera in the recording device.
[0003]
In such a video camera, in order to output an imaging signal corresponding to a standard format to a camera control device or a VTR, an imaging signal of a predetermined format is independently generated in the video camera, or a reference input from the outside is provided. An imaging signal having a predetermined format synchronized with the signal (synchronization signal) is generated.
[0004]
A conventional video camera can usually generate and output only an imaging signal corresponding to one format, and a video camera is manufactured and used for each format.
For example, a HDTV (High Definition TV) video camera is, for example, a single type of 1080 / 60I format in which the number of scanning lines is 1080, the image has 60 fields per second, and the scanning lines are interlaced. The imaging signal is generated and output.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in recent years, due to the effects of high image quality and digitization, in addition to the above-mentioned 1080 / 60I format, the number of scanning lines is 720, and an image of 60 fields per second is scanned 720. Image signals of various formats such as the / 60P format and the 1080 / 50I format in which the number of scanning lines is 1080 and the image of 50 fields per second is scanned and the scanning lines are interlaced are standardized and adopted.
[0006]
Therefore, if a single video camera can generate and output only one type of imaging signal, a user who uses multiple formats of imaging signals will purchase and use as many video cameras as the number of imaging signal formats to be used. There is a problem that the burden is large in terms of price and management.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video camera that can generate imaging signals of a plurality of formats by itself.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and achieve the above-described object, the video camera of the present invention is a video camera that generates an imaging signal according to an imaging result.A plurality of format designation signals input from the outside of the video camera, a plurality of input means for outputting the plurality of format designation signals and a plurality of notification signals indicating that the format designation has been performed; When a format selection signal instructing to select a preset format is output and one of the plurality of notification signals is input after power-on, the format corresponding to the notification signal is output. Format selection control means for outputting a format selection signal instructing selection of a designated signal;,Based on the format selection signal output from the format selection control means, one format specification signal is selected from the plurality of format specification signals output from the plurality of input means, and the selected format specification signal is output. Selecting means; andformatSpecified signalProcessing means for performing processing or operation for generating the imaging signal in a format corresponding to the format, and the plurality of formats of the imaging signalSpecified signalEach ofIn response toStorage means for storing setting data for setting the processing means;The selected by the selecting meansA setting unit configured to read the setting data corresponding to the format designation signal from the storage unit and set the processing unit based on the read setting data;
[0009]
The operation of the video camera of the present invention is as follows.
The setting means reads the setting data corresponding to the format designation signal from the storage means, and based on the read setting data, the processing means generates an imaging signal in a format designated by the format designation signal. Set to do.
Then, an imaging signal having a format corresponding to the setting among the plurality of formats is generated by the processing means.
That is, according to the video camera of the present invention, it is possible to generate image signals of a plurality of formats corresponding to a plurality of setting data stored in the storage means alone without exchanging hardware.
[0011]
  The video camera of the present invention preferably hasThe format selection control means isAccording to a predetermined priorityOne notification signal is selected from the plurality of notification signals, and an instruction signal for selecting a format designation signal corresponding to the selected notification signal is output to the selection means.The selection means includes:InstructionsAccording to the signal, one format designation signal is selected from the plurality of format designation signals.
  The video camera of the present invention preferably hasThe priority selected by the format selection control means is changed by the user.
[0012]
  Moreover, the video camera of the present invention preferably corresponds to the operation.The notification signal is generated and output to the format selection control means, and based on the notification signalGenerate format specification signalOutput to the selection meansIt further has an operating means.
[0013]
  In the video camera of the present invention, preferably, a synchronization signal is input from the outside of the video camera.And an external synchronization signal input means for detecting a format corresponding to the synchronization signal and outputting the format designation signal indicating the detected format.
[0014]
  The video camera of the present invention preferably hasIt further has an output means for outputting the inputted synchronization signal to a video camera at a subsequent stage..
[0015]
According to the video camera of the present invention, the output unit is connected to the input unit of the subsequent stage video camera, and the synchronization signal input from the input unit is output to the subsequent stage video camera. The imaging signals synchronized with each other can be generated.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The video camera according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the input / output relationship of the video camera 1 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the video camera 1 is used, for example, in a stand-alone manner, as well as a VTR 2, a master control unit (MCU) 3, an external console 4, and a camera control device 5. And can be connected.
The VTR 2 inputs an imaging signal of a predetermined format corresponding to the captured image from the video camera 1 and records it on the magnetic tape.
The master control unit 3 is, for example, a control panel, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to, for example, a button operation by a user to a plurality of video cameras 1 including the video camera 1 and controls them comprehensively.
The video camera 1 performs a predetermined process based on the operation signal.
[0017]
The external console 4 is a control unit provided separately from the video camera 1, for example, and outputs an operation signal to the video camera 1 according to the operation of the control unit by the user, for example.
[0018]
The camera control device 5 inputs an image pickup signal from the video camera 1, performs contour correction and gamma correction on the image pickup device, and outputs the image pickup signal obtained as a result to the switcher device or the like.
In addition, the camera control device 5 performs control such as selection of a lens aperture and a color filter of the video camera 1.
[0019]
In addition, the video camera 1 can input an external synchronization signal S6 for outputting imaging signals synchronized in a common format from a plurality of video cameras, as will be described later.
When the video camera 1 receives the external synchronization signal S6, the video camera 1 detects the format of the external synchronization signal S6, and the camera control device 5 and the like at the timing synchronized with the external synchronization signal S6 for the imaging signal corresponding to the detected format. Output to.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the video camera 1 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the video camera 1 includes, for example, a viewfinder 10, a master control unit I / F unit 11, an external console I / F unit 12, an external synchronization signal I / F unit 13, a format selection control unit 14, Format selection unit 15, system control unit 16, table selection unit 17, 1080 / 60I table 18, 1080 / 50I table 19, 1080 / 30P table 20, 1080 / 24P table 21, camera head block 22, DSP ( Digital Signal Processor) 23, serial transmission block 24, signal generation block 25, external synchronization signal I / F unit 26, and storage unit 27.
Here, the camera head block 22, DSP 23, serial transmission block 24, and signal generation block 25 correspond to the processing means of the present invention, the storage unit 27 corresponds to the storage means of the present invention, and the system control unit 16 corresponds to the present invention. It corresponds to the setting means.
Further, the format selection control unit 14 and the format selection unit 15 correspond to the selection unit of the present invention, the viewfinder 10 corresponds to the operation unit of the present invention, the master control unit I / F unit 11, the external console I / F unit. 12 and the external synchronization signal I / F section 13 correspond to the input means of the present invention, and the external synchronization signal output I / F section 26 corresponds to the output means of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, among the functions of the video camera 1, functions mainly related to format selection and format setting are shown, and other functions such as imaging are omitted.
[0021]
The viewfinder 10 is provided integrally with the video camera 1. For example, according to a menu screen displayed in response to an operation by the user, the user can perform HDTV compatible 1080 / 60I, 1080 / 50I, 1080 / 30P, 1080 / When a desired format is selected from 24P, a format designation signal S10a indicating the selected format is output to the format selection unit 15, and a notification signal S10b indicating that the format is specified is output to the format selection control unit 14. Output.
In addition to the menu screen, the viewfinder 10 can display an imaging screen of the video camera 1 and the like.
[0022]
The master control unit I / F unit 11 is an interface for communicating with the master control unit 3 shown in FIG. 1, and outputs the format designation signal S3 input from the master control unit 3 to the format selection unit 15, A notification signal S11 indicating that the designation has been performed is output to the format selection control unit 14.
The format indicated by the format designation signal S3 is, for example, one of four formats that can be designated by the format designation signal S10 described above.
[0023]
The external console I / F unit 12 is an interface for performing communication with the external console 4 shown in FIG. 1, and outputs the format designation signal S4 input from the external console 4 to the format selection unit 15 to specify the format. The notification signal S12 indicating that it has been transmitted is output to the format selection control unit 14.
The format indicated by the format designation signal S4 is, for example, one of four formats that can be designated by the format designation signal S10 described above.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13 detects the format of the external synchronization signal S6 input from an external device such as a preceding video camera, for example, and a format designation signal S13a indicating the detected format. Is output to the format selection unit 15, and a notification signal S13b indicating that the format has been designated is output to the format selection unit 15.
The format of the external synchronization signal S6 is, for example, one of four formats that can be designated by the format designation signal S10 described above.
Also, the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13 receives an external synchronization signal S6 input from an external device such as a preceding video camera, and sends it to an external device such as a subsequent video camera via the external synchronization signal output I / F unit 26. Output.
[0025]
When the power is turned on, the format selection control unit 14 outputs to the format selection unit 15 a format selection signal S14 instructing to select a format set in advance by internal settings.
The format selection control unit 14 receives a notification signal from any one of the viewfinder 10, the master control unit I / F unit 11, the external console I / F unit 12, and the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13 after the power is turned on. When S10b, S11, S12, and S13b are input, a format selection signal S14 that instructs to select a format designation signal corresponding to the input notification signal is output to the format selection unit 15.
The format selection control unit 14 includes format designation signals S10b, S10b from two or more of the viewfinder 10, the master control unit I / F unit 11, the external console I / F unit 12, and the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13. When S11, S12, and S13b are input, for example, one notification signal is selected according to a predetermined priority order, and an instruction is given to select a format designation signal corresponding to the selected notification signal. The format selection signal S14 to be output is output to the format selection unit 15.
[0026]
The priority is determined so that, for example, the notification signal S13b is the highest and decreases in the order of S13bS12, S11, and S10b.
In this case, if the notification signal S13b is input from the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13, the notification signal S13b is selected, the notification signal S13b is not input, and the notification signal S12 is input. In this case, the notification signal S12 is selected. If the notification signals S13b and S12 are not input and the notification signal S11 is input, the notification signal S11 is selected. If the notification signals S13b, S12, and S11 are not input and the notification signal S10b is input, the notification signal S10b is selected.
The priority order adopted in the format selection control unit 14 can be set and changed by the user, for example.
[0027]
The format selection unit 15 receives format designation signals S10a, S3, S4, and S13a from the viewfinder 10, the master control unit I / F unit 11, the external console I / F unit 12, and the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13. Among these, the format designation signal instructed by the format selection signal S14 from the format selection control unit 14 is selected and output to the system control unit 16 as the format selection signal S15.
[0028]
The system control unit 16 outputs the format selection signal S15 input from the format selection unit 15 to the table selection unit 17, and inputs a setting table S17 corresponding thereto from the table selection unit 17.
Based on the setting table S17 input from the table selection unit 17, the system control unit 16 sets the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25 so as to conform to the selected format.
Specifically, based on the setting table S17, the system control unit 16 reads a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) block reading range in the camera head block 22, a signal processing method in the DSP 23, a data transmission method in the serial transmission block 24, and The frequency of the signal generated in the signal generation block 25 is set so as to match the selected format.
Here, the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25 are provided in accordance with the types of the vertical synchronization signal, the horizontal synchronization signal, and the scanning method based on the control from the system control unit 16, for example. The configuration can be changed.
[0029]
The table selection unit 17 is, for example, a format input from the system control unit 16 from the storage unit 27 storing the 1080 / 60I table 18, the 1080 / 50I table 19, the 1080 / 30P table 20, and the 1080 / 24P table 21. A setting table corresponding to the format indicated by the selection signal S15 is read and output to the system control unit 16 as a setting table S17.
Here, the 1080 / 60I table 18, the 1080 / 50I table 19, the 1080 / 30P table 20, and the 1080 / 24P table 21 correspond to the setting data of the present invention.
[0030]
Here, in the table 18 for 1080 / 60I, the video camera 1 generates and outputs an imaging signal of 1080 / 60I format in which the number of scanning lines is 1080, the image of 60 fields per second is scanned, and the scanning lines are interlaced. As shown, the data for setting in the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25.
The 1080 / 50I table 19 is configured so that the video camera 1 generates and outputs a 1080 / 50I format imaging signal in which the number of scanning lines is 1080, the image of 50 fields per second is included, and the scanning lines are interlaced. , Data for setting in the camera head block 22, DSP 23, serial transmission block 24 and signal generation block 25.
The table 20 for 1080 / 30P is configured so that the video camera 1 generates and outputs an imaging signal of 1080 / 30P format in which the number of scanning lines is 1080, the image has 30 fields per second, and the scanning lines are progressively scanned. , Data for setting in the camera head block 22, DSP 23, serial transmission block 24 and signal generation block 25.
The 1080 / 24P table 21 is configured so that the video camera 1 generates and outputs an imaging signal in 1080 / 24P format in which the number of scanning lines is 1080, the image of 24 fields per second is included, and the scanning lines are progressively scanned. , Data for setting in the camera head block 22, DSP 23, serial transmission block 24 and signal generation block 25.
[0031]
Hereinafter, an operation example of the video camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.
[First operation example]
In this operation example, the external synchronization signal S6 is not input to the video camera 1, and the format designation signal S3 for designating the 1080 / 60I format from the master control unit 3 shown in FIG. A case where the format designation signal S4 for designating the 1080 / 50I format is input will be described.
In this case, format designation signals S3 and S4 are input to the master control unit I / F unit 11 and the external console I / F unit 12 shown in FIG.
Also, notification signals S11 and S12 indicating that format designation has been performed are output from the master control unit I / F unit 11 and the console I / F unit 12 to the format selection control unit 14.
[0032]
Next, the format selection control unit 14 selects the notification signal S12 from the notification signals S11 and S12 based on the above-described priority order, and instructs to select the format designation signal S4 corresponding to the notification signal S12. The selection signal S14 is output to the format selection unit 15.
[0033]
Next, in the format selection unit 15, the format designation signal S4 instructed to be selected by the format selection signal S14 among the format designation signals S3 and S4 input from the master control unit I / F unit 11 and the external console I / F unit 12. Is selected and output to the system controller 16 as a format designation signal S15.
[0034]
Next, the format designation signal S 15 is output from the system control unit 16 to the table selection unit 17.
Then, the table selection unit 17 reads the 1080 / 50I table 19 corresponding to the 1080 / 50I format indicated by the format designation signal S15 from the storage unit 27, and outputs this to the system control unit 16 as the setting table S17. .
[0035]
Next, the system control unit 16 sets the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25 based on the setting table S17 so as to generate an image pickup signal of 1080 / 50I format. .
The generated 1080 / 50I format imaging signal is output from the video camera 1 to the VTR 2 or the camera control device 5 shown in FIG.
[0036]
In the operation example described above, the case where the format designation signal S4 indicates the 1080 / 50I format is exemplified. However, when the format designation signal S4 indicates, for example, the 1080 / 30P format, the system controller 16 Based on the 1080 / 30P table 20, the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25 are set to generate a 1080 / 30P format image signal.
[0037]
[Second operation example]
In this operation example, the video camera 1 having the same configuration as the video camera 1 shown in FIG.₁~ 1_nAre connected in series as shown in FIG.₁The operation when the 1080 / 50I format external synchronization signal S6 input to is sequentially output to the video camera at the subsequent stage will be described.
In this case, video camera 1₁2 detects the format of the input external synchronization signal S6, and the format designation signal S13a indicating the detected format (1080 / 50I format) is the format selection control unit 14. And output to the format selector 15.
In addition, the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13 outputs to the format selection control unit 14 a notification signal S13b indicating that format designation has been performed.
[0038]
Next, the format selection control unit 14 outputs a format selection signal S14 instructing to select the format designation signal S13a to the format selection unit 15.
[0039]
Next, the format selection unit 15 selects the format designation signal S13a input from the external synchronization signal I / F unit 13 and outputs it to the system control unit 16 as the format designation signal S15.
[0040]
Next, the format designation signal S 15 is output from the system control unit 16 to the table selection unit 17.
Then, the table selection unit 17 reads the 1080 / 50I table 19 corresponding to the 1080 / 50I format indicated by the format designation signal S15 from the storage unit 27, and outputs this to the system control unit 16 as the setting table S17. .
[0041]
Next, the system control unit 16 sets the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25 based on the setting table S17 so as to generate an image pickup signal of 1080 / 50I format. .
[0042]
Video camera 1₂~ 1_nThen, based on the external synchronization signal S6 input from the preceding video camera, the video camera 1 described above is used.₁The same processing is performed, and an image pickup signal of 1080 / 50I format is generated.
And video camera 1₁~ 1_n1 is output to the VTR 2 or the camera control device 5 shown in FIG. 1 in a synchronized state.
[0043]
In the above-described operation example, the case where the external synchronization signal S6 in the 1080 / 50I format is used is illustrated. However, for example, when the external synchronization signal S6 in the 1080 / 30P format is used, the system control unit 16 performs 1080 Based on the / 30P table 20, the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25 are set to generate 1080 / 50I format imaging signals.
[0044]
As described above, according to the video camera 1, it is possible to generate an imaging signal in an arbitrary format specified from a plurality of formats by itself without performing hardware replacement and setting work.
In addition, according to the video camera 1, an imaging signal of an arbitrary format specified from a plurality of formats can be generated alone in response to an instruction from the built-in viewfinder 10, the external DSP 23, and the external console 4. .
[0045]
Further, according to the video camera 1, even when a new format is added to the imaging signal, the table corresponding to the format is newly stored in the storage unit 27, so that the new configuration can be obtained without changing the hardware configuration. It can generate and output an imaging signal in various formats.
[0046]
Further, according to the video camera 1, an imaging signal having a format corresponding to the external synchronization signal S6 can be generated on the basis of the external synchronization signal S6. Therefore, by inputting the external synchronization signal S6 to the plurality of video cameras 1. A plurality of video cameras 1 can be set in a lump and imaging signals in a common format can be output.
[0047]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the camera head block 22, the DSP 23, the serial transmission block 24, and the signal generation block 25 are set according to the format of the imaging signal has been illustrated. However, if necessary, that in the video camera 1 is set. Other functions may be set.
In the second operation example described above, as shown in FIG.₁~ 1_nIn this example, the external synchronization signal S6 is sequentially input from the preceding stage to the subsequent stage. However, the external synchronization signal S6 output from a device (not shown)₁~ 1_nMay be input in parallel.
[0048]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the format of the imaging signal is specified based on the viewfinder 10, the master control unit 3, the external console 4, and the external synchronization signal S6 is exemplified. And the signal is optional.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the video camera of the present invention, an image pickup signal of an arbitrary format designated by a format designation signal among a plurality of formats alone without the user performing hardware replacement and setting work. Can be generated.
Further, according to the video camera of the present invention, even when a new format is added to the image pickup signal, the setting data corresponding to the format is newly stored in the storage unit without changing the hardware configuration. The imaging signal of the new format can be generated and output.
In addition, according to the video camera of the present invention, by providing the input unit and the output unit, a plurality of video cameras are set in a lump, and imaging signals in a common format can be obtained from the plurality of video cameras. It is possible to output in synchronization.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an input / output relationship of a video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the video camera shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a usage pattern of the video camera shown in FIG. 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Video camera, 2 ... VTR, 3 ... Master control unit, 4 ... External console, 5 ... Camera control apparatus, 10 ... Viewfinder, 11 ... Master control unit I / F part, 12 ... External console I / F part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... External synchronizing signal I / F part, 14 ... Format selection control part, 15 ... Format selection part, 16 ... System control part, 17 ... Table selection part, 18 ... Table for 1080 / 60I, 19 ... Table for 1080 / 50I 20 ... 1080 / 30P table, 21 ... 1080 / 24P table, 22 ... camera head block, 23 ... DSP, 24 ... serial transmission block, 25 ... signal generation block

Claims (6)

In a video camera that generates an imaging signal according to the imaging result,
A plurality of format designation signals from the outside of the video camera, a plurality of input means for outputting the plurality of format designation signals and a plurality of notification signals indicating that the format has been designated;
When the power is turned on, a format selection signal instructing to select a preset format is output. When any one of the plurality of notification signals is input after the power is turned on, the notification signal corresponds to the notification signal. Format selection control means for outputting a format selection signal instructing selection of a format designation signal to be performed ;
Based on the format selection signal output from the format selection control means, one format specification signal is selected from the plurality of format specification signals output from the plurality of input means, and the selected format specification signal is output. A selection means;
And processing means for processing or operation for generating the image signal in a format corresponding to said format specifying signal
Storage means for storing setting data for setting the processing means corresponding to each of the plurality of format designation signals of the imaging signal;
A video camera comprising: setting means for reading the setting data corresponding to the format designation signal selected by the selection means from the storage means, and setting the processing means based on the read setting data. The format selection control means selects one notification signal from the plurality of notification signals according to a predetermined priority order, and selects an instruction signal for selecting a format designation signal corresponding to the selected notification signal. Output to the selection means ,
The video camera according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit selects one format designation signal from the plurality of format designation signals in accordance with the instruction signal. The priority selected by the format selection control means is changed by the user.
The video camera according to claim 2. 2. The video camera according to claim 1, further comprising: an operation unit that generates the notification signal according to an operation and outputs the notification signal to the format selection control unit, and generates a format designation signal based on the notification signal and outputs the format designation signal to the selection unit. . The input means inputs a synchronization signal from the outside of the video camera, detects a format corresponding to the synchronization signal, and outputs the format designation signal indicating the detected format
Video camera according to 請 Motomeko 1. The video camera according to claim 5 , further comprising output means for outputting the input synchronization signal to a subsequent video camera.

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