JP5054352B2 - Video switcher device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a video switcher device which inputs a video signal from an input terminal group and outputs it from a specific output terminal group as it is or after performing video format conversion if necessary.

  As such a video switcher device, for example, a matrix switcher for switching / converting video signals of various formats in a commercial video device is known.

  This type of apparatus has a large number of input terminal groups and output terminal groups, and is configured to perform signal transmission from an arbitrary input terminal to an arbitrary output terminal. Such a signal switching operation is performed by using a crosspoint switch circuit configured for a video signal and programming the signal switching operation by the control unit.

  The control unit is configured by dedicated hardware of a matrix switcher including an operation panel and a control board, or a PC (personal computer) connected via an appropriate connection interface.

  In addition, the assumed video format may be different between the input device and the output device, and this type of matrix switcher may incorporate a converter function for converting the video format.

For example, in order to display an NTSC signal image on an image display device having only RGB input terminals, it is necessary to convert the format with an up-scan converter (up-converter). In order to display an image of RGB signals on the machine, it is necessary to convert the format by a down scan converter (down converter). Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration example of such a matrix switcher with a built-in converter.
Japanese Patent No. 2684014

  In the matrix switcher as described above, when a converter function is required, a video format such as RGB signal, composite signal (NTSC, PAL, etc.), or component signal (ITU-R BT.601, BTA S-001B, etc.). Converters that convert between them may be incorporated.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a configuration in which converters 13a, 13b... Are inserted on the input side of a single matrix switcher 11 (without a conversion function) (FIG. 1), or a converter 14a on the output side of the matrix switcher 11. , 14b... (FIG. 2). The configuration of Patent Document 1 is substantially in accordance with such a configuration.

  As a more specific product configuration, converters 13a, 13b..., Converters 14a, 14b... In FIGS. 1 and 2 are slot-connected (51, 52) to the crosspoint switch 53 in FIG. There is something that was made to be. Each converter needs to be formed so as to be compatible with an interface including a card edge connector that is configured on a card (board) and conforms to the specification of the connector 53a of the crosspoint switch 53.

  As described above, conventionally, a slot type converter module is attached, and a configuration in which a matrix switcher with a built-in converter is realized by housing a combination of a single matrix switcher and a single converter in one housing is known. .

  However, the slot type configuration of the converter module as described above tends to increase the hardware size.

  In the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, as soon as a video signal is input, it is input to the converter module and then input to the matrix switcher unit, or a signal output from the matrix switcher is input to the converter module. Therefore, the converter module must be equipped with connectors corresponding to each video format, and the chassis must be designed so as to have a slot-compatible mechanism. Don't be.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when using as a simple matrix switcher that does not require a converter module, a signal through module must be inserted into the slot, so that a converter built-in matrix switcher and a simple matrix switcher can be used. When it is necessary to design both, it is difficult to share circuits and hardware, and efficient design / manufacturing is impossible.

  In addition, it is conceivable to configure a system by combining the converter module and simple matrix switcher as a single unit, but each product requires an AC power source and a case, which increases the cost. There is a problem that a larger installation space is required in configuring the system.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive, small and light video switcher device that solves the above-mentioned problems, can convert a video format as necessary, and can also be used as a non-converting video switcher. There is.

In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention,
Input terminals that can input video signals of different video formats;
An output terminal group for outputting one of the signals of the respective formats;
A converter for performing format conversion from one video format to another video format among the formats;
A crosspoint that is connected to each input terminal of the input terminal group, the input terminal and output terminal of the converter unit, and each output terminal of the output terminal group, and performs signal switching so as to connect arbitrary terminals among these terminals A switch part;
Controls the format conversion operation of the converter unit, a control unit for programming control signal switching operation of the crosspoint switch unit,
The signal conversion operation of the crosspoint switch unit performed according to the programming control of the control unit performs the format conversion operation of the converter unit on the multiplexing input side or the multiplexing output side of the crosspoint switch unit,
Each input terminal of the input terminal group, and a connector constituting the output terminal of the output terminal group are arranged at one end of a crosspoint switch board constituting the crosspoint switch part instead of the converter part, and The converter unit is cable-connected to the crosspoint switch unit and the control unit ,
When the cable connection of the converter unit is removed, a configuration is adopted in which the video signals respectively input from the input terminal group are operated as through matrix switchers that are directly output to the output terminal group.

  Alternatively, the converter unit has a plurality of slots into which a converter board for performing format conversion between different video formats can be inserted and removed, and which converter board is installed in which slot is controlled by the control unit Adopted a configuration that is determined.

  Alternatively, the converter unit has a detecting means for detecting the attachment of the converter board to the slot or the type of the converter board, and the video signal input / output control is enabled only for the slot in which the converter board is attached. It was adopted.

  Alternatively, a configuration is adopted in which the video format of the video signal input from the input terminal group is any one of the RGB signal, NTSC signal, and component signal formats.

  According to the above configuration, the video signal input / output to / from the converter unit is switched by the crosspoint switch unit, and the converter unit is connected to the crosspoint switch unit by cable. Therefore, there is no problem that the apparatus becomes large. With the above configuration, the converter unit can be accommodated in the housing. In addition, a specific video format conversion function is not fixed to an input / output terminal of a specific slot as in the past, and an arbitrary video device can be connected to an arbitrary input / output terminal depending on the programming of the crosspoint switch section. In addition, necessary video format conversion can be performed between them, or video signals can be transmitted between any video equipment without conversion, which is highly flexible. Further, in the configuration in which the cable (or the converter unit) is removed, the device can be operated as a single matrix switcher, and the configuration of the matrix switcher product with / without the converter function can be made almost common, so that additional cost is increased. These product lineups can be developed, manufactured and shipped at the same time.

  Furthermore, the converter unit has a slot configuration having a plurality of slots into which the converter board can be inserted and removed, making it easy to change or add a video format conversion function.

  In addition, by providing a detection means for detecting the mounting of the converter board in the slot of the converter section or the type of the converter board, automatic processing for enabling the video signal input / output control only for the slot in which the converter board is mounted is performed. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, depending on the function of the converter unit, video signals of different formats such as RGB signals, NTSC signals, and component signals are input from the input terminal group, and these video signals are output from any output terminal group by conversion / no conversion. can do.

  That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an excellent video switcher device that is simple, inexpensive, small, and lightweight, which can convert a video format as necessary and can be used as a non-converting video switcher. .

  Hereinafter, as an example of the best mode for carrying out the invention, an implementation relating to a matrix switcher that inputs a video signal from an input terminal group and outputs it from a specific output terminal group as it is or after performing video format conversion if necessary An example is shown.

  4 and 5 show a circuit configuration and a mounting configuration of a matrix switcher employing the present invention, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the matrix switcher of this embodiment exchanges video signals between the input terminal group (video input 1, video input 2...) And the output terminal group (video output 1, video output 2...). The matrix switch 21 that can be used is mainly configured.

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to perform video format conversion as necessary, a configuration in which a converter unit is mounted in the input side or output side slot of the matrix switch 21 as in the prior art is not employed, but instead. The converter unit 23 is built in the matrix switcher, and the input / output of the converter unit 23 can be connected and exchanged by the matrix switch 21.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the converter unit 23 is connected to the switch terminal of the matrix switch 21 via the cables 36 and 37.

  That is, in the configuration of FIG. 4, a video signal can be input from the matrix switch 21 to the converter unit 23, and a video signal output from the converter unit 23 can be returned to the matrix switch 21. Further, as will be described later, the signals input to the converter unit 23 are those before multiplexing by the matrix switch 21 (converted on the input side) and after multiplexing by the matrix switch 21 according to the programming of the matrix switch 21. (Conversion on the output side) is possible.

  Also, multiplexing can be performed only between the input / output terminal groups by the matrix switch 21 without sending a signal to the converter unit 23, and an operation equivalent to a so-called single matrix switcher is also possible.

  Programming of the matrix switch 21 (signal switching state) or video format conversion of the converter unit 23 is controlled by the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 is configured by dedicated hardware of a matrix switcher including an operation panel and a control board, or a PC (personal computer) connected through an appropriate connection interface. Programming of the matrix switch 21 (signal switching state) according to a user operation performed via a user interface (control panel or PC display, keyboard, or even a pointing device such as a mouse) of the control unit 22 and the converter unit 23 The aspect of video format conversion is controlled via control lines 26 and 27.

  Note that the video signal format input / output from the input terminal group and the output terminal group is based on the premise that the converter unit 23 has a necessary signal conversion function, but an RGB signal, composite signal (NTSC, PAL, etc.) ), Any video format such as component signals (ITU-R BT.601, BTA S-001B, etc.) can be supported.

  In addition, a plurality of types of video format conversion of the converter unit 23 are prepared according to the input / output signal format to be supported as described above, and can be selected according to the control of the control unit 22 (described later). (See 8 implementation example).

  FIG. 5 shows an implementation example of the circuit of FIG. 4 in more detail. In the example of FIG. 5, an input connector 34 and an output connector 35 are arranged on one surface (for example, the front surface side) of the housing 30 as an input terminal group and an output terminal group. These connectors 34 and 35 are arranged at one end of the cross point switch substrate 31 constituting the matrix switch 21 (or connected to the cross point switch substrate 31 with a cable). Of the connectors 34 and 35, the specific input / output terminals can be prepared in the form of connectors corresponding to the video signal format as required.

  Converter unit 33 (23 in FIG. 4) is connected by cables 36 and 37 and is accommodated in housing 30. In a configuration in which the converter unit 33 is mounted in a slot format as will be described later, one surface of the converter unit 33 may be disposed so as to be exposed on one surface (for example, the back side) of the housing 30.

  According to the configuration as described above, even if a large number of input / output terminal groups are arranged, there is no need for a slot space for each of them, unlike the conventional slot type input / output terminals, and only a connector mounting space is provided. It is only necessary, and there is no problem that the apparatus becomes larger as in the conventional case.

  Unlike conventional slot-type input / output terminals, a specific video format conversion function is not fixed to an input / output terminal of a specific slot. Video devices can be connected and necessary video format conversion can be performed between them, or video signals can be transmitted between arbitrary video devices without conversion.

  Even in a configuration in which the cables 36 and 37 or the converter unit 33 are removed, the connection is exchanged so that the matrix switch 21 (cross point switch 31) multiplexes only between the input / output terminal groups. Operation equivalent to a single matrix switcher is possible.

  The cable 36, 37 or the converter unit 33 is not only removed by the user or service person, but the configuration in which the cables 36, 37 or the converter unit 33 is removed (not included) from the beginning is used as a single matrix switcher product. Can be shipped. That is, according to the present invention, the configuration of the matrix switcher product with the converter function and the single matrix switcher product can be made almost common, and these products are simultaneously developed, manufactured, and shipped with little additional cost. There is an advantage that you can.

  Further, since the signal input / output to / from the converter unit 33 (23) is controlled by the matrix switch 21 (cross point switch 31), the converter unit 33 (23) is housed in the housing 30. In addition to being excellent in space efficiency in this respect, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the signal conversion of the converter unit 33 (23) is performed on the input side of the matrix switch 21 (multiplexing) as required. This can be done on either the output side.

  The example of FIG. 6 shows an example of programming when an upconverter is set on the output side (input signal-> switch-> upconverter-> output). In this case, the control unit 22 selects a specific up-converter function (NTSC-> RGB) as the function of the converter unit (up-converter) 33, and the video signal of the NTSC signal input terminals (video inputs 1 to 3). To the up-converter 33, and the cross-point switch 31 constituting the matrix switch 21 is switched so that the output of the up-converter 33 is output only to the video output 1 together with the RGB input (video inputs 4, 5) video signal. In this case, the RGB input is output to the video output 1 without going through the up converter 33.

  That is, according to programming as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of NTSC signal inputs can be converted into RGB signals and output to the video output 1, and RGB signal inputs can be switched as they are and output to the video output 1 (multiple inputs 1). output). If the up-converter is replaced with a down-converter, a plurality of RGB signal inputs can be unified into NTSC signals and output from the video output 1 (input signal-> switch-> down converter-> output: multiple input 1 output).

  The example of FIG. 7 shows an example of programming when an upconverter is set on the input side (input signal-> upconverter-> switch-> output). In this case, the control unit 22 selects a specific up-converter function (NTSC-> RGB) as the function of the up-converter 33, and sends the video signal at the input terminal (video input 1) for the NTSC signal to the up-converter 33. The crosspoint switch 31 constituting the matrix switch 21 is switched. As a result, the NTSC signal input can be converted into an RGB signal and output to the video output 1 via the up-converter 33, and the up-converted video can also be output to other RGB signal outputs as shown (one-input multiple output). ).

  When the down converter is set as an input (input signal-> down converter-> switch-> output), it is unavoidable that the entire output of the product is not NTSC, but the output of the NTSC signal is (composite signal). Since the number of signals does not match other signals and it is difficult to share the RGB signal and the connector, it is not practical as an actual product specification, so such programming is omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows a detailed implementation example of the converter unit 33 (23 in FIG. 4). In the structure of FIG. 8, the converter unit 33 is a slot type. The structure other than the converter unit 33 is the same as that described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 8, the converter unit 33 has a base board 45 disposed in a housing, and a connector 45e for connecting a cable 36 (corresponding to the cable 36 described above) for inputting a video signal from the crosspoint switch 31 to the base board 45. A connector 45f for connecting the control line 26 from the control board (control unit 22) is provided. Connectors 45 a to 45 d are disposed on the other surface of the base substrate 45.

  Connectors 45a-45d are connected to connectors 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a of converter boards 41-44.

  Arbitrary converter functions such as an up-converter / down-converter are mounted on the converter boards 41 to 44, and the converter boards 41 to 44 are arranged and positioned in the converter unit 33 along a guide (not shown) provided on the casing of the converter unit 33. The Connectors 41 b, 42 b, 43 b, 44 b are arranged at the other ends of the converter boards 41 to 44, and these connectors 41 b, 42 b, 43 b, 44 b are connected to the crosspoint switch 31 via signal lines corresponding to the aforementioned cable 37. Connected. In this configuration, four converter output signals can be separately returned to the crosspoint switch 31 from the connectors 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b, or one of these can be controlled by the control unit 22 via the control line 26. Only one of them may be returned to the crosspoint switch 31.

  The main circuit of the converter unit 33 mounted on the base substrate 45 is controlled by the control unit 22 via the control line 26, and which of the converter substrates 41 to 44 validates the signal conversion operation, and the operation thereof. Perform operations such as selecting a mode.

  The converter boards 41 to 44 are preferably configured so that a user or a serviceman can be inserted and removed from one surface of the converter unit 33. However, when the converter board is inserted into the connector, the pin states of the connectors 45a to 45d change. The controller 22 (control board) can recognize the presence / absence or type of the converter board in the slot via the control line 26. As described above, the configuration for detecting the presence or absence or type of the converter boards 41 to 44 can automatically execute a part of the setup operation of the converter, for example, video signal input / output only for the slot in which the converter board is mounted. It is possible to perform control such as enabling control, disabling switching of video signals to invalid slots, or removing from a control menu presented to the user via the user interface of the control unit 22. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, the converter unit is configured, that is, by adopting a configuration in which the slot structure is concentrated only on the video conversion function portion that needs to meet the user's customization demand, the flexibility that is the same as that of the conventional device is adopted. Can be secured, and it is possible to easily meet various demands of users. Also, if the connection interfaces (connector specifications / signal specifications) of the converter boards 41 to 44 and the base board 45 are unified, the converter board can be easily upgraded or changed, and the system can be enhanced later. It is possible to meet the user's demand and to mount a third party manufactured converter board.

  The configuration of the video switcher device according to the present invention is implemented in various video switchers or video devices that input video signals from the input terminal group and output them from a specific output terminal group as they are or after performing video format conversion if necessary. be able to.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the conventional video switcher. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the conventional video switcher. It is explanatory drawing which showed the mounting structure of the conventional video switcher. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the video switcher which employ | adopted this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the mounting structure of the video switcher which employ | adopted this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed operation | movement of the video switcher which employ | adopted this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed operation | movement of the video switcher which employ | adopted this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the mounting structure of the converter unit of the video switcher which employ | adopted this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Matrix switcher 13a, 13b Converter 14a, 14b Converter 21 Matrix switch 22 Control unit 23 Converter unit 26, 27 Control line 30 Housing 31 Crosspoint switch 33 Converter unit 34 Input connector 35 Output connector 36, 37 Cables 41a, 42a, 43a 44a, 45a to 45f Connector 45 Base substrate

Claims (4)

Input terminals that can input video signals of different video formats;
An output terminal group for outputting one of the signals of the respective formats;
A converter for performing format conversion from one video format to another video format among the formats;
A crosspoint that is connected to each input terminal of the input terminal group, the input terminal and output terminal of the converter unit, and each output terminal of the output terminal group, and performs signal switching so as to connect arbitrary terminals among these terminals A switch part;
Controls the format conversion operation of the converter unit, a control unit for programming control signal switching operation of the crosspoint switch unit,
The signal conversion operation of the crosspoint switch unit performed according to the programming control of the control unit performs the format conversion operation of the converter unit on the multiplexing input side or the multiplexing output side of the crosspoint switch unit,
Each input terminal of the input terminal group, and a connector constituting the output terminal of the output terminal group are arranged at one end of a crosspoint switch board constituting the crosspoint switch part instead of the converter part, and The converter unit is cable-connected to the crosspoint switch unit and the control unit ,
A video switcher device that operates as a through-matrix switcher that outputs video signals respectively input from the input terminal group to the output terminal group as they are when the converter cable connection is removed.   The converter unit has a plurality of slots in which a converter board for performing format conversion between different video formats can be inserted and removed, and it is determined by the control of the control unit which converter board is used. The video switcher device according to claim 1, wherein:   The converter unit has a detecting means for detecting the mounting of the converter board in the slot or the type of the converter board, and the video signal input / output control is enabled only for the slot in which the converter board is mounted. The video switcher device according to claim 2.   4. The video switcher according to claim 1, wherein a video format of a video signal input from the input terminal group is any one of an RGB signal format, an NTSC signal format, and a component signal format. apparatus.

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