JP6311824B2 - Intermediate unit and camera system - Google Patents

Description

  The present technology relates to an intermediate unit and a camera system, and more particularly, to an intermediate unit interposed between a camera and a camera control unit.

  As described in Patent Document 1, for example, a broadcasting camera system is configured by a pair of devices of a camera unit (CAM) and a camera control unit (CCU) connected by a camera cable. For example, an SD resolution camera unit (SD-Camera) is connected to a camera control unit (SD_CCU) for an SD resolution camera unit. An HD resolution camera unit (HD-Camera) is connected to a camera control unit (HD-CCU) for an HD resolution camera unit. Thus, the camera unit and the camera control unit are configured as a pair.

JP 2001-292348 A

  Conventionally, when a broadcast camera is updated, in order to introduce a camera unit of a new format, it is necessary to update the camera unit and the camera control unit in pairs. As a result, the cost is high and mutual compatibility with the conventional machine cannot be obtained.

  The purpose of this technique is to reduce the cost when introducing a camera unit of a new format.

The concept of this technology is
A first connecting unit for connecting a camera unit having a first resolution in a spatial direction or a temporal direction;
A second connecting unit for connecting a camera control unit for a camera unit having a second resolution lower than the first resolution in the spatial direction or the time direction;
The intermediate unit includes an information bridge unit that is interposed between the first connect unit and the second connect unit and bridges information transmitted and received between the camera unit and the camera control unit.

  In the present technology, the intermediate unit includes a first connect unit and a second connect unit. The first connection unit is a connection unit for connecting a camera unit having the first resolution in the space direction or the time direction. The second connection unit is a connection unit for connecting a camera control unit for a camera unit having a second resolution lower than the first resolution in the spatial direction or the time direction. For example, the first resolution may be 4K resolution, and the second resolution may be HD resolution. Further, for example, the first resolution may be a high frame rate resolution, and the second resolution may be a normal frame rate resolution.

  For example, the camera unit is connected to the first connection portion of the intermediate unit through a first transmission path such as an optical transmission cable. In addition, for example, the camera control unit is connected to the second connection portion of the intermediate unit through a second transmission path such as an optical transmission cable. Thus, the camera unit of the first resolution is connected to the camera control unit for the camera unit of the second resolution via the intermediate unit.

  The intermediate unit is provided with an information bridge unit. The information bridge unit is interposed between the first connect unit and the second connect unit. By this information bridge unit, information transmitted and received between the camera unit and the camera control unit is bridged.

  For example, the information bridge unit converts a first resolution video signal input from the camera unit to the first connection unit into a second resolution video signal and outputs the second resolution video signal to the second connection unit. May be. In this case, the information bridge unit converts the first resolution video signal input from the camera unit to the first connection unit into the second resolution video signal before converting it to the second resolution video signal. On the other hand, camera signal processing may be performed.

  In this case, the information bridge unit may further include a video signal output unit that outputs the video signal of the first resolution subjected to the camera signal processing to the outside. In this case, the information bridge unit outputs a color bar signal corresponding to the video signal of the first resolution in a state where the video signal of the first resolution is not supplied from the camera unit to the first connect unit. May be.

  In the present technology, for example, the information bridge unit may mediate communication related to camera control between the camera unit and the camera control unit. In the present technology, for example, the information bridge unit may mediate a power supply request from the camera unit to the camera control unit. In the present technology, for example, the information bridge unit extracts a timing signal from a camera control signal input from the camera control unit to the second connection unit, and controls processing timing of each unit based on the timing signal. It may be made like.

  As described above, according to the present technology, the camera unit having the first resolution can be connected to the camera control unit for the camera unit having the second resolution lower than the first resolution. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost when introducing a camera unit of a new format.

  According to the present technology, it is possible to reduce costs when a camera unit having a new format is introduced. Note that the effects described in the present specification are merely examples and are not limited, and may have additional effects.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of a camera system (HD-SYSTEM) and a camera system (4K-SYSTEM). It is a figure which shows the structural example of the camera system (4K-Hybrid-SYSTEM) as embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of an intermediate unit (4K-BPU). It is a figure which shows the example of a connection with a camera unit (Camera), a camera control unit (CCU), and a studio apparatus or a relay vehicle apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the change ease of a camera system. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of an intermediate | middle unit (4K-BPU). It is a figure which shows the structural example of a camera system (HFR-Hybrid-SYSTEM).

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described. The description will be given in the following order.
1. Embodiment 2. FIG. Modified example

<1. Embodiment>
[Example of camera system configuration]
FIG. 1A shows a configuration example of a camera system (HD-SYSTEM) 60. In this camera system 60, an HD resolution camera unit (HD_Camera) 61 and an HD resolution camera unit camera control unit (HD_CCU) 62 are connected via an optical camera cable 63 as an HD optical transmission path. Configured.

  The optical camera cable 63 is a composite cable including a pair of fiber cables, a power supply line, and two control lines, and supports a transmission rate of 1.5 GHz / 3 GHz / 3.7 GHz, for example. ing. The camera control unit 62 performs video signal processing, format conversion, distribution output, and supports various miscellaneous interfaces. The camera unit 61 and the camera control unit 62 are connected by a dedicated optical transmission interface (I / F).

  FIG. 1B shows a configuration example of the camera system (4K-SYSTEM) 70. In this camera system 70, a 4K resolution camera unit (4K_Camera) 71 and a 4K resolution camera unit camera control unit (4K_CCU) 72 are connected via an optical camera cable 73 as an optical transmission path for 4K. Configured.

  As the optical camera cable 73, the above-described optical camera cable for HD can be used as it is. However, optical laser communication corresponding to large-scale data is performed, and for example, a transmission rate of 10 GHz or more is achieved. Similar to the HD camera control unit, the camera control unit 72 performs video signal processing, format conversion, and distribution output, supports various miscellaneous interfaces, and has a 4K video signal processing function. The camera unit 71 and the camera control unit 72 are connected by a dedicated optical transmission interface (I / F) capable of transmitting 4K signals.

  Thus, in order to configure the 4K camera system (4K-SYSTEM) 70, a camera control unit having a dedicated optical transmission interface (I / F) function capable of transmitting 4K signals and a function capable of processing 4K video signals. 72 is required.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a camera system (4K-Hybrid-SYSTEM) 10 as an embodiment. The camera system 10 includes a 4K resolution camera unit (4K_Camera) 11, an HD resolution camera control unit (HD_CCU) 12, and an intermediate unit (4K-BPU: 4k-Baseband Process Unit) 13. ing.

  The intermediate unit 13 is provided with a connect part (first connect part) 13a and a connect part (second connect part) 13b. The camera control unit 12 is connected to the connection unit 13b of the intermediate unit 13 via an optical camera cable 14 as an HD optical transmission path. The optical camera cable 14 is, for example, a composite cable including a pair of fiber cables, a power supply line, and two control lines, and has a transmission rate of 1.5 GHz / 3 GHz / 3.7 GHz, for example. It corresponds.

  In addition, the camera unit 11 is connected to the connection portion 13a of the intermediate unit 13 via an optical camera cable 15 as a 4K optical transmission path. As the optical camera cable 15, the above-described HD optical camera cable can be used as it is. However, optical laser communication corresponding to large-scale data is performed, and for example, a transmission rate of 10 GHz or more is achieved.

  In this case, the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 is an optical transmission interface between a 4K resolution camera unit (4K_Camera) and an HD resolution camera control unit (HD_CCU). And have both. Thus, when viewed from the camera unit (4K_Camera) 11 side, the connection with the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 becomes the connection with the camera control unit (4K-CCU) for the 4K resolution camera unit. Further, when viewed from the camera control unit (HD_CCU) 12 side, the connection with the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 becomes the connection with the HD resolution camera unit (HD_Camera).

  That is, the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 is connected to the camera control unit (HD_CCU) 12 by the protocol interface of the HD resolution camera unit (HD_Camera). The intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 is connected to the camera unit (4K_Camera) 11 through a protocol interface of a camera control unit (4K-CCU) for a 4K resolution camera unit.

  The function of the camera control unit (HD_CCU) 12 for an HD resolution camera unit is used as an interface function for various signals not depending on the format of the camera unit. That is, in the camera system 10, a configuration equivalent to a camera control unit (4K-CCU) for a 4K resolution camera unit is realized by a combination of the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 and the camera control unit (HD_CCU) 12. The

  In the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13, an information bridge unit 13c is interposed between the connect unit 13a and the connect unit 13b. The information bridge unit 13 c bridges information transmitted and received between the camera unit (4K_Camera) 11 and the camera control unit (HD_CCU) 12.

  In this case, the information bridge unit 13c has a video signal converter that converts a 4K resolution video signal into an HD resolution video signal, and has a function of configuring an HD optical transmission interface. The HD resolution camera unit (HD_Camera ). Therefore, the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 can be connected to a camera control unit (HD_CCU) 12 for an HD resolution camera unit.

[Configuration example of intermediate unit (4K-BPU)]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13. The intermediate unit 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a timing generator (Timing-Generator) 102, and a communication controller (Communication-Controller) 103. The intermediate unit 13 includes an optical transceiver 104, a 4K transmission decoder (4K) 105, and a 4K video processor 106. Yes.

  The intermediate unit 13 includes a 4K / HD converter (4K → HD-Converter) 107, an HD transmission encoder (HD-Transmission-Encoder) 108, and an optical transceiver 109. Yes. The intermediate unit 13 includes an HD transmission decoder (HD-Transmission-Decoder) 110 and a 4K transmission encoder (4K-Transmission-Encoder) 111. The above-described units in the intermediate unit 13 constitute an information bridge unit 13c.

  The CPU 101 controls each unit of the intermediate unit 13. The timing generator 102 generates various timing signals based on the timing signal extracted from the signal transmitted from the camera control unit 12 by optical transmission, and sends the timing signals to each unit of the intermediate unit 13 to control the processing timing of each unit. To do. That is, the intermediate unit 13 operates based on the timing based on the timing signal extracted from the signal transmitted from the camera control unit 12 by optical transmission.

  The timing generator 102 regenerates the timing signal to be optically transmitted to the camera unit 11 based on the timing signal extracted from the signal transmitted from the camera control unit 12 by optical transmission. In this case, the timing signal is reproduced so that the delay necessary for processing the 4K resolution video signal in the 4K video processor 106 is taken into consideration and the phase of the camera unit 11 is optimized.

  The communication controller 103 uses the control line to control optical communication between the camera unit 11 and the camera control unit 12 and power supply from the camera control unit 12 to the camera unit 11.

  Even when the optical camera cable 15 on the camera unit 11 side is not connected, the intermediate unit 13 outputs a 4K resolution video signal such as a color bar (CB). Therefore, since a reference lock to the camera control unit 12 side is necessary, it is necessary to perform optical communication with the camera control unit 12 without supplying power.

  The communication controller 103 mediates a power supply request from the camera unit 11 to the camera control unit 12 when the optical camera cable 15 on the camera unit 11 side is connected. That is, in response to a power supply request from the camera unit 11 through the control line, the communication controller 103 transmits the power supply request to the camera control unit 12 through the control line of the optical camera cable 14 on the camera control unit 12 side.

  In the configuration of the intermediate unit 13 shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate unit 13 is configured to supply power to the camera unit 11 through the power supply from the camera control unit 12 as it is. However, a configuration in which a power source for a 4K resolution camera unit (4K-Camera) is built in the intermediate unit 13 and power is supplied to the camera unit 11 from this power source is also conceivable.

  The optical transceiver 104 performs optical communication with the camera unit 11 connected through the optical camera cable 15. Through this optical communication, a 4K transmission format signal including a video signal, a camera control signal, and the like is transmitted to and received from the camera unit 11.

  The 4K transmission decoder 105 decodes the 4K transmission format signal received by the optical transceiver 104 and obtains a signal (4K-Video, Control, Intercom, etc.) sent from the camera unit 11. To do. The 4K transmission encoder 111 performs an encoding process on a signal (Return, Intercom, Control, etc.) received from the camera control unit 12 to generate a 4K transmission format signal to be transmitted.

  The optical transceiver 109 performs optical communication with the camera control unit 12 connected through the optical camera cable 14. Through this optical communication, HD transmission format signals including video signals, camera control signals, and the like are transmitted to and received from the camera control unit 12.

  The HD transmission decoder 110 decodes the HD transmission format signal received by the optical transceiver 109 and obtains a signal (Return, Intercom, Control, etc.) sent from the camera control unit 12. . The HD transmission encoder 108 encodes the signal received from the camera unit 11 (Intercom, Control, etc.), the HD resolution video signal generated by the 4K / HD converter 107, and transmits the encoded signal. A signal of a proper HD transmission format is generated.

  The 4K video processor 106 performs necessary processing on the 4K resolution video signal (4K-Video) received from the camera unit 11, such as gain-up processing and gamma correction processing. Although not described above, the intermediate unit 13 includes a video signal output unit 13d that outputs the processed 4K resolution video signal to the outside of the device. The 4K video processor 106 outputs a 4K resolution video signal such as a color bar when the optical camera cable 15 on the camera unit 11 side is not connected. The 4K / HD converter 107 converts a 4K resolution video signal into an HD resolution video signal.

  The CPU 101 mediates communication related to camera control between the camera unit 11 and the camera control unit 12. In this case, the CPU 101 once receives a camera control signal (command) from the camera control unit 12. Then, the CPU 101 replaces it with a control signal for the camera unit 11 as necessary, and sends it to the camera unit 11. As a specific example, commands in the intermediate unit 13 such as, for example, a command that needs to be executed by the 4K video processor 106 and a command that needs to be executed on the camera unit 11 side are arranged.

  The operation of the intermediate unit 13 shown in FIG. 3 will be briefly described. When connected to the camera control unit 12 through the optical camera cable 14, the HD transmission decoder 110 extracts the timing signal embedded in the optical transmission signal from the camera control unit 12 and supplies it to the timing generator 102. The

  In the timing generator 102, various timing signals are generated based on this timing signal and sent to each part of the intermediate unit 13, and the processing timing of each part is controlled. As a result, the intermediate unit 13 enters a state of operating based on the timing of the timing signal sent from the camera control unit 12 by optical transmission. In this case, for example, the output phase of a 4K resolution video signal such as a color bar (CB) output from the 4K video processor 106 is also locked to the timing signal sent from the camera control unit 12 by optical transmission. It becomes.

  Next, when the camera unit 12 is connected through the optical camera cable 15, a power supply request is sent from the camera unit 11 to the communication controller 103 through the control line in the optical camera cable 15. The communication controller 103 transmits this power supply request to the camera control unit 12 through the control line of the optical camera cable 14. Thus, power is supplied from the camera control unit 12 to the camera unit 11 through the power supply lines of the optical camera cables 14 and 15.

  Next, an information transmission operation from the camera control unit 12 to the camera unit 11 side will be described. The optical transceiver 109 receives an HD transmission format signal optically transmitted from the camera control unit 12 through the optical camera cable 14. The HD transmission format signal is supplied to the HD transmission decoder 110, and signals (Return, Intercom, Control, etc.) sent from the camera control unit 12 are acquired. Here, the return signal is an HD resolution video signal.

  Of the signals acquired by the HD transmission decoder 110, a camera control signal is supplied to the CPU 101, and the other signals are supplied to the 4K transmission encoder 111. The CPU 101 distinguishes between commands that need to be executed in the intermediate unit 13 and commands that need to be executed on the camera unit 11 side.

  A command (camera control signal) that needs to be executed on the camera unit 11 side is supplied to the 4K transmission encoder 111. Further, the CPU 101 controls corresponding processing, for example, processing such as gain-up processing and gamma correction processing in the 4K video processor 106, based on commands that need to be executed in the intermediate unit 13.

  The 4K transmission encoder 111 encodes the signals (Return, Intercom, Control, etc.) supplied from the HD transmission decoder 110 and the CPU 101, and generates a 4K transmission format signal to be transmitted. . In this case, a timing signal regenerated by the timing generator 102 is embedded in the 4K transmission format signal. In the timing generator 102, the processing delay in the 4K video processor 106 is taken into consideration, and the timing signal is reproduced so that the phase of the camera unit 11 is optimized.

  The 4K transmission format signal generated by the 4K transmission encoder 111 is supplied to the 4K optical transceiver 104. The optical transceiver 104 optically transmits this 4K transmission format signal to the camera unit 11 via the optical camera cable 15.

  Next, an information transmission operation from the camera unit 11 to the camera control unit 12 will be described. The optical transceiver 104 receives a 4K transmission format signal transmitted from the camera unit 11 via the optical camera cable 15. The 4K transmission format signal is supplied to the 4K transmission decoder 105, and signals (4K-Video, Intercom, Control, etc.) sent from the camera unit 11 are acquired.

  Of the signals acquired by the 4K transmission decoder 105, a 4K resolution video signal (4K-Video) is supplied to the 4K video processor 106, and a camera control signal (command response) is sent to the CPU 101. The other signals are supplied to the HD transmission encoder 108. In the CPU 101, another command response is added to the command response from the camera unit 11 as necessary, and the command response is supplied to the HD transmission encoder 108.

  The 4K video processor 106 performs necessary processing such as gain-up processing and gamma correction processing on a 4K-resolution video signal (4K-Video). The processed 4K resolution video signal is output to the video signal output unit 13d and supplied to the 4K / HD converter 107. The 4K / HD converter 107 converts a 4K resolution video signal into an HD resolution video signal (HD-Video). This HD resolution video signal is supplied to the HD transmission encoder 108.

  The HD transmission encoder 108 encodes the signals (HD-Video, Intercom, Control, etc.) supplied from the 4K transmission decoder 105, the CPU 101, and the 4K / HD converter 107, and should be transmitted. An HD transmission format signal is generated. The HD transmission format signal is supplied to the optical transceiver 109. The optical transceiver 109 optically transmits the HD transmission format signal to the camera control unit 12 via the optical camera cable 14.

  In the camera system 10 described above, an intermediate unit (4K-BPU) 13 is provided between a 4K resolution camera unit (4K-Camera) 11 and a camera control unit (HD-CCU) 12 for an HD resolution camera unit. It is something that is intervened. Therefore, the 4K resolution camera unit 11 can be used by connecting to the camera control unit 12 for the HD resolution camera unit.

  Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the cost when the 4K resolution camera unit 11 is introduced. That is, when the 4K resolution camera unit 11 is introduced, it is possible to use the studio equipment or the relay vehicle equipment to which the camera control unit 12 for the HD resolution camera unit is connected as it is.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of connection between a camera unit (Camera), a camera control unit (CCU), and studio equipment or relay vehicle equipment. This connection example is an example in the case of using two camera units. Each camera unit is connected to a studio device or a relay vehicle device through a corresponding camera control unit.

  The operation of the camera unit requires various interfaces, and all are connected to the camera control unit at once. In order to simplify the handling of the camera unit, the camera control unit is incorporated in the system. Therefore, when the 4K resolution camera unit 11 is introduced, it is not easy to change the camera control unit to that for the 4K resolution camera unit, and it is necessary to reconstruct the entire system including studio equipment or relay vehicle equipment. It becomes.

In the connection example of FIG. 4, only the main flow of the main video signal and the monitor video signal is shown, but the actual wiring has system wiring for each of the following signal types.
-Reference signal system-Return video system, prompter video system-Intercom system-MIC audio, program audio system-Camera control system-TALLY system-Other, AUX-Data system

  In the camera system 10 described above, the camera control unit 12 is for an HD resolution camera unit. Therefore, for example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 5, a camera system as an HD-SYSTEM (see FIG. 1A) can be obtained simply by changing the connection of the optical camera cable to the HD resolution camera unit (HD-Camera) 16. ) Can be operated.

  In the above-described camera system 10, the intermediate unit 13 includes a 4K video processor 106 that processes a 4K resolution video signal transmitted from the camera unit 11. Therefore, for example, the processing load of the video signal in the camera unit 11 can be reduced, and the configuration of the processing system can be simplified.

  Further, the above-described camera system 10 is provided with a video signal output unit 13 d that outputs a 4K resolution video signal generated by the 4K video processor 106. Therefore, similarly to the camera system 70 (see FIG. 1B) using the camera control unit (4K-CCU) for the 4K resolution camera unit, the 4K resolution video signal (4K-Video) and the HD resolution video are displayed. A signal (HD-Video) can be obtained.

  In the camera system 10 described above, the CPU 101 in the intermediate unit 13 is configured to mediate a camera control signal communicated between the camera unit 11 and the camera control unit 12. Therefore, for example, only necessary ones of commands sent from the camera control unit can be selected and sent to the camera unit 11, and the CPU 101 can be used as a camera function unit existing in the intermediate unit 13, For example, the processing control of the 4K video processor 106 can be performed accurately.

  In the above-described camera system 10, the communication controller 103 in the intermediate unit 13 is configured to mediate a power supply request from the camera unit 11 to the camera control unit 12. Therefore, for example, in the state where the optical camera cable 15 on the camera unit 11 side is not connected, high voltage power supply is not performed from the camera control unit 12 side through the power supply line, and an unexpected situation such as electric shock is caused. Can be avoided.

<2. Modification>
In the above embodiment, an example in which the return signal sent from the intermediate unit 13 to the camera unit 11 is an HD resolution video signal has been described. However, when it is necessary to return to the camera unit 11 with a 4K resolution video signal, an HD / 4K converter (HD → 4K Converter) 121 is built in as shown by a broken line in FIG. Thus, it is possible to provide a video signal input unit 13e for inputting a 4K resolution return video signal. As a result, a 4K resolution return video signal can be sent to the camera unit 11. Further, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6, the intermediate unit 13 can be provided with a video signal output unit 13 f that outputs a video signal with HD resolution (HD-Video) as necessary.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the camera system 10 is shown in which the 4K-resolution camera unit (4K-Camera) 11 is connected to the HD-resolution camera control unit (HD-CCU) 12 via the intermediate unit 13. . However, the present technology can also be applied to an HFR (High-Frame-Rate) camera system.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the camera system (HFR-Hybrid-SYSTEM) 20. The camera system 20 includes an HFR camera unit (HFR_Camera) 21, a camera control unit (NFR_CCU) 22 for an NFR (normal frame rate) camera unit such as 60 Hz and 50 Hz, and an intermediate unit (HFR-BPU: HFR). -Baseband Process Unit) 23.

  The intermediate unit 23 is provided with a connect part (first connect part) 23a and a connect part (second connect part) 23b. The camera control unit 22 is connected to the connection portion 23b of the intermediate unit 23 via an optical camera cable 24 as an NFR optical transmission path. In addition, the camera unit 21 is connected to the connecting portion 23a of the intermediate unit 23 via an optical camera cable 25 as an HFR optical transmission path.

  In this case, the intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 has both an optical transmission interface with the HFR camera unit (HFR_Camera) and an optical transmission interface with the camera control unit (NFR_CCU) for the NFR camera unit. have. Accordingly, when viewed from the camera unit (HFR_Camera) 21 side, the connection with the intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 becomes the connection with the camera control unit (HFR-CCU) for the HFR camera unit. Further, when viewed from the camera control unit (NFR_CCU) 22 side, the connection with the intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 becomes the connection with the NFR camera unit (NFR_Camera).

  That is, the intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 is connected to the camera control unit (NFR_CCU) 22 through the protocol interface of the NFR camera unit (NFR_Camera). The intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 is connected to the camera unit (HFR_Camera) 21 through the protocol interface of the camera control unit (HFR-CCU) for the HFR camera unit.

  The function of the camera control unit (NFR_CCU) 22 for the NFR camera unit is used as an interface function for various signals that do not depend on the format of the camera unit. That is, in the camera system 20, a configuration equivalent to the camera control unit (HFR-CCU) for the HFR camera unit is realized by a combination of the intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 and the camera control unit (NFR_CCU) 22.

  The intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 includes an information bridge unit 23c between the connect unit 23a and the connect unit 23b. The information bridge unit 23 c bridges information transmitted and received between the camera unit (HFR_Camera) 21 and the camera control unit (NFR_CCU) 22.

  In this case, the information bridge unit 23c has a video signal converter that converts an HFR video signal into an NFR video signal, has a function capable of configuring an optical transmission interface for NFR, and can behave as an NFR camera unit (NFR_Camera). . Therefore, the intermediate unit (HFR-BPU) 23 can be connected to a camera control unit (NFR_CCU) 22 for the NFR camera unit.

  Also in the camera system 20 shown in FIG. 7, the same effect as the camera system 10 shown in FIG. 2 described above can be obtained. Note that the present technology is not limited to the configuration of the camera system 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 and the camera system 20 illustrated in FIG. 7. In general, a camera unit having a first resolution in the spatial direction or the temporal direction It can be applied when connecting to a camera control unit for a camera unit having a second resolution lower than the first resolution in the direction or time direction.

Moreover, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1) a first connecting unit for connecting a camera unit having a first resolution in a spatial direction or a time direction;
A second connecting unit for connecting a camera control unit for a camera unit having a second resolution lower than the first resolution in the spatial direction or the time direction;
An intermediate unit comprising an information bridge unit that is interposed between the first connect unit and the second connect unit and bridges information transmitted and received between the camera unit and the camera control unit.
(2) The information bridge unit
The first resolution video signal input from the camera unit to the first connection unit is converted into the second resolution video signal and output to the second connection unit (1) Intermediate unit as described in.
(3) The information bridge unit
Before converting the first resolution video signal input from the camera unit to the first connection unit into the second resolution video signal, the camera signal is output to the first resolution video signal. The intermediate unit according to (2), wherein the processing is performed.
(4) The intermediate unit according to (3), further including: a video signal output unit that outputs the video signal of the first resolution subjected to the camera signal processing in the information bridge unit to the outside.
(5) The information bridge unit
A color bar signal corresponding to the video signal of the first resolution is output to the first connect unit in a state where the video signal of the first resolution is not supplied from the camera unit. (1) to (4) The intermediate unit according to any one of the above.
(6) The information bridge unit
The intermediate unit according to any one of (1) to (5), which mediates communication related to camera control between the camera unit and the camera control unit.
(7) The information bridge unit
The intermediate unit according to any one of (1) to (6), which mediates a power supply request from the camera unit to the camera control unit.
(8) The information bridge unit
The timing signal is extracted from the camera control signal input from the camera control unit to the second connection unit, and the processing timing of each unit is controlled based on the timing signal. Any one of (1) to (7) The intermediate unit described.
(9) The intermediate unit according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first resolution is 4K resolution and the second resolution is HD resolution.
(10) The intermediate unit according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first resolution is a high frame rate resolution, and the second resolution is a normal frame rate resolution.
(11) a camera unit having a first resolution in a spatial direction or a time direction;
A camera control unit for a camera unit having a second resolution lower than the first resolution in the spatial direction or the time direction;
An intermediate unit interposed between the camera unit and the camera control unit;
The intermediate unit is
A first connecting unit for connecting the camera unit via a first transmission path;
A second connecting portion for connecting the camera control unit via a second transmission path;
A camera system comprising an information bridge unit that is interposed between the first connect unit and the second connect unit and bridges information transmitted and received between the camera unit and the camera control unit.

10 ... Camera system 11 ... Camera unit (4K-Camera)
12 ... Camera control unit (HD-CCU)
13 ... Intermediate unit (4K-BPU)
13a: Connect section (first connect section)
13b... Connect part (second connect part)
13c: Information bridge unit 13d: Video signal output unit 13e: Video signal input unit 13f: Video signal output unit 14, 15: Optical camera cable 16: Camera unit (HD-Camera )
20 ... Camera system 21 ... Camera unit (HFR-Camera)
22 ... Camera control unit (NFR-CCU)
23 ... Intermediate unit (HFR-BPU)
101 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... Timing generator 103 ... Communication controller 104 ... Optical transceiver 105 ... 4K transmission decoder 106 ... 4K video processor 107 ... 4K / HD converter 108 ... · · · HD transmission encoder 109 · · · Optical transceiver 110 · · · HD · transmission decoder 111 · · · 4K · Transmission encoder · 121 · · · HD / 4K · converter

Claims (15)

A first connecting unit for connecting a camera unit that outputs a video signal having a first resolution in a spatial direction or a time direction;
A second connecting unit for connecting a control unit for processing a video signal having a second resolution lower than the first resolution in the spatial direction or the time direction;
An information bridge unit that is interposed between the first connect unit and the second connect unit and bridges information transmitted and received between the camera unit and the control unit;
The information bridge part
An intermediate unit that receives a return signal sent from the control unit via the second connect unit and transmits it to the first connect unit. The intermediate unit according to claim 1, wherein the return signal transmitted to the first connection unit is an HD resolution video signal. The intermediate unit according to claim 1, wherein the return signal transmitted to the first connection unit is a 4K resolution video signal. The information bridge part
The video signal of the first resolution input from the camera unit to the first connect unit is converted into a video signal of the second resolution and is output to the second connect unit. The intermediate unit according to any one of 3 above. The information bridge part
Before converting the first resolution video signal input from the camera unit to the first connection unit into the second resolution video signal, the camera signal is output to the first resolution video signal. The intermediate unit according to claim 4 which performs processing. The intermediate unit according to claim 5, further comprising a video signal output unit that outputs the video signal having the first resolution subjected to the camera signal processing in the information bridge unit to the outside. The information bridge part
The color bar signal corresponding to the video signal of the first resolution is output in a state where the video signal of the first resolution is not supplied from the camera unit to the first connect unit. Intermediate unit as described in. The information bridge part
The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which mediates communication related to camera control between the camera unit and the control unit. The information bridge part
The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a power supply request from the camera unit is mediated to the control unit. The information bridge part
The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a timing signal is extracted from a camera control signal input from the control unit to the second connection unit, and processing timing of each unit is controlled based on the timing signal. . The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first resolution is 4K resolution and the second resolution is HD resolution. The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first resolution is a high frame rate resolution, and the second resolution is a normal frame rate resolution. The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first connection unit is connected to the camera unit via an optical transmission cable. A camera unit that outputs a video signal having a first resolution in a spatial direction or a temporal direction;
A control unit for processing a video signal having a second resolution lower than the first resolution in the spatial direction or the time direction;
An intermediate unit interposed between the camera unit and the control unit;
The intermediate unit is
A first connecting unit for connecting the camera unit via a first transmission path;
A second connecting part for connecting the control unit via a second transmission line;
An information bridge unit that is interposed between the first connect unit and the second connect unit and bridges information transmitted and received between the camera unit and the control unit;
The information bridge part
A camera system that receives a return signal sent from the control unit via the second connection unit and transmits the return signal to the first connection unit. The camera system according to claim 14, wherein the first transmission path is an optical transmission cable.