JP6351213B2 - IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, an image pickup apparatus control method, and a system, and more particularly, to an image pickup apparatus having a video data generation function in consideration of video signal transfer, and an image pickup apparatus control method and system.

  Conventionally, when shooting and recording video with a digital video camera, there are cases where recording is performed on a recording medium in the camera and recording is performed on a recording medium of an external recorder. In connection with an external recorder, an IEEE 1394 output or an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output is used. Further, an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) output established by SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) is also used.

  Some commercial cameras have a BNC terminal (Bayonet Connector) and can output SDI signals, and are displayed on an external monitor by connecting to the BNC terminal with a coaxial cable. In addition, external recorder devices capable of receiving video signals, audio data, and control codes transmitted according to the SMPTE format are also used for recording as necessary.

  The video data includes not only RGB and YCbCr data after developing the output from the image sensor that can be easily used as a photographic material, but also data before development depending on the image sensor output (hereinafter referred to for convenience). There is a camera that can output RAW data. There is a system comprising such a camera, an external recorder that receives RAW data output from the camera and records it in a predetermined format, and a processing device (such as the external recorder itself or a PC) that develops the recorded data ( Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-55395 A

  Under the background described above, RAW data conforming to the pixel array of the image sensor output from the image sensor of the camera is subjected to predetermined processing in the camera, transmitted to an external recorder through a transmission path, and recorded on the recorder. , Expand the recorded RAW data. In this case, there may be a problem in the consistency between the video signal of the RAW data output from the image sensor and the step information and control information of the externally recorded data.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and in a system for capturing, recording, and processing video, a system capable of confirming the consistency of step information and control information of a video signal, and the system It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus and a signal processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit having a predetermined pixel arrangement, a video signal obtained by performing a predetermined process on the video signal output from the imaging unit, Generating means for generating a test video signal for evaluating consistency with the video signal output from the imaging means, and the test video signal is in any direction of the video of the test video signal The signal value of each pixel is configured to cover the signal value within a predetermined range, and has a repetitive pattern in an arbitrary direction of the video of the test video signal, and the predetermined value in the repetitive pattern A signal deviating from the regularity of the repetitive pattern is inserted, and the repetitive patterns adjacent spatially or temporally have different phases.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm the consistency of the step information and control information of a video signal obtained from a digital camera.

It is a structural example of the workflow in the case of recording the image | video from the digital video camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention with an external recorder. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a system configuration of a digital video camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an example of an output format of a test video signal from a digital video camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the signal processing at the time of outputting a test video signal through SDI from the digital video camera as an example of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of test video signal processing representing the feature of the present case in the digital video camera as an example of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of an output format of a test video signal from a digital video camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera as an example of the imaging device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera as an example of the imaging device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera as an example of the imaging device which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is an output format example of a test video signal from a digital video camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of an output format of a test video signal from a digital video camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a verification workflow using a test video signal in each embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred and exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
As an example of the video signal processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a digital video camera having a video signal generation function will be described. However, the present invention can be applied to an arbitrary video processing apparatus having a function of generating a video signal and outputting the video. Such devices include, for example, digital video cameras for broadcasting stations and other businesses, digital still cameras, portable information terminals with cameras, mobile phones with cameras, various test signal generators, video recording equipment, video playback equipment, etc. Is included.

  First, FIG. 1 is a configuration example of a system including a digital video camera 101, an external recorder 102, a transmission path 103, a recording medium 104, a media reader 105, and a computer system 106.

In FIG.
Reference numeral 101 denotes a digital video camera, which includes an image capturing unit and an image processing unit that can digitally output RAW data captured and digitized to a transmission path 103 in a predetermined format.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes an external recorder, which is a device that can receive video RAW data transmitted through the transmission path 103 and record it on the recording medium 104.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a transmission path, which is 3G-SDI defined by SMPTE 424 and SMPTE 425 here.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a recording medium which is connected to an external recorder and records video data. In order to support high resolution and large capacity video recording, a plurality of SSDs (Solid State Drives) that can be accessed at high speed are often used in a striping access configuration.

  A media reader 105 is often connected to the computer system 106 through a high-speed interface such as USB, eSATA, SAS, or Thunderbolt. The recording medium 104 can be detached from the external recorder 102 and attached to the media reader 105 to read the video data recorded from the computer system.

  A computer system 106 includes an interface for connecting the signal processing system and a recording medium, an operation system and a display unit, and the media reader 105. In general, a dedicated application is executed, video data is read from the recording medium 104 connected to the media reader 105, and the RAW data of the read video can be developed. For example, in development, Bayer RAW data R, GR, GB, B data is subjected to Debayer processing (such as interpolation processing) on RGB plane data. There are various algorithms in the interpolation process, and the superiority or inferiority affects the resolution, the generation of false color at the edge boundary, the quality around the high luminance point, and the like.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes a digital interface, which can be USB, eSATA, SAS, Thunderbolt, or the like. As an interface standard, it has never been faster but depends on the performance of the CPU and storage device of the computer system used.

  In FIG. 1, since the transmission path 103 has a format defined by SMPTE, the output format of the digital video camera 101 and the input format of the external recorder 102 receiving it are configured in accordance with the format defined by SMPTE. Become. Even for a plurality of different transmission formats, automatic identification can be easily performed by using Payload ID defined in the SMPTE standard.

  However, even if the transmission format is correctly connected / transmitted, the video data transmitted on the data, the video data recorded by the external recorder, or the video data processed by the computer system may not always be the expected value. It was.

  For example, the angle of view is not centered and the angle of view is misaligned, the continuity of gradation is broken, data that differs from the expected value is included, or the video frame that fluctuates in time There was a problem that data was mixed. In the case of Bayer RAW data, the R, Gr, Gb, and B sequences are different, or the portion exceeds the resolution of the desired format, and a margin part necessary for development from RAW data to RGB or YCbCr is added. Troubles such as missing were seen. (Note: In the case of a Bayer array, considering a two-dimensional grid-like array, Gr is G next to R, Gb is G that is diagonally positioned next to B, and R and B are (It will be a diagonal relationship.)

  In the embodiment, a characteristic video signal generation method will be sequentially described as an implementation method for easily finding the above trouble and taking consistency with an expected value. Since a part for generating a video signal is included in the digital video camera 101 of FIG. 1, first, an outline of a system configuration of the digital video camera will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.

In FIG.
The lens unit 201 constitutes an optical system that forms a subject image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 202, and includes a zoom function, a focus adjustment function, and an aperture adjustment function that allow a user to perform manual operations. The image sensor 202 has a configuration in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged, and converts the subject optical image formed by the lens unit 201 into a video signal in units of pixels. The image sensor 202 may be, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) image sensor. The image sensor 202 also has an electronic shutter function by adjusting the charge accumulation time by the photoelectric conversion element.

  The image sensor driving unit 203 drives and controls the image sensor 202 according to the timing controlled by the camera signal processing unit 206. The CDS / AGC unit 204 performs correlated double sampling (CDS) on the analog video signal from the image sensor 202 to reduce noise, and performs signal level gain control (AGC) according to the control of the system control unit 211. An A / D (Analog to Digital) converter 205 converts an analog video signal from the CDS / AGC unit 204 into a digital video signal and supplies the digital video signal to the camera signal processing unit 206. The CDS / AGC unit 204 may be included in the image sensor 202.

  The camera signal processing unit 206 cooperates with the system control unit 211 to perform various correction processes such as timing signal generation, automatic exposure (AE) control, autofocus (AF) control, white balance adjustment, and gamma adjustment. I do. When outputting RAW data, which will be described later, the camera signal processing unit 206 performs part or all of so-called development processing such as Debayer, white balance adjustment, and gamma adjustment on the video signal output from the image sensor 202. Output without.

  The digital video camera according to the present embodiment includes a first storage unit 207, a second storage unit 216, a third storage unit 212, and a fourth storage unit 219 according to applications. Here, for convenience, the first storage unit 207 is individually provided for camera signal processing, the second storage unit 216 is for video control, the third storage unit 212 is for system control, and the fourth storage unit 219 is provided for CODEC. It is described as a thing. However, it may be physically realized by the same storage device. The first to fourth storage units 207, 216, 212, and 219 are typically configured by a readable / writable semiconductor memory, but at least one may be configured by another storage device.

  The first storage unit 207 is used by the camera signal processing unit 206 as a frame memory or the like when the captured video is signal-processed. The lens driving unit 208 can drive the zoom magnification, focus adjustment, and exposure adjustment by driving a motor or an actuator (not shown) of the lens unit 201 other than the manual operation by the user according to the control of the system control unit 211. On the other hand, it is assumed that a function of acquiring information such as the focal length and the aperture of the lens position even when the user manually operates is provided. The lens driving unit 208 is controlled by the system control unit 211 based on the signal processing result in the camera signal processing unit 206. For example, at the time of AF control, the system control unit 211 controls the lens driving unit 208 based on the AF evaluation value obtained by the camera signal processing unit 206, and drives and controls the focus adjustment lens of the lens unit 201. 201 is focused on the subject.

  The microphone 210 is effective when recording ambient sounds, and an audio signal from the microphone 210 is supplied to the camera signal processing unit 206. For example, when recording the sound from the microphone 210 together with the video imaged by the image sensor 202, the camera signal processing unit 206 supplies the video signal processing unit 215 with the time axis of both of them matched.

  The system control unit 211 is a CPU, for example, and controls the overall operation of the digital video camera according to the present embodiment by executing a program stored in the third storage unit 212. The third storage unit 212 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM, and stores programs executed by the system control unit 211, various settings, initial values, and the like. The third storage unit 212 is also used as a work area for the system control unit 211.

  The input operation unit 213 is a user interface for a photographer to give an instruction to the digital video camera, and includes input devices such as keys and various operation buttons.

  The clock unit 214 includes a real time clock (RTC) and a backup battery, and returns date and time information in response to a request from the system control unit 211.

  The video signal processing unit 215 performs display control including adjustment of hue, saturation, and brightness to the first display unit 222 and the second display unit 223, output control of the analog line output unit 224, and digital data I / F unit 225. Output control, control of the recording / reproducing unit 220, and the like. The video signal processing unit 215 also performs video signal resolution conversion, zebra pattern superposition, and the like for each video output system including the first display unit 222 and the second display unit 223. The video signal processing unit 215 further performs OSD (On Screen Display) display control such as shooting information, user setting menu, and function button display necessary for touch panel operation. The second storage unit 216 is a storage unit for video control, and is used as a frame memory, work memory, or the like when the video signal processing unit 215 performs signal processing related to the video baseband signal.

  The moving image codec unit 217 is an H.264 filer. 2 is a block that performs a moving image codec that performs encoding / decoding processing of a moving image in accordance with H.264. The encoding / decoding format is MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) -2, H.265, HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) and other formats may be used. Similarly, the still image codec unit 218 is a block that performs a still image codec that performs encoding / decoding processing of a still image compliant with JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). Again, the encoding / decoding format may be another format such as JPEG2000 or PNG. In the present embodiment, the still image codec unit 218 is connected to the video signal processing unit 215 in order to share a circuit with the moving image codec unit 217 and to realize a still image shooting function (capture function) from a reproduced moving image. It is connected. However, the still image codec unit 218 may be directly connected to the camera signal processing unit 206. The fourth storage unit 219 is for a codec, and is used when the video codec unit 217 and the still image codec unit 218 encode / decode a video signal.

  The recording / reproducing unit 220 records the recording data that has been encoded and processed as a recording format by the video signal processing unit 215 and the moving image codec unit 217 or the still image codec unit 218 on the recording medium 221. Read out. Note that the recording medium 221 is not limited to a memory card, and even a DVD, a higher capacity optical disk, an HDD, an SSD, or the like, a recording / reproducing system corresponding to each can be separately configured.

  The first display unit 222 and the second display unit 223 are display devices, and both can display the same information. Here, it is assumed that the second display unit 223 is smaller than the first display unit 222 and is provided in the viewfinder. On the other hand, the first display unit 222 is a relatively large display device that can be opened and closed on the side surface of the housing, for example. In cooperation with the system control unit 211 and the video signal processing unit 215, a touch panel for selecting and operating an operation menu displayed on the screen may be provided.

  These first and second display units 222 and 223 display an auxiliary display such as a shooting aspect frame display in addition to an input video and an enlarged video from the image sensor 202 in the imaging mode. By sequentially displaying the input video from the image sensor 202, the first and second display units 222 and 223 function as an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

  On the other hand, in the playback mode, moving images and still images recorded on the recording medium 221 are displayed on the first and second display units 222 and 223. It is also possible to display input operation information by the photographer from the input operation unit 213, arbitrary image information (shooting information) in the memory card of the recording medium 221, and the like.

  The analog line output unit 224 is an interface group for analog component video output, S terminal output, composite video output, and the like. By connecting the analog line output unit 224 to an external monitor or the like, the video output from the digital video camera can be displayed on the external monitor.

  The digital data I / F unit 225 can optionally include a digital interface such as USB, SDI, or HDMI (registered trademark). Here, a plurality of 3G-SDI output terminals are provided.

  Next, an example of an output format of the test video signal from the camera signal processing unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the test video signal generation unit is included in the camera signal processing unit 206 together with other functions.

As shown in FIG. 3, the RAW data output from the camera signal processing unit 206 is based on a sensor pixel array of a predetermined format, in this embodiment, a Bayer RGB array. That is, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 3, a two-dimensional array in which a combination of four pixels R, Gr, Gb, and B is repeated, and the format (pixel array) of the test video signal has the following contents.
Effective pixel: horizontal (pixel) x vertical (line) = 4096 x 2160
-Scanning direction: horizontal line-Start reference: R start from the upper left of the angle of view-Gradation: 10 bits
・ Range: 0-1023 in decimal number

However, the SMPTE transmission range is ignored for the sake of simplicity of explanation here.
・ Number of inserted pixels between repeated patterns: 1 pixel ・ Value of inserted pixel: Midpoint of previous and next pixels (rounded down)
Data shift amount between lines: 1 pixel left direction By configuring as described above, when viewed from the first line in FIG.
R, Gr, R, Gr ... = 0, 1, 2, 3 ...
Starting from
... R, Gr, R, Gr = 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023
A single pattern is formed. That is, in the test video signal of this embodiment, the signal value of each pixel is configured to cover the signal value within a predetermined range with respect to an arbitrary direction of the video of the test video signal, and the video of the test video signal It has a repeated pattern in any direction.

  The next R is not set to 0, but 1 pixel, 511 (the midpoint between 1023 and 0) is inserted so that the R pixel is not always an even number of 0, 2, 4,. That is, in the test video signal of the present embodiment, a signal deviating from the regularity of the repetitive pattern is inserted at a predetermined location in the repetitive pattern.

In addition, it also includes the intention to smooth the signal continuity by using a middle point for the inserted pixel, and to reduce the occurrence of signal transient response during display observation on a master monitor or the like. Since the number of horizontal pixels is 4096 pixels, the repetition of 1025 pixels including the ramp signal from 0 to 1023 and one pixel of the inserted pixel is entered three times, and the ramp signal starting from the last 0 is 1021 pixels up to 1020. Become.
(1024 + 1) × 3 + 1021 = 4096 pixels

Next, looking at the second line in FIG. 3, the pattern is shifted to the left by one pixel from the first line. Since it is a BayerRGB array, when the first line is R start, the second line is Gb start,
Gb, B, Gb, B ... = 1, 2, 3, 4 ...
It becomes. After that, a pattern is sequentially considered in which one pixel is shifted leftward for each line (the phase of the repetitive pattern is different).

In this way, when looking in the vertical direction, for example, the leftmost pixel in FIG.
R, Gb, R, Gb ... = 0, 1, 2, 3 ...
Starting from
... R, Gb, R, Gb = ... 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023
A pattern is formed. That is, in the test video signal of the present embodiment, the repeated patterns that are spatially or temporally adjacent have different phases.

Also in the vertical direction, 1 pixel and 511 are inserted, and the number of vertical lines is 2160, so that the ramp signal of 0 to 1023 and one pixel of the inserted pixel are also seen in the vertical direction as in the horizontal line. The repetition of the combined 1025 pixels enters twice. That is, the last ramp signal starting from 0 is 110 pixels up to 109.
(1024 + 1) × 2 + 110 = 2160 pixels

  With this configuration, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the signal pattern is different between the upper end and lower end of the effective pixel, and the left end and the right end, and not only the pixels on the end face but also the inner side. Pixels that are continuous with each other also change with a period. As a result, there are no missing pixels or unintentional hold on the edge of the image, no wraparound of data that tends to occur due to a shift in signal processing timing, and conversely, a test video signal that can be easily confirmed if there is a problem. ing.

  Further, if the continuity of the pattern is not disturbed, it is ensured that the start pixel is correct for the center of the view angle indicated by the cross in FIG.

  Further, even when viewed in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, since different data patterns are obtained depending on the pixel color, there is no difference in pixel color or phase shift. On the other hand, if there is a defect, the test video signal can be easily confirmed such that the edge portion of the ramp signal slanting diagonally is colored.

  Even when attention is paid to the even and odd positions of the pixel arrangement, the even and odd data changes without being fixed, so that the test video signal can be easily checked for address connection and inadequate control.

  As the repetitive pattern, the monotone increasing pattern in Step 1 in the range 0 to 1023 has been described, but a monotonous decreasing or changing pattern such as 0 to 511, 1023 to 512 may be used. If the test video signal is premised on digital comparison by a computer system or the like, and there is no intention of making it easy to find a major failure by visual inspection or the like, even a random pattern in the range can be matched.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a configuration block example of the test video signal generation circuit. In the present embodiment, the system control unit 211 and the camera signal processing unit 206 are partly configured. Various counters that are timing-controlled from video synchronization signals, and R, Gr, Gb, and B are generated from the counter values by arithmetic processing, and a test video signal in a Bayer array is generated.

The test video signal 501 is a line counter and counts the number of video lines. The value of the line counter is passed to the pixel counter 503 that counts the number of pixels in the subsequent stage. Based on this line counter value, an initial value in each line of the pixel counter 503 in the subsequent stage is determined, and the value of the start pixel at the left end of the video is controlled.

  Reference numeral 502 denotes a timing control circuit that controls the line counter 501 and the pixel counter 503 in response to a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a clock, and the like of a video signal.

  A pixel counter 503 counts up based on the pixel clock of each line. In response to the line counter value from the line counter 501, an initial value of the pixel counter is determined, and the pixel counter value is passed to the pixel operation circuit 504 in the subsequent stage.

  Reference numeral 504 denotes a pixel arithmetic circuit which generates a test video signal by arranging the constituent pixels of BayerRGB and the R, Gr, Gb, and B pixels in the arrangement as described with reference to FIG.

  The system control unit 211 controls the operation of the timing control circuit 502 to adjust the count steps of the line counter 501 and the pixel counter 503 and change initial values. Furthermore, the count range is determined, and the number of data and data values to be inserted at the range boundaries and arbitrary positions are controlled. In addition, the pixel calculation circuit 504 controls the calculation algorithm of the constituent pixels of BayerRGB and R, Gr, Gb, and B pixels generated by the calculation. Note that part or all of the hardware shown in FIG. 5 may be realized by software processing to generate a test video signal.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows the concept of processing when the test video signal data of FIG. 3 is sent through SDI. As shown in FIG. 4, when RAW data of each pixel 10 bits of Bayer RGrGbB having an effective resolution of 4096 × 2160 is viewed for each color pixel, R, Gr, Gb, and B are 2048 × 1080, respectively. By applying this to the transmission standard of RGB + A of SMPTE ST 425-1 Level B from R → R, Gr → A, Gb → G, and B → B, transmission is possible. The video data transmitted by the SDI is received by an external recorder and recorded on a recording medium. Data read from the recording medium by a computer system or the like via a media reader is reconstructed into Bayer RGrGbB, and development processing or the like is performed as necessary. It is important that this reconfigured Bayer RGrGbB matches the format intended for output from the digital video camera. For this verification, a test video signal output function is realized in this embodiment. Further, when the SDI transmission line is connected to a general-purpose master monitor or the like, the RGB (RGbB) video data is visible. Large defects and breakdowns can be detected relatively easily because they are regular pattern test video signals. Although not described in detail here, by preparing a mechanism for switching Gb and Gr, it is possible to check the transmission state of all the color pixels of Bayer RGrGbB even at the visual level.

  In addition to visual inspection, the reconfigured Bayer RGrGbB is compared with the reference data created as an expected value separately in the external recorder or on the computer system, and detailed and accurate matching verification is performed. Work is feasible.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the test video signal in the present embodiment, as a typical problem related to the angle of view and the pixel arrangement,
a. Is the image center shifted? B. There are no omissions on the left and right sides of the image, or there is no unintended hold c. Are there any omissions at the top and bottom of the image, or are there unintended holds? D. Is there a wrap around the left and right of the video e. Is there any wrap around the image f. Are there any gaps or phase shifts between pixel colors? G. It can be confirmed whether there is a difference in expected value between even pixels and odd pixels.

That is, as the constituent points of the test video signal of the present embodiment, in correspondence with the confirmation of the above a to f,
a: Data is structured in a (regular) arrangement in which the image centers are uniquely determined b, d: Data arrangement is different at the left and right edges of the video c, e: Data at the top and bottom edges of the video Different arrangement f: Data arrangement of pixel composition colors (R, Gr, Gb, B for Bayer RGB) in signal processing is different g: Adjacent even-numbered pixels, odd-numbered in an arbitrary area Keep in mind that the pixel data is different.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a unique test video signal suitable for verification is realized. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm that the video data in each part of the digital video camera, the external recorder, and the computer system has an expected value as the format consistency by visual inspection or data comparison.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the verification items noted as the configuration of the test video signal are related to gradation and range.

  As in the first embodiment, an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG.
Similarly, the RAW data is based on the sensor pixel array of the Bayer RGB array, and the format is as follows.
Effective pixel: horizontal (pixel) x vertical (line) = 4096 x 2160
-Scanning direction: horizontal line-Start reference: R start from the upper left of the angle of view-Gradation: 10 bits
・ Range: Decimal number, 4-1019

The range here is a range that covers the signal value within the transmission range, considering the SMPTE transmission range, excluding the embedded sync code (prohibition code) in the case of 10 bits.
・ Number of inserted pixels between repeated patterns: 1 pixel ・ Value of inserted pixel: Midpoint of previous and next pixels (rounded down)
・ Data shift amount between lines: 1 pixel left

  Although the range that the test video signal can take is different from the case of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, the concept of the regularity of the repeated pattern is the same. The point of interest here is that regarding the gradation and range, all values are covered as the signal level of the video signal that can be taken on the transmission line, and continuously changes as a repetitive pattern.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the test video signal in the present embodiment, as a typical defect related to gradation and range,
h. Whether gradation is maintained within the range i. You can check if there is a range over or unexpected clip.

That is, as a constituent point of the test video signal of the present embodiment, corresponding to checking the above h to i,
h: The gradation changes comprehensively within an arbitrary range. i: The gradation changes continuously.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a unique test video signal suitable for verification is realized. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm that the video data in each part of the digital video camera, the external recorder, and the computer system has an expected value as the format consistency by visual inspection or data comparison.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The difference between this embodiment and the first and second embodiments is that the verification items noted as the configuration of the test video signal are related to noise and mask.

  As in the first and second embodiments, an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the difference from FIG. 6 in the second embodiment is that when the ramp signals of 4 to 1019 are taken, for example, when viewed in the first R and Gr lines, reference numeral 701 is an R pixel. The value is 1019. In this case, 1019 is inserted between 510 and 512 among the values changing from 4, 6 to 508, 510, 512, 514 to 1018 when attention is paid to the R pixel. Thereby, a singular point of change is generated.

  Reference numeral 702 denotes a Gr pixel, which has a value of 0. In this case, when attention is paid to the Gr pixel, 0 is inserted between 511 and 513 among the values changing from 5, 7 to 509, 511, 513, and 515 to 1019. Thereby, a singular point of change is generated.

  The above is a description of a repetitive pattern when the R pixel starts with an even number, but the same applies when the Gr pixel starts with an even number by replacing the R pixel with the Gr pixel. Further, the same concept applies to the Gb and B lines. The insertion position of the singular point where the value changes abruptly while the value changes smoothly on the coordinates of the video signal is not limited to the above, and may be an arbitrary place. Any value may be selected as the level difference. In order to avoid confusion with noise at the visual level, it is considered that a single or regular repeated arrangement is preferable.

As described so far, according to the present embodiment, by using the test video signal in the present embodiment, as a typical defect related to noise and mask,
j. Whether data outside the expected value as a test signal is included k. You can check if there is any data that will be lost by the signal filter or limiter.

That is, as a constituent point of the test video signal of the present embodiment, corresponding to checking the above j to k,
j: There is no singular point (noise) deviating from the regularity of the front and rear or left and right data in the range of the data array that changes continuously and smoothly other than the predetermined points k: intentionally in the test video signal Keeping in mind that there are singularities that are included (defined) in advance.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a unique test video signal suitable for verification is realized. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm that the video data in each part of the digital video camera, the external recorder, and the computer system has an expected value as the format consistency by visual inspection or data comparison.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments in that the verification items noted as the configuration of the test video signal are related to the frame independently.

  As in the first to third embodiments, an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  8 is different from FIG. 6 in the second embodiment in that the value of the R pixel of the start pixel is “4” in FIG. 6 and “5” in FIG. As a result, the test video signal in FIG. 8 is shifted to the left by one pixel with respect to FIG. 6, and the leftmost pixel is eliminated, and the right end has a value that maintains the continuity of the repeated pattern. . Here, for the test video signals of a plurality of consecutive frames, the value of the start pixel is incremented by 1 for each frame sequentially, and when the range reaches the upper limit of the range, a motion is returned to return to the lower limit of the range. The test video signal can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the test video signal in the present example, as a typical defect related to frame independence,
m. You can check whether the data of the previous and next frames are mixed.

That is, as a constituent point of the test video signal of the present embodiment, corresponding to checking m above,
m: Keeps in mind that there is a difference in the signal arrangement formed by at least the previous and subsequent frames.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a unique test video signal suitable for verification is realized. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm that the video data in each part of the digital video camera, the external recorder, and the computer system has an expected value as the format consistency by visual inspection or data comparison.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that the verification items noted as the configuration of the test video signal are related to the control of the video data.

  As in the first to fourth embodiments, an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 9 </ b> A is a data array of test video signals in the upper part of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. On the other hand, reference numeral 9B represents the output state of the test video signal when the left and right sides of the video are reversed in the shooting mode of the digital video camera. For example, if the Bayer 4 pixels at the upper left end surrounded by the square line in FIG. 9A are viewed, for example, the Bayer at the upper right end surrounded by the square line in FIG. It comes to the 4 pixel portion.

  Similarly, when considering the case of upside down, reference numeral 9C is the data arrangement of the test video signals in the lower part of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, reference numeral 9D represents the output state of the test video signal when the top and bottom of the video is inverted in the shooting mode of the digital video camera. For example, when looking at the lower four Bayer pixels surrounded by a square line in the figure 9C, the upper left corner of the Bayer surrounded by the square line in the figure is 9D in the upside down state on the transmission line. It comes to the 4 pixel portion.

  Further, when considering the case where the image is inverted horizontally and vertically, reference numeral 9E represents the output state of the test image signal when the image is inverted horizontally and vertically in the shooting mode of the digital video camera. For example, when looking at Bayer 4 pixels at the lower left end surrounded by a square line in FIG. 9C, the transmission line is surrounded by a square line in the left and right and upside down states of 9E. It comes to the Bayer 4 pixel portion at the upper right end.

  Here, left-right inversion, upside-down inversion, and left-right upside-down inversion are shooting modes mainly used for 3D shooting. Use a communication mechanism or set manually. Here, the first pixel of the effective pixels of Bayer R, Gr, Gb, and B is the R pixel in the normal photographing of this embodiment. On the other hand, in the left-right reversal shooting, it is necessary to perform signal processing with an external recorder or a computer system so that the first pixel of the effective pixel is Gr. That is, if the treatment of the first pixel of the effective pixel is not changed as described above, it is a Bayer array, and therefore, the sign 9A is not simply reversed left and right, but is shifted in the left-right direction as indicated by the sign 9B. End up. Based on the same concept, the top pixel is changed to Gb pixel during upside down shooting, and the top pixel is changed to B pixel during upside down / horizontal shooting, and Bayer R, Gr, Gb, B are arranged on an external recorder or computer system. It is necessary to perform processing.

  On the other hand, considering the workflow, when developing Bayer data, if there are peripheral pixels that are larger than the effective field angle after development, the development quality at the outer periphery of the effective field angle can be secured. May use data. For example, the test video signal here can also be used effectively when data having an angle of view greater than that defined by SMPTE is sent as data superimposed on the ancillary area of SDI. By configuring the data pattern (not shown) including the outer peripheral part (glue part) of the effective angle of view, the consistency of the format of Bayer RGrGbB reconstructed on an external recorder or computer system can be easily confirmed. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the test video signal in the present embodiment, as a typical defect related to the control of video data,
n. Is the treatment of the first pixel of the valid pixel correct?
p. You can check whether peripheral pixels (glue margin) outside the standard angle of view are correctly attached.

That is, as a constituent point of the test video signal of the present embodiment, corresponding to checking the above n and p,
n: Same as item f in the first embodiment. The pixel arrangement color for signal processing (R, Gr, Gb, B in the case of Bayer RGB) is different in data arrangement, and the facing image changes due to (horizontal inversion, upside down inversion, left and right upside down inversion) As shown in the figure, the data should be asymmetrical in the horizontal and vertical directions. P: Keep in mind that the peripheral pixels outside the standard angle of view (specified in standards such as SMPTE) are continuous data. ing.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a unique test video signal suitable for verification is realized. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm that the video data in each part of the digital video camera, the external recorder, and the computer system has an expected value as the format consistency by visual inspection or data comparison.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The difference between the present embodiment and the first to fifth embodiments is that the verification item noted as the configuration of the test video signal is related to the step which is one of the control information of the video signal.

  As in the first to fifth embodiments, an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1001 denotes a frame representing the angle of view of the test data. Reference numerals 1002 to 1010 are indices linked to a time code defined in SMPTE 12M (superimposed on the SDI), and are replaced with images linked to the first digit of the frame number of the time code. When the first digit of the frame number of the time code is 0, the indices 1002 to 1010 are not superimposed. When the first digit is 1, 1002 is superimposed. When the first digit is 2, 1002 and 1003 are superimposed. Then, 1002 to 1010 are sequentially superimposed according to the number of the first digit. Here, the index that is superimposed on each frame and linked with the time code is also meaningful in that the index is superimposed on coordinates according to the time code. Thus, the user can intuitively confirm the time code corresponding to the current frame and the continuity of the time code both visually and in digital compare using the evaluation tool.

  Similarly, 1011 and 1012 are indices linked to the time code, and are replaced with images linked to the second digit of the frame number of the time code. When the second digit of the frame number of the time code is 0, the indicators 1011 and 1012 are not superimposed. When the second digit is 1, 1011 is superimposed and when the second digit is 2, the indicators 1011 and 1012. Are superimposed.

  1013 is also an index linked to the time code, but when the frame number of the time code exceeds 29 of 0 to 29, it is substantially 0 in the form of the first of frame 0 and the second of frame 0. This is an index representing the state of the frame flag used when counting .about.59. When the frame flag is 0, it is not superimposed, and when the frame flag is 1, 1013 is superimposed.

  The configuration of the test video signal generation circuit here is the same as in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the display of 1002 to 1010 is displayed on the pixel arithmetic circuit 504 based on the time code in the control from the system control unit 211. To control. The display position determines the horizontal position to be superimposed on the video from the counter value of the pixel counter 503. The same applies to the display of 1011 to 1013. Based on the time code and the field flag in the control from the system control unit 211, the display position determines the vertical position to be superimposed on the video from the counter value of the line counter 501. The field flag is a field identification flag described in SMPTE 12M that assists in counting the time code exceeding 29.

  Since data linked to the time code is added to the video of the test video signal itself, it is different from the simple OSD superposition specification based on the ancillary information such as the time code on the master monitor. With the test video signal of this embodiment, it is possible to confirm the linkage between the reliable frame advance state as the video output data of the camera and the time code.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the test video signal in the present embodiment, as a typical defect related to the stepping,
q. Whether the video has been updated correctly on the time axis (whether there is no data change in the previous and next frames)
r. You can check whether the time code and video are synchronized as expected.

That is, as a constituent point of the test video signal of the present embodiment, in response to confirming the above q to r,
q, r: Keeping in mind that an index that changes in accordance with the time code attached to the test video signal is superimposed on the video of the test video signal.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a unique test video signal suitable for verification is realized. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm that the video data in each part of the digital video camera, the external recorder, and the computer system has an expected value as the format consistency by visual inspection or data comparison.

<Seventh Embodiment>
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first to sixth embodiments in that the verification items noted as the configuration of the test video signal are related to the valid flag and start / stop flag that are control information of the video signal. is there.

  As in the first to sixth embodiments, an example of the output format of the test video signal from the digital video camera in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG.
An index 1101 is linked to the valid flag and is superimposed according to the state of the user-defined valid flag indicating whether the video is valid video or invalid video. The valid flag is, for example, a flag that represents an effective frame as 24p of video data obtained by pulling down 24p from 30p to 2/3, or an effective frame at a variable frame rate. If the valid flag is set to 0 in the case of an effective image, the index 1101 is not superimposed when it is 0, and the index 1101 is superimposed when it is 1. Whether or not only an effective video is recorded can be easily confirmed by a control using a valid flag so that an external recorder does not record useless video. That is, if the index 1101 is included in the recording data, the control is deficient.

  Reference numeral 1102 denotes an index linked to the Rec Start / Stop flag of ancillary information for controlling recording start (during recording) and recording stop (recording standby) of the external recorder. For example, the index of 1102 is superimposed at the start of recording (during recording), and the index of 1102 is not superimposed at the stop of recording (during recording standby).

  The configuration of the test video signal generation circuit here is the same as that of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the display of 1101 is a pixel based on the valid flag synchronized with video management in the control from the system control unit 211. Control by the arithmetic circuit unit. The display position determines the horizontal position to be superimposed on the video from the counter value of the pixel counter 503. Further, in the control from the system control unit 211, the display of 1102 is controlled by the pixel arithmetic circuit unit in conjunction with the Rec Start / Stop flag of the ancillary information. The display position determines the horizontal position to be superimposed on the video from the counter value of the pixel counter 503.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the test video signal in the present embodiment, as a typical defect related to video control,
s. Whether the video is correctly recorded by the valid flag control t. It is possible to check whether the video is recorded correctly by controlling the start / stop flag.

That is, as a constituent point of the test video signal of this embodiment, in response to checking the above s to t,
s: adding data identifying valid video or invalid video to the video of the test video signal in conjunction with ancillary data information t: identifying recording or standby in conjunction with ancillary data information Keeping in mind adding data to the video of the test video signal.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a unique test video signal suitable for verification is realized. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm that the video data in each part of the digital video camera, the external recorder, and the computer system has an expected value as the format consistency by visual inspection or data comparison.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a verification workflow using the test video signal in each of the above embodiments. Each flow operates in any one of the digital video camera 101, the master monitor / waveform monitor, the external recorder 102, and the computer system 106.

  The verification operation flow starts from S1201.

  In step S1202, the system control unit 211 of the digital video camera 101 receives a selection of a shooting mode. The normal mode for outputting the shooting data from the image sensor or the mode for outputting the test video signal data is selected. In the present embodiment, the following description will be given assuming that the test mode of the test video signal data output is selected, but the following steps are similarly performed even in the normal mode. However, the digital compare comparison and result display steps of S1215 and S1216 are steps for the test video signal.

  In step S1203, the system control unit 211 of the digital video camera 101 receives a scan mode selection. Select whether to output the video as it is without reversing operation, to invert horizontally and to output, to invert vertically and to output, to invert horizontally and vertically invert.

  In step S1204, the system control unit 211 of the digital video camera 101 receives selection of a frame rate (fps) of the video signal. For example, 23.98 fps / 24.00 fps / 29.97 fps / 25.00 fps / 50.00 fps / 59.94 fps / 60.00 fps can be selected.

  In step S <b> 1205, the system control unit 211 of the digital video camera 101 receives selection of the variable frame rate of the digital video camera 101.

  By default, shooting is performed at the frame rate selected in S1204.

  In the video signal output from the digital video camera 101, a valid flag (valid flag) is determined in order to distinguish a valid video frame at a timing corresponding to the frame rate set at the variable frame rate from other invalid video frames. In addition, a transmission path such as SDI is added to the video as ancillary information, and an external recorder or the like on the receiving side is provided with a mechanism for detecting the valid flag so that only valid video frames are recorded on the recording medium. ing.

  Incidentally, the shooting mode, the scan mode, the frame rate, and the variable frame rate for accepting selection in S1202 to S1205 may be selected by an operation from the user. Also, the shooting mode, scan mode, frame rate, and variable frame rate may be automatically selected by the digital video camera 101 according to shooting conditions, image analysis, and the like.

  In step S1206, a test video signal is generated or read from a memory (for example, the first storage unit 207), and stored in a region of the frame memory in which the RAW data from the image sensor 202 in the normal mode of the first storage unit 207 is stored. By placing it in this frame memory area, it is possible to cope with inversion of reading in accordance with the scan mode selected in S1203, similarly to the video signal in the normal mode. Thereafter, the test video signal is converted into a format conforming to the transmission standard. In the present embodiment, a test video signal forming Bayer R, Gr, Gb, B, which is a format of an output video signal from the image sensor 202, is generated or read out from the memory, and transmitted on RGB + A of the SDI transmission path. A format conversion process as shown in FIG.

  In S1207, the shooting start button of the digital video camera 101 is operated, and a recording start / stop flag is added to the video as user-defined ancillary information on a transmission path such as SDI, as in the case of a valid flag. An external recorder or the like on the receiving side is provided with a mechanism for detecting the recording start / stop flag to control video recording on the recording medium.

  In step S1208, the output from the digital video camera 101 can be displayed on a master monitor, a waveform monitor, or the like through the SDI transmission path 103. Then, the state of the video signal output to the external recorder 102 can be confirmed.

  In step S <b> 1209, the external recorder 102 receives the output video from the digital video camera 101 through the SDI transmission path 103 and controls video recording on the recording medium 104.

  In step S <b> 1210, the external recorder 102 accepts, for example, a recording medium take-out operation from the user for taking out the recording medium 104 from the external recorder 102, and ejects the recording medium 104.

  In S1211, the media reader 105 accepts insertion of the recording medium 104.

  In S <b> 1212, the computer system 106 reads the video data recorded on the recording medium 104 in the connected media reader 105.

  In S1213, the computer system 106 reconstructs the read video data into the format of Bayer R, Gr, Gb, B. Here, if necessary, signal processing is performed by switching the top pixel for reading in accordance with the scan mode of the digital video camera 101 selected in S1203.

  In S1214, the computer system 106 displays an image on the monitor. The user can confirm the test video signal on the monitor, and can visually confirm the consistency as described in the above embodiments.

  In S1215, the computer system 106 digitally compares Bayer R, Gr, Gb, B reconfigured in S1213 with a dedicated application on the computer system and an expected value as a predetermined format of the test video signal. If they match, the operator is notified OK, and if they do not match, NG is notified to the operator. With this digital compare, it is possible to confirm a level of trouble that cannot be visually confirmed.

  In S1216, the computer system 106 visually displays the difference between the data compared in S1215. By doing so, it becomes a clue for analyzing how the test video signals that should originally match do not match.

  In step S1217, the verification operation flow ends.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments thereof, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. A part of the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined. For example, FIG. 5 has been described as an example of a processing block that generates a test video signal. However, the test video signal data is loaded on the frame memory or calculated by a CPU or the like, and the test video signal is sequentially read out from the storage means (memory) from the video output terminal of the camera. It is good also as a structure which outputs.

  Also, when a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied from a recording medium directly to a system or apparatus having a computer that can execute the program using wired / wireless communication, and the program is executed Are also included in the present invention.

  Accordingly, the program code itself supplied and installed in the computer in order to implement the functional processing of the present invention by the computer also realizes the present invention. That is, the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention.

  In this case, the program may be in any form as long as it has a program function, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk or a magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, or a nonvolatile semiconductor memory may be used.

  As a program supply method, a computer program that forms the present invention is stored in a server on a computer network, and a connected client computer downloads and programs the computer program.

501 Line counter 502 Timing control circuit 503 Pixel counter 504 Pixel arithmetic circuit 505 Microcomputer

Claims (21)

Imaging means having a predetermined pixel arrangement;
Generating means for generating a test video signal for evaluating the consistency between the video signal output from the imaging means and the control information of the video signal;
An imaging apparatus, wherein the test video signal of a plurality of consecutive frames has an index corresponding to a time code attached to the test video signal superimposed on the video of the test video signal. The generating means includes
A line counter for counting the number of lines of the test video signal;
A pixel counter for counting the number of pixels of the test video signal;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each signal value of the test video signal is generated based on a counting step of the line counter and the pixel counter. Imaging means having a predetermined pixel arrangement;
Storage means for storing a test video signal for evaluating consistency between the video signal output from the imaging means and control information of the video signal;
An imaging apparatus, wherein the test video signal of a plurality of consecutive frames has an index corresponding to a time code attached to the test video signal superimposed on the video of the test video signal. The test video signal, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 data identifying valid video or disabled image is characterized added to the image. The test video signal, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that data identifying or not or during recording is added to the video. In the test video signal, the signal value of each pixel is configured to cover a signal value within a predetermined range with respect to an arbitrary direction of the video of the test video signal,
Having a repetitive pattern in any direction of the video of the test video signal;
A signal deviating from the regularity of the repetitive pattern is inserted at a predetermined position in the repetitive pattern,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the repeating pattern of phase with each other are different from each other spatially or temporally adjacent. The test video signal, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the data sequence is different at the left and right of the image. The test video signal, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the arrangement of the data is different at the top and bottom of the image. The test video signal, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that sequences of data are different between the pixel component color of the imaging element of the imaging means. The test video signal, adjacent even pixels, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that data in the odd pixels are different. 8. The test video signal according to claim 6 , wherein the test video signal includes the repetitive pattern with a signal value at a level within a transmission range of a transmission standard when transmitting the video signal output by the imaging unit. Imaging device. The repeat pattern is configured so that the test video signal covers a signal value of a level within a transmission range of a transmission standard when transmitting a video signal output by the imaging unit. 6. The imaging device according to 6 . The test video signals of a plurality of consecutive frames, image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that there are differences in the signal sequence constituting at least before and after the frame. The test video signal, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the left and right and up and down a sequence of asymmetric data. Said predetermined pixel array A, R, G, B image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the Bayer array as a pixel constituting color. The test video signal is a match between a video signal output from the imaging unit and subjected to video signal conversion processing in conformity with the SMPTE standard and a video signal output from the imaging unit and not subjected to the conversion processing. the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the video signal for evaluating sex. Normal mode and image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it has a test mode for outputting the test video signal for outputting an image signal captured by the imaging means. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
And a master monitor for displaying a video signal output from the image pickup means of the image pickup apparatus. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image signal obtained by performing a predetermined process on the video signal output from the imaging unit; and an evaluation unit that evaluates consistency between the video signal output from the imaging unit. System. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus having imaging means with a predetermined pixel arrangement,
A generation step of generating a test video signal for evaluating the consistency between the video signal output from the imaging means and the control information of the video signal;
An image pickup apparatus control method, wherein the test video signal of a plurality of consecutive frames has an index corresponding to a time code attached to the test video signal superimposed on the video of the test video signal. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus having imaging means with a predetermined pixel arrangement,
An output step of outputting a test video signal for evaluating the consistency between the video signal output from the imaging means and the control information of the video signal;
An image pickup apparatus control method, wherein the test video signal of a plurality of consecutive frames has an index corresponding to a time code attached to the test video signal superimposed on the video of the test video signal.

Images