JP7477993B2 - Imaging device, control method and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device and a control method and program for the same.

When editing footage captured using multiple video cameras, the video signal and time code from each video camera are synchronized (GenLock) before editing. It is common to input a dedicated synchronization signal (GL signal) such as a tri-value synchronization signal or black burst signal to synchronize the video signals from the video cameras, and a time code signal (TC signal) to synchronize the time code. As such, there has long been technology for performing synchronization processing using a reference synchronization signal (Patent Document 1). This involves inputting a reference synchronization signal source to the video input terminal and performing synchronization processing with the signal inside the system.

In recent years, some video cameras use TC signals to synchronize video signals. Synchronization using TC signals has the advantage that it is easier to connect during installation, as both video signal synchronization and time code synchronization can be done with a single cable.

JP 2009-100315 A

In video devices that use TC signals to synchronize video signals and time codes, there is a problem in that the video device cannot determine the control that the user desires. Because both the synchronization timing and time code are extracted from the TC signal, simply connecting a TC signal to the video device makes it impossible to determine whether the user wants to synchronize the video signal, synchronize the time code, or do both. This can result in operations that the user does not desire or unnecessary processing being performed.

Furthermore, when synchronizing video signals with TC signals standardized by SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers), the signal regulations are loose, so depending on the input waveform, it can take longer than synchronizing video signals with GL signals.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a technology that allows the user to select the synchronization process they desire when synchronizing a video signal with a TC signal.

In order to solve this problem, for example, an imaging device according to the present invention has the following arrangement.
An imaging device having a terminal for inputting a time code signal from an external device,
a synchronization signal generating means for generating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals of a video signal;
a first synchronizing means for synchronizing a time code held in the imaging device with a time code superimposed on the time code signal without synchronizing the phases of horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals of the video signal with those of the time code signal;
a second synchronizing means for synchronizing horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals of the video signal with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing phases of the time code signal , and for synchronizing a time code held in the imaging device with a time code superimposed on the time code signal;
and control means for executing a synchronization process by either the first synchronization means or the second synchronization means when a time code signal to the terminal is detected.

The present invention allows synchronization processing to be performed as intended by the user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a CPU of the imaging apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a CPU of the imaging apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a CPU of the imaging apparatus. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of menu displays in the imaging apparatus. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of operation state displays in the imaging device.

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[First embodiment]
1 is a block diagram of an image pickup apparatus 100, typically a video camera. The image pickup apparatus 100 has a time code terminal 114 for inputting a time code signal (hereinafter, referred to as a TC signal) that is synchronized with a video frame from an external source.

The CPU 101 executes a control program stored in the ROM 102 to perform various controls and processes. In addition to the program, the ROM 102 can also store display data. The RAM 103 is used to store data when the CPU 101 executes the program. The RAM 103 is also used to temporarily store captured video data.

The CPU 101 receives instructions from the user via the operating member 106, and issues instructions to each section based on the operation. For example, the CPU 101 can start or stop recording by sending an instruction to the recording processing section 112. In addition, when the user operates a menu, the CPU 101 can display a menu on the display panel 111 by reading display data from the ROM 102 and sending it to the display processing section 110.

The synchronization signal generation unit 105 generates horizontal and vertical synchronization signals for the video based on the clock from the VCXO (voltage controlled crystal oscillator) 104, and supplies them to each unit. Imaging and display (output) are performed in synchronization with these horizontal and vertical synchronization signals.

The imaging unit 107 is made up of optical components such as a focus lens, a zoom lens, an aperture, and a shutter, and performs appropriate optical processing on the optical image entering from the outside, forming an image on the imaging element unit 108.

The image sensor unit 108 converts the optical image formed on its surface into an electrical signal, and sends the converted electrical signal to the video signal processor 109. The image sensor unit 108 is typically composed of an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor.

The video signal processing unit 109 performs image processing such as A/D conversion and amplification on the electrical signal obtained from the image sensor unit 108 to generate video data. The video data may be stored in the RAM 103 as necessary, or may be sent to the display processing unit 110 or the recording processing unit 112 without passing through the RAM 103.

The display processing unit 110 combines the video data generated by the video signal processing unit 109, the video data played back by the recording processing unit 112, the display data from the CPU 101, etc., and outputs the result as a video signal to the display panel 111.

The display panel 111 displays the video signal from the display processing unit 110. The display panel 111 may be separate from the video camera, for example, as an external monitor.

The recording processing unit 112 has a function for compressing (encoding) and expanding (decoding) video signals, encodes the video data generated by the video signal processing unit 109, and records it as a video file on the recording medium 113. Encoding methods include MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group), H.264, and H.265. When the CPU 101 instructs the playback of a video file, the recording processing unit 112 reads the desired video file from the recording medium 113 and decodes it to generate video data.

The recording medium 113 is a randomly accessible recording medium such as a flash memory card. The recording medium 113 is attachable to and detachable from the imaging device 100 by an attachment/ejection mechanism (not shown). The CPU 101 also manages various data recorded on the recording medium 113 as files according to a known file system such as the FAT file system.

The CPU 101 also generates a time code. In general, a time code is composed of hours, minutes, seconds, frames, field bits, and user bits. The CPU 101 holds the current time code in the RAM 103, and assigns a time code when video data is generated by the video signal processing unit 109. It then advances the held time code. The time code assigned to the video data is displayed by being superimposed on the video data in the display processing unit 110, and is also recorded in the video file together with the video data by the recording processing unit 112. When the time code is changed by a menu operation or the like, the CPU 101 overwrites the held time code with the changed value. In addition, a TC signal can be input from an external device (such as another imaging device) to the time code terminal 114 to synchronize the time code held in the RAM 103.

The time code signal detection unit 115 detects whether a TC signal is being input from an external device to the time code terminal 114. The CPU 101 can know the input state of the external TC signal by inquiring of the time code signal detection unit 115. When the CPU 101 detects an external TC signal, it instructs the synchronization processing unit 117 to start synchronization processing using that TC signal.

The time code signal processing unit 116 extracts the time code from the TC signal input to the time code terminal 114 from an external device and notifies the CPU 101. Since the time code is updated for each frame, the CPU 101 obtains the time code for each frame and verifies whether it is a correct time code. If it is a correct time code, it overwrites the time code stored in the RAM 103 with that value.

Furthermore, the time code signal processing unit 116 performs waveform measurement for each bit of the input TC signal. The waveform measurement measures the rise time, fall time, HIGH time, LOW time, etc. of the waveform, and selects a signal that can be used for synchronization processing. The time code signal processing unit 116 extracts the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals of the video from the selected signal, and sends them to the synchronization processing unit 117. The waveform measurement items shown here are just an example, and the time code signal processing unit 116 is capable of performing various waveform measurements.

When the synchronization processing unit 117 receives an instruction to start synchronization processing from the CPU 101, it performs PLL control on the VCXO 104 so that there is no phase difference between the horizontal synchronization signal from the synchronization signal generation unit 105 and the horizontal synchronization signal from the time code signal processing unit 116. Then, when the phase difference between the horizontal synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation unit 105 and the horizontal synchronization signal from the time code signal processing unit 116 falls within a predetermined range, the synchronization processing unit 117 notifies the CPU 101 that horizontal synchronization is complete.

Next, the CPU 101 inquires of the synchronization processing unit 117 about the phase difference between the vertical synchronization signal from the synchronization signal generation unit 105 and the vertical synchronization signal obtained from the time code signal processing unit 116 based on the TC signal from the external device. The CPU 101 then notifies the synchronization signal generation unit 105 of the phase difference obtained by this inquiry. The synchronization signal generation unit 105 can keep the phase difference of the vertical synchronization signal within a predetermined range by shifting the output timing of the vertical synchronization signal by the notified phase difference.

If the phase of the horizontal synchronization signal of the input TC signal fluctuates while in a synchronized state, the synchronization processing unit 117 can follow up by continuing to perform PLL control on the VCXO 104. On the other hand, if the phase of the vertical synchronization signal fluctuates, the synchronization processing unit 117 notifies the CPU 101 that synchronization has been lost. The CPU 101 can follow up by notifying the synchronization signal generation unit 105 of the phase difference and shifting the output timing of the vertical synchronization signal again.

The synchronization processing unit 117 also has a self-running (JamSync) mode. When the time code signal detection unit 115 is unable to detect the TC signal from the external device due to reasons such as the cable being unplugged from the time code terminal 114, it notifies the CPU 101 that the TC signal has become undetected. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 101 instructs the synchronization processing unit 117 to transition to the self-running mode. In the self-running mode, the synchronization processing unit 117 performs PLL control on the VCXO 104 so as to maintain the state immediately before the cable was unplugged. Furthermore, even if the power is turned off once and then turned on again, the synchronization processing unit 117 maintains the self-running state before the power was turned off. For example, a method is conceivable in which the phase difference between the clock and the horizontal/vertical synchronization signal is held based on a clock (frequency equal to or lower than the frame rate) that continues to operate even when the camera is turned off, such as an RTC, and the phase difference is restored based on the phase difference after the power is turned on.

FIG. 3(a) shows a menu screen 300 for selecting processing for the TC signal input to the time code terminal 114. This menu screen 300 is displayed on the display panel 111 under the control of the CPU 101. In the embodiment, this menu screen 300 is displayed in response to a time code setting being selected on the setting screen of the imaging device 100. However, the menu screen 300 may be displayed in response to detection of a time code signal, and the user may select an item from each submenu, and in response to an operation to confirm the selection, processing may be performed in response to the setting selected by the user.

The reference number 301 in the figure is a submenu for selecting the TimeCode mode (running mode), and the reference number 302 is a submenu for selecting the TimeCodeRun (running method).

When "Preset" is selected in TimeCode mode and "RecRun" is selected in TimeCodeRun, the time code is controlled to advance only during recording, and the start time code can be set to any value (Preset value). Next, when "Preset" is selected in TimeCode mode and "FreeRun" is selected in TimeCodeRun, the time code advances at all times regardless of the recording state. When "Regen" is selected in TimeCode mode, the time code of the last frame of the last video data recorded on the recording medium 113 is read, and the start time code is set to the next value. Usually, when "Regen" is set, it often forces "RecRun". Alternatively, it is possible to impose restrictions such as not being able to select "Regen" during "FreeRun". By selecting "Regen", the time code assigned (added) to video data recorded on the same medium can be made continuous.

Reference number 303 is a submenu for selecting time code input/output. In this embodiment, it is used as In (input), but when it is set to TC Out mode, it is possible to output a TC signal with the time code stored in RAM 103 superimposed.

Reference numeral 304 denotes a submenu for selecting synchronization processing for the input TC signal. When the item "TimeCode" 305 is selected, only the time code is captured using the TC signal. In other words, only time code synchronization is performed. When the item "Genlock+TimeCode" 306 is selected, the video signal is synchronized using the TC signal, and the time code is also captured. In other words, genlock is performed using the TC signal that synchronizes with the horizontal/vertical synchronization phase of the TC signal, and time code synchronization is also performed. And when the item "Genlock" 307 is selected, only the video signal is synchronized using the TC signal. In other words, genlock is performed using the TC signal that synchronizes with the horizontal/vertical synchronization phase of the TC signal, but time code synchronization is not performed.

The above configuration allows the horizontal synchronization signal and vertical synchronization signal inside the video camera to be synchronized with the TC signal. At this time, the CPU 101 may display an icon indicating that synchronization processing is in progress, an icon indicating that synchronization processing is complete, etc., on the display processing unit 110.

Figure 4 shows an example of the display on the display screen of the display panel 111 during live view or recording. An icon 401 in the upper right corner of the display panel 111 indicates that synchronization processing is being performed with a TC signal input from the outside. This icon 401 not only allows the user to know that synchronization processing is being performed with the TC signal for the video signal, but also that the current state is synchronized with the TC signal.

Icons 402 to 405 show the blinking state of part of icon 401. In addition, even if the blinking is the same, by dividing the blinking state into fast blinking and slow blinking, the number of states that can be expressed can be increased and the user can be notified of the detailed state.

For example, if synchronization processing is not possible due to a difference in the format of the TC signal, such as a difference in the frame rate of the TC signal from the frame rate of the imaging device 100, the LOCK icon is made to flash at high speed, as in icon 402. If synchronization processing has started but the phase difference is not within a predetermined value, the TC-GEN icon and the LOCK icon are made to flash at low speed, as in icon 403. Also, if the waveform of the TC signal, which will be described later, is poor, it is possible to make the TC-GEN icon flash at high speed, as in icons 404 and 405. It is also possible to notify the user of the operating status by combining changes in the size and color of the icon instead of flashing. The difference between icon 404 and icon 405 is that icon 404 indicates that the waveform state of the TC signal is poor and neither vertical nor horizontal synchronization is being performed, while icon 405 indicates that only vertical synchronization is being performed.

Next, the synchronization control process performed by the CPU 101 of the imaging device 100 according to this embodiment when a signal cable is connected to the time code terminal 114 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 2A to 2C. This process is triggered when the CPU 101 receives a signal indicating "detection" from a sensor (not shown) that detects the cable connection to the time code terminal 114. It may also be triggered when the CPU 101 receives a signal indicating that a TC signal has been detected from the time code signal detection unit 116.

In S200, the CPU 101 performs control processing for the items selected in the submenus 301 to 304. In the following, as an example, the following will be explained assuming that "Preset" is selected in the submenu 301, "Freerun" is selected in the submenu 302, and "In" is selected in the submenu 303.

In S201, the CPU 101 determines whether the selected item in the submenu 304 is the TimeCode mode. If the CPU 101 determines that the TimeCode mode is set, the process proceeds to S210. If the CPU 101 determines that the TimeCode mode is not set, the process proceeds to S202.

Next, in S202, the CPU 101 determines whether the selected item in the submenu 304 is Genlock+TimeCode mode. If the CPU 101 determines that the Genlock+TimeCode mode is set, the process proceeds to S220 in FIG. 2B. If the Genlock+TimeCode mode is not set (if the Genlock mode is set), the process proceeds to S240 in FIG. 2C.

First, a case where the TimeCode mode of the submenu 304 is set will be described. In S210, the CPU 101 checks whether the setting contents of the submenu 304 have been changed. If the CPU 101 determines that the setting contents have been changed, it returns the process to S200, and if it determines that the setting contents have not been changed, it advances the process to S211.

In S211, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a TC signal has been input from the outside. If the CPU 101 determines that a TC signal has been input, the process proceeds to S212, and if the CPU 101 determines that a TC signal has not been input, the process goes into self-running mode and returns to S200.

In S212, the CPU 101 captures the time code superimposed on the TC signal. At this point, the time code stored in the RAM 103 is not overwritten, but is only temporarily stored. The temporary storage location may similarly be the RAM 103. The CPU 101 then advances the process to S213. In S213, the CPU 101 overwrites the time code stored in the RAM 103 with the time code captured in S212. The CPU 101 then returns the process to S210 and repeats the above process. If the TimeCode mode is set as the submenu 304, the time code is captured in S212 and overwritten in S213, so that the time codes are synchronized. Then, only the time codes are synchronized, and genlock using the TC signal is not performed.

Next, the processing when the Genlock+TimeCode mode of submenu 304 is set will be explained with reference to Figure 2B.

At S220, CPU 101 checks whether the settings in submenu 304 have been changed. If CPU 101 determines that the settings in submenu 304 have been changed, it enters a self-running mode (JamSync) and returns to S200. If CPU 101 determines that the settings in submenu 304 have not been changed, it advances to S221. At S221, CPU 101 determines whether a TC signal has been input from the outside. If CPU 101 determines that a TC signal has been input, it advances to S222, and if it determines that a TC signal has not been input, it enters the self-running mode and returns to S200.

In S222, the CPU 101 captures the time code superimposed on the TC signal. At this point, the time code stored in the RAM 103 is not overwritten, but is only temporarily stored. The temporary storage location may similarly be the RAM 103. After that, the CPU 101 advances the process to S213.

At S223, the CPU 101 starts checking the waveform quality of the input TC signal and performs waveform measurement.

The waveform quality check is a process performed by the time code signal processing unit 116. First, the waveform of the input TC signal is measured for each bit. An example of the waveform measurement is shown below. The rise time, fall time, HIGH time, LOW time, etc. of the waveform are measured to select a signal that can be used for synchronization processing. As an example, the rise time standard of the time code signal is 400 μs ± 10 μs, which is a slower signal than the rise time standard of the GL signal of the main unit, 54 ns. If synchronization processing is performed with a signal with a slow rise time, it will become a cause of error and cause variations in synchronization accuracy. For this reason, it is necessary to perform waveform measurement and select the signal. The explanation of waveform measurement here is an example, and it is assumed that the time code signal processing unit 116 can handle various measurements related to waveforms. In addition, although the case where waveform measurement is performed in units of 1 bit is shown here, it is also possible to take multiple bits into the RAM 103 and perform measurements.

In S224, the CPU 101 determines whether the waveform measured in S223 satisfies the conditions of a reference waveform that can be used for synchronization processing. If the CPU 101 determines that the waveform satisfies the conditions of the reference waveform, the process proceeds to S225. If the CPU 101 determines that the waveform does not satisfy the conditions, the process proceeds to S232.

At S225, the CPU 101 marks the waveform portion that satisfies the criteria for use in synchronization processing with a check window. Then, at S226, the CPU 101 instructs the synchronization processing unit 117 to start horizontal synchronization processing, and performs synchronization processing with the horizontal synchronization signal described above using the waveform marked with the check window.

In S227, the CPU 101 calculates the phase difference between the horizontal synchronization signal extracted from the TC signal marked with the check window and the horizontal synchronization signal generated inside the imaging device 100, and determines whether the calculated phase difference is within a predetermined value. If the CPU 101 determines that the phase difference is within the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S228. If the CPU 101 determines that the phase difference is not within the predetermined value, the process returns to S220 and loops until the phase difference is within the predetermined value. At this time, during the synchronization process of the video signal with the TC signal, the CPU 101 notifies the user that the phase difference is not within the predetermined value. For example, the CPU 101 can display the icon 403 (the TC-GEN icon and the LOCK icon flashing at a slow speed) on the display panel 111 to notify the user that synchronization is not complete.

In S228, the CPU 101 calculates the phase difference between the vertical synchronization signal extracted from the TC signal marked with the check window and the vertical synchronization signal generated inside the imaging device 100, and determines whether the calculated phase difference is within a predetermined value. If the CPU 101 determines that the calculated phase difference is within the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S230; otherwise, the process proceeds to S229.

At S229, the CPU 101 synchronizes the vertical synchronization signal by shifting the output timing of the vertical synchronization signal by the phase difference as described above.

At S230, the CPU 101 notifies the user that synchronization of the video signal with the TC signal has been completed. As an example, the CPU 101 notifies the user that synchronization has been completed by displaying icon 401 in FIG. 4 (TC-GEN icon and LOCK icon are lit). After that, the CPU 101 proceeds to S231.

In S231, the CPU 101 overwrites the time code stored in the RAM 103 with the time code captured in S222. The CPU 101 then returns the process to S220 and loops the above process. If the Genlock+TimeCode mode is set as the submenu 304, the time code is captured in S222 and the time code is overwritten in S231, so that the time codes are synchronized. Genlock is also performed using a TC signal.

Next, a case where it is determined in S224 that the conditions for the reference waveform that can be used for synchronization processing are not met will be described. In this case, in S232, the CPU 101 notifies the user that synchronization processing cannot be performed because there is no waveform that satisfies the criteria that can be used for synchronization processing. As an example, the CPU 101 notifies the user of the error state by displaying icon 404 in FIG. 4 (TC-GEN icon and LOCK icon in a high-speed flashing state). Then, in S233, the CPU 101 determines whether to perform only phase alignment of the vertical synchronization signal. For example, if the determination that there is no waveform that can be used for synchronization processing has not reached a predetermined number of times in S224, the process proceeds to S228. In other words, the process proceeds to S228 until the state in S224 where there is no waveform that can be used for synchronization processing continues for a predetermined time. Then, if the state where there is no waveform that can be used for synchronization processing continues for a predetermined time after the state in S224 where there is no waveform that can be used for synchronization processing continues for a predetermined time, the CPU 101 returns the process to 220.

Steps S228 to S231 are the same as when the waveform meets the criteria, but the completion display in S230 may notify the user that the waveform of the TC signal does not meet the criteria. For example, an error state can be indicated by rapidly blinking the TC-GEN icon and lighting the LOCK icon, as in icon 405 in FIG. 4.

Next, the process when Genlock mode is set in submenu 304 is described. The processes of S240 to S250 in FIG. 2C are the same as S220 to S221, S223 to S230, and S232 in FIG. 2B, so a detailed description will be omitted. When Genlock mode is set in submenu 304, genlock is executed using a TC signal. Furthermore, time code capture and time code overwrite processing are not performed, and time code synchronization is not performed.

The above is an example of control processing when TimeCode mode is Preset, TimeCodeRun is Freerun, and TC In/OUT is In.

There are multiple combinations of these menu setting items, and it is possible to restrict the behavior of each.

For example, assume that the TimeCode mode is set to Regen or TimeCodeRun is set to RecRun, and TC In/OUT is set to In. At this time, when TimeCode is set as the TC In mode, the time code is not running, so it is recommended not to perform time code alignment (time code synchronization). Similarly, when Genlock+TimeCode is set as the TC In mode, the TimeCode does not run except during RecRun, so it is recommended not to perform time code alignment (time code synchronization) and to perform only genlock using the TC signal. On the other hand, it is also possible to perform no control when the time code is not running. In that case, the CPU 101 may display a warning message 308 shown in FIG. 3B on the display panel 111 to warn the user. In this way, when TimeCode mode is set to Regen or TimeCodeRun is set to RecRun, time code synchronization is not performed even if TimeCode mode or Genlock+TimeCode mode is set in submenu 304. Alternatively, TimeCode mode and Genlock+TimeCode mode may be made unselectable in submenu 304, and Genlock mode and no setting (no Genlock) may be selected.

It is also possible to change to a control different from the user settings to achieve synchronization. For example, assume that the TimeCode mode is set to Regen, or TimeCodeRun is set to RecRun, and TC In/OUT is set to In. At this time, if the TC In mode is selected as Genlock+TimeCode, it is also possible to change TimeCodeRun from RecRun to FreeRun to achieve time code synchronization. Therefore, if RecRun is set and the TC In mode is selected as Genlock+TimeCode, the TimeCodeRun setting may be automatically changed from RecRun to FreeRun.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the user can select the control he or she desires with a simple user operation, and when synchronizing a video signal, there is an advantage in that the processing time can be reduced by selectively extracting and controlling a signal waveform that can be used to control the TC signal.

In the above embodiment, various states are notified to the user by lighting/blinking the icon, and even by different blinking speeds. However, as long as the type of state can be identified, it is also possible to notify each state in multiple display formats by utilizing, for example, the size and color of the icon.

Other Examples
The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

100...imaging device, 101...CPU, 102...ROM, 103...RAM, 104...VCXO, 105...synchronization signal generation unit, 106...operation unit, 107...imaging unit, 108...imaging element unit, 109...video signal processing unit, 110...display processing unit, 111...display panel, 112...recording processing unit, 113...recording media, 114...time code terminal, 115...time code signal detection unit, 116...time code signal processing unit, 117...synchronization processing unit

Claims (18)

An imaging device having a terminal for inputting a time code signal from an external device,
a synchronization signal generating means for generating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals of a video signal;
a first synchronizing means for synchronizing a time code held in the imaging device with a time code superimposed on the time code signal without synchronizing the phases of horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals of the video signal with those of the time code signal;
a second synchronizing means for synchronizing horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals of the video signal with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing phases of the time code signal , and for synchronizing a time code held in the imaging device with a time code superimposed on the time code signal;
and a control means for executing a synchronization process by either the first synchronization means or the second synchronization means when a time code signal to the terminal is detected. a third synchronizing means for synchronizing the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals of the video signal with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing phases of the time code signal without synchronizing the time code held in the imaging device with the time code superimposed on the time code signal,
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means, when a time code signal is detected at the terminal, executes synchronization processing using any one of the first synchronization means, the second synchronization means, and the third synchronization means. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means selects one of the first synchronization means, the second synchronization means, and the third synchronization means in accordance with an instruction from a user, and executes synchronization processing according to the selected synchronization means. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means has a display means for displaying a menu for selecting one of the first synchronization means, the second synchronization means, and the third synchronization means. The imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control means selects one of the first synchronization means, the second synchronization means, and the third synchronization means when a time code signal is detected as an input to the terminal. a first determination means for determining whether or not a time code signal is input to the terminal;
6. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising: a second determination means for determining, when the first determination means determines that a time code signal is input to the terminal, whether or not a waveform of the time code signal input to the terminal satisfies a reference condition. The imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means transitions to a self-running mode when the first determination means determines that no time code signal has been input. When the second determination means determines that the waveform of the time code signal satisfies a reference condition,
The second synchronization means or the third synchronization means
8. The imaging device according to claim 6, further comprising a process for adjusting a phase difference between a horizontal synchronizing signal generated by the imaging device and a horizontal synchronizing signal obtained from the time code signal to within a predetermined value, and then a process for adjusting a phase difference between a vertical synchronizing signal generated by the imaging device and a vertical synchronizing signal obtained from the time code signal to within a predetermined value. The imaging device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a third determination means for determining whether the second determination means has determined that a state in which the waveform of the time code signal does not satisfy a reference condition has continued for a predetermined period of time. The second synchronization means includes:
During the period of time determined by the third determination means, a process is performed to make the phase difference between a vertical synchronizing signal obtained from a waveform of a time code signal and a vertical synchronizing signal generated by an imaging device fall within a predetermined value, and a synchronization process is performed using a time code superimposed on the time code signal.
10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, when the third determination means determines that the error has continued for the predetermined period of time, a process of displaying an error state is performed. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that when determining the start time code when adding a time code to a video frame based on the time code of the final frame of recorded video data, or when incrementing the time code only when recording video data, the control means does not synchronize with the time code superimposed on the time code signal input to the terminal. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that when determining the start time code when adding a time code to a video frame based on the time code of the final frame of recorded video data, or when incrementing the time code only when recording video data, the control means does not synchronize with the time code superimposed on the time code signal input to the terminal, even if the synchronization process by the first synchronization means or the second synchronization means is selected by the user. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when determining a start time code for adding a time code to a video frame based on the time code of the final frame of recorded video data, or when incrementing the time code only when recording video data, the control means controls so as not to allow the user to select synchronization processing by the first synchronization means or the second synchronization means. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display means further displays identifiable icons indicating whether or not the device is synchronized with the time code, and whether or not the device is synchronized with the horizontal or vertical synchronization phase of the time code signal. The imaging device according to claim 14, characterized in that the display means controls the display form of the icon using one of lighting/flashing, size, and color. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an imaging means and a recording means for recording the video data obtained by the imaging means on a recording medium. 1. A method for controlling an imaging device having a terminal for inputting a time code signal from an external device, comprising:
a generating step of generating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals of a video signal;
a first synchronization step of synchronizing a time code held in the imaging device with a time code superimposed on the time code signal without synchronizing the phases of horizontal and vertical synchronization signals of the video signal with those of the time code signal;
a second synchronization step of synchronizing horizontal and vertical sync signals of the video signal with the horizontal and vertical sync phases of the time code signal , and synchronizing a time code held in the imaging device with a time code superimposed on the time code signal;
and a control step of executing a synchronization process by either the first synchronization step or the second synchronization step when a time code signal to the terminal is detected. A program that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute each step of the method according to claim 17.

Images