JP7517392B2 - IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGING PROCESSING METHOD, AND IMAGING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

This technology relates to an imaging device, an imaging processing method, and an imaging system.

One example of the display of imaging information in a camera device is the display of the lens focus state. A conventional display method is to display the captured image with emphasis on the high frequency components. Alternatively, a conventional display method is to enlarge and scale any necessary area to inform the photographer of the focus state of the lens. However, in the case of these display methods, since the image capture main line signal is switched between and displayed on a single display, it is not possible to constantly check the true state of the image capture main line signal. Also, a conventional method has been proposed in which a main line image and an enlarged image are combined and displayed on a single screen (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in this case, the display is within a single screen, and the true main line image cannot be checked simultaneously.

In addition, the camera device may display the image information, for example, by displaying the brightness level of the image signal. In this display, too, the area of a pre-specified level is identified by replacing it with a color or a specific image, but it is not possible to check the main image line at all times.

Furthermore, the display of imaging information in a camera device can include, for example, the display of status information at the time of capturing an image. Conventionally, for example, the status information at the time of capturing an image has often been superimposed as text at the top and bottom of the display screen for the captured image, but the superimposed portion hides the image, which can sometimes cause problems with capturing an image.

In addition, in the past, in systems where multiple camera devices were used to make the image from any camera device the on-air image, the on-air image was transmitted as a return image to each camera device so that it could be checked. Even in this case, there was only one display device for displaying the image on the imaging device side, and it was necessary to switch signals, making it impossible to operate while checking the on-air image for long periods of time.

JP 2013-034173 A

The purpose of this technology is to make it possible to display information that is useful when capturing images without affecting the confirmation display of the main imaging signal.

The concept of this technology is as follows:
a first output section that outputs a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image based on the captured image signal;
The camera device includes a second output section that outputs a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image.

In this technology, the first output unit outputs a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image generated by the captured image signal. The second output unit outputs a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image. For example, the first image signal and the second image signal may be generated by the device itself and/or sent as a return signal from a camera control unit.

Also, for example, the second image may be an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image. In this case, for example, the captured image signal may be an image signal with 4K resolution, the first image signal may be an image signal with HD resolution of the same frame as the captured image signal obtained by performing down-conversion processing on the captured image signal, and the second image signal may be an image signal with HD resolution obtained by cutting out a part of the captured image signal.

Also, for example, the second image may be an image that shows an area of the first image that corresponds to a predetermined luminance level range of the captured image signal in a pre-specified color or specific luminance pattern.Also, for example, the second image may be an image that includes information that indicates the imaging state.Also, for example, the second image may be an on-air image.

Also, for example, the second image signal may be an image signal sent as a return signal from the camera control unit, and the second image may be an image including an indication of the focus location in an enlarged image corresponding to the first image or a part of the first image.

The camera may further include a standard processing unit that processes the captured image signal to obtain a first image signal, a signal receiving unit that receives the first image signal sent as a return signal from the camera control unit, and a first selector that selectively extracts the first image signal obtained by the standard processing unit or the first image signal received by the signal receiving unit and sends it to the first output unit. In this case, for example, when there is a control signal for the first selector from the camera control unit, the switching of the first selector may be controlled based on this control signal.

Also, for example, the camera may further include a second selector that extracts one of the second image signals from the plurality of second image signals and sends it to the second output section. In this case, for example, the second selector may selectively extract the second image signal obtained by the enlargement processing section, the second image signal obtained by the level display processing section, the second image signal obtained by the status generation module, or the second image signal received by the signal receiving section and send it to the second output section. And in this case, when there is a control signal for the second selector from the camera control unit, the switching of the second selector may be controlled based on this control signal.

The second image signal obtained by the enlargement processing unit is an image signal for processing the captured image signal to display an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image as the second image. The second image signal obtained by the level display processing unit is an image signal for processing the captured image signal to display as the second image an image showing an area of the first image corresponding to a predetermined brightness level range of the captured image signal in a pre-specified color or specific brightness pattern. The second image signal obtained by the status generation module is an image signal for displaying as the second image an image including information indicating the imaging state. The second image signal received by the signal receiving unit is an image signal sent as a return signal from the camera control unit.

In this way, in this technology, a first image signal is output for displaying a first image corresponding to an image generated by the imaging image signal, and a second image signal is output for displaying a second image having information that is effective when imaging. Therefore, it is possible to display information that is effective when imaging without affecting the confirmation display of the imaging main line signal.

Another concept of the present technology is
The camera body,
The camera body is provided with two displays attached thereto so that a user can simultaneously monitor the two displays;
The camera body is
a first output section that outputs a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image based on the captured image signal, and supplies the first image signal to one of the two display devices;
The camera device has a second output section that outputs a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image, and supplies the second image signal to the other of the two displays.

In this technology, two displays are attached to a camera body in a state where a user can monitor simultaneously. The camera body has a first output section and a second output section. For example, both of the two displays may be open-type displays. Also, for example, the two displays may be a peek-type display and an open-type display.

A first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image generated by the captured image signal is output by a first output section of the camera body and supplied to one of the two displays. A second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image is output by a second output section of the camera body and supplied to the other of the two displays.

For example, the camera body may be configured to supply the second image signal output from the second output unit to the peep-type display when the two displays are a peep-type display and an open-type display, and the second image is an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image. Also, for example, the camera body may be configured to supply the second image signal output from the second output unit to the open-type display when the two displays are a peep-type display and an open-type display, and the second image is an image showing an area of the first image corresponding to a predetermined brightness level range of the captured image signal in a pre-specified color or specific brightness pattern.

In this way, in this technology, a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image generated by an imaging image signal is output from the camera body and supplied to one of two display devices, and a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when imaging is output and supplied to the other of the two display devices. Therefore, it is possible to display information that is effective when imaging without affecting the confirmation display of the imaging main line signal.

This technology makes it possible to display information that is useful when capturing images without affecting the confirmation display of the main imaging signal. Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and additional effects may also be present.

1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a camera device according to an embodiment; 1 is a diagram showing an example of an internal module configuration of a camera body of a camera device according to an embodiment; 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a switching control process of a first selector and a second selector in a control unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit when an internal signal of the camera is used. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display device when a return signal is used. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining two types of display (open type and peep type). 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of the arrangement of two displays when one of the displays is an open type and the other is a peep type. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
1. Embodiment 2. Modification

1. Preferred embodiment
[Example of camera device configuration]
1 shows an example of the configuration of a camera device 10 according to an embodiment. This camera device 10 comprises a camera body 100, an imaging lens 200, and two displays 301 and 302. The imaging lens 200 is attached to a lens mount (not shown) at the front of the camera body 100. The two displays 301 and 302 are attached to the camera body 100 in a state in which a user (cameraman) can monitor them simultaneously. The displays 301 and 302 are, for example, open-type displays made up of liquid crystal panels.

The camera body 100 outputs a captured image signal as a main line signal. This main line signal is sent to a camera control unit (CCU) (not shown). A return signal is also input from the camera control unit to the camera body 100. Note that the main line signal may also be sent to a recording device.

The camera body 100 outputs a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image generated by the captured image signal, and supplies the signal to the display 301. The display 301 then displays the first image generated by this first image signal. The user (cameraman) can constantly check the captured main line signal based on the image (first image) displayed on the display 301.

The camera body 100 also outputs a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is useful when capturing an image, and supplies the second image signal to the display 302. The display 302 then displays the second image based on this second image signal. The user (cameraman) can obtain information that is useful when capturing an image, based on the image (first image) displayed on the display 302.

The first and second image signals output from the camera body 100 are either generated within the camera body 100 or sent as return signals from the camera control unit.

For example, the display 302 displays, as the second image, for example, an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image. In this case, the user (photographer) can set this second image to include the focus point, and can perform precise focus adjustment (focusing) of the focus point based on this second image.

Also, for example, the display 302 displays, as the second image, an image in which an area of the first image that corresponds to a predetermined brightness level range of the captured image signal is shown in a pre-specified color or specific brightness pattern. In this case, the user (cameraman) can easily adjust the brightness level of a predetermined area of the image based on this second image so that it falls within the predetermined brightness level range.

Also, for example, the display 302 displays an image including information indicating the imaging state as the second image. For example, the information indicating the imaging state is information such as the lens state and the camera setting state, and more specifically, the frame rate and the shutter opening angle. In this case, the user (cameraman) can easily grasp the imaging state based on this second image.

Also, for example, the display 302 displays an on-air image as the second image. In this case, the second image signal is an image signal sent from the camera control unit. In this case, the user (cameraman) can check the on-air image based on this second image.

Also, for example, the display 302 displays as the second image an image including a display (marker) indicating the focus location in the first image or an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image. In this case, the second image signal is an image signal sent from the camera control unit. In this case, the user (cameraman) can easily grasp the focus location instruction from the camera control unit based on this second image.

Figure 2 shows an example of the internal module configuration of the camera body 100. The camera body 100 has a control unit 101, a user operation unit 102, an imaging unit 103, a signal processing unit 104, a standard processing unit 105, an enlargement processing unit 106, a level display processing unit 107, and a status generation module 108. The camera body 100 also has a first selector 109, an output module 110, a second selector 111, an output module 112, and a return separation processing unit 113.

The control unit (camera CPU) 101 controls the operation of each part of the camera body 100. The user operation unit 102 is connected to the control unit 101 and constitutes a user interface that allows the user to perform various operations.

The imaging unit 103 has an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), and outputs an imaging image signal with HD resolution, 4K resolution, or the like. The imaging lens 200 described above forms an image of a subject on the imaging surface of the image sensor. The signal processing unit 104 performs processing such as defect correction processing on the imaging image signal output from the imaging unit 103, and outputs an imaging image signal (main line signal) as an output of the camera body 100. This imaging image signal is sent to a camera control unit (not shown).

The standard processing unit 105 processes the captured image signal output from the signal processing unit 104 to obtain a first image signal of HD resolution for displaying a first image corresponding to the image from the captured image signal and in the same frame as the captured image signal. For example, if the captured image signal is in a RAW format that outputs an RGB heterogeneous array (Bayer array) as is, the standard processing unit 105 converts it into an RGB signal with the same array. Furthermore, if the captured image signal is a high-resolution image signal such as 4K resolution, the standard processing unit 105 down-converts it.

The enlargement processing unit 106 processes the captured image signal output from the signal processing unit 104 to obtain a second image signal of HD resolution for displaying an enlarged image corresponding to a portion of the first image as a second image. For example, if the captured image signal is an image signal of HD resolution, the enlargement processing unit 106 cuts out a portion and upconverts it. Also, for example, if the captured image signal is an image signal of 4K resolution or other high resolution, the enlargement processing unit 106 cuts out a portion corresponding to HD resolution and uses it as is. In this case, there is no reduction in resolution as occurs when upconversion processing is performed.

In this case, the user (cameraman) can arbitrarily set the cut-out position, that is, the position to be enlarged, by using the user operation unit 102. By setting this cut-out position to include, for example, the focus point, the user (cameraman) can perform precise focus adjustment (focusing) of the focus point based on the enlarged image.

The level display processing unit 107 processes the captured image signal output from the signal processing unit 104 to obtain a second image signal for displaying as a second image an image in which an area of the first image corresponding to a predetermined luminance level range of the captured image signal is shown in a pre-specified color or specific luminance pattern (e.g., a zebra pattern, a cross-hatch pattern, etc.). In this case, the user (cameraman) can arbitrarily set the luminance level range and the color or luminance pattern by the user operation unit 102.

The status generation module 108 obtains a second image signal for displaying an image including information indicating the imaging state (lens state, camera setting state, etc.) as a second image. This second image is, for example, an image that displays information indicating the imaging state in text.

The return separation processing unit 113 receives a return signal sent from the camera control unit. The return separation processing unit 113 separates and acquires the first image signal and/or the second image signal contained in the return signal. The first image signal separated and acquired from the return signal is an image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image from the captured image signal, similar to the first image signal obtained by the standard processing unit 105 described above. This first image signal is obtained by applying processing equivalent to that performed by the standard processing unit 105 to the captured image signal sent from the camera body 100 as a main line signal on the camera control unit side.

The second image signal separated and obtained from the return signal is an image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image, similar to the second image signal obtained by the enlargement processing unit 106, the level display processing unit 107, the status generation module 108, etc. described above. This second image signal is obtained on the camera control unit side, for example, based on the captured image signal sent from the camera body 100 as a main line signal.

For example, the second image signal thus separated and acquired from the return signal is an image signal for displaying an on-air image as the second image. Also, for example, the second image signal thus separated and acquired from the return signal is an image signal for displaying, as the second image, an image in which an indication (marker) indicating the focus location is included in the first image or an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image, or an enlarged image indicating the focus location. Also, for example, the second image signal thus separated and acquired from the return signal is an image signal for displaying, as the second image, an image including information indicating the imaging state.

The first selector 109 selectively extracts the first image signal obtained by the standard processing unit 105 or the first image signal obtained by the return separation processing unit 113 and supplies it to the output module 110. The output module 110 converts the first image signal supplied from the first selector 109 into a signal in a signal format that matches the digital interface that the display unit 301 is compatible with, for example, an SDI signal, and transmits it to the display unit 301.

The second selector 111 selectively extracts the second image signal obtained by the enlargement processing unit 106, the second image signal obtained by the level display processing unit 107, the second image signal obtained by the status generation module 108, or the second image signal obtained by the return separation processing unit 113, and outputs it to the output module 112. The output module 112 converts the second image signal supplied from the second selector 111 into a signal in a signal format that matches the digital interface adapted by the display unit 302, for example, an SDI signal, and outputs it to the display unit 302.

The signal selection in the first selector 109 and the second selector 111 is controlled by the control unit 101. In this case, when there is a selector control signal from the camera control unit, it is controlled based on that control signal.

The flowchart in FIG. 3 shows an example of a switching control process of the first selector 109 and the second selector 111 in the control unit 101. The control unit 101 starts the control process in step ST1, and then proceeds to the process in step ST2.

In this step ST2, the control unit 101 determines whether a return signal for the first display has been input, that is, whether the return signal contains a first image signal. When the return signal contains the first image signal, the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step ST3. On the other hand, when the return signal does not contain the first image signal, the control unit 101 switches the selector 1 to the standard processing signal in step ST4, that is, switches the first selector 109 so as to extract the first image signal obtained by the standard processing unit 105. Thereafter, the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step ST3.

In this step ST3, the control unit 101 determines whether a return signal for the second display has been input, that is, whether the return signal contains a second image signal. When the return signal contains a second image signal, the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step ST5. On the other hand, when the return signal does not contain a second image signal, the control unit 101 switches the selector 2 in accordance with the main body selection instruction menu in step ST6, that is, switches the second selector 111 so as to extract the second image signal indicated by the main body selection instruction menu. Thereafter, the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step ST5.

In this step ST5, the control unit 101 determines whether or not an external control signal for the first display has been input from the camera control unit to the camera body 100. When an external control signal for the first display has been input, the control unit 101 switches the selector 1 in accordance with the external control instruction in step ST7, that is, switches the first selector 109 so as to extract the first image signal indicated by the external control signal. The control unit 101 then proceeds to the processing of step ST8.

On the other hand, when an external control signal for the first display is not input in step ST5, the control unit 101 switches the selector 1 to the standard processing signal in step ST9, that is, switches the first selector 109 so as to extract the first image signal obtained by the standard processing unit 105. After that, the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step ST8.

In this step ST8, the control unit 101 determines whether or not an external control signal for the second display has been input from the camera control unit to the camera body 100. When an external control signal for the second display has been input, in step ST10, the control unit 101 switches the selector 2 in accordance with the external control instruction, that is, switches the second selector 111 so as to extract the second image signal indicated by the external control signal.

On the other hand, when an external control signal for the first display is not input in step ST8, the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step ST11. In this step ST11, the control unit 101 switches the selector 2 according to the main body selection instruction menu, that is, switches the second selector 111 so as to extract the second image signal indicated by the main body selection instruction menu.

The operation of the camera body 100 shown in Figure 2 will be briefly explained. The image signal output from the imaging unit 103 is supplied to the signal processing unit 104, where it is subjected to processing such as defect correction. The captured image signal obtained by this signal processing unit 104 is output from the camera body 100 as a main line signal and sent to, for example, a camera control unit.

The captured image signal obtained by the signal processing unit 104 is supplied to the standard processing unit 105, the enlargement processing unit 106, and the level display processing unit 107. The standard processing unit 105 processes the captured image signal to obtain a first image signal of HD resolution for displaying a first image in the same frame as the captured image signal, which corresponds to the image produced by the captured image signal. This first image signal is supplied to a first selector 109.

In addition, the enlargement processing unit 106 processes the captured image signal output from the signal processing unit 104 to obtain a second image signal with HD resolution for displaying an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image as a second image. This second image signal is supplied to a second selector 111.

In addition, the level display processing unit 107 processes the captured image signal output from the signal processing unit 104 to obtain a second image signal for displaying as a second image an image in which an area of the first image corresponding to a predetermined luminance level range of the captured image signal is shown in a pre-specified color or specific luminance pattern. This second image signal is supplied to a second selector 111.

The status generation module 108 also obtains a second image signal for displaying an image including information indicating the imaging state (lens state, camera setting state, etc.) as a second image. This second image signal is supplied to a second selector 111.

The return signal sent from the camera control unit (CCU) is received by the return separation processing unit 113. The return separation processing unit 113 separates and acquires the first image signal and/or the second image signal contained in the return signal. The first image signal is supplied to the first selector 109, and the second image signal is supplied to the second selector 111.

The first selector 109 selectively extracts the first image signal obtained by the standard processing unit 105 or the first image signal obtained by the return separation processing unit 113 and supplies it to the output module 110. In the output module 110, this first image signal is converted into a signal of a predetermined signal format compatible with the display unit 301 (e.g., an SDI signal, etc.) and supplied to the display unit 301. As a result, the display unit 301 displays a first image corresponding to the image generated by the captured image signal based on the first image signal extracted by the first selector 109.

In the second selector 111, the second image signal obtained in the enlargement processing unit 106, the second image signal obtained in the level display processing unit 107, the second image signal obtained in the status generation module 108, or the second image signal obtained in the return separation processing unit 113 is selectively extracted and supplied to the output module 112. In the output module 112, this second image signal is converted into a signal of a predetermined signal format compatible with the display unit 302 (e.g., an SDI signal, etc.) and supplied to the display unit 302. As a result, the display unit 302 displays a second image including information indicating the imaging state based on the second image signal extracted by the second selector 111.

Figure 4 shows an example of the display of the displays 301 and 302 when the second selector 111 extracts either the second image signal from the enlargement processing unit 106, the second image signal from the level display processing unit 107, or the second image signal from the status generation module 108, that is, when an internal camera signal is used.

In this case, the first selector 111 extracts either the first image signal from the standard processing unit 105 or the first image signal from the return separation processing unit 113, and the display 301 displays the standard image, that is, the first image corresponding to the image from the captured image signal (main line signal).

Figure 4 (a) shows an example of the display on the displays 301 and 302 when the second image signal from the enlargement processing unit 106 is extracted by the second selector 111. On the display 302, an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the standard image (first image) displayed on the display 301 is displayed as the second image. This enlarged image is displayed for the purpose of, for example, adjusting the focus.

Figure 4 (b) shows an example of the display on the displays 301 and 302 when the second image signal from the level display processing unit 107 is extracted by the second selector 111. The display 302 displays as the second image an image in which an area of the standard image (first image) displayed on the display 301 that corresponds to a predetermined luminance level range of the captured image signal is displayed in a pre-specified color or specific luminance pattern (e.g., a zebra pattern, cross-hatch pattern, etc.). For example, a luminance level of around 100% is displayed in red (see arrow P), and a luminance level of around 60% is displayed in green (see arrow Q). This level display image is displayed for the purpose of adjusting the luminance level using an iris, for example.

Figure 4 (c) shows an example of the display on the displays 301 and 302 when the second image signal from the status generation module 108 is extracted by the second selector 111. The display 302 displays an image including a main line signal status display (frame rate, shutter opening angle, etc.). This image is displayed, for example, for the purpose of constantly checking the imaging status.

Figure 5 shows an example of the display on the displays 301, 302 when the second selector 111 extracts the second image signal from the return separation processing unit 113, i.e., when the return signal is used. In this case, the first selector 111 extracts either the first image signal from the standard processing unit 105 or the first image signal from the return separation processing unit 113, and the display 301 displays the standard image, i.e., the first image corresponding to the image from the captured image signal (main line signal).

Figure 5 (a) shows an example of the display on the displays 301 and 302 when the return separation processing unit 113 obtains a second image signal for displaying an on-air image. The display 302 displays an on-air image. This on-air image is displayed for the purpose of managing one's own imaging angle, etc. while checking the on-air state.

Figure 5 (b) shows an example of the display on the displays 301 and 302 when the return separation processing unit 113 obtains a second image signal for displaying an image including a mark (marker) indicating the focus location in the standard image (first image) displayed on the display 301. On the display 302, for example, an image having a rectangular frame (see arrow R) indicating the focus location is displayed. This image is displayed for the purpose of indicating the specific focus location from the camera control unit side.

Figure 5 (c) shows an example of the display on the displays 301 and 302 when the return separation processing unit 113 obtains a second image signal for displaying an image including a mark (marker) indicating the focus location in an enlarged image of the standard image (first image) displayed on the display 301. The display 302 displays, for example, an enlarged image having a rectangular frame (see arrow R) indicating the focus location. This image is also displayed from the camera control unit side for the purpose of indicating the specific focus location. Displaying the enlarged image makes it easier for the user (cameraman) to adjust the focus.

Figure 5 (d) shows an example of the display on the displays 301, 302 when the return separation processing unit 113 obtains a second image signal for displaying an image including information indicating the imaging state. The display 302 displays, for example, an image including the system state (frame rate, etc.). In this case, it is possible to display not only information about the camera body 100 itself, but also information about any imaging device connected to the camera control unit. This image is displayed for the purpose of constantly checking information about the camera body 100 itself and other imaging devices.

In the camera body 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image generated by the captured image signal is output and supplied to the display 301, and a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image is output and supplied to the display 301. Therefore, it is possible to display information that is effective when capturing an image without affecting the confirmation display of the main capture line signal.

For example, when operating the lens focus, you can check the natural overall image that is the main line while viewing the enlarged image of the required area, making it easier to focus even if there are pixel limitations on the display side. Also, by using the return image generated by the camera control unit (external device), it becomes possible to smoothly specify the focus area.

For example, when operating the lens iris, it is possible to simultaneously check and operate the brightness information of any required area while checking the natural overall image that is the main line. Also, for example, it is possible to constantly grasp various information about the imaging device during shooting while checking the natural image that is the main line.

2. Modified Examples
In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6A, an example has been shown in which two open-type displays 301, 302 are attached to the camera body 100. However, it is also possible that both of the displays 301, 302 are peep-type displays. In this case, the user (cameraman) can monitor both the displays 301, 302 by looking through one eye.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), one of the two displays 301, 302 may be an open type and the other a peep type. FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the arrangement of the displays 301, 302 in this case. In the illustrated example, the display 301 is an open type and the display 302 is a peep type, but the reverse may also be true. In this case, a configuration may be considered in which the second image is switched between being displayed in the open type or the peep type depending on the content of the second image.

For example, when the second image signal selected by the second selector 111 is an image signal that displays an enlarged image, this image signal is supplied to a peep-type display. Also, for example, when the second image signal selected by the second selector 111 is a level display image, this image signal is supplied to an open-type display.

In the above embodiment, the displays 301 and 302 are described as HD resolution displays, but this is not limited thereto. In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which two displays 301 and 302 are connected to the camera body 100, but a configuration in which three or more displays are connected to the camera body 100 is also conceivable. In that case, it is also possible to simultaneously display two or more second images having information that is effective when capturing an image while the standard image (first image) is constantly displayed. In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which an image having information indicating the capturing state is independently displayed, but it is also conceivable to superimpose information indicating the capturing state on an enlarged image or a level display image.

The present technology can also be configured as follows.
(1) a first output unit that outputs a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image generated by a captured image signal;
A camera device comprising: a second output section that outputs a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image.
(2) The camera device according to (1), wherein the first image signal and the second image signal are generated within the device itself and/or are sent as return signals from a camera control unit.
(3) The second image is
The camera device according to (1) or (2), wherein the first image is an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image.
(4) The captured image signal is an image signal with a 4K resolution,
the first image signal is an image signal having the same frame as the captured image signal, the image signal being obtained by performing a down-conversion process on the captured image signal,
The camera device according to (3), wherein the second image signal is an image signal of HD resolution obtained by cutting out a part of the captured image signal.
(5) The second image is
The camera device according to (1) or (2), wherein the image shows an area of the first image corresponding to a predetermined luminance level range of the captured image signal in a pre-specified color or specific luminance pattern.
(6) The second image is
The camera device according to (1) or (2), wherein the image includes information indicating an imaging state.
(7) The second image is
The camera device according to (1) or (2), which is an on-air image.
(8) The second image signal is
This is the image signal sent as a return signal from the camera control unit.
The second image is
The camera device according to (1) or (2), wherein the first image or an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image includes an indication of a location for focusing.
(9) a standard processing unit that processes the captured image signal to obtain the first image signal;
a signal receiving section for receiving the first image signal sent as a return signal from a camera control unit;
The camera device according to (1) or (2), further comprising a first selector that selectively extracts the first image signal obtained by the standard processing unit or the first image signal received by the signal receiving unit and sends it to the first output unit.
(10) The first selector comprises:
The camera device according to (9) above, wherein when there is a control signal for the first selector from a camera control unit, switching is controlled based on the control signal.
(11) The camera device according to (1) or (2), further comprising a second selector that extracts one second image signal from the plurality of second image signals and sends the extracted second image signal to the second output unit.
(12) an enlargement processing unit that processes the captured image signal to obtain a second image signal for displaying an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image as the second image;
a level display processing section that processes the captured image signal to obtain a second image signal for displaying, as the second image, an image in which an area of the first image corresponding to a predetermined luminance level range of the captured image signal is shown in a pre-specified color or specific luminance pattern;
a status generating module that obtains a second image signal for displaying an image including information indicating an imaging state as the second image;
a signal receiving unit for receiving the second image signal sent as a return signal from the camera control unit,
The camera device described in (11), wherein the second selector selectively extracts the second image signal obtained by the enlargement processing unit, the second image signal obtained by the level display processing unit, the second image signal obtained by the status generation module, or the second image signal received by the signal receiving unit, and sends it to the second output unit.
(13) The second selector is
The camera device according to (12) above, wherein when there is a control signal for the second selector from a camera control unit, switching is controlled based on the control signal.
(14) a camera body; and
The camera body is provided with two displays attached thereto so that a user can simultaneously monitor the two displays;
The camera body is
a first output section that outputs a first image signal for displaying a first image corresponding to an image based on the captured image signal, and supplies the first image signal to one of the two display devices;
a second output section that outputs a second image signal for displaying a second image having information that is effective when capturing an image, and supplies the second image signal to the other of the two displays;
(15) The camera device according to (14) above, wherein the two displays are both open type displays.
(16) The camera device according to (14), wherein the two displays are a peep-type display and an open-type display.
(17) The camera body includes:
The camera device described in (16) above, wherein when the second image is an enlarged image corresponding to a portion of the first image, the second image signal output from the second output unit is supplied to the peep-type display.
(18) The camera body includes:
The camera device according to (16) or (17), wherein when the second image is an image which shows an area of the first image which corresponds to a predetermined brightness level range of the captured image signal in a pre-specified color or specific brightness pattern, the second image signal output from the second output unit is supplied to the open-type display.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10: Camera device 100: Camera body 101: Control unit 102: User operation unit 103: Imaging unit 104: Signal processing unit 105: Standard processing unit 106: Enlargement processing unit 107: Level display processing unit 108: Status generation module 109: First selector 110, 112: Output module 111: Second selector 113: Return separation processing unit 200: Imaging lens 301, 302: Display

Claims (15)

An imaging unit that outputs an imaging signal having a resolution of 4K or higher;
a first output unit that outputs a first display image signal corresponding to an image frame of the imaging signal to a first display unit that is visible to a user during imaging;
a second output unit that outputs one image signal selected from a plurality of image signals based on the imaging signal as a second display image signal to a second display unit that is viewable by the user during imaging,
The imaging device, wherein the plurality of image signals include a return signal received from an external device. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of image signals include an image signal obtained by cutting out a part of an image frame of the imaging signal. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the image signal obtained by cutting out a portion of the image frame of the imaging signal is an image signal for displaying an image obtained by enlarging a portion of the image based on the first display image signal, and is an image signal that has not been subjected to resolution conversion processing. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein an image frame of the imaging signal and an image frame of the first display image signal are the same image frame. 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first image signal for display is an image signal obtained by down-converting the imaging signal. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the return signal includes an image signal for displaying an on-air image. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the return signal includes an image signal for displaying an image based on the first image signal for display, or a part of the image based on the first image signal for display, the image including an indication of a focus adjustment location. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the return signal includes an image signal for displaying an image including information indicating an imaging state of the imaging signal or information indicating an imaging state of another imaging device. an enlargement processing unit that generates an image signal for displaying an enlarged image corresponding to a portion of an image frame of the imaging signal;
The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of image signals include an image signal obtained from the enlargement processing unit. The imaging device according to claim 9 , wherein the enlarged image is an image signal obtained by cutting out a part of an image frame of the imaging signal. a level display processing unit that generates an image signal for displaying an image showing an area corresponding to a predetermined luminance level range of the imaging signal in a preset color or a specific luminance pattern,
The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of image signals include an image signal obtained from the level display processing unit. a status generating module unit that generates an image signal for displaying an image including information indicating an imaging state of the imaging signal,
The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of image signals include an image signal obtained by the status generating module. The first display unit;
The second display unit is further provided.
13. The imaging device according to claim 1. outputting an imaging signal having a resolution of 4K or higher;
outputting a first display image signal corresponding to an image frame of the imaging signal to a first display unit which is viewable by a user during imaging;
outputting one image signal selected from a plurality of image signals based on the imaging signal as a second display image signal to a second display unit which is viewable by the user during imaging;
The imaging processing method, wherein the plurality of image signals include a return signal received from an external device. An imaging system having an imaging device and an external device,
The imaging device includes:
An imaging unit that outputs an imaging signal having a resolution of 4K or higher;
a first output unit that outputs a first display image signal corresponding to an image frame of the imaging signal to a first display unit that is visible to a user during imaging;
a second output unit that outputs one image signal selected from a plurality of image signals based on the imaging signal as a second display image signal to a second display unit that is viewable by the user during imaging,
The imaging system, wherein the plurality of image signals include a return signal received from an external device.

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