JPH05268614A - Color still picture input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To inexpensively constitute the color still picture input device which picks up the image of an object by one sub-scanning and outputs a color high definition video signal. CONSTITUTION:Video signals of picture elements whose number is required for output of the color high definition video signal are obtained under the control of an input control part 13 by a line sensor 1 and a subscanning mechanism 11, which moves this sensor 1 on the image pickup face, and are subjected to A/D conversion by an A/D converter 3 and are stored in a memory. They are read out from the memory 5 in accordance with a high definition synchronizing signal outputted from an output control part 15 and are subjected to D/A conversion by a D/A converter 7 to obtain the high definition video signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color still image input device for picking up an image of a stationary subject and outputting a high-definition color high-definition video signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a color still image input device for picking up a still object and outputting a high-definition color video signal, there are Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 3-219788 and 4-426.
A system using a monochrome image sensor and a rotating three-color filter as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 92 has been put into practical use.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional color still image input device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-42692.
In the figure, 2 is a taking lens for taking an image of a subject, 4 is a monochrome solid-state imaging device (CCD) for photoelectrically converting an image of the subject taken by the taking lens 2, and 6 is an taking lens 2.
And a monochrome solid-state imaging device 4, a three-color filter, 8 is a stepping motor for driving the three-color filter 6, 10 is a photo interrupter for detecting a slit 6d formed in the three-color filter 6, and 12 is this system. A crystal oscillator that oscillates the reference clock CLK, a reference numeral 14a is a variable division ratio drive pulse generator that generates a drive pulse signal for the motor driver based on the reference clock CLK from the crystal oscillator 12, and 16 is a variable division ratio. Mold drive pulse generator 1
4a is a motor driver that generates a drive signal S2 that drives the stepping motor 8 according to the drive pulse signal S1 that is generated by 4a; and 18 is a video signal processing unit that processes the image pickup signal of the monochrome solid-state image pickup device 4 and outputs a color video signal. Reference numeral 20 denotes a vertical frequency detecting means for detecting the vertical frequency output from the video signal processing section 18, and 22 denotes a frequency of the division ratio variable drive pulse generating section 14a according to the vertical frequency fv detected by the vertical frequency detecting means 20. It is a frequency division ratio setting means for setting the frequency ratio.

Next, the operation will be described. The taking lens 2 and the monochrome solid-state image sensor 4 are arranged so as to face each other, and a three-color filter 6 is interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 3, the three-color filter 6 includes R (red), G (green) and B
A red filter 6a, a green filter 6b, and a blue filter 6c, each having a central angle of 120 ° according to the three primary colors (blue), are assembled in a disk shape, and are constantly driven by a stepping motor 8 in a minute angle unit. It is designed to be rotated in one direction. A slit 6d for indicating an initial phase is formed at the boundary between the red filter 6a and the blue filter 6c in the three-color filter 6. The photo interrupter 10 detects the slit 6d and outputs a reset signal to the frequency division ratio drive pulse generator 14a.

The variable division ratio drive pulse generator 14a is configured as a frequency divider that divides the reference clock CLK input from the crystal oscillator 12 and outputs the divided signal to the motor driver 16 as the drive pulse signal S1. Has been done. The frequency division ratio of this frequency divider is set by the frequency division ratio setting means 22. The motor driver 16 is configured to generate a drive signal S2 based on the drive pulse signal S1 from the variable division ratio drive pulse generator 14a and drive the stepping motor 8 by the drive signal S2.

The video signal processing section 18 includes a crystal oscillator 12
By generating a control signal S3 necessary for video signal processing such as a horizontal synchronizing signal, a vertical synchronizing signal and the like based on a reference clock CLK input from the device, and sending the control signal S3 to the monochrome solid-state image pickup device 4, monochrome solid-state image pickup is performed. Element 4
Is horizontally and vertically scanned, and the video signal S4 from the monochrome solid-state image pickup device 4 obtained as a result of the scanning is taken in.

When the red filter 6a of the three-color filter 6 faces the monochrome solid-state image sensor 4 by the rotation of the stepping motor 8, the video signal S4 (R) is taken in and the green filter 6b faces. The video signal S4 (G) is taken in and the video signal S4 (B) is taken in when the blue filter 6c is opposed. These three color video signals S4 (R), S4 (G), S4 (B) (hereinafter simply referred to as S4) are fetched one frame at a time. The video signal processor 18 then superimposes the three color video signals S4 to generate a color video signal.

To produce an accurate color video signal,
It is necessary to take in each of the R, G and B video signals S4 exactly one frame at a time. Therefore, R, G, B
It is necessary that each of the color filters 6a, 6b, and 6c of (1) is continuously opposed to the monochrome solid-state image sensor 4 for two cycles of the vertical scanning period in the monochrome solid-state image sensor 4 while constantly rotating. Further, it is necessary to adjust the timing so that the color filters to be reset are switched within the vertical blanking period. That is, the control signal S3 (vertical synchronizing signal) given from the video signal processing unit 18 to the monochrome solid-state image pickup device 4 and the rotational phase of the color filter 6 must be accurately synchronized. In order to achieve this synchronization, the vertical frequency detecting means 20 for detecting the frequency fv of the vertical synchronizing signal in the control signal S3 sent from the video signal processing section 18 to the monochrome solid-state image pickup device 4, and the vertical frequency detecting means 20 Sync signal detection frequency f
It has a frequency division ratio setting means 22 for setting the frequency division ratio in the variable frequency division ratio drive pulse generator 14a according to v.

As a result of the above-mentioned configuration, even if the video signal processing system is changed to the NTSC system, the PAL system, or the computer system, the variable division ratio drive pulse generator 14a outputs it to the motor driver 16. The frequency of the driving pulse signal S1 is synchronized with the frequency (detection frequency fv) of the vertical synchronizing signal of each system, and the rotation phase of the stepping motor 8, that is, the three-color filter 6 is applied to any vertical synchronizing signal. You can synchronize correctly.

The above is the description of the still image input system using the monochrome image pickup device and the rotated three-color filter in the conventional color still image input device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-42692.

The specification of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-42692 describes that "the monochrome solid-state image pickup device 4 is horizontally and vertically scanned by sending a control signal S3 to the monochrome solid-state image pickup device 4." Therefore, it is considered that the image pickup device uses an area sensor type monochrome solid-state image pickup device (hereinafter simply referred to as a monochrome area sensor) capable of performing vertical scanning by receiving a control signal. And, in this regard, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-2197
The same is true of the device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 88. The monochrome area sensor is a two-dimensional array of photoelectric cells arranged in a grid pattern.

By the way, in the high-definition system CCIR recommendation XA / 11 “Recommendation regarding HDTV production standard” (hereinafter simply referred to as high-definition standard), the number of effective lines per frame is 1035, and the number of effective samples per line is 1
920 is specified, and in order to perform imaging in conformity with the conventional color still image input device as described above,
The photoelectric cell of the monochrome area sensor is 1035 in the vertical direction.
Approximately 20 pieces, 1920 pieces arranged in a grid in the horizontal direction
A monochrome area sensor with 0,000 pixels is indispensable.

[0013]

Since the conventional color still image input device is constructed as described above, an expensive monochrome area sensor having a large number of pixels is required to capture a high-definition image. There was a problem. Further, there is a problem that the three-color filter is rotated to pick up an image in color and the sub-scanning is required once for each color, that is, three times of sub-scanning is required.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional ones, and an object thereof is to obtain an inexpensive color still image device capable of picking up a high-definition image by one sub-scanning. There is.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A color still image input device according to the present invention is a color line sensor in which at least 1920 or more photocells having three types of color filters of red, green and blue are arranged in the main scanning direction. And a mechanism for moving the color line sensor on the image pickup surface on which the image of the subject is formed by the image pickup lens for sub-scanning, and storing the image picked up by the color line sensor in the image memory for high-definition synchronization. It is configured to output to the outside in synchronization with the signal.

[0016]

The color still image input device according to the present invention is
Photoelectric cells having R, G, B color filters are provided for each color 192.
The color line sensor, which is arranged in the main scanning direction by 0 or more, is scanned by the control signal once for each color, and each color 1920
A primary image of pixels is captured. Also, by performing the main scanning 1024 times or more while the color line sensor mechanically moves once on the image pickup surface and performs the sub-scanning, the horizontal direction 1920 pixels and the vertical direction 1024 lines conforming to the CCIR recommendation of the high-definition system are supported. The two-dimensional image is captured in color. Therefore, 1920 pixels horizontally and 1 vertically
The device is less expensive than the case where an expensive monochrome area sensor in which about 2 million 024-line photoelectric cells are arranged is used, and color imaging can be performed in one sub-scan.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a color still image input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 2 is an image pickup lens for forming a subject image on an image pickup surface, 1 is a color line sensor in which at least 1920 or more photocells having three types of color filters of red, green and blue are arranged in the main scanning direction. , Is arranged on the imaging surface and outputs an image signal corresponding to the subject image.
3 is an A / D converter for converting the image signal into image data, and 5 is an image memory for storing the image data,
1966080 pieces of image data, which is a product of at least 1920 pieces in the main scanning direction and 1024 pieces in the sub scanning direction for each color of R, G, and B, are stored. 6 is a D / which converts the image data read from the image memory into a high-definition video signal.
A converter, 9 is a CR for displaying high-definition video signals
Reference numerals T and 11 denote a sub-scanning mechanism that mechanically moves the color line sensor 1 on the imaging surface to perform sub-scanning, and 13 denotes a sub-scanning mechanism 11, a color line sensor 1, an A / D converter 3, and an image memory 5. Input control unit for controlling memory, 15
Is an output control unit for generating a high-definition sync signal, reading the image memory 5, and controlling the D / A converter in accordance with the high-definition sync signal.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the sub-scanning mechanism 11 in FIG. 1, in which 11b is a lens mount for mounting the image pickup lens 2, and 11a is a lens mount 11b.
Is fixed to the frame, 11c is a stepping motor fixed to the frame 11a, 11d is a pulley fixed to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 11c, 11e is a belt attached to the pulley 11d, and 11f is a belt 11e.
The pulley 11g is attached to the frame 11g, the pulley 11f is fixed, and the pulley 11f rotates together with the pulley 11f, but the feed screw is attached so as not to move relative to the frame 11a other than the rotation. 11h is fitted to the screw portion of the feed screw 11g. The color line sensor 1 is a slider mounted so as not to move relative to the frame 11a except in the vertical direction, and the color line sensor 1 is fixed to the slider 11h. Also, the stepping motor 11
c and the rotation axis of the pulley 11d, the rotation axis of the pulley 11f and the feed screw 11g, and the moving direction of the slider 11h are all parallel to each other and are on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image pickup lens 2, and the color line sensor 1 includes all photoelectric sensors. The light receiving surface of the cell is on one plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging lens 2, and the main scanning direction of the color line sensor 1 is on the plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the slider 11h.

Next, the operation and action of the above embodiment will be described. First, referring to FIG. 1, by focusing the imaging lens 2, the subject image becomes a color line sensor 1.
An image is formed on the image pickup surface having the photocell of Photoelectric cells having R, G, and B color filters are arranged in the color line sensor 1 for each color, for example, 1920 in the main scanning direction, and the light of the object image formed on the photocells is R, G, and B. The color filters are used for color separation, and the 1920 photocells arranged in the main scanning direction for each color decompose the pixels into 1920 pixels, which are converted into electric quantities. Next, by inputting a control signal from the input control unit 13 to the color line sensor 1, the electric quantities converted by the 1920 photocells of each color are sequentially output as image signals, so that one main scan is performed. ..

The color line sensor 1 is sub-scanned by the sub-scanning mechanism 11 by moving on the image pickup surface in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. During one main scan, the photoelectric cell moves with respect to the subject image in a direction perpendicular to the main scan direction by a certain distance, and, for example, 1024 main scans are repeated to complete one sub scan.

According to the HDTV standard, the number of effective lines per frame is 1035, and the number of effective samples per line is 1
Along with 920, the aspect ratio of the image, that is, the ratio of the height and the width is defined as 9:16. Therefore, in the case of conforming to the high-definition standard, when the pitch of the photoelectric cells arranged in the main scanning direction of the color line sensor is PH and the distance moved during one main scanning is Pv, 1035Pv: 1920PH = 9:16, that is,

Pv = (24/23) PH

It is sufficient that

By thus performing the main scanning and the sub-scanning, the subject image formed on the image pickup surface is decomposed into R, G, and B color main scanning direction 1920 pixels and sub-scanning direction 1024 pixels, and the light The color line sensor 1 outputs an image signal according to the strength of the. This image signal is converted into image data by the A / D converter 3 and input to the image memory 5. The image data input to the image memory 5 is R,
It is stored in a predetermined area which is predetermined according to each color of G and B and its pixel position.

The above series of operations is performed by the input control unit 13
The main scanning and the sub-scanning are started each time the switch of the color still image input device is pressed once, and the sub-scanning is performed once, and the image data for one screen is stored and updated in the image memory 5.

On the other hand, the reading of the image memory 5 is controlled by the output control unit 15, and the image data of each color of R, G and B at a predetermined pixel position is read at a predetermined timing according to the HDTV synchronizing signal. The image data read from the image memory 5 is converted into a high-definition video signal by the D / A converter 7 and output. The high-definition video signal output from this color still image input device is, for example, a CRT.
It can be displayed and viewed by the device 9 or the like.

Next, as an example of the sub-scanning mechanism 11, the operation of the sub-scanning mechanism shown in FIG. 2 will be described. First, the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 11c rotates, and the pulley 11d fixed to the rotation shaft rotates. The rotation of the pulley 11d is transmitted through the belt 11e and rotates the pulley 11f. The pulley 11f is fixed to the rotary shaft of the feed screw 11g, and the feed screw 11g rotates like the pulley 11f. The slider 11h is fitted with the thread portion of the feed screw 11g, and moves upward or downward as the feed screw 11g rotates. Color line sensor 1 is this slider 1
It is fixed at 1h and moves up or down together with the slider 11h to execute sub-scanning.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the image pickup lens for forming the subject image on the image pickup surface and the photoelectric cells having the red, green, and blue color filters are arranged in the main scanning direction in 1920 pieces for each color. Color line sensor, a sub-scanning mechanism for moving the sensor 1 on the imaging surface, an A / D converter for converting the output image signal of the sensor 1 into image data, and the image data for each color in the main scanning direction 1920 Image memory for storing the number of products of the number of pixels and 1024 in the sub-scanning direction, an input control unit for controlling the above image memory storage, and a D / for converting the image data read from the image memory into a high-definition video signal. Since the A converter and the output control unit that generates the high-definition sync signal and controls the reading of the image memory and the D / A converter according to the A converter, the device is configured, Be imaged in a single sub-scanning can be constructed at low cost a color still image input device capable of outputting a high-resolution color HDTV video signal.

In the above embodiment, color imaging is performed based on the high-definition standard. However, by changing each part so as to comply with the HDTV standard of the United States or Europe, these systems can be easily adapted. It can be applied and has the same effect as the above embodiment.

[0030]

As described above, according to the color still image input apparatus of the present invention, the color line sensor and the sub-scanning for moving the color line sensor on the image pickup surface on which the subject image is formed to perform the sub-scanning. A mechanism for inputting a color image conforming to the high-definition standard is inexpensive because it is configured to store the image captured by the color line sensor in the image memory and output it to the outside in synchronization with the high-definition sync signal. In addition, there is an effect that a color image conforming to the high-definition standard can be input by one sub-scan.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a color still image input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a sub-scanning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a conventional color still image input device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a three-color filter of a conventional color still image input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Color Line Sensor 2 Imaging Lens 3 A / D Converter 5 Image Memory 7 D / A Converter 11 Sub-scanning Mechanism 13 Input Control Section 15 Output Control Section

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 3, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Claim 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0016]

The color still image input device according to the present invention is
Photoelectric cells having R, G, B color filters are provided for each color 192.
The color line sensor, which is arranged in the main scanning direction by 0 or more, is scanned by the control signal once for each color, and each color 1920
A primary image of pixels is captured. In addition, the color line sensor mechanically moves once on the image pickup surface and performs main scanning 1035 times or more while performing sub-scanning, thereby supporting 1920 pixels in the horizontal direction and 1035 lines in the vertical direction in accordance with the CCIR recommendation of the HDTV system. The two-dimensional image is captured in color. Therefore, 1920 pixels horizontally and 1 vertically
The device is less expensive than the case where an expensive monochrome area sensor in which about 2 million photoelectric cells of 035 lines are arranged is used, and color imaging can be performed by one sub-scan.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a color still image input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 2 is an image pickup lens for forming a subject image on an image pickup surface, 1 is a color line sensor in which at least 1920 or more photocells having three types of color filters of red, green and blue are arranged in the main scanning direction. , Is arranged on the imaging surface and outputs an image signal corresponding to the subject image.
3 is an A / D converter for converting the image signal into image data, and 5 is an image memory for storing the image data,
1987200 image data, which is a product of at least 1920 in the main scanning direction and 1035 in the sub scanning direction for each color of R, G, and B, is stored. 7 is a D / which converts the image data read from the image memory into a high-definition video signal.
A converter, 9 is a CR for displaying high-definition video signals
Reference numerals T and 11 denote a sub-scanning mechanism that mechanically moves the color line sensor 1 on the imaging surface to perform sub-scanning, and 13 denotes a sub-scanning mechanism 11, a color line sensor 1, an A / D converter 3, and an image memory 5. Input control unit for controlling memory, 15
Is an output control unit for generating a high-definition sync signal, reading the image memory 5, and controlling the D / A converter in accordance with the high-definition sync signal.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The color line sensor 1 is sub-scanned by the sub-scanning mechanism 11 by moving on the image pickup surface in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. During one main scan, the photoelectric cell moves with respect to the subject image in a direction perpendicular to the main scan direction by a certain distance, and, for example, 1035 main scans are repeated to complete one sub scan.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

According to the HDTV standard, the number of effective lines per frame is 1035, and the number of effective samples per line is 1
Along with 920, the aspect ratio of the image, that is, the ratio of the height and the width is defined as 9:16. Therefore , in the case of conforming to the high-definition standard , when the pitch of the photoelectric cells arranged in the main scanning direction of the color line sensor is PH and the distance during which the main scanning is performed and the sub-scanning distance is Pv, 1035Pv: 1920PH = 9:16, that is,

[Procedure Amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0024

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

By performing the main scanning and the sub-scanning in this manner, the subject image formed on the image pickup surface is decomposed into R, G, and B colors of 1920 pixels in the main scanning direction and 1035 pixels in the sub-scanning direction. The color line sensor 1 outputs an image signal according to the strength of the. This image signal is converted into image data by the A / D converter 3 and input to the image memory 5. The image data input to the image memory 5 is R,
It is stored in a predetermined area which is predetermined according to each color of G and B and its pixel position.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0028] Thus, according to the above embodiment, the imaging lens Ru is forming a subject image on the imaging plane, the red, green, in the main scanning direction photocell by 1,920 colors having color filters of blue Arranged color line sensor and this sensor 1
, A sub-scanning mechanism for moving on the image pickup surface, an A / D converter for converting the output image signal of the sensor 1 into image data, and the product of the image data for each color in the main scanning direction 1920 and the sub-scanning direction 1035. Image memory to store the same number of image memories, an input control unit that controls the above image memory storage, a D / A converter that converts the image data read from the image memory into a high-definition video signal, and a high-definition sync signal. since generated so as to constitute the device in an output control unit for controlling the reading and D / a converter of the image memory accordingly, be imaged stationary subject in a single sub-scan high-definition color A color still image input device capable of outputting a high-definition video signal can be inexpensively constructed.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A color line sensor in which at least 1920 or more photocells each having three types of color filters of red, green, and blue are arranged in the main scanning direction, and an image pickup surface on which a subject image is formed by the line sensor. , A sub-scanning mechanism for moving in the sub-scanning direction, an A / D converter for converting the output image signal of the color line sensor into image data, at least 1920 main scanning directions and 1024 sub-scanning directions for each color of R, G, B An image memory that stores 1966080 pieces of the image data, which is the product of the following, an input control unit that controls the storage of the color line sensor, the sub-scanning mechanism, the A / D converter, and the image memory, and read from the image memory. A D / A converter for converting the generated image data into a high-definition video signal, and a high-definition synchronization signal for reading the image memory and A color still image input device, comprising: an output control unit that controls a D / A converter according to a high-definition sync signal.