JPH07212637A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use information of a camera section for reproduction/edit or the like by sending the information of the camera section synchronously with a video signal with simple configuration to a VTR section and recording the information with the video signal in the image pickup device (camcorder). CONSTITUTION:Camera sections (101-103, 105-107) apply time division multiplex to camera information such as a still picture/moving picture, an aperture, a gain, shutter and white balance onto a digital video signal based on a synchronizing signal in the unit of fields or frames and send the result to VTR sections (104,108). The VTR sections share the multiplexed signal into the video signal and the camera information based on the synchronizing signal. Then the VTR sections record simultaneously the camera information and the video signal. Through the constitution above, excess wiring for the camera sections and the VTR sections is not required. Moreover, since the camera information is completely synchronously with the video signal, the information is used for correcting and editing the video signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention transmits image information of a camera unit synchronized with a video signal to a VTR unit, and the VTR unit records the information together with the video signal so that the image can be used for reproduction, editing and the like. It relates to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many imaging devices have been developed. As a conventional imaging device, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-268 is known.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 884.

A conventional image pickup apparatus will be described below. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a conventional image pickup device disclosed in the publication. In FIG. 11, 1101 is a camera unit, 1102 is a tilt sensor, 1103 is an AE control unit, 1
104 is an AWB control unit, 1105 is a recording signal generation circuit,
Reference numeral 1106 denotes a recording head, 1107 denotes a recording unit, 1108.
Is a recording medium, 1109 is a reproduction signal processing circuit, 1110 is a reproduction head, 1111 is a reproduction means, 1112 is a tilt correction memory, 1113 is a selector circuit, 1114 is a discrimination circuit, and 1115 is a video signal correction means.

The operation of the conventional image pickup apparatus configured as described above will be described below. Camera section 1
101 images a subject and outputs a video signal SV. Further, the tilt sensor 1102 outputs tilt information DH of the camera unit 1101. Then, the recording means 1107 records the tilt information DH together with the video signal SV on the recording medium 1108.
To record. The reproduction means 1111 reproduces the video signal SV and the tilt information DI from the recording medium 1108 to reproduce the reproduced video signal S.
V1 is output. The video signal correction means 1115 corrects the video signal SV and / or the reproduced video signal SV1 based on the tilt information DH and DI. As a result, the camera unit 1101
Even when the angle of view changes due to tilting, the change in color reproducibility and the aperture amount of the diaphragm can be effectively avoided.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the video signal SV and the tilt information DH are separately supplied to the recording means from the camera section, there is a problem that the number of connection wirings increases. Had. Further, if it is attempted to supply aperture information, white balance information, etc. in addition to the tilt information, there is a problem that the number of connection wirings will increase.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the video signal SV and the tilt information DH are separately supplied to the recording means, the video signal SV and the tilt information DH are not completely synchronized and the video signal is corrected. It also had a problem that it could not be done accurately.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems. When the video signal and the camera information are supplied from the camera section to the recording means, the video signal and the camera information can be supplied completely by connecting the video signal. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can be synchronized and transmitted from a camera unit to a recording unit.

[0008]

To achieve this object, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image pickup section, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting an output signal from the image pickup section, and an analog / digital conversion. A camera signal processing circuit that processes the output signal from the circuit, a switch that sets the operation of the camera signal processing circuit, and a microcomputer that controls at least one of the imaging unit and the camera signal processing circuit by reading the setting of the switch and the control data. It is equipped with the configuration.

Further, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes an image pickup section, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting an output signal from the image pickup section, and a camera signal for signal processing the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A processing circuit and a sampling circuit that samples the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit and outputs sample data;
The microcomputer is configured to read sample data of the sampling circuit, generate control data based on the sample data, and control at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit by the control data.

[0010]

With the above-described structure of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the image pickup section picks up an image of a subject and outputs a video signal. The analog / digital conversion circuit converts this video signal into a digital video signal and supplies it to the camera signal processing circuit. Also, the microcomputer reads the setting of the switch and sets the control data to the camera signal processing circuit. The camera signal processing circuit performs signal processing of the video signal according to the control data of the microcomputer, and outputs the control data by time division multiplexing during a period other than the valid period of the signal-processed digital video signal. By doing so, the video signal and the control data can be perfectly synchronized, and the video signal and the control data can be supplied to the outside only by connecting the video signal.

Further, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, and the image pickup section picks up an image of a subject and supplies a video signal to the camera signal processing circuit and the sampling circuit. The sampling circuit samples the video signal from the imaging unit and outputs sample data. Further, the microcomputer reads the sample data, generates control based on the sample data, and sets the control data in the camera signal processing circuit. The camera signal processing circuit performs signal processing of the video signal according to the control data of the microcomputer, and outputs the control data by time division multiplexing during a period other than the valid period of the signal-processed digital video signal. By doing so, the video signal and the control data can be perfectly synchronized, and the video signal and the control data can be output to the outside only by connecting the video signal.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1
01 is a camera head (imaging unit), 102 is analog /
A digital conversion circuit (A / D conversion circuit), 103 is a camera signal processing circuit, 104 is a video signal recording / reproducing means, and 105.
Is a switch, 106 is a microcomputer, 107 is a synchronizing signal generation circuit, and 108 is a digital / analog conversion circuit (D / A conversion circuit).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the camera signal processing circuit 103 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, 201 is a signal processing circuit, 202 is a register circuit, and 203 is a selector circuit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the video signal recording / reproducing means 104 in the first embodiment.
In FIG. 3, 301 is a multiplexer circuit, 302 is a recording signal generation circuit, 303 is a recording head, 304 is a recording unit, 305 is a recording medium, 306 is a reproducing head, and 307.
Is a reproduction signal processing circuit, 308 is a reproducing means, 309 is a video signal correction circuit, 310 is a correction judgment circuit, and 311 is a selector circuit.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of multiplexing the video signal and the camera information by the synchronizing signal in the camera signal processing circuit 103 in the first embodiment. Figure 4
, 401 is a video signal, 402 is camera information, 4
Reference numeral 03 is a sync signal, and 404 is an information multiplexed video signal.

The operation of the image pickup apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

First, the camera head unit 101 images a subject and outputs a video signal. This video signal is converted into a digital video signal by the analog / digital conversion circuit 102. Then, it is supplied to the camera signal processing circuit 103.

On the other hand, the switch 105 sets the operation of the camera signal processing circuit 103. For example, the switching of the aspect ratio 4: 3/16: 9 is set. The microcomputer 106 reads the setting of the switch 105 and sets the setting information of the switch 105 in the camera signal processing circuit 103 as control data.

The control data set by the microcomputer 106 is held in the register circuit 202 in the camera signal processing circuit 103. For example, this control data has an aspect ratio of 16:
If the wide setting is 9, the signal processing circuit 201 processes the video signal from the A / D conversion circuit 102 according to the control data so that the video signal has an aspect ratio of 16: 9.

The digital video signal signal-processed by the signal processing circuit 201 and the control data held in the register circuit 202 are time-division-multiplexed by the selector circuit 203 as camera information by the synchronizing signal to generate an information-multiplexed video signal. , Video signal recording / reproducing means 104.

The information multiplexed video signal from the camera signal processing circuit 103 is divided into a video signal and camera information by the multiplexer circuit 301 in the video signal recording / reproducing means 104 and sent to the recording means 304. In the recording unit 304, the recording signal generation circuit 302 generates a recording signal, and the recording head 303 records the recording signal on the recording medium 305.

The video signal and camera information recorded on the recording medium 305 are reproduced by the reproducing means 308. Based on the reproduced camera information, the correction determination circuit 310 determines whether the correction is necessary. If the correction is necessary, the video signal correction circuit 309 corrects the video signal. When the correction is not necessary, the output signal of the reproduction signal processing circuit 307 is switched by the selector circuit 311 and is output together with the camera information through the digital / analog conversion circuit 108.

For example, the camera information has an aspect ratio of 4: 3.
In case of, output is performed without correction and aspect ratio is 1
When it is 6: 9, it is possible to perform wide-range signal processing and output.

Further, when the video signal which is the output signal of the video signal recording / reproducing means 104 and the camera information are connected to the monitor, the monitor can be automatically switched between the standard mode and the wide mode according to the camera information and displayed. . Also,
Similarly, when connected to a video printer, it is possible to automatically switch between standard / wide and print easily.

As described above, the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment has the camera head section 101 and the analog / digital conversion circuit (A
/ D conversion circuit) 102 and camera signal processing circuit 103
A video signal recording / reproducing means 104 and a switch 105.
With the configuration of the microcomputer 106, the synchronization signal generation circuit 107, and the digital / analog conversion circuit (D / A conversion circuit) 108, the camera information is time-division multiplexed during a period other than the valid period of the video signal, thereby The signal and the camera information can be perfectly synchronized and can be transmitted to the video signal recording / reproducing means only by connecting the video signal. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the aspect ratio, camera information can be transmitted at the same time.

Further, since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information, it is possible to realize a high-quality and multi-functional image pickup device.

Furthermore, a monitor, a video printer, etc. can be operated in conjunction with each other based on the camera information, and the range of use can be greatly expanded.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, 5
01 is a camera head unit (imaging unit), 502 is an A / D conversion circuit, 503 is a camera signal processing circuit, 504 is a video signal recording / reproducing means, 505 is a sampling circuit, 506 is a switch, 507 is a microcomputer, 508 is a synchronization signal. A generation circuit, 509 is a D / A conversion circuit.

FIG. 6 shows the microcomputer 5 in the second embodiment.
It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of 07.

The operation of the image pickup apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 2 and 3.

First, the camera head section 501 images a subject and outputs a video signal. This video signal is converted into a digital video signal by the A / D conversion circuit 502. Then, the camera signal processing circuit 503 and the sampling circuit 5
Supply to 05. The sampling circuit 505 samples the video signal and outputs sample data. For example, as sample data, the average value, maximum value, and minimum value of RGB signals and Y signals are obtained and output.

The microcomputer 507 performs processing in synchronization with the vertical sync signal. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the switch information is read in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal (step 601).
Next, the sample data is read (step 60).
2). Each control calculation is performed based on this switch information and sample data. For example, calculations such as aperture control (ALC), white balance control (AWB), and shutter speed control are performed based on sample data (steps 603 to 6).
05). Further, according to the switch information, a still image is captured (step 606), a moving image / still image is switched (step 607), and an aspect ratio is switched (step 60).
8) Perform the above. The camera head unit 501 and the camera signal processing circuit 503 use the result of each control calculation as control data.
Is set to at least one (step 609). In the camera head section 501, control calculation is performed by switch information or sample data to generate control data, and the control data controls the aperture, shutter speed, etc., and adjusts the gain of the video signal.

The control data set by the microcomputer 507 is held in the register circuit 202 in the camera signal processing circuit (see FIG. 2) 503. The signal processing circuit 201 performs signal processing on the video signal from the A / D conversion circuit 502 in accordance with this control data. The register circuit 20 is operated during a period other than the valid period of the digital video signal processed by the signal processing circuit 201.
The control data held in 2 is used as camera information, and the selector circuit 203 performs time-division multiplexing processing with a synchronization signal.
A video signal recording / reproducing means 50 for generating an information multiplexed video signal
Supply to 4.

The information multiplexed video signal from the camera signal processing circuit 503 is recorded in the video signal recording / reproducing means 504 (see FIG. 3).
The video signal and camera information are separated by a multiplexer circuit 301 therein and sent to the recording means 304. In the recording unit 304, the recording signal generation circuit 302 generates a recording signal, and the recording head 303 records the recording signal on the recording medium 305. The video signal and the camera information recorded on the recording medium 305 are reproduced by the reproducing means 308. Based on the reproduced camera information, the correction determination circuit 310 determines whether the correction is necessary. If the correction is necessary, the video signal correction circuit 309 corrects the video signal. If no correction is necessary, the reproduction signal processing circuit 3
The output signal of 07 is switched by the selector circuit 311 and is output together with the camera information through the digital / analog conversion circuit 509.

For example, when the camera information is white balance information and the correction determination circuit 310 determines that correction is necessary,
The color reproducibility can be corrected by adjusting the color gain based on the white balance information.

When the video signal which is the output signal of the video signal recording / reproducing means 504 and the camera information are connected to the monitor, the color reproduction of the monitor can be automatically adjusted according to the camera information. Also, when connected to a video printer, the color reproduction can be automatically adjusted and printed out in the same manner.

As described above, the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment has the camera head section 501 and the analog / digital conversion circuit (A
/ D conversion circuit) 502 and camera signal processing circuit 503
A video signal recording / reproducing means 504, a sampling circuit 505, a switch 506, a microcomputer 507, a sync signal generating circuit 508, and a digital / analog conversion circuit (D / A conversion circuit) 509. By time-division-multiplexing the camera information with the synchronization signal in a period other than the effective period of, the video signal and the camera information can be perfectly synchronized and can be transmitted to the video signal recording / reproducing means only by connecting the video signal. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the white balance information, the camera information can be transmitted at the same time.

Further, since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information, it is possible to realize a high-quality and multi-functional image pickup device.

Further, a monitor, a video printer, etc. can be operated in conjunction with each other based on this camera information, and the range of use can be greatly expanded.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Second shown in FIG.
The difference from the image pickup apparatus in the embodiment is that a video printer 701 is newly provided.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the timings of the frame video signal, the moving image / still image identification flag and the frame change flag of the third embodiment. Mn indicates a moving image frame, and Sn indicates a still image frame.

The operation of the image pickup apparatus constructed as above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 2, 3, and 4.

First, the camera head section 501 images a subject and outputs a video signal. This video signal is analog /
The digital conversion circuit 502 converts the digital video signal. Then, it is supplied to the camera signal processing circuit 503.

On the other hand, the switch 506 sets the operation of the camera signal processing circuit 503. For example, a still image is captured or a moving image / still image is switched. The microcomputer 507 reads the setting of the switch 506, and sets the switch information in the camera signal processing circuit 503 as control data.

The control data set by the microcomputer 507 is held in the register circuit 202 in the camera signal processing circuit (see FIG. 2) 503. For example, if this control data is a setting for still image capture and moving image / still image switching, the signal processing circuit 201 captures the video signal from the A / D conversion circuit 502 into the still image memory according to this control data, and And switch the output of the still image memory.

As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 8, when the signal processing circuit 201 performs the moving image processing, the moving image / still image identification flag becomes "H", and when the still image processing is performed, the moving image / still image identification flag becomes "H". It becomes L ". Also, when a new still image is taken in, the frame change flag becomes "H". The frame change flag always remains "H" in the case of a moving image.
Note that these flags are controlled in frame units.

The digital video signal signal-processed by the signal processing circuit 201 and the control data held in the register circuit 202 (here, the moving image / still image identification flag and the frame change flag indicating that the still image is captured) are sent to the camera. The selector circuit 203 time-division-multiplexes with the synchronization signal as information to generate an information-multiplexed video signal, which is supplied to the video recording / reproducing means 504.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the video signal recording / reproducing means 504 in the third embodiment.

The information multiplexed video signal from the camera signal processing circuit 503 is recorded in the video signal recording / reproducing means (see FIG. 3) 504.
The video signal and the camera information are separated by a multiplexer circuit 301 therein and sent to the recording means 304. In the recording unit 304, the recording signal generation circuit 302 generates a recording signal, and the recording head 303 records the recording signal on the recording medium 305. The video signal and the camera information recorded on the recording medium 305 are reproduced by the reproducing means 308. Based on the reproduced camera information, the correction determination circuit 310 determines whether the correction is necessary. If the correction is necessary, the video signal correction circuit 309 corrects the video signal. If no correction is necessary, the reproduction signal processing circuit 3
The output signal of 07 is switched by the selector circuit 311 and is output together with the camera information through the digital / analog conversion circuit 509.

When the video signal which is the output signal of the video signal recording / reproducing means 504 and the camera information (here, the moving image / still image identification flag and the frame change flag indicating that a still image is captured) are connected to the video printer 701, A still image area can be searched by the moving image / still image identification flag, and frame advance can be performed by the frame change flag to automatically print out. Further, since a stable still image portion can be detected and printed out by the frame change flag instead of the transition of the still image, an output with good image quality can be obtained.

As described above, the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment has the camera head section 501 and the analog / digital conversion circuit (A
/ D conversion circuit) 502 and camera signal processing circuit 503
A video signal recording / reproducing means 504, a sampling circuit 505, a switch 506, a microcomputer 507, a synchronizing signal generating circuit 508, a digital / analog conversion circuit (D / A conversion circuit) 509, and a video printer 701. By time-multiplexing the video / still image identification flag and the frame change flag as the digital video signal and camera information with the synchronization signal, the video signal and the camera information are perfectly synchronized, and the video signal is recorded only by connecting the video signal. It can be transmitted to the reproduction means. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the moving image / still image identification flag and the frame change flag, camera information can be transmitted at the same time.

Further, when the video signal recording / reproducing means 504 records / reproduces video / video information as camera information together with the video signal.
By outputting the still image identification flag and the frame change flag, a monitor, a video printer, etc. can be operated in conjunction with each other, and the range of use can be greatly expanded.

Furthermore, since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information, it is possible to realize a high-quality and multi-functional image pickup device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image pickup apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, 1
01 is a camera head unit, 102 is an analog / digital conversion circuit (A / D conversion circuit), 103 is a camera signal processing circuit, 901 is a video signal recording means, 105 is a switch, 1
Reference numeral 06 is a microcomputer, and 107 is a synchronizing signal generating circuit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the video signal recording means 901. In FIG. 10, 1001
Is a distribution circuit, 1002 is a correction determination circuit, 1003 is a video signal correction circuit, 1004 is a selector circuit, 1005 is a recording signal generation circuit, 1006 is a recording head, 1007 is a recording means, and 1008 is a recording medium.

The operation of the image pickup apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9, 2, 4 and 10.

First, the camera head unit 101 picks up an image of a subject and outputs a video signal. This video signal is converted into a digital video signal by the analog / digital conversion circuit 102. Then, it is supplied to the camera signal processing circuit 103.

On the other hand, the switch 105 sets the operation of the camera signal processing circuit 103. For example, the switching of the aspect ratio 4: 3/16: 9 is set. The microcomputer 106 reads the setting of the switch 105, and
The setting information of the switch 105 is set in the camera signal processing circuit 103 as control data.

The control data set by the microcomputer 106 is held in the register circuit 202 in the camera signal processing circuit (see FIG. 2) 103. For example, if this control data is a wide setting with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, the signal processing circuit 201 converts the video signal from the A / D conversion circuit 102 into a video signal with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 according to this control data. Signal processing as follows.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera signal processing circuit 103 for time division multiplexing camera information during a period other than the valid period of a digital video signal.

The digital video signal processed by the signal processing circuit 201 and the control data held in the register circuit 202 are time-division multiplexed by the selector circuit 203 as camera information by the synchronizing signal to generate an information multiplexed video signal. , To the video signal recording means 901.

The information multiplexed video signal from the camera signal processing circuit 103 is divided into a video signal and camera information by the distribution circuit 1001 in the video signal recording means 901 (see FIG. 10). From the video signal and the camera information, the correction determination circuit 1002 determines whether the correction is necessary, and if the correction is necessary, the video signal correction circuit 1003 corrects the video signal. Also,
When the correction is not necessary, the output signal of the distribution circuit 1001 is switched by the selector circuit 1004 and supplied to the recording unit 1007 together with the camera information. In the recording unit 1007, the recording signal generation circuit 1005 generates the recording signal from the video signal and the camera information, and the recording head 1006 records the recording medium 1008.
To record.

For example, the camera information has an aspect ratio of 4: 3.
In case of, it is recorded without correction and aspect ratio is 1
At 6: 9, wide signal processing can be performed for recording.

As described above, the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment has the camera head section 101 and the analog / digital conversion circuit (A
/ D conversion circuit) 102 and camera signal processing circuit 103
The video signal recording means 901, the switch 105, the microcomputer 106, and the synchronization signal generating circuit 107 are used to time-division-multiplex the camera information during a period other than the valid period of the video signal, thereby obtaining the video signal and the camera information. Can be completely synchronized and can be transmitted to the video signal recording / reproducing means only by connecting the video signal. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the aspect ratio, camera information can be transmitted at the same time.

Further, since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information, it is possible to realize an image pickup apparatus having high image quality and multiple functions.

In the present embodiment, the operation has been described with the image signal recording / reproducing means or the image pickup apparatus including the image signal reproducing means, but only the image pickup apparatus which does not include the image signal recording / reproducing means or the image signal reproducing means, The same effect can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the recording means may also perform processing such as shuffling and compression.

In the present embodiment, the reproducing means may also perform processing such as deshuffling and expansion.

In this embodiment, the control data may be time-division multiplexed in the field unit or the frame unit in the period other than the effective period of the video signal depending on the function of the control data.

Although the flow chart of the processing of the microcomputer is shown in this embodiment, the contents of the processing and the order of the processing are not limited to this example.

[0072]

As described above, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention synchronizes the video signal with the camera information by time-division multiplexing the camera information with the synchronization signal during the period other than the effective period of the digital video signal. The signal can be transmitted to the video signal recording / reproducing means only by connecting the signal. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the aspect ratio, camera information can be transmitted at the same time. Further, since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information, it is possible to realize a high image quality / multifunctional imaging device. Further, a monitor, a video printer, etc. can be operated in conjunction with each other based on this camera information, and the range of use can be greatly expanded.

Further, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention synchronizes the video signal with the camera information by time-division multiplexing the camera information with the synchronization signal during the period other than the effective period of the digital video signal, and only by connecting the video signal. It can be transmitted to the video signal recording / reproducing means. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the white balance information, the camera information can be transmitted at the same time. Also,
Since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information, it is possible to realize a high-quality and multi-functional imaging device. Further, a monitor, a video printer, etc. can be operated in conjunction with each other based on this camera information, and the range of use can be greatly expanded.

Further, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention time-division-multiplexes the moving image / still image identification flag and the frame change flag as the camera information in the period other than the valid period of the digital video signal by the time-division multiplexing, thereby the video signal and the camera. The information can be synchronized and transmitted to the video signal recording / reproducing means only by connecting the video signal. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the moving image / still image identification flag and the frame change flag, camera information can be transmitted at the same time. Further, when the video signal recording / reproducing means outputs the moving image / still image identification flag and the frame change flag as the camera information together with the video signal when recording / reproducing, the monitor, the video printer, etc. are operated in conjunction with each other. Also, the range of use can be greatly expanded. Furthermore, since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information, it is possible to realize a high-quality and multi-functional imaging device.

As described above, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention synchronizes the video signal with the camera information by time-division multiplexing the camera information with the synchronization signal during the period other than the effective period of the digital video signal, thereby connecting the video signals. It can be transmitted to the video signal recording means by itself. Since the video signal is a digital signal, it is possible to multiplex the camera information by the number of quantized bits. Therefore, in addition to the aspect ratio, camera information can be transmitted at the same time. Also, since the video signal can be corrected based on the camera information,
A high-quality, multi-functional imaging device can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera signal processing circuit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a video signal recording / reproducing means in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the timing of time-division multiplexing the digital video signal and camera information of the camera signal processing circuit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the microcomputer in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing timings of a frame video signal, a moving image / still image identification flag, and a frame change flag in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image pickup apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a video signal recording means in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus in a conventional example of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101,501 Camera head section (imaging section) 102,502 Analog / digital conversion circuit 103,503 Camera signal processing circuit 104,504 Video signal recording / reproducing means 105,506 Switch 106,507 Microcomputer 107,508 Synchronous signal generation circuit 108, 509 digital / analog conversion circuit 505 sampling circuit 201 signal processing circuit 202 register circuit 203, 311 selector circuit 301 multiplexer circuit 302 recording signal generating circuit 303 recording head 304 recording means 305 recording medium 306 reproducing head 307 reproducing signal processing circuit 309 video signal correction Circuit 310 Correction judgment circuit 901 Video signal recording means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical indication H04N 5/91 L

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting an output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting an output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit for processing, a switch for setting an operation mode of the camera signal processing circuit, and read setting information of the switch as control data,
The control data includes a microcomputer that controls at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit, and controls the control data during a period other than the valid period of the digital video signal processed by the camera signal processing circuit. An imaging device characterized by being divided and multiplexed for output. 2. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting the output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit for processing, a sampling circuit for sampling the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit and outputting sample data, reading the sample data of the sampling circuit, and generating control data based on the sample data, A microcomputer for controlling at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit according to the control data is provided, and the control data is stored during a period other than the valid period of the digital video signal processed by the camera signal processing circuit. An imaging device characterized by being divided and multiplexed for output. 3. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting the output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit for processing, a sampling circuit for sampling an output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit and outputting sample data, a switch for setting an operation mode of the camera signal processing circuit, and setting information of the switch, A microcomputer that reads sample data of the sampling circuit, generates control data based on the setting information or the sample data, and controls at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit by the control data; Digital video signal processed by the camera signal processing circuit An image pickup apparatus, wherein the control data is time-division multiplexed and output during a period other than the valid period. 4. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting the output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit for processing and outputting the information-multiplexed video signal; a switch for setting an operation mode of the camera signal processing circuit; and reading the setting information of the switch as control data,
A microcomputer that controls at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit according to the control data, and the information multiplexed video signal in which the control data is time-division multiplexed during a period other than the valid period of the digital video signal are input. An imaging apparatus comprising: a distribution circuit for distributing a video signal and control data, and recording the video signal and control data output from the distributor on a recording medium. 5. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting the output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit for processing and outputting the information-multiplexed video signal; a switch for setting the operation of the camera signal processing circuit; and reading the setting information of the switch as control data,
A microcomputer that controls at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit according to the control data, and the information multiplexed video signal in which the control data is time-division multiplexed during a period other than the valid period of the digital video signal are input. A distribution circuit that distributes the video signal and the control data, a correction determination circuit that performs correction determination of the video signal based on the control data output from the distribution circuit, and a correction of the video signal based on the determination of the correction determination circuit. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a video signal correction circuit for performing the above, and recording a video signal output from the video signal correction circuit and control data from the distribution circuit on a recording medium. 6. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting an output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting an output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit that processes and outputs the information-multiplexed video signal, a sampling circuit that samples the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit and outputs sample data, and sample data of the sampling circuit that reads the sample data. A control data is generated based on the data, and the control data is time-division multiplexed in a period other than a valid period of the digital video signal and a microcomputer that controls at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit by the control data. Input the information multiplexed video signal and distribute to video signal and control data Comprising a distribution circuit, an imaging apparatus characterized by recording a video signal and control data which is the output of the distribution circuit to the recording medium. 7. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting the output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit that processes and outputs the information-multiplexed video signal, a sampling circuit that samples the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit and outputs sample data, and sample data of the sampling circuit that reads the sample data. A control data is generated based on the data, and the control data is time-division multiplexed in a period other than a valid period of the digital video signal and a microcomputer that controls at least one of the image pickup unit and the camera signal processing circuit by the control data. Input the information multiplexed video signal and distribute to video signal and control data A distribution circuit; a correction judgment circuit for judging correction of the video signal based on the control data output from the distribution circuit; and a video signal correction circuit for correcting the video signal according to the judgment of the correction judgment circuit. An image pickup apparatus characterized in that a video signal output from the video signal correction circuit and control data from the distribution circuit are recorded on a recording medium. 8. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting the output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit for processing and outputting the information multiplexed video signal, a sampling circuit for sampling an output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit and outputting sample data, and a switch for setting the operation of the camera signal processing circuit Read the setting information of the switch and the sample data of the sampling circuit, generate control data based on the setting information or the sample data, and use at least one of the imaging unit and the camera signal processing circuit by the control data. Microcomputer to control and period other than valid period of digital video signal And a distribution circuit that inputs the information-multiplexed video signal obtained by time-division-multiplexing the control data and distributes the video signal and the control data. The video signal and the control data output from the distribution circuit are recorded on a recording medium. An imaging device characterized by: 9. An image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject and outputting a video signal, an analog / digital conversion circuit for analog / digital converting the output signal from the image pickup section, and a signal for outputting the output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit. A camera signal processing circuit for processing and outputting the information multiplexed video signal, a sampling circuit for sampling an output signal from the analog / digital conversion circuit and outputting sample data, and an operation mode of the camera signal processing circuit are set. A switch, setting information of the switch and sample data of the sampling circuit are read, control data is generated based on the setting information or the sample data, and at least one of the imaging unit and the camera signal processing circuit is generated by the control data. Other than the microcomputer that controls the During the period of time, the information multiplexed video signal obtained by time-division-multiplexing the control data is input, and a distribution circuit that distributes the video signal and the control data, and a correction determination of the video signal based on the control data output from the distribution circuit are performed. And a video signal correction circuit that corrects the video signal according to the judgment of the correction judgment circuit, and records the video signal output from the video signal correction circuit and the control data from the distribution circuit. An imaging device characterized by recording on a medium. 10. An information-multiplexed video signal is time-division multiplexed with control data in a field unit or a frame unit other than the effective period of the digital video signal. The imaging device according to any one of 6, 6, 7, 8 and 9. 11. The control data comprises a moving image / still image identification flag and a frame change flag indicating that the still image has changed.
The imaging device according to any one of 6, 7, 8, and 9. 12. The control data is aperture control information, wherein the control data is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9. The imaging device according to any one of 9. 13. The control data is white balance control information.
The imaging device according to any one of 6, 7, 8, and 9. 14. The control data is shutter speed control information.
The imaging device according to any one of 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. 15. The aspect ratio information is used as the switch setting information.
The imaging device according to any one of 6, 7, 8, and 9.