JPH0774995A - Head separation type image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a head seperation type image pickup device capable of supressing differences among video signals to a minimum at the time of substituting plural head parts respectively different cable length or various characteristics and loading a selected head part to a controller and improving interchangeability for the substitution of these camera heads. CONSTITUTION:In the two-unit type image pickup device, a camera controller 20 to be one unit is provided with a microcomputer 24, a camera head 10 to be the other unit including a solid state image pickup element 11 is provided with a memory 13 and a cable 30 for connecting both the units is formed unitedly with the camera head 10. The characteristic information of the cable 30 is stored in the memory 13, the stored characteristic information is read out by the microcomputer 24 in the controller 20 and a difference in video signals which is generated due to a difference in cable characteristics is automatically compensated by a video signal processing circuit 22 based upon the read information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus using a solid-state image pickup element, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus in which a camera head and a camera controller are separate bodies.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, head-separated image pickup devices have been used in medical and industrial endoscopes because of their small size and light weight. Hereinafter, such a conventional head separation type image pickup device will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a conventional head-separated image pickup apparatus. In FIG. 6, 110 is a camera head unit, 11 is an image sensor, and 12 is a lens. Reference numeral 120 denotes a camera controller section, 21 inside thereof is an image sensor driving section for generating various signals for driving the image sensor, and 22 is a video signal processing section. Again 130
Is a camera head unit 110 and a camera controller unit 120.
Is a cable for connecting the camera head unit 110 and the cable. The cable 130 is provided with an image sensor drive signal line 31 for transmitting a drive signal to the image sensor and an image sensor output line 32 from the image sensor.

The operation of the head-separated type image pickup device constructed as described above will be described below. A drive signal for driving the image pickup device is generated by the image pickup device drive unit 21, and is sent through the image pickup device drive signal line 31.
The image pickup device 11 produces an image pickup device output according to the light. This image sensor output is sent to the video signal processing unit 22 through the image sensor output line 32 and processed, and the video signal processing unit 22 outputs the video signal 123 based on this.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of another conventional two-unit type image pickup device. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 111 is a camera head section, and 121 is a camera controller section. Unlike the example shown in FIG. 6, the camera head section 111 side is provided with an image sensor driving section 114. Therefore, the image sensor drive unit 21 and the image sensor drive signal line 3 in FIG.
1 is omitted. The other configuration is similar to that of FIG.

In operation, the image pickup device driving section 114 generates a drive signal for driving the image pickup device and sends it directly to the image pickup device 11. The subsequent operation is the same as in FIG.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional head-separated type image pickup device, if the type and length of the cable connected to the head portion are replaced with different ones, the signal transmission characteristics thereof are changed. There is a problem in that the video signal processing unit must be manually readjusted for the camera head because the video signal characteristics vary depending on the difference.

When the camera head is replaced with another camera head,
Differences in color reproducibility and sensitivity characteristics occur due to the differences in the image pickup element characteristics and circuit characteristics, and therefore the video signal processing unit has to be manually readjusted for the camera head.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a plurality of camera heads having different characteristics such as a difference in cable length, color reproducibility and sensitivity of an image pickup device in one controller. An object of the present invention is to provide a head-separated image pickup apparatus in which a difference in video signals generated when parts are exchanged and mounted and used is minimized to improve compatibility with camera head exchange.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a head-separated type image pickup device according to the present invention comprises a unit of a camera head portion provided with a solid-state image pickup element and a camera controller portion provided with a video signal processing circuit. A two-unit type imaging device comprising a unit and a cable connecting both units, wherein a microcomputer is provided in the camera controller section, a memory is provided in the camera head section, and the cable connecting both units is connected to the camera. An image generated by a difference in cable characteristics, which is provided integrally with the head section, stores characteristic information of the cable in the memory of the camera head section, and the characteristic information stored in the memory is read by the microcomputer of the camera controller section. A configuration in which the video signal processing circuit automatically corrects a signal difference based on the read information. Characterized in that it was.

Further, the head-separated type image pickup device according to the present invention comprises a unit of a camera head portion provided with a solid-state image pickup element, a unit of a camera controller portion provided with a video signal processing circuit, and a cable connecting both units. In the two-unit type image pickup device, a memory for storing characteristic data of the solid-state image sensor is provided in the camera head section, a microcomputer is provided in the camera controller section, and the solid-state image sensor of the solid-state image sensor is stored in the memory. The characteristic data is read by the microcomputer of the camera controller unit, and the microcomputer automatically corrects the video output from the camera controller unit based on the read data.

Further, the head-separated type image pickup device according to the present invention comprises a unit of a camera head portion provided with a solid-state image pickup element, a unit of a camera controller portion provided with a video signal processing circuit, and a cable connecting both units. In the two-unit type image pickup device, a memory for storing characteristic data of the solid-state image sensor is provided in the camera head section, a microcomputer is provided in the camera controller section, and the solid-state image sensor of the solid-state image sensor is stored in the memory. The characteristic data is read by the microcomputer of the camera controller section, and the microcomputer controls the drive of the solid-state imaging device of the camera head section based on the read data.

[0013]

With this configuration, when the camera head is replaced with another unit, the microcomputer reads the memory data in the newly installed camera head, and the parameters relating to the video signal characteristics in the camera controller are adjusted according to the cable characteristics. It is set by the microcomputer, and the video output sent from the camera head is automatically corrected by this. As a result, when a plurality of camera heads having different cable lengths are used for the same camera controller, the performance variation of each video signal is minimized.

Further, when the camera head is replaced with another unit, the microcomputer reads the data stored in the memory in the newly mounted camera head, and according to the characteristics of the solid-state image pickup device provided in the head, the data is stored in the camera controller. The microcomputer sets parameters related to video signal characteristics, and the color reproducibility and sensitivity of the video output sent from the camera head are automatically corrected by this. As a result, even when using multiple camera heads with different head characteristics for the same camera controller,
Minimize variations in performance such as color reproducibility and sensitivity of each image.

Further, when the camera head is replaced with another unit, the microcomputer reads the memory data in the newly installed camera head, and the microcomputer sets the driving conditions suitable for the characteristics of the image pickup device and the solid-state image pickup device. Therefore, even when a plurality of camera heads having different driving conditions are used, the variations in the respective image outputs are minimized.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described based on embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a head separation type image pickup device according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a camera head unit, which includes a lens 12 and a solid-state image sensor (CCD) 1.
1 and a memory (EEPROM) 13. 20
Is a camera controller unit, and the image sensor driving unit 21,
The video signal processing unit 22 and the microcomputer 24 are included. The microcomputer 24 is connected to the video signal processing unit 22 by a video signal processing control line 25, and the microcomputer 24 can control the functional performance of the video signal processing unit 22. The camera head unit 10 and the camera controller unit 20 are connected by a multi-core cable 30, and the cable 30 is integrated with the camera head unit 10. The image sensor drive signal line 31 inside the cable 30 sends a drive signal from the image sensor drive unit 21 to the solid-state image sensor 11, and the image sensor output line 32 outputs the image sensor output from the solid-state image sensor 11 to the video signal processing unit 2.
Send to 2. SCK is a serial clock line and SIO is a serial data line. The SCK and SIO are for signal transmission between the microcomputer 24 and the memory 13, and allow data to be read from and written to the memory 13 by serial communication. With such a configuration, the video signal output unit 23 finally outputs the video signal output 23.

The operation of the head separation type image pickup device having the above construction will be described with reference to the explanatory view shown in FIG. First, the camera head A and the camera head B are the same type of camera head, respectively, and are integrated with cables of different lengths. The internal configuration is similar to that of the camera head 10. According to the conventional method, when both camera heads are used for one camera controller 20, the image output performance at each time is different due to the difference in the cable lengths of the camera heads A and B. It used to be. Also, the adjustment of various phases of the signal is not optimal.

This is because the same type of camera controller is used for the two types of camera heads having different cable lengths. In the conventional method, it is better to manually readjust each camera head. There was no

On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the camera head is replaced or after the power is turned on, the microcomputer 24 of the camera controller reads the information in the memory 13 in which the information on the cable of the new head is stored and the value is read according to the value. The parameters of the video signal processing unit 22 are automatically corrected.
With this configuration, in the present embodiment, a constant image output can be obtained without adjustment for all cable types when combining a plurality of camera heads and one camera controller.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the head separated type image pickup device according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a camera head unit, which includes a lens 12 and a solid-state image sensor (CCD) 1.
1, memory (EEPROM) 43, image pickup element drive unit 4
It is composed of 4. 50 is a camera controller section,
The video signal processing unit 22 and the microcomputer 54 are included. Further, the microcomputer 54 is connected to the video signal processing unit 22 by a video signal processing control line 55, and the microcomputer 54 can control the functional performance of the video signal processing unit 22.

The camera head section 40 and the camera controller section 50 are connected by a multi-core cable 30. The image sensor output is sent from the camera head unit 40 to the camera controller unit 50 via the image sensor output line 32 included in the multi-core cable.

SCK and SIO are for signal transmission between the microcomputer 54 and the memory 43, and their construction and operation are the same as those in the first embodiment. With such a configuration, the video signal output unit 53 finally outputs the video signal output 53.

The operation of the head separation type image pickup device having the above construction will be described with reference to the explanatory view shown in FIG. First, the camera head unit A and the camera head unit B are the same type of camera head, but have different characteristics. The internal configuration is similar to that of the camera head unit 40. In the conventional method, when both camera heads are used in one camera controller 50, the color reproducibility and sensitivity of the image output at each time differ depending on the characteristic difference between the camera head A and the camera head B. Is generally the case. This is due to the use of the same type of camera controller for two types of camera heads with variations in characteristics, and with the conventional method, the same color reproducibility,
Manual adjustments were made to each camera head to maintain sensitivity.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the microcomputer 54 of the camera controller 50 stores the information about the color reproducibility and the sensitivity characteristic of the image pickup device of the new head 40 after the camera head is replaced or the power is turned on. Memory 4
3 information is read, and the video signal processing unit 2 is read according to the value.
The parameters related to color reproducibility and sensitivity of 2 are automatically corrected. With the above-mentioned configuration, in the second embodiment, even when a plurality of camera heads having different characteristics and one camera controller are combined, constant color reproducibility and sensitivity can be obtained without any special manual adjustment. Is obtained.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the head separated type image pickup device according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 60 denotes a camera head unit, which includes a lens 12 and a solid-state image sensor (CCD) 1.
1 and a memory (EEPROM) 63. 70
Is a camera controller unit, and the image sensor driving unit 21,
The video signal processing unit 22 and the microcomputer 74 are included. The image pickup device driving section 21 is connected to the solid-state image pickup device 11 by the image pickup device drive signal line a, and the microcomputer 74 is connected to the solid state image pickup device 11 by the image pickup device drive signal line b. As a result, the function of the solid-state image sensor 11 can be controlled from the microcomputer 74.

The camera head section 60 and the camera controller section 70 are connected by the multi-core cable 30. The multi-core cable includes an image sensor drive signal line a, an image sensor drive signal line b, an image sensor output line 32, SCK, and SIO.
SCK and SIO are for signal transmission between the microcomputer 74 and the memory 63, and their configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. With this configuration, the video signal processing unit 22 finally outputs the video signal output 73.

The operation of the head-separated type image pickup apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Camera head part A and camera head part B now
Considering the case where a plurality of camera heads are replaced and mounted for use, it is general that the drive characteristics and drive conditions of the respective solid-state image pickup devices are different even if the camera heads are of the same type. Therefore, in order to use a plurality of camera heads having different driving characteristics and driving conditions with one camera controller, some adjustment operation is indispensable. For example, in the conventional method, each camera head has to be manually operated. I was readjusting.

On the other hand, in the third embodiment, after the camera head is replaced or after the power is turned on, the microcomputer 74 of the camera controller 70 stores the information about the driving characteristics and driving conditions of the solid-state image pickup device of the new head. 6
The information of No. 3 is read, and the microcomputer 74 sends a signal to the solid-state image pickup device 11 via the image pickup device drive signal line b according to the value to automatically correct the driving condition of the solid-state image pickup device 11. With this configuration, in the third embodiment, stable video output can be achieved without using any manual adjustment or the like even when a plurality of camera heads having different characteristics and one camera controller are used in combination. Is what you get.

[0030]

As is apparent from the above description, in the head-separated image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus in which the camera head and the camera controller are separate bodies, data of a cable integrated with the camera head is stored in the camera head. Even when a plurality of camera heads are exchanged for one camera controller by providing a stored memory and reading this data by a microcomputer provided in the camera controller and controlling the video signal processing unit accordingly. , It is possible to automatically correct the variation of each cable type and maintain a constant video output characteristic.

Further, in the head-separated type image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus in which the camera head and the camera controller are separate bodies, a memory for storing characteristic information of a solid-state image pickup element or a circuit included in the camera head is provided in the camera head. This characteristic information is read by a microcomputer provided in the camera controller, and the video signal processing unit is appropriately controlled based on the read characteristic information, so that even if a plurality of camera heads are replaced with one camera controller, individual characteristics can be obtained. It is possible to automatically correct the variation of the above and maintain a constant video output characteristic.

Further, in the head-separated type image pickup device according to the present invention, in the image pickup device in which the camera head and the camera controller are separate, a memory for storing drive characteristic information of the solid-state image pickup element of the camera head is provided in the camera head. A microcomputer provided in the camera controller reads out this drive characteristic information, and the solid-state image sensor is appropriately controlled based on the read information to enable individual drive characteristics even when a plurality of camera heads are replaced for one camera controller. It is possible to automatically correct the variation of the above and maintain a constant video output characteristic.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a head separation type image pickup device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the head-separated imaging device in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a head separation type image pickup device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the head-separated imaging device in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a head separation type image pickup device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a conventional head separation type imaging device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another conventional head-separated imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 camera head section 11 solid-state image pickup element 12 lens 13 memory 20 camera controller section 21 image pickup element drive section 22 video signal processing section 23 video signal output 24 microcomputer 25 video signal processing control line 30 cable 31 image pickup element drive signal line 32 image pickup element output Line SCK Serial clock line SIO Serial data line

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A two-unit type image pickup device comprising a unit of a camera head section provided with a solid-state image pickup device, a unit of a camera controller section provided with a video signal processing circuit, and a cable connecting both units. , A microcomputer is provided in the camera controller section, a memory is provided in the camera head section, the cable connecting both units is provided integrally with the camera head section, and characteristic information of the cable is stored in the memory of the camera head section. The characteristic information stored in the memory is read by the microcomputer of the camera controller section, and the video signal processing circuit automatically corrects the difference in the video signals caused by the difference in the cable characteristics based on the read information. A head-separated imaging device having a configuration. 2. A two-unit type image pickup device comprising a unit of a camera head portion provided with a solid-state image pickup element, a unit of a camera controller portion provided with a video signal processing circuit, and a cable connecting both units. The camera head unit is provided with a memory storing characteristic data of the solid-state imaging device, the camera controller unit is provided with a microcomputer, and the microcomputer of the camera controller unit stores the characteristic data of the solid-state imaging device stored in the memory. Read
A head-separated image pickup device, characterized in that the microcomputer automatically corrects an image output from the camera controller based on the read-out data. 3. A two-unit type image pickup device comprising a unit of a camera head section provided with a solid-state image pickup device, a unit of a camera controller section provided with a video signal processing circuit, and a cable connecting both units. The camera head unit is provided with a memory storing characteristic data of the solid-state imaging device, the camera controller unit is provided with a microcomputer, and the microcomputer of the camera controller unit stores the characteristic data of the solid-state imaging device stored in the memory. Read
A head-separated imaging device, characterized in that the microcomputer controls the drive of the solid-state imaging device of the camera head section based on the read-out data.