JPH08331427A - Head separated video camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent a user from erroneously judging the fault of a camera when one part of a cable for connecting a camera head part and a signal processing part is disconnected at least and any image is not displayed on the screen of a monitor. CONSTITUTION: This camera is provided with a detecting means 8 for detecting the connecting state of a cable 9 for connecting a camera head part 1 and a signal processing part 2, substitutive synchronizing signal generating means 6 for generating a synchronizing signal similar to a synchronizing signal generating means 4 provided at the camera head part 1, and switching means 7 for selecting either the synchronizing signal outputted from the synchronizing signal generating means 4 or the synchronizing signal outputted from the substitutive synchronizing signal generating means 6 corresponding to the detected result of the detecting means 8. The synchronizing signal is always supplied to a signal processing means 5, even when the cable 9 is disconnected, the signal processing means 5 performs a normal signal processing operation, and a prescribed video signal is always outputted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a head-separated type video camera constructed so as to be separated into a camera head section (imaging section) and a signal processing section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a camera head portion (image pickup portion) having an image pickup element and a signal processing portion for generating a video signal by subjecting an image pickup signal generated by the camera head portion to predetermined processing are separated from each other. There is proposed a head-separated type video camera which is configured as described above and which secures a degree of freedom in image pickup by connecting the both with a flexible cable. FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of this head separated type video camera.

The video camera shown in FIG. 3 has a camera head unit 2.
21 and a signal processing unit 222. The camera head unit 221 has a lens 201 for forming an optical image of a subject on an image pickup surface of the CCD 202, a CCD 202 for converting the formed optical image into an electric signal, and a synchronization signal for generating a synchronization signal serving as a reference for operation. Generator (SSG) 20
3, timing generator (TG) 204, sample hold and automatic gain controller (SH / AGC) 20
Have five. Furthermore, in the camera head portion 221,
A connector 20 for detachably connecting a cable 215 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the signal processing unit 222.
6 is provided.

The signal processing unit 222 is a timing generator (T) provided on the camera head 221 side.
G) 204, and a system controller 208 for controlling the signal processing circuit 209 provided in the signal processing unit 222, and a predetermined television system by performing predetermined processing on the image pickup signal generated by the camera head unit 221. For example,
Signal processing circuit 20 for outputting NTSC video signal
Have nine. A connector 20 for detachably connecting a cable 215 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the camera head unit 221 is also connected to the signal processing unit 222.
7 are provided.

In the head-separated type video camera constructed as described above, the image pickup signal from the camera head section 221 is a sync signal (clock) from the sync signal generator 203.
At the same time, it is supplied to the signal processing circuit 209 of the signal processing unit 222 via the detachable cable 215. And
The signal processing circuit 209 performs predetermined signal processing to generate a video signal of a predetermined system.

Since the video signal is generated in this manner, even if the camera head section 221 and the signal processing section 222 are separated by using the cable 215, there is a delay between the image pickup signal and the synchronizing signal on the cable 215. Become even. Therefore, even if the length of the cable 215 is arbitrary,
As a result, there is no inconvenience such as timing deviation, and the signal processing in the signal processing circuit 209 is not adversely affected.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the cable 215 is connected to the connectors 206 and 2 in order to enable the selection of the cable 215 having an arbitrary length.
07 is detachably connected. For this,
The cable 215 may be disconnected from the connectors 206 and 207.

When the cable 215 is disconnected, the synchronizing signal for driving the signal processing circuit 209 is changed to the camera head 221.
Since it is not supplied from the side, the signal processing circuit 209
Cannot output a video signal. Therefore, when the cable 215 is disconnected from the connectors 206 and 207, the video signal is not supplied to the monitor, so that the monitor screen is in a state where no image is displayed.

Various causes such as a failure of the signal processing circuit 209 may be taken into consideration in addition to the case where the video signal is not supplied as described above as the cause of the image disappearing on the monitor screen. It Therefore, in the case of the conventional head-separated type video camera, it is almost impossible to immediately make an accurate judgment as to what happened and what caused the image to disappear on the monitor screen. There is a problem that it is easy to illusion that the camera is out of order.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an illusion to the user that the camera has broken down when at least a part of the cable connecting the camera head section and the signal processing section of the head-separated video camera is disconnected. An object is to provide a head-separated type video camera that does not operate.

[0011]

A head-separated type video camera of the present invention includes a camera head portion having an image pickup means, and a signal processing means for subjecting an image pickup signal from the image pickup means to a predetermined processing to output a video signal. And a cable for transmitting and receiving electric signals between the camera head section and the signal processing section, and a connection for detachably connecting the cable to the camera head section and the signal processing section. Means, a detecting means for detecting whether or not at least a portion for transmitting the synchronization signal is disconnected from a cable connected to the camera head section and the signal processing section via the connecting means, and the detecting means. Warning means for warning the user that the cable is disconnected in the camera head section and the signal processing section based on the detection result of Characterized in that it comprises.

Another feature of the present invention is that
A camera head unit having an imaging means for converting an input subject image into an electric signal to generate a video signal, and a synchronization signal generating means for generating a synchronization signal serving as a reference for causing the imaging means to perform a predetermined operation. A signal processing unit for processing an image pickup signal from the image pickup unit to output a video signal; and a signal processing unit having an alternative synchronizing signal generating unit for generating a synchronizing signal similar to the synchronizing signal, and the camera head. Cable for transmitting and receiving electric signals between the camera section and the signal processing section, connection means for detachably connecting the cable to the camera head section and the signal processing section, and the connection means for connecting the cable to the camera head section and the signal processing section. Of the cables connected to the camera head section and the signal processing section,
At least the detecting means for detecting whether or not the portion transmitting the synchronizing signal is out of sync with the detecting means, and the synchronizing signal output from the synchronizing signal generating means of the camera head part for switching operation according to the detection result of the detecting means. Switching means for selecting and outputting any one of the synchronizing signals output from the alternative synchronizing signal generating means, and when the portion corresponding to the synchronizing signal is not disengaged, the synchronizing signal generating means The synchronizing signal sent from the above is supplied to the signal processing means, and when the portion corresponding to the synchronizing signal is out, the synchronizing signal generated by the alternative synchronizing signal generating means is subjected to the signal processing. I am trying to supply the means.

According to another feature of the present invention, a lens section for forming an optical image of a subject, and a solid-state image pickup device for photoelectrically converting the optical image formed by the lens section into an electric signal. A sync signal generating means for generating a sync signal serving as a reference for driving the solid-state image sensor, and a solid-state image sensor driving means for driving the solid-state image sensor based on the sync signal output from the sync signal generating means. A video signal processing means for converting a signal sent from the solid-state image sensor into a video signal, which the camera head section has,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the camera head portion is connected from the signal sent from the camera head portion, and the video signal processing means when the synchronizing signal generated by the synchronizing signal generating means is not input. Switching for switching between a substitute sync signal generating means for generating a substitute sync signal as a reference for driving the camera, and a sync signal sent from the camera head section and a sync signal given from the substitute sync signal generating means. And a signal processing unit, the camera head unit and the signal processing unit are detachably connected by a cable, and the switching operation of the switching unit is controlled according to the detection result of the detection unit. I have to.

[0014]

Since the invention of claim 1 has the above technical means,
When the cable connecting the camera head section and the signal processing section is disconnected at least at a part thereof, it is detected by the detection means, and the warning means is operated based on the detection result. The user is warned that the signal processing unit is disconnected from the signal processing unit.

Further, since the inventions of claims 2 and 3 have the above technical means, when the cable connecting the camera head part and the signal processing part is not disconnected, the synchronization signal generation provided in the camera head part is generated. When the synchronizing signal from the means is supplied and the cable is disconnected at least at a part thereof, it is detected by the detecting means, and the switching operation of the switching means is controlled based on the detection result. Since the synchronizing signal from the alternate synchronizing signal generating means is immediately supplied, the synchronizing signal is always supplied to the signal processing means regardless of the connection state of the cable, whereby the cable is disconnected. Even in this state, it is possible to cause the signal processing means to perform a normal signal processing operation and always output a predetermined video signal.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a head-separated video camera of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the head-separated type video camera of the present embodiment. This head-separated video camera is composed of a camera head unit 1 and a signal processing unit 2, and these camera head unit 1 and signal processing unit 2 are connected via a cable 9.

The camera head section 1 is provided with an image pickup means 3 and a sync signal generation means 4. Also,
The signal processing section 2 is provided with a signal processing means 5, a substitute synchronizing signal generating means 6, a switching means 7, and a detecting means 8.

In the head-separated type video camera of FIG. 1, the synchronizing signal output from the synchronizing signal generating means 4 is supplied to the image pickup means 3 to operate the image pickup means 3, and at the same time, the signal processing section via the cable 9. 2 is supplied to the switching means 7. Further, the image pickup signal output from the image pickup means 3 is transmitted through the cable 9 to the signal processing means 5 of the signal processing section 2.
Is supplied to.

In addition to the synchronizing signal output from the synchronizing signal generating means 4, the switching means 7 is supplied with the synchronizing signal output from the substitute synchronizing signal generating means 6.
One of these two synchronization signals is selected based on the detection result of the detection means 8 and supplied to the signal processing means 5.

The detecting means 8 is connected to the camera head section 1 and the signal processing section 2 by connecting means 10a such as a connector.
It is detected whether or not the cable 9 detachably connected by 10b is disconnected at the portion corresponding to the synchronization signal.

The switching means 7 supplies the synchronization signal to the signal processing means 5 when the portion of the cable 9 corresponding to the synchronization signal is not removed as a result of the detection by the detection means 8, and the synchronization of the cable 9 is performed. If the portion corresponding to the signal is out of position, switching is performed so as to supply the alternative synchronizing signal to the signal processing means 5.

As a result, even if the portion of the cable 9 corresponding to the sync signal is disconnected, the alternate sync signal is supplied to the signal processing means 5, so that the signal processing means 5 is normally operated and the video signal is generated. Can be generated.

Therefore, the signal indicating the abnormality of the cable can be output to the user as a video signal, and the user can be notified that the image pickup signal is no longer supplied from the camera head section 1 side. . In this example, the switching unit 7, the alternative synchronizing signal generating unit 6, the signal processing unit 5 and the monitor (not shown) constitute a warning unit.

When the disconnection of the cable 9 is detected, in addition to controlling the switching means 7 to supply the alternative synchronizing signal to the signal processing means 5, for example, an LED (Fig. It is also possible to warn the user of the abnormality of the cable 9 by providing (not shown) or the like and turning on / off the LED.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the head-separated type video camera shown in FIG. 1 more specifically. This head-separated type video camera is divided into two parts, a camera head part 121 and a signal processing part 122, which are connected by a detachable cable 115 of an arbitrary length.

In FIG. 2, the camera head section 121 is
It has a lens 101, a CCD 102, a first synchronization signal generator (SSG) 103, a timing generator (timing signal generator: TG) 104, a sample hold and an automatic gain controller (SH / AGC) 105. Incidentally. The CCD 102 constitutes the image pickup means 3 shown in FIG.

The lens 101 is a CCD for collecting light from a subject.
An image is formed on the imaging surface of 102. CC that is a solid-state image sensor
D102 converts the light imaged by the lens 101 into an electric signal. The first synchronization signal generator 103 is the CCD 10
A horizontal synchronizing signal, a vertical synchronizing signal, and a clock signal, which serve as a reference for operating 2, are generated.

The timing generator 104 receives the synchronization signal output from the first synchronization signal generator 103 and the control signal output from the system controller 109, which will be described later, and outputs the timing signal necessary to actually drive the CCD 102. , Various pulses necessary for performing sample hold by the sample hold and automatic gain controller 105 are generated. The sample hold and automatic gain controller 105 samples and holds the signal output from the CCD 102, and automatically controls the gain of the sampled and held signal.

The camera head section 121 and the signal processing section 1
Reference numeral 22 denotes connectors 106 and 107 that form a connecting means.
Are attached respectively. Further, connectors corresponding to these connectors 106 and 107 are attached to the ends of the flexible cable 115, and the cable 1
Reference numeral 15 is detachably connected to the camera head portion 121 and the signal processing portion 122 via the connectors 106 and 107.

The cable 115 supplies the image pickup signal output from the sample hold and automatic gain controller 105 and the synchronization signal (clock signal) output from the first synchronization signal generator 103 to the signal processing unit 122, and The control signal output from the system controller system controller 109 is supplied to the timing generator 104 of the camera head unit 121. The connectors 106, 10
7 and the cable 115 may be individually provided for each signal, or may be collectively provided for all signals.

The signal processor 122 includes a clock detector 1
08, system controller (syscon) 109, FIG.
Second synchronizing signal generator 110 corresponding to the alternative synchronizing signal generating means 6, a changeover switch 111, a signal processing circuit 112, and a character generator (CG: Character).
r Generator) 113 is provided.

The clock detector 108 detects the clock signal sent from the first synchronization signal generator 103. The system controller 109 uses the clock detector 1
When the detection result from 08 is received, a control signal according to the detection result is output to control the entire video camera. The second synchronization signal generator 110 is the first synchronization signal generator 1
A clock signal, a horizontal synchronizing signal, and a vertical synchronizing signal are generated, and these signals are supplied to one input terminal of the changeover switch 111.

Under the control of the system controller 109, the changeover switch 111 is a clock signal, a horizontal sync signal and a vertical sync signal supplied from the first sync signal generator 103 provided on the camera head 121 side. Alternatively, one of the clock signal, the horizontal synchronization signal, and the vertical synchronization signal supplied from the second synchronization signal generator 110 provided in the signal processing unit 122 is selected.

The signal processing circuit 112 includes a changeover switch 1
From the clock signal, horizontal synchronization signal, and vertical synchronization signal selected by 11, various timing signals necessary for signal processing performed in the signal processing circuit 112 are generated, and the CCD is generated.
The image pickup signal output from 102 is subjected to predetermined processing to generate a video signal.

The character generator 113 is under the control of the system controller 109, and the signal processing circuit 1
A character display is added to the video signal created in 12. In this embodiment, the clock detector 108
The system controller 109 constitutes the detecting means 8 shown in FIG. 1, and the system controller 109 and the changeover switch 111 constitute the changing means 7.

Next, the operation of the head separation type video camera of this embodiment will be described. First, a case where the cable 115 is operating normally without being disconnected from the connectors 106 and 107 will be described. In this case, the detector 108 detects that the clock signal is being sent to the signal processing unit 122 and outputs the detection result to the system controller 109. System controller 10
9 switches the changeover switch 111 to the side of the first synchronization signal generator 103 based on the detection result.

At this time, the CCD is connected via the cable 115.
The image pickup signal supplied from the signal processing circuit 112 to the signal processing circuit 112 via the changeover switch 111.
Signal processing is performed by the clock signal, the horizontal synchronizing signal, and the vertical synchronizing signal supplied from the synchronizing signal generator 103, which is output to the outside of the signal processing unit 122 as a video signal via the character generator 113 and is displayed on a monitor (not shown). Supplied.

Next, the case where the cable 115 is disconnected at the connectors 106 and 107 by some external force will be described. In this case, the clock detector 108 detects that the clock signal is not sent to the signal processing unit 122, and outputs the detection result to the system controller 109.

The system controller 109 switches the switching terminal of the changeover switch 111 to the side of the second synchronizing signal generator 110 based on the above detection result, and the signal generated by the second synchronizing signal generator 110 is the above signal. The video signal is supplied to the processing circuit 112 and is controlled to output a fixed video signal such as blue background.

Then, the signal processing circuit 112 outputs a fixed video signal. This video signal is output from the screen by superimposing a character that warns that the input signal has disappeared in the character generator 113.

As described above, in this embodiment, it is detected whether or not the cable 115 connecting the camera head section 121 and the signal processing section 122 is disconnected at least at a part thereof, and this detection result is obtained. Can be notified to the user on the screen.
The connection abnormality of 5 can be immediately noticed. This can prevent the user from illusion that the camera has failed when the cable 115 is disconnected.
It is possible to prevent a state in which no video signal is output from continuing for a long time.

In the above embodiment, the synchronization signal generator 1
The clock detector 108 detects whether or not the clock signal output from 03 is supplied to the signal processing unit 122 side. When it is determined whether or not the cable 115 is completely connected, Either or both of the sync signal and the vertical sync signal may be used. Further, the connection detection of the cable 115 may be performed by using a CCD signal as a target, or may be detected from a plurality of signals. Further, detection may be performed by providing a dedicated signal line for determining whether or not they are connected.

[0043]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the camera head section and the signal processing section are formed separately, and the camera head section and the signal processing section are connected by a cable. In the head-separated type video camera that has increased the degree of freedom of imaging by connecting using, it is detected whether the cable is connected or not, and based on this detection result, the user is warned of the disconnection of the cable.
The cable that connects the camera head section and the signal processing section,
If at least part of it is disconnected, the disconnection is detected and the warning means is operated based on the detection result, and the cable is disconnected from the camera head section or the signal processing section. Be warned. This makes it possible for the user to immediately notice the abnormal connection of the cable and prevent the state in which the video signal is not output from continuing for a long time.

According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the signal processing section is provided with an alternative synchronizing signal generating means for generating the same synchronizing signal as the synchronizing signal generating means provided in the camera head section, and the synchronizing operation is performed. The synchronizing signal output from the signal generating means or the synchronizing signal output from the alternative synchronizing signal generating means is selected based on the detection result of the cable connection state. If the cable connecting the cable and the cable is not disconnected, a sync signal is supplied from the sync signal generating means provided in the camera head section, and if the cable is disconnected at least in part, Since the synchronizing signal from the alternative synchronizing signal generating means can be supplied, normal signal processing operation can be performed by the signal processing means even when the cable is disconnected. Always it is possible to output a predetermined video signal Te Align. This makes it possible for the user to notice the abnormality of the cable through the video signal output from the signal processing means, and to prevent a state in which the video signal is not output from continuing for a long time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a head-separated type video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the head-separated type video camera of FIG. 1 in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional head-separated video camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 121 camera head section 2, 122 signal processing section 3 image pickup means 4, 103 synchronization signal generating means (first SSG) 5 signal processing means 6, 110 alternative synchronization signal generating means (second SSG) 7 switching means 8 detecting means 9, 115 cable 102 CCD 104 timing generator (TG) 105 sample hold and automatic gain controller (S
H / AGC) 106, 107 Connector 108 Clock detector 109 System controller (syscon) 111 Changeover switch 112 Signal processing circuit 113 Character generator (CG)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A camera head section having an image pickup means, a signal processing section having a signal processing means for subjecting an image pickup signal from the image pickup means to a predetermined process and outputting a video signal, the camera head section and the signal. A cable for transmitting and receiving an electric signal between the processing sections, a connecting means for detachably connecting the cable to the camera head section and the signal processing section, and the camera head section via the connecting means. Among the cables connected to the signal processing unit, at least a detection unit that detects whether or not a portion that transmits the synchronization signal is disconnected, and based on the detection result of the detection unit, the cable is the camera head unit and A head-separated video camera, which is provided with a warning means for warning the user that the signal processing unit is disconnected. La. 2. An image pickup means for converting an input subject image into an electric signal to generate a video signal, and a sync signal generation means for generating a sync signal as a reference for causing the image pickup means to perform a predetermined operation. A signal processing section having a camera head section having: a signal processing section for processing an image pickup signal from the image pickup section to output a video signal; and an alternative synchronizing signal generating section for generating a synchronizing signal similar to the synchronizing signal. A cable for transmitting and receiving an electric signal between the camera head section and the signal processing section, a connecting means for detachably connecting the cable to the camera head section and the signal processing section, and the connection Whether at least a portion for transmitting the synchronization signal is disconnected from the cable connected to the camera head portion and the signal processing portion via the means. And a synchronizing signal output from the synchronizing signal generating means of the camera head unit or a synchronizing signal output from the alternative synchronizing signal generating means. And a switching means for selecting and outputting any one of the two, and when the portion corresponding to the synchronization signal is not removed,
The synchronizing signal sent from the synchronizing signal generating means is supplied to the signal processing means, and if the portion corresponding to the synchronizing signal is out of sync, the synchronization generated by the substitute synchronizing signal generating means A head-separated type video camera characterized in that a signal is supplied to the signal processing means. 3. A lens section for forming an optical image of a subject, a solid-state image sensor for photoelectrically converting the optical image formed by the lens section into an electric signal, and a reference for driving the solid-state image sensor. And a solid-state image pickup device driving unit for driving the solid-state image pickup device on the basis of the synchronization signal output from the synchronous signal generation unit. Video signal processing means for converting the signal sent from the element into a video signal, and detection means for detecting whether or not the camera head section is connected from the signal sent from the camera head section, An alternative synchronizing signal for generating an alternative synchronizing signal that serves as a reference for driving the video signal processing means when the synchronizing signal generated by the synchronizing signal generating means is not input. The signal processing section has a live means and a switching means for switching between a synchronization signal sent from the camera head section and a synchronization signal given from the alternative synchronization signal generating means, and the camera head section and the signal processing section. A head-separated type video camera, characterized in that it is detachably connected to the unit by a cable, and the switching operation of the switching unit is controlled according to the detection result of the detection unit.