JPH10285449A - Imaging device and remote control device for imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust a prescribed adjustment items, such as aperture adjustment interlockingly between desired image-pickup devices by allowing each device of a same kind to respond to a remote control signal only with respect to the prescribed adjustment item. SOLUTION: A control section 80 of a camera control unit 3A selects a link mode for the operating mode of a camera system 2A, when a link operating knob 71A of a remote control panel 4A is operated. The control section 80 informs a manipulated variable of an aperture operating knob 69B and a master black adjustment operating knob 68B of the remote control panel 4A in charge of camera control units 3X, 3B set to the link mode in addition to a television camera 6A in charge in the case that data entered from the remote control panel 4A are master black adjustment or aperture adjustment data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging device and a remote control device for the imaging device, and can be applied to, for example, a broadcast camera operation system. The present invention selectively outputs a remote control signal, which is supplied to another imaging device regarding a predetermined adjustment item, to a predetermined imaging device, and selectively responds to the remote control signal in the imaging device. By switching the operation, a plurality of imaging devices can be adjusted in conjunction with each other only for a predetermined adjustment item such as an aperture adjustment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera operation system for broadcasting has been used to adjust the imaging conditions independently in each camera system by switching the operation mode of each camera system, or to operate in conjunction with a plurality of television cameras. Thus, the imaging conditions can be adjusted.

That is, this kind of camera operation system is generally composed of a plurality of camera systems. Each camera system forms a camera body by arranging a camera adapter on a television camera, and connects the camera body to the camera by a cable. It is formed by connecting to the control unit. Thus, each camera system can operate white balance adjustment, aperture adjustment, and the like in each camera system by operating various operators arranged in the camera control unit.

Further, the camera operation system includes:
The camera control units of each camera system are connected to each other, and the operation mode of each camera system can be set to a master mode or a slave mode.
Here, when the mode is set to the slave mode, the camera control unit delegates control of the corresponding television camera to the camera control unit set to the master mode. In other words, the camera control unit set in the slave mode selectively sends control commands and the like sent by the camera control unit set in the master mode to the television camera in charge.

Thus, in the camera system, by setting the camera system to a master mode or a slave mode as required, it is possible to adjust the imaging conditions in cooperation with a plurality of television cameras. The white balance adjustment can be performed according to the color temperature change.

[0006]

However, in this shooting site, even when the same scene is imaged by a plurality of television cameras, only some of the plurality of television cameras are used. You may want to adjust the aperture with. In addition, when the aperture is adjusted in this manner, the master black is often adjusted together, so it is convenient if the master black can be adjusted with only a few television cameras that adjust the aperture in this way. it is conceivable that.

On the other hand, in the master mode and the slave mode, control of the camera system set in the slave mode is delegated to the camera control unit set in the master mode, so that only a plurality of these specific adjustment items can be controlled. There is a problem that is difficult to adjust in conjunction with the television camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an image pickup apparatus and a remote control of the image pickup apparatus that can adjust only predetermined adjustment items such as aperture adjustment between desired image pickup apparatuses. It is intended to propose a control device.

[0009]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is applied to an image pickup apparatus, and a remote control signal for the same type of equipment is formed so as to be input by connection with the same type of equipment. In one operation mode, only a predetermined adjustment item among a plurality of adjustment items selectively responds to a remote control signal for the same type of device.

The present invention is applied to a remote control device of an imaging device such as a camera control unit, and switches an operation mode in response to an operation of a predetermined operation element. The remote control signal from the same type of device regarding the adjustment item of is selectively transmitted to the corresponding imaging device.

[0011] The present invention is applied to an image pickup apparatus, so that a remote control signal for the same type of equipment can be input by connecting to the same type of equipment, and a predetermined adjustment item among a plurality of adjustment items in a first operation mode. Only in response to the remote control signal for the same type of device, only the predetermined adjustment item will be operated in conjunction with the same type of device, and accordingly, only this predetermined adjustment item will be linked. Can be adjusted.

Further, the present invention is applied to a remote control device of an imaging device,
The operation mode is switched in response to the operation of a predetermined operator,
In the first operation mode, if a remote control signal of a device of the same type relating to a predetermined adjustment item among a plurality of adjustment items is selectively transmitted to a corresponding image pickup device, an image pickup device assigned to the device of the same type , The operation of the imaging device in charge can be linked. As a result, it is possible to adjust only the predetermined adjustment item in conjunction with the imaging device in charge of the same type of device.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a camera operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera operation system 1 is formed so as to be constituted by a plurality of camera systems as required. In this embodiment, three camera systems 2A, 2B,
2C is connected. Here, since these three camera systems 2A, 2B, and 2C have the same configuration, the following description mainly describes the first camera system 2A and the other camera systems 2B, 2C.
Are denoted by the corresponding reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The camera system 2A is constructed by connecting a camera body 5A and a remote control panel 4A via a camera control unit (CCU) 3A, and other camera systems are connected via the camera control unit (CCU) 3A. 2B and 2C, and further to an external device such as a switcher.

Here, the remote control panel 4A
Is arranged on the coordinating desk together with the remote control panels 4B and 4C of the other camera systems 2B and 2C, for example.
In response to an operation of an operator or the like arranged on the operation panel of the remote control panel 4A, data communication is performed with the camera control unit 3A to control the operation of the camera body 5A, and to control other camera systems. The operation of the camera bodies 5B and 5C of 2B and 2C is controlled.
This allows the camera operation system 1 to operate the remote control panel 4A to variously adjust the imaging conditions and the like.

The camera control unit 3A controls the operation of the camera main unit 5A by performing data communication with the camera main unit 5A in response to the operation of an operator or the like disposed on the operation panel of the camera control unit 3A. I do. Thus, the camera operation system 1 can variously adjust the imaging conditions and the like even by operating the camera control unit 3A.

Further, the camera control unit 3A
Data communication between the remote control panel 4A and the camera body 5A is relayed, and data communication is performed with the other camera systems 2B and 2C according to the settings of the operator. Thereby, in the camera operation system 1, one remote control panel 4A, 4B,
By operating the camera 4C, the imaging conditions in the camera bodies 5A, 5B, and 5C can be adjusted in conjunction with each other.

Further, the camera control unit 3A comprises:
The video signal transmitted from the camera body 5A is output to a predetermined external device, and the video signal of the return image and the video signal for the prompter input from the external device and the like are sent to the camera body 5A.

The camera body 5A is a television camera 6
A, a viewfinder 7A attached to the television camera 6A, and a camera adapter 8A.

The camera adapter 8A has a plurality of controls on the back, and communicates with the television camera 6A in response to the operation of the controls.
The operation of A is switched. Thus, in the camera operation system 1, a predetermined adjustment item can be independently adjusted by the cameraman.

Further, the camera adapter 8A relays data communication between the camera control unit 3A and the television camera 6A,
A sends a video signal output from the camera control unit 3A to the camera control unit 3A.
Then, the return image and the video signal for the prompter transmitted to the television camera 6A are output.

The television camera 6A is controlled by the camera adapter 8A, and is controlled by the camera adapter 8A.
Under the control of the camera control unit 3A, the remote control panel 4A, and the like via the CPU, imaging conditions are set, a desired subject is imaged according to the set conditions, and a video signal resulting from the imaging result is processed and output. .
At this time, the television camera 6A outputs a video signal for monitoring to the viewfinder 7A.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams showing a signal processing system of the television camera 6A. The television camera 6A receives a light beam from a subject by a lens 12 having a built-in aperture 11, and separates the light beam into red, green, and blue light beams by a color separation prism 14. The CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13G, and 13B for red, green, and blue are:
Red, green, and blue light rays are received, and red, green, and blue color signals R, G, and B, which are the light reception results, are output.

At this time, the iris 11 is
The driving conditions of the iris driving unit 16 are controlled by the control unit 15 so that, for example, the amount of light incident on the CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13G, and 13B is controlled to a predetermined value. The CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13G, and 13B are driven by a driving signal generated by the sensor driving unit 17, and the timing of the driving signal is set to change continuously under the control of the control unit 15, Thus, the charge storage time can be continuously varied. Thus, in the television camera 6A, the so-called electronic shutter speed is continuously variably controlled so that flicker does not occur in the imaged result even when, for example, a computer display is imaged.

Analog process (AP) 18R, 18
G and 18B switch the operation under the control of the control unit 15, and the CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13G and 13B respectively.
Red, green, and blue color signals R, G, and B output from B
Is corrected and output. At this time, the analog processes 18R, 18G, and 18B switch the gain of the amplifier circuit, and thereby switch the gain of the video signal output from the television camera 6A.

The analog processes 18R, 18G, 1
8B sets the black level and the white level of the color signals R, G, and B to predetermined signal levels, respectively, and outputs them. In setting the signal level, when the black level is set by operating the master black, the analog processes 18R, 18R
G and 18B correct the black level in conjunction with the red, green and blue color signals R, G and B. On the other hand, when setting the black level by operating the black balance,
Under the control of the control unit 15, the black level of the red and blue color signals R and B is corrected. When the white level is set by the white balance, the control unit 1
Under the control of 5, the white level is corrected for the red and blue color signals R and B.

As a result, in the television camera 6A,
By controlling the operations of the analog processes 18R, 18G, and 18B, the adjustment items of gain, master black, black balance, and white balance can be adjusted.

The following analog / digital conversion circuit (A /
D) 19R, 19G and 19B are analog processes 18
The red, green, and blue color signals R, G, and B output from R, 18G, and 18B are subjected to analog-to-digital conversion processing, and digital color signals DR, DG, and DB are output.

The delay circuit (D) 20R delays and outputs the red digital color signal DR by one horizontal scanning period, and the subsequent delay circuit 21R further delays the digital color signal DR by one horizontal scanning period. Output. Delay circuit 20
G delays and outputs the green digital color signal DG by one horizontal scanning period, and the subsequent delay circuit 21G further delays and outputs the digital color signal DG by one horizontal scanning period.

Upconverters 22R, 22G, 22B
Receives the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB via the filters 23R, 23G, and 23B, respectively, and outputs the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB at an increased sampling rate. Filters 23R, 23G, 23B are:
Each of the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB is controlled so that noise (false signal) does not occur in the conversion of the sampling rate by the up converters 22R, 22G, and 22B.
Output with limited bandwidth.

The color area extracting section 24 is provided with the filter 23
Digital color signal D output from R, 23G, 23B
Receiving R, DG, and DB, and performing almost the same arithmetic processing as when converting a color signal into a luminance signal and a color difference signal, thereby changing the signal level according to the luminance level of the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB. A signal similar to the luminance signal
A signal similar to a color difference signal whose signal level changes according to the hues of the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB is generated. Further, a signal level similar to the color difference signal is divided by a signal similar to the luminance signal, whereby the digital color signal D
Two sets of color area detection signals whose signal levels change only according to the hues of R, DG, and DB are generated. Further, the color area extraction unit 24 compares the color area determination reference value set by the control unit 15 with each color area detection signal, and thereby detects a predetermined color area in the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB.

The coefficient supply section 25 includes a color area extraction section 24
Based on the detection result of the digital color signals DR, DG,
The coefficient data for correcting the hue of the DB is output, and the coefficient is switched by the setting of the control unit 15.

The linear matrix circuit 26 receives the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB output from the up-converters 22R, 22G, and 22B, performs an arithmetic operation using the coefficients output from the coefficient supply unit 25, and obtains the arithmetic processing result. It outputs digital color signals DR, DG, and DB. This allows the television camera 6A to detect, for example, a skin color region and correct the hue only in this region.

The image enhancer 27 includes digital color signals DR, DG, DB output from the analog-to-digital conversion circuits 19R, 19G, 19B,
The digital color signals DR and DG output from R, 21R, 20G and 21G are received, and contour emphasis signals DA and DB are generated by arithmetic processing of these digital color signals. At this time, the image enhancer 27 switches its operation under the control of the control unit 15 and varies the signal levels of the contour emphasis signals DA and DB, thereby varying the degree of contour emphasis. Further, based on the detection result of the color region extraction unit 24, the signal levels of the outline emphasis signals DA and DB are varied so as to reduce the degree of outline emphasis for the skin color portion. Thus, in the television camera 6A, for example, the contour of a person's face or the like is not unnaturally emphasized.

The knee correction circuits 28R, 28G, 28B
The digital color signals DR, DG, and DB output from the linear matrix circuit 26 are received, and under the control of the control unit 15, the knees of these digital color signals DR, DG, and DB are set and output. The addition circuits 29R, 29G, and 29B
The edge enhancement signal DB is added to the digital color signals DR, DG, DB output from the knee correction circuits 28R, 28G, 28B and output. Gamma circuits (γ) 30R, 30G,
30B is a knee correction circuit 28 controlled by the control unit 15.
Digital color signal D output from R, 28G, 28B
The signal levels of R, DG, and DB are corrected and output, whereby the gamma of the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB are set and output.

The adder circuits 31R, 31G, 31B add the contour emphasis signal DA to the digital color signals DR, DG, DB output from the gamma circuits 30R, 30G, 30B and output the result. Clip circuit 32R, 32G, 32B
, Clips the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB output from the addition circuits 31R, 31G, and 31B, and outputs them. The Y / C matrix circuit 33 performs an arithmetic processing on the digital color signals DR, DG, and DB. And a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb by digital signals, and a monochrome video signal YVF for the viewfinder 7A.
Is output. Clip circuit 34YV, 34Y, 34C
r and 34Cb clip and output these luminance signals and the like. In the television camera 6A, the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb are transmitted to the camera control unit 3A in a predetermined format.

The control unit 15 controls the television camera 6
A is configured by a microcomputer that controls the operation of A, and by data communication with the camera adapter 8A,
In response to the operation of the camera adapter 8A, a predetermined menu screen is displayed on the viewfinder 7A. Further, when a photographer selects a menu and operates a predetermined operation element on the menu screen of the viewfinder 7A, control data is output to a corresponding signal processing circuit in response to this operation, and the above-described master black and gamma are output. Etc. are changed.

In addition, the control unit 15 receives adjustments from the camera control unit 3A, the remote control panel 4A and the like via the camera adapter 8A for predetermined adjustment items such as master black and gamma. Thus, these adjustment items can be changed by remote control. The control unit 15 further includes an analog / digital conversion circuit 19
R, digital color signal D output from 19G, 19B
When R, DG, and DB are received and the automatic shutter speed adjustment mode is selected, these digital color signals DR, DG,
The pulsation of the signal level at a constant period in the DB is monitored, and the CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13R,
3G and 13B shutter speeds are set.

FIG. 5 shows a camera control unit 3A.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the operation panel of FIG. The camera control unit 3A responds to an operation of an operation member arranged on the operation panel, and the other camera control units 3B,
3C sends various data to the corresponding television camera 6A.

That is, the operation panel has an operation section 40 for operation at the upper left, and switches the switch 40A disposed on the operation section 40 to lock the operation mode of the camera control unit 3A and lock the operation mode of the camera control unit 3A. The state can be switched to a normal operation state. Here, the locked state is an operation mode in which the operation of each operation element arranged on the operation panel is not accepted, and is set to prevent an erroneous operation of the operator. The partially locked state is an operation mode in which the operation of each operation element arranged on the operation panel is not accepted except for master black and aperture adjustment.

On the operation panel, an output switching operation section 41 is formed right next to the operation panel. A switch 41A disposed on the operation section 41 is switched to switch the television camera 6A.
The transmitted video signal and the internally generated color bar signal can be switched and output to an external device. Further, on the operation panel, a gain switching operation section 42 is formed on the next right side, and a switch 42A disposed on the operation section 42 is switched to switch the television camera 6A.
, The gains of the analog processes 18R, 18G, and 18B are switched and controlled, and the gain of the video signal output from the television camera 6A can be switched by remote control.

Further, on the operation panel, an operation section 44 for switching between a setting of a gain switching operation section 42 and a setting of a shutter operation section 43 to be described later is formed on the upper right side. By operating the child, a state in which the settings of the gain switching operation unit 42 and the shutter operation unit 43 are ignored can be formed.

The shutter operation section 43 includes a switch 43A for switching the operation mode of the shutter control and up and down operators 43C1 and 43C2. The switches 43A are operated to operate the CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13G, and 13C.
The operation mode of 13B can be switched. The operation modes are a normal operation mode in which the charge accumulation time is not controlled at all, an automatic shutter speed adjustment mode, and a manual shutter speed adjustment mode. On the other hand, up-down operators 43C1, 43
By pressing C2, in the manual adjustment mode, the CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13G, 13B
The shutter speed (charge accumulation time) can be continuously varied. Thereby, in the camera control unit 3A, the CCD solid-state imaging devices 13R, 13R
The G and 13B operation modes can be switched, and the shutter speed can be varied.

Further, an operation panel is provided adjacent to the shutter operation section 43 with a switch 45 for switching the operation of the image enhancer 27 in the television camera 6A.
A, an operator 46B for gamma adjustment is arranged, and an operator 45B for adjusting the degree of contour emphasis is arranged below the operator 46B for gamma adjustment.

The operation panel further includes a shutter operation unit 4
3, an operation unit 47 for white balance and black balance is formed, and switches 47A1 to 47A3 for switching operation modes are arranged on the operation unit 47. Here, these switches 47A to 47C are setting operators for automatic white balance adjustment, tracking type automatic white balance adjustment, automatic white balance adjustment by manual adjustment, and the like. The operation unit 47 is further provided with black level and white level adjustment operators 47B1 to 47B4 for the red color signal and the blue color signal, respectively. In the camera control unit 3A, the operations of the analog processes 18R, 18G, and 18B of the television camera 6A can be switched in response to the operations of these operators 47B1 to 47B4.

Further, on the operation panel, on the lower stage and on the right side, an operation control 48B for aperture adjustment is arranged together with a switch 48A for automatic aperture adjustment and manual adjustment, and an operation control 49B for master black level adjustment is arranged adjacent thereto. In addition, a switch 50A for switching between automatic knee adjustment and knee adjustment based on a preset value is provided.

The camera control unit 3A notifies the television camera 6A of the operation amount and the like in response to the operation of these operators and switches, and thereby the television by remote control in response to the operation of these operators and switches. Various conditions for imaging by the camera 6A can be set.

Among the operators arranged on the operation panel, an operator 46B for gamma adjustment, an operator 45B for adjusting the degree of contour emphasis, and an operator 49B for master black adjustment are provided with a so-called midpoint click function. , And a standard adjustment level can be confirmed by clicking the middle point. On the other hand, black level and white level operators 47B1 to 47B4,
The iris adjustment operator 48B is configured by a general variable resistor.

FIG. 6 shows a remote control panel 4A.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the operation panel of FIG. This operation panel
A tally lamp 51 is arranged at the upper left, and a switch 52A of a standard setting and master and slave switches 53A and 54A are arranged next to the tally lamp 51. Here, the standard setting switch 52A is a switch for setting the television camera 6A to the standard setting state. The master and slave switches 53A and 54A are switches for setting the camera system 2A to a master mode and a slave mode, respectively. In the camera operation system 1, the corresponding television camera and the television camera set in the slave mode can be adjusted in conjunction with each other by the remote control panel set in the master mode.

The operation panel is provided with a power switch 55A of the television camera 6A or the like. Further, on the operation panel, a rotary switch 56A for operation corresponding to the switch 40A of the camera control unit 3A is arranged below the tally lamp 51. Further, on the operation panel, an operation section 57 for various standard settings is formed on the right side of the switch 56A, and switches for standard settings of an auto white balance, an auto black balance, and an outline emphasis level are arranged here. Furthermore, these operation units 5
7, an operation section 58 for selecting an output is formed, and a switch for switching a monitor output from the camera control unit 3A is arranged.

Further, the operation panel is provided with an operation section 58 for detailed adjustment below the operation section 58. The operation unit 58 for the detailed adjustment is a switch 5 for selecting an adjustment item.
9A and a liquid crystal display panel 60 that displays an adjustment menu selected by the switch 59A and necessary information. Below the liquid crystal display panel 60, a predetermined adjustment among the adjustment items selected by the switch 59A is provided. Operators 59B1 to 59B3 for adjusting items are arranged. Further, a switch 60A for page-turning the menu displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 60 is arranged adjacent to these operators 59B1 to 59B3.

The operation panel further includes a shutter operation unit 61 and a gain switching operation unit 62 below the operation unit 58.
Is formed. Here, similarly to the case of the camera control unit 3A, the shutter operation unit 43 includes a switch 61A1 for switching an operation mode of shutter speed control,
61A2 and up / down controls 61C1, 61C2
Are formed. On the other hand, the gain switching operation section 62 has the same up-down operation elements 62C1, 6C.
It is formed by arranging 2C2 and the like.

The operation panel is further provided with an operator 63B for adjusting the degree of edge enhancement and an operator 64 for gamma adjustment.
B, an operation element 65B for knee adjustment is arranged, and a black balance and white balance operation section 6 is provided below the operation element 65B.
6 and 67 are formed. Here, the operation units 66 and 67 for black balance and white balance are respectively provided with operation switches 66B1, 66B2, and 67 for level adjustment together with a changeover switch for automatic adjustment and the like.
B1 to 67B3 are arranged.

In the operation panel, an operation unit 68 for adjusting the aperture and an operation unit 69 for master black are formed below the operation unit 67. Here, the aperture adjustment operation unit 68 is formed by disposing an adjustment mode switching switch and an adjustment operation device 68B. The master black operation unit 69 can be adjusted by the adjustment operation device 69B and the operation device 69B. It is formed by arranging an indicator lamp for indicating whether or not it is not.

On the operation panel, a predetermined warning lamp 70 and a link switch 71A are arranged below the operation section 69. Here, the link switch 71A is a switch for setting the camera system 2A to the link mode and releasing the link mode. In the camera system 2A, when the link mode is set, the operator 6 can be operated from any remote control panel set in the link mode.
Aperture adjustment and master black adjustment can be performed by operating 8B and 69B, so that a plurality of television cameras can cope with changes in lighting conditions and the like in conjunction with each other.

Among the operators arranged on the operation panel in this way, an operator 64B for gamma adjustment, an operator 63B for adjusting the degree of contour emphasis, an operator 69B for master black adjustment, and an operator 65B for knee adjustment. Is constituted by a variable resistor having a so-called midpoint click function, and a standard adjustment level can be confirmed by the midpoint click. On the other hand, the black level and white level operators 66B1 to 67B3 and the aperture adjustment operator 68B are configured by general variable resistors.

In response to this, the remote control panel 4A issues a control command or the like in response to the operation of these operators, and the control command is notified to the television camera 6A via the camera control unit 3A. The imaging conditions of the television camera 6A can be variously set. At this time, control commands and the like are notified to other camera systems via the camera control unit 3A by setting the master mode by operating the operation device 53A and setting links by operating the operation device 71A. It is possible to set an imaging condition in. Conversely, by setting the slave mode by operating the operation element 54A and setting the link by operating the operation element 71A, the imaging conditions in the camera system 2A can be set by another remote control panel or the like. ing.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a data communication path in the camera system 2A. In FIG. 7, a camera system 2X is separately provided for the camera system 2A.
Shows the case where is connected. The camera operation system 1 notifies the television camera 6A of control data and the like via the data communication path to the television camera 6A, and adjusts imaging conditions of the television camera 6A.

That is, the remote control panel 4A
, The control unit 75 is constituted by a microcomputer, and operates the rotary switch 56A.
Accordingly, when the operation mode of the remote control panel 4A is set to a partially locked state or a normal operation state, the operation of various operators is accepted. That is, when the standard setting switch 52A, the switch for auto iris adjustment, and the like are pressed, the operation of these switches is notified to the camera control unit 3A. Also, switches 53A and 54 for the master mode and the slave mode
When the switch 71A of the A and the link is operated, the operation of the switch 53A and the like is performed by the camera control unit 3.
Notify A. Further, the operation mode is switched in conjunction with these notifications.

When the operator selects manual adjustment of each adjustment item by operating these switches, the control unit 75 notifies the camera control unit 3A of the selection, and the variable resistance assigned to the corresponding operation element. The output voltages of the devices 59B1 to 67B1, 68B and 69B (indicated by the reference numerals of the corresponding operators in FIG. 7) are analog-to-digital converted and are taken in at a constant period.

When the switches of the aperture adjustment operation unit 69 are operated in the partially locked state or the normal operation state, the control unit 75 notifies the camera control unit 3A of these operations. Also, when the aperture adjustment by manual adjustment is selected by this operation, the data of the operation amount of the aperture adjustment operation element 69B is taken in at a constant cycle and output to the camera control unit 3A. In a similar manner, the operation amount data of the operation element 68B for master black adjustment is fetched at a constant cycle and output to the camera control unit 3A.

At this time, the control unit 75 adds the identification data indicating the operation amount data of the aperture adjustment and the identification data indicating the operation amount data of the master black adjustment to the operation amount data, and adds the camera control data. Output to the unit 3A.

On the other hand, the camera control unit 3A outputs such a notification of the remote control panel 4A to the camera adapter 8A via the control unit 80 having a microcomputer configuration, and controls other camera control according to the operation mode. Notify the units 3B and 3C. Further, the camera control unit 3A outputs corresponding control data and the like to the camera adapter 8A and another camera control unit 3B in response to the operation of the operation element arranged on the operation panel.

At this time, the control unit 80 operates the master mode operation device 52A on the remote control panel 4A.
Is operated, the other camera control unit 3
In the camera operation system, data communication with the control unit 80 built in B, 3C, and 3X is performed.
After confirming that the other camera systems are not yet set to the master mode, the operation mode of the camera system 2A is switched to the master mode. This allows the camera operation system 1 to set the master mode only for one of the plurality of camera systems.

When the operator 53A in the slave mode is operated on the remote control panel 4A, the controller 80 switches the operation mode of the camera system 2A to the slave mode. Further, the control unit 80 sets the remote control panel 4A in a state where neither the master mode nor the slave mode is set.
When the link operation element 71A is operated in the above, the operation mode of the camera system 2A is switched to the link mode.

By setting the operation mode as described above, the control unit 80 operates in an operation mode other than the slave mode.
When a notification is received from the corresponding remote control panel 4A, the processing procedure shown in FIG. 1 is executed. That is, the control unit 80 proceeds from step SP1 to step SP2, and transmits the notification from the remote control panel 4A to the camera adapter 8A. Thus, in an operation mode other than the slave mode, the control unit 80 switches the operation of the television camera 6A in charge in response to the operation of the remote control panel 4A.

Further, the control unit 80 determines in the following step SP3
In step, it is determined whether or not the mode is the master mode. If a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to step SP4 to transmit the data input from the remote control panel 4A to the other camera control units 3X and 3B, and then to step SP5. Then, the process ends. Accordingly, when the control unit 80 is set to the master mode,
In addition to the television camera 6A in charge, control data and the like are sent to the camera control unit set in the slave mode, and the operation of the television camera in the slave mode is controlled in conjunction with the television camera 6A.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP3, the control unit 80 proceeds to step SP6, and determines whether or not the mode is the link mode. If a negative result is obtained here, the control unit 80 moves to step SP5 and ends this processing procedure. On the other hand, if the link mode is set, the process proceeds from step SP3 to step S
The process proceeds to P7, where it is determined whether the data input from the remote control panel 4A is data for master black adjustment or aperture adjustment.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP7, the control unit 80 proceeds to step SP5 and ends this processing procedure, while if a positive result is obtained,
Move on to step SP4, where the remote control panel 4
The data input from A is transmitted to the other camera control units 3X and 3B. At this time, the control unit 8
0 sets a flag indicating the data from the camera system set in the link mode by setting the logic level of a predetermined bit with respect to the identification data added to this data, and outputs the flag. Thereafter, the control unit 80 moves to step SP5 and ends this processing procedure.

When the link mode is set, the control unit 80 controls the aperture control on the remote control panel 4A in charge of the camera control unit set in link mode in addition to the television camera 6A in charge. The operation amount of the operator 69B and the operation element 68B of the master black adjustment is notified.

FIG. 8 shows the camera control unit 3A.
5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when data notification is received from another camera control unit.

The control unit 80 proceeds from step SP10 to step SP11, and when a plurality of camera control units are connected to the camera control unit, the control unit 80 controls the other camera control units except the camera control unit that has received the data. The received data is transmitted. Thus, regardless of which operation mode is set, the camera control unit 3A notifies the remaining camera control units of the data input from the other camera control unit 3A, and sets the data in the master mode and the slave mode. Various data can be communicated between the camera control units and between the link mode camera control units.

Subsequently, the control unit 80 proceeds to step SP12, and determines whether the received data is data from the camera control unit in the link mode based on the identification data flag added to the received data.
Here, if a negative result is obtained, the control unit 80 proceeds to step SP13 and determines whether the operation mode is the slave mode. If a positive result is obtained here, the control unit 80
The process moves to step SP14 and sends the received data to the camera adapter 8A. Thereby, the control unit 80
In the case of the slave mode, the operation of the television camera 6A is controlled in conjunction with the camera system in the master mode, and this processing procedure is ended in the subsequent step SP15.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP13, the control unit 80 proceeds to step SP15
To end the processing procedure. Thereby, the control unit 8
0 indicates that when data other than link-related data is received while the slave mode is not set, the received data is ignored and only the operation of the operation panel of the remote control panel 4A and the camera control unit 3A in charge is performed. Responsive television camera 6
Control A.

On the other hand, if the received data is data transmitted from a device in the link mode, the control unit 80
When a positive result is obtained in step SP12, the process proceeds to step SP16. Here, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the operation mode is the link mode. If a negative result is obtained, the control unit 80 proceeds to step SP15 and ends this processing procedure. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP16, the control unit 80 proceeds to step SP14. Accordingly, when the link mode is set, the control unit 80 selectively outputs the aperture and master black data from the camera system set in the link mode to the television camera 6A, and sets the data to the link mode. The manual adjustment of the aperture and the master black is interlocked with the camera system that has been set.

In the above-described configuration, in the camera operation system 1 (FIG. 2), the operations of the various controls arranged on the remote control panels 4A, 4B, and 4C are performed by the camera control units 3A, 3B, and 3 respectively.
C is notified, and the operation mode of each camera system 2A, 2B, 2C is set. Similarly, the operation mode is set by the direct operation of the operators of the camera control units 3A, 3B and 3C.

That is, the operation switch 40
By operating the buttons A and 56A (FIGS. 5 and 6), a locked state in which the operation of the operation element is not accepted is formed in the camera control units 3A, 3B and 3C and the remote control panels 4A, 4B and 4C, respectively. In addition, a partially locked state is formed in which only the controls 48B and 68B of the aperture adjustment and the controls 49B and 69B of the master black adjustment are received, and a normal operation state in which the operations of all the controls are received is formed. You.

Of these, the operation mode is set to a partially locked or normal operation state, and the operator 5 in the master mode is operated on any of the remote control panels 4A, 4B and 4C.
When 3A is operated, the camera system of the remote control panel switches the operation mode to the master mode. Similarly, the remote control panel 4
A in the slave mode in any of A, 4B and 4C
When A is operated, the camera system of the remote control panel switches the operation mode to the slave mode.

Thus, for example, when the camera system 2A of the remote control panel 4A is set to the master mode and the camera systems of the remote control panels 4C and 4X are set to the slave mode (FIG. 7), the remote control panel 4A in the master mode is set. In this case, when various switches and operators are operated, these data are notified to the camera adapter 8A and the television camera 6A via the corresponding camera control unit 3A, whereby the aperture, master black, white balance, etc. By operating the remote control panel 4A for various adjustment items, the television camera 6A assigned to the remote control panel 4A is adjusted.

At this time, various data transmitted from the remote control panel 4A are transmitted from the camera control unit 3A by the camera control unit 3A.
X and 3B, the camera control unit 3B
In, this notification is further notified to the camera control unit 3C. At this time, in the camera control units 3C and 3X set in the slave mode, the received data is notified to the corresponding television cameras 6C and 6X in accordance with the operation mode, so that the data is linked with the television camera 6A. Then, the assigned television cameras 6C and 6X are adjusted. Thereby, the camera system set in the slave mode switches the operation so as to follow the camera system set in the master mode.

On the other hand, in the camera system 2B not set to any of the master mode and the slave mode, the camera control unit 3A
Is simply notified to the camera control unit 3C, and only the data from the remote control panel 4B of the camera system 2B is notified to the camera adapter 8B. Thus, in the camera operation system 1, by setting the master mode and the slave mode as necessary, adjustment items that can be adjusted by the remote control panel can be adjusted in conjunction with a desired camera system.

On the other hand, when the link operator 71 is operated by a plurality of remote control panels, the camera systems of these remote control panels are set to the link mode. Here, for example, when the camera system 2A of the remote control panel 4A and the camera system 2C of the remote control panel 4C are set to the link mode (FIG. 7), each of the camera systems 2A to 2X is set.
, Each remote control panel 4A
4X to 4X are notified to the assigned television cameras 6A to 6X via the camera control units 3A to 3X, whereby the remote control panel 4A of each of the camera systems 2A to 2X is notified.
TV Cameras 6A to 6X corresponding to 4X to 4X
X is adjusted.

In the camera control units 3A and 3C set to the link mode in this state, when the operations of master black adjustment and aperture adjustment are performed on the remote control panels 4A and 4C, the data of these operations is transferred to the camera adapter 8A. , 8C and the other camera control units 3X, 3B. The other camera control units 3X and 3B receive this data and transfer the data to the other camera control units 3C and 3A. By repeating this process, the remote control panel 4
When the master black adjustment and the aperture adjustment are performed in A, the operations of the master black adjustment and the aperture adjustment are notified to the camera system 2X, and the camera system 2X is controlled.
B and 2C are notified.

The camera system 2 receiving the notification as described above
B, 2C, and 2X, this notification is ignored in the camera systems 2B and 2X that are not set to the link mode, whereas the camera system 2 in the link mode is ignored.
In C, this notification is sent to the television camera 6C via the camera adapter 8C. Thereby, the remote control panel 4A set to the link mode
Is operated so that only the aperture and master black adjustment are interlocked between the camera systems set in the link mode.

Thus, for example, the television camera 6A
And 6C, when the same subject is photographed and the illumination to the subject is reduced, after operating the link switch 71A on the remote control panels 4A and 4C in charge of the television cameras 6A and 6C, Remote control panels 4A and 4
By operating a switch for automatic aperture adjustment or manually adjusting the aperture in C, the apertures of the television cameras 6A and 6C are controlled to be open while maintaining the relative aperture relationship between the television cameras 6A and 6C. be able to.

If necessary, the link mode is released by pressing the link switch 71A only on the television camera 6C side, for example, to release the television camera 6C.
By operating the aperture only on the C side, the relative aperture relationship between the television cameras 6A and 6C can be corrected. Further, thereafter, by setting the link mode again, the aperture can be adjusted in conjunction with the relative aperture in a corrected state.

Further, by adjusting the master black in the same manner, even when the black level is raised by opening the aperture, the television cameras 6A and 6C
The raised black level can be corrected in conjunction with.

According to the above configuration, by setting the link mode, the aperture adjustment and the master black adjustment can be performed.
Notification of the operation from the camera control unit to the television camera in charge is selectively transmitted to other television cameras, so that the iris adjustment and master among various adjustment items set on the remote control panel can be performed. Only the black adjustment can be adjusted in conjunction with the television cameras set in the link mode. Thereby, between the desired television cameras,
Adjustments can be made only in conjunction with predetermined adjustment items including aperture adjustment and master black adjustment.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the variable resistor is operated to stop and adjust the master black has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is widely applied to the case where the adjustment is performed by a rotary encoder. be able to.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, among the various adjustment items, the case where only the aperture and master black are adjusted in conjunction with each other by setting the link has been described. Accordingly, only the aperture and the master black may be adjusted in conjunction with each other, and conversely, other adjustment items in addition to the aperture and the master black may be adjusted by a link.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the data transferred between the camera control units is selectively output to the television camera in charge according to the operation mode of each camera system, so that the television camera in the link mode is provided. Although the case where the aperture and the master black adjustment are interlocked between them has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the switching of the operation according to this operation mode may be executed on the television camera side. That is, the camera control unit simply outputs data received from the remote control panel or another camera control unit to the television camera in charge, and if the link mode is set, the link mode is set on the television camera side. Even if the operation is switched in response to the data from the camera system, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where one camera system is constituted by a remote control panel, a camera control unit, a camera adapter, a television camera, and a viewfinder. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be widely applied to a case where a camera system is configured by omitting a remote control panel and the like, and a case where a camera system is configured by integrating a television camera, a camera adapter, a camera control unit, and the like.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention, a remote control signal to be supplied to another imaging device with respect to a predetermined adjustment item is selectively output to a predetermined imaging device.
Further, by selectively responding to the remote control signal in the imaging device to switch the operation, a plurality of imaging devices can be interlocked and adjusted only for a predetermined adjustment item such as an aperture adjustment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a control unit 80 of a camera operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a camera operation system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a television camera applied to the camera operation system of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a continuation of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an operation panel of a camera control unit applied to the camera operation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an operation panel of a remote control panel applied to the camera operation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a data transmission path of the camera operation system of FIG. 2 in detail.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of data received from another camera control unit in the control unit 80.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Camera operation system, 2A-2C, 2
X: camera system, 3A to 3C, 3X: camera control unit, 4A to 4C, 4X: remote control panel, 5A to 5C, 5X: camera body,
6A to 6C, 6X ... TV camera, 7A to 7
C, 7X: Viewfinder, 8A to 8C, 8X ...
Camera adapter, 15, 75, 80, 85 Control unit, 46B, 47B1 to 47B4, 48B, 49B, 5
9B1 to 67B1, 68B, 69B, HP to VW ... variable resistor

Claims (8)

[Claims] An imaging apparatus capable of adjusting a plurality of adjustment items by remote control, wherein the imaging apparatus is formed so as to be directly or indirectly connectable to the same kind of equipment. An imaging apparatus formed so that a remote control signal can be input, and responsive to a remote control signal for the same type of device only in a predetermined adjustment item of the plurality of adjustment items in a first operation mode. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined adjustment item is an aperture adjustment item. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined adjustment items are adjustment items of aperture and master black. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the second operation mode, all the adjustment items of the plurality of adjustment items are responsive to a remote control signal for the same type of device. 5. A remote control device for an imaging device for adjusting a plurality of adjustment items of the imaging device by remote control, wherein the remote control device is formed so as to be directly or indirectly connectable to a device of the same type to which the imaging device is connected. Connected to the device, the remote control signal transmitted by the device of the same type can be input to the imaging device in charge of the device of the same type, and the device of the same type transmits in the first operation mode. An imaging device, wherein a remote control signal relating to a predetermined adjustment item among the plurality of adjustment items among the remote control signals is selectively transmitted to an imaging device in charge. 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined adjustment item is an aperture adjustment item. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined adjustment items are adjustment items of aperture and master black. 8. In the second operation mode, among the remote control signals transmitted by the same kind of equipment, all of the remote control signals relating to the plurality of adjustment items are transmitted to the imaging device in charge. The imaging device according to claim 5.