JPH11355644A - Camera controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To cope with the change of the connection relation of video cameras and to cope with the increase of a required signal number for the same signal without the need of troublesome work and without complicating the constitution of a camera system or increasing an occupancy space. SOLUTION: This camera controller 10 is provided with the function of a CCU(camera control unit) and the function of a CNU(command network unit) for plural devices. Also, by the matrix switch 42 of a video system processing part 22, the matrix switch of an audio system processing part and a command network circuit, the signal route of video signals, audio signals and control signals is arbitrarily formed between plural camera side input/output terminals 21a-21f and plural terminals 45-1-45-12 and 46-1-46-12, etc., on an equipment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera control device to which a video camera is connected and which controls the video camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A plurality of video cameras are used in program production and broadcast relay in a studio. Conventionally,
In a camera system for broadcasting using such a plurality of video cameras, each video camera is connected to a camera control unit (hereinafter, referred to as CCU) which is a camera control device for controlling the video camera. . Then, the video / audio signal from the video camera is processed in the CCU. The main line video signal output from the CCU is sent to a video switcher,
By operating the video switcher by the operator,
The video signal to be used is selected.

[0005] In addition to the main video signal, the CCU outputs a signal for image monitoring, a signal for waveform monitoring, and an audio signal. The signal for image monitoring is sent to the image monitor, the signal for waveform monitoring is sent to the waveform monitor, and the audio signal is sent to the audio mixer.

Further, the camera system includes a remote control panel (hereinafter, referred to as RCP) for remotely controlling each video camera, and control commands are input and output between the RCP and the CCU. . The operator operates the RCP while looking at an image monitor or the like to perform various adjustments on the video camera.

Further, the input / output signals of the CCU include a signal for a headset type communication device (hereinafter referred to as an intercom) and a tally signal indicating that the video camera is on air. Signals are also input / output to / from related devices.

In a conventional camera system, a video camera and a CCU have a one-to-one correspondence. In addition, each video camera is assigned a different camera number. The input / output signals of the CCU and the devices connected to the CCU are managed based on the camera number.

However, the connection between the video camera and the CCU may be changed for operational reasons. For example, a video camera may move to another location and connect to another CCU due to restrictions on the length of the camera cable between the video camera and the CCU. When the connection relationship between the video camera and the CCU is changed in this way, C
The correspondence between the input / output signal of the CU and the camera number changes. For example, if a video camera with a camera number “2” is connected to a CCU to which a video camera with a camera number “1” is connected instead of the video camera, the input / output signal of the CCU will be The input / output signal changes to the input / output signal of camera number “2”. In such a case, C
In the devices connected to the CU, the video camera and the CCU
Unless the correspondence between the input / output signal and the camera number does not change before and after the change of the connection with the camera, the system cannot be operated. Therefore, conventionally, every time the connection relationship between the video camera and the CCU is changed,
The wiring between the CCU and the device is changed, or a matrix switch is provided between the CCU and the device in advance, and the matrix switch changes the connection relationship between the CCU and the device.

Here, an example of the configuration of a conventional camera system will be described with reference to FIG. Here, an example of a camera system using six video cameras and providing a matrix switch between a CCU and a device is described. This camera system comprises six video cameras 101
a to 101f, the CCUs 102a to 102f connected to the respective video cameras 101a to 101f, and the respective CCUs 10a to 102f.
A matrix switch 103 capable of inputting and outputting main-line video signals output from 2a to 102f and arbitrarily switching an input / output relationship;
Video switcher 10 which inputs and selects the output signal of
4 is provided.

The camera system further includes a CCU 102
a matrix switch 105 capable of inputting and outputting an image monitoring video signal output from a to 102f and arbitrarily switching an input / output relationship, and six image monitors 1 inputting an output signal of the matrix switch 105
06a to 106f.

[0010] The camera system further includes
a matrix switch 107 capable of inputting and outputting audio signals output from a to 102f and arbitrarily switching an input / output relationship, and an audio mixer 1 for inputting an output signal of the matrix switch 107 and performing editing.
08.

[0011] The camera system further comprises six RCP1s.
10a-110f and these RCPs 110a-110
A command network unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CNU) 111 for controlling a command transmission / reception path between the CCU 102a and the CCUs 102a to 102f.

The camera system further includes a CCU 102a
An intercom matrix switch 112 capable of arbitrarily switching an input / output relationship of intercom signals between the input and output devices and the other devices is provided.

In the camera system shown in FIG. 5, video cameras 101a to 101f and CCUs 102a to 102f
When the connection relationship with the CCUs 102 a to 102 is changed by the matrix switches 103, 105, and 107, the CNU 111, and the income matrix switch 112.
The connection relationship between 102f and each device is changed.

[0014]

As described above, in the conventional camera system, when the connection relationship between the video camera and the CCU is changed, the wiring between the CCU and the device is changed or the CCU is previously changed. It is necessary to change the connection relationship between the CCU and the device by a matrix switch provided between the device and the device.

However, when the wiring between the CCU and the equipment is changed, there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated. When a matrix switch is provided between a CCU and a device, a plurality of matrix switches are required in addition to the minimum required devices, which complicates the configuration of the camera system and occupies a small space in the camera system. There is a problem that it increases. This is particularly problematic when the available space is small, such as in systems for broadcast vans. In addition, when a plurality of matrix switches are provided, each matrix switch must be individually operated, which causes a problem that the operation is complicated.

The number of connectors provided in the CCU is as follows:
It is limited by the area of the back panel. Therefore, the number of output signals from the CCU may be insufficient for the required number of signals for the same signal. Conventionally, in such a case, a distributor for distributing the output signal of the CCU to a plurality of units has been provided to ensure a necessary number of signals.
However, in this case, a new distributor is required, which complicates the configuration of the camera system and increases the space occupied by the camera system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object the purpose of requiring no complicated work and
It is possible to cope with the change of the connection relation of the video camera without complicating the configuration of the camera system and increasing the occupied space, and to cope with an increase in the required number of signals for the same signal. A camera control device is provided.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A camera control device according to the present invention is a camera control device for controlling a video camera, to which a video camera is connected and for inputting and outputting signals to and from the video camera. A plurality of camera-side input / output terminals for performing at least one, and devices other than a video camera are connected, and a plurality of device-side input / output terminals for performing at least one of signal input and output with the device. Signal processing means for performing predetermined signal processing on a signal input from one of a camera-side input / output terminal and a device-side input / output terminal to generate a signal output from the other; Signal path forming means for arbitrarily forming a signal path for transmitting a signal via the signal processing means between the terminal and the plurality of device-side input / output terminals.

In the camera control device of the present invention, the signal path forming means transmits a signal between the plurality of camera-side input / output terminals and the plurality of device-side input / output terminals, optionally via the signal processing means. A signal path for performing the operation is formed.

[0020]

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

First, an overall configuration of a camera control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment has six camera-side input / output terminals 1 to each of which a video camera is connected and for inputting / outputting a signal to / from the video camera.
1a to 11f, connected to a device for inputting a video signal, a plurality of video signal output terminals 12 for outputting a video signal to the device, and connected to a device for inputting an audio signal. A plurality of audio signal output terminals 13 for outputting an audio signal;
Connected to a device that inputs and outputs control signals including commands,
A plurality of control signal input / output terminals 14 for inputting / outputting control signals to / from this device, an auxiliary signal input terminal 15 for inputting an audio / video signal from the outside, and a command from the outside. An auxiliary control signal input terminal 16 for inputting a control signal. Here, an audio / video signal input to the auxiliary signal input terminal 15 is converted to a serial digital interface (hereinafter, SDI).
It is written. ) Standard signals (hereinafter referred to as SDI signals). The video signal output terminal 12, the audio signal output terminal 13, and the control signal input / output terminal 14 correspond to the device-side input / output terminals in the present invention.

The camera control device 10 is further connected to each of the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f, and converts a signal between the camera control device 10 and a signal handled in the camera control device 10 into a camera interface circuit 21a. ~ 21
f, a video processing unit 22 that receives a video signal among the signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f, performs predetermined processing, and outputs the processed signal to the video signal output terminal 12; ~
An audio signal out of the signals output from the audio signal output terminal 21f is input to the audio signal output terminal 1
3 and a control signal including a command among signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f, and outputs the control signal to the control signal input / output terminal 14. The control signals input to the terminal 14 are transmitted to the camera interface circuits 21a to 21a.
1f, and a command network circuit 24 for controlling the transmission path of these control signals. The command network circuit 24 is a conventional CNU
(Command network unit).

The camera control device 10 further receives a control signal including a command among signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f, and outputs a video processing unit 22, an audio processing unit 23, and a command network circuit. SDI signal input from the auxiliary signal input terminal 15 is converted from serial to parallel by the system controller 25 for controlling the
2 and a serial-parallel conversion circuit (denoted as S / P in the figure) 26 for outputting to the audio processing section 23. The control signal input to the auxiliary control signal input terminal 16 is input to the command network circuit 24.

Video cameras 31a to 31f are connected to the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f, respectively. Further, an output signal of a video tape recorder or the like is input to the auxiliary signal input terminal 15 as necessary.

A plurality of video signal output terminals 12 are connected to a video switcher, an image monitor, a waveform monitor, and the like. Multiple audio signal output terminals 13
Is connected to, for example, an audio mixer.

6 out of the plurality of control signal input / output terminals 14
One is connected to a remote control panel (hereinafter, referred to as RCP) for remotely controlling each of the video cameras 31a to 31f. Further, one of the plurality of control signal input / output terminals 14 is connected to a master setup unit (hereinafter, referred to as MSU) 32. The MSU 32 is connected to each video camera 3
For 1a to 31f, it is used when performing more complicated control than control by RCP.

Camera control device 10 and video camera 31a
For example, a triple coaxial cable or an optical fiber is used as a signal line connecting the .about.31f, that is, a camera cable. When a triple coaxial cable is used, various signals are multiplexed and transmitted by frequency division multiplexing of analog signals. When an optical fiber is used, various signals are multiplexed and transmitted by time division multiplexing of digital signals. Camera interface circuits 21a to 21
f includes a modulation / demodulation circuit and a multiplexer / demultiplexer, which are used by the video cameras 31a to 3a.
Multiplexes and modulates various signals to be sent to 1f,
The signals sent from the video cameras 31a to 31f are demodulated and separated according to the types of the signals. When an analog signal is transmitted between the camera control device 10 and the video cameras 31a to 31f as in the case of using a triple coaxial cable, the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f further include the video camera 31a.
A digital-to-analog conversion circuit for digital-to-analog conversion of a signal transmitted to
It includes an analog-to-digital conversion circuit that performs analog-to-digital conversion on the signals sent from a to 31f.

Camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment
Has functions of a conventional six CCUs (camera control units) and a CNU (command network unit).

FIG. 1 shows the camera control device 10 shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a video processing unit 22 of FIG. The video processing unit 22 receives a video signal among the signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f, and converts the video signal into a D1 standard signal (hereinafter, referred to as a D1 signal) 41a to 41f.
And a matrix switch 42 having 7 inputs and 12 outputs. The seven input terminals of the matrix switch 42 are connected to the output terminals of the D1 encoders 41a to 41f and the output terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit 26, respectively.

The video processing unit 22 further includes output processing circuits 43-1 to 43-12 and parallel-serial conversion circuits 44-1 to 44-12 connected to the twelve output terminals of the matrix switch 42, respectively. It has. Output terminals of the output processing circuits 43-1 to 43-12 are connected to output terminals 45-1 to 45-12, respectively. The output terminals of the parallel-serial conversion circuits 44-1 to 44-12 are connected to output terminals 46-1 to 46-12, respectively.

Output terminals 45-1 to 45-12 and output terminals 46-1 to 46-12 correspond to video signal output terminal 12 in FIG. The output terminals 45-1 to 45-4
A plurality of 5-12 and output terminals 46-1 to 46-12 may be provided so that the same signal can be output a plurality of times.

The output processing circuits 43-1 to 43-6 convert the D1 signal output from the matrix switch 42 into an analog composite signal and output it to the output terminals 45-1 to 45-6. It has become.

The output processing circuits 43-7 to 43-11 convert the D1 signal output from the matrix switch 42 into an analog composite signal or an analog R signal.
(Red) signal, G (green) signal, and B (blue) signal are converted into RGB signals, and output terminals 45-7 to 45-11.
Output.

The output processing circuit 43-12, for example, converts the D1 signal output from the matrix switch 42 into an analog luminance signal (Y signal) for chroma key processing, a red difference signal (RY signal), and a blue difference signal. (BY signal) and output to the output terminal 45-12.

Parallel-serial conversion circuits 44-1 to 4-4
4-12 is D output from the matrix switch 42.
One signal is parallel-serial converted, converted to an SDI signal, and output to output terminals 46-1 to 46-12.

Under the control of the system controller 25, the matrix switch 42 can connect an arbitrary input terminal and an arbitrary output terminal to form a signal path. Further, the matrix switch 42 can connect the same input terminal to a plurality of output terminals.

In the video processing section 22 shown in FIG.
The matrix switch 42 corresponds to the signal path forming means of the present invention, and the other portions correspond to the signal processing means of the present invention.

It should be noted that the output terminals 45-1 to 45-6 and the output terminals 46- within the range indicated by reference numeral 47 in FIG.
1 to 46-6 are for main line. Output terminals 45-1 to 45-6 or output terminals 46-1 to 4-4 for the main line.
6-6 are sent to, for example, a video switcher, and an operator operates the video switcher to select a video signal to be used.

The output terminals 45-7 to 45-11 and the output terminals 46 within the range indicated by reference numeral 48 in FIG.
-7 to 46-11 are used for various purposes such as main line, image monitoring, and waveform monitoring. The output terminals 45-12 and 46-12 in the range indicated by reference numeral 49 are used for chroma key processing.

Although the detailed configuration of the audio processing unit 23 is not shown, the audio processing unit 23 is a digital audio processing unit that outputs digital audio signals among the signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f and the serial-parallel conversion circuit 26. In addition to a circuit for performing predetermined signal processing such as converting a signal into an analog audio signal, similar to the video processing unit 22, the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f and the serial-parallel conversion circuit 26, A matrix switch for arbitrarily forming a signal path with the audio signal output terminal 13 is provided.

In this embodiment, the video cameras 31a to 31a
31f respectively sets a camera number as camera identification information for identifying a video camera, and uses the information of the set camera number as a command as a command.
Has the function of sending to Based on the camera number information sent from the video cameras 31a to 31f, the system controller 25 of the camera control device 10 communicates with the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f to which the video cameras corresponding to the fixed camera numbers are connected. , Fixed terminals 12, 13, 1
4, the matrix switch 42 of the video processing unit 22, the matrix switch of the audio processing unit 23, and the command network circuit 24 are controlled so that a signal path is formed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the video cameras 31a to 31f. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a triple coaxial cable 63 is used as a camera cable for connecting the video camera 31 and the camera control device 10. Video camera 31 (31a-3
1f. 3) includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) block 51 for capturing a subject image. The CCD block 51 decomposes light from a subject into red light, green light, and blue light to form a red image, a green image, and a blue image, and a red image formed by the imaging optical system. 3 CCs that capture green, blue and blue images
D. Each of the three CCDs has R
A (red) signal, a G (green) signal, and a B (blue) signal are output.

The video camera 31 further includes a signal processing circuit 52 for subjecting the R, G, and B signals output from the CCD block 51 to signal processing such as amplification, contour emphasis, and gamma correction. The R signal, the G signal, and the B signal output from the processing circuit 52 are converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a quadrature-modulated color difference signal (RY signal, BY signal).
A matrix circuit 53 for converting the luminance signal output from the matrix circuit 53, an amplitude modulator 54 for amplitude-modulating the luminance signal output from the matrix circuit 53, and an amplitude modulator 55 for amplitude-modulating the color difference signal output from the matrix circuit 53. .

The video camera 31 further includes a microphone 56
A microphone amplifier 57 for amplifying an output signal of the microphone 56 to generate an audio signal;
And a frequency modulator 58 for frequency-modulating the audio signal output from the control signal 7.

The video camera 31 further controls a camera number setting switch 59 for setting a camera number and each section in the video camera 31, and detects the state of the camera number setting switch 59 to set the camera number. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60 that outputs camera number information as a command, a frequency modulator 61 that frequency-modulates a control signal containing a command output from the CPU 60, and a modulator 54, 55, 58, 61 Mix the output signals,
A mixer 62 for outputting to a triple coaxial cable 63 is provided.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format of a control signal including a command in the present embodiment. This format includes a destination address 71, a data length 72, a source address 73, a command 74, and a checksum 75 in order from the top. Command 74
Include a command group 76, an address 77, and data (in the figure, represented by Data (1),..., Data (N)) 78. Here, the command group 76 indicates the content of control for each model or function to be controlled. The address 77 represents a control target. FIG.
When the camera number information is transmitted by the control signal in the format shown in (1), a code indicating that the model to be controlled is a video camera is described in the command group 76, and the control target is described in the address 77. A code indicating the camera number is described, and the set camera number is described in the data 78.

Next, the overall operation of the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Signals from the video cameras 31a to 31f are transmitted to the camera interface circuits 21a to 21a of the camera control device 10.
1f, and is converted into a signal handled in the camera control device 10. Camera interface circuits 21a to 21
The video signal out of the signals output from f is input to the video processing unit 22, subjected to predetermined signal processing, and output to the video signal output terminal 12, from which the video switcher is output. , An image monitor, a waveform monitor and the like. Audio signals among the signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f are input to the audio processing unit 23, subjected to predetermined signal processing, output to the audio signal output terminal 13, and output to the audio signal output terminal 13. 13 to an apparatus such as an audio mixer. A control signal including a command among the signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f is output to a control signal input / output terminal 14 via a command network circuit 24. Video cameras 31a-3
It is sent to the RCP corresponding to 1f.

The signal input to the auxiliary signal input terminal 15 is subjected to serial-parallel conversion by a serial-parallel conversion circuit 26, of which a video signal is input to a video processing section 22 and an audio signal is converted to an audio signal. The data is input to the processing unit 23. The control signal input to the auxiliary control signal input terminal 16 is input to the command network circuit 24.

A control signal from each RCP input to the control signal input / output terminal 14 is transmitted via the command network circuit 24 to the video camera 3 corresponding to each RCP.
Camera interface circuit 2 to which 1a to 31f are connected
1a to 21f, and are sent to video cameras 31a to 31f corresponding to each RCP via the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f.

The matrix switch 42 in the video processing unit 22, the matrix switch in the audio processing unit 23, and the command network circuit 24 are controlled by the system controller 25 to control the camera-side input / output terminal 11
a to 11f, an auxiliary signal input terminal 15 and an auxiliary control signal input terminal 16, and a plurality of terminals 12, 13, 14 respectively.
A signal path is arbitrarily formed between. The correspondence between the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f, the auxiliary signal input terminal 15, the auxiliary control signal input terminal 16, and the terminals 12, 13, 14 is set, for example, by the MSU 32 connected to the control signal input / output terminal 14. Is done.

The system controller 25 also determines the camera numbers of the video cameras 31a to 31f connected to the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f, and the terminals 12, 13, and 14.
Is stored using an internal memory.
Then, when the connection relationship between the video camera and the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f is changed, the system controller 25 performs before and after the connection relationship change based on the camera number information sent from the video camera. Regardless, the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f to which a video camera corresponding to a certain camera number is connected, and a certain terminal 1
The matrix switch 42 of the video processing unit 22, the matrix switch of the audio processing unit 23, and the command network circuit 24 are controlled so that a signal path is formed between the switch 2, 13, and 14.

Next, referring to FIG.
The operation of the video processing unit 22 within 0 will be described. The video signal of the signals output from the camera interface circuits 21a to 21f is
The signals are input to one of the encoders 41a to 41f, converted into D1 signals, and input to six of the seven input terminals of the matrix switch 42. The signal input to the auxiliary signal input terminal 15 is subjected to serial-parallel conversion by the serial-parallel conversion circuit 26, and the video signal is converted into the remaining one of the seven input terminals of the matrix switch 42. Entered at the end.

The matrix switch 42 arbitrarily forms a signal path between seven input terminals and twelve output terminals under the control of the system controller 25. The correspondence between the input terminal and the output terminal of the matrix switch 42 is as follows.
For example, the MSU3 connected to the control signal input / output terminal 14
2 is set.

In a general usage, a signal path in the matrix switch 42 is formed as follows. That is, first, six input terminals to which each of the D1 encoders 41a to 41f are connected, and the output processing circuits 43-1 to 43-1 for the main line.
A signal path is formed by associating the six output terminals 43-6 connected with each other one-to-one with an arbitrary combination. Thereby, each video camera 31a is output from the main line output terminals 45-1 to 45-6 and the output terminals 46-1 to 46-6.
To 31f can be output.

The multipurpose output processing circuits 43-7 to 43-7
The five output terminals of the matrix switch 42 to which 43-11 are connected are connected to the D1 encoders 41a to 41-11 as appropriate according to the use of the output terminals 45-7 to 45-11 and the output terminals 46-7 to 46-11. A signal path is formed corresponding to the six input terminals of the matrix switch 42 to which 41f is connected. As a result, any of the output terminals 45-7 to 45
-11 and output terminals 46-7 to 46-11 output video signals that can be used for various purposes such as main line, image monitoring, waveform monitoring, etc., corresponding to any of the video cameras 31a to 31f. be able to.

An output processing circuit 4 for chroma key processing
A signal path corresponding to one input terminal of the matrix switch 42 to which a video signal corresponding to a video camera used for chroma key processing is input corresponds to one output terminal of the matrix switch 42 to which 3-12 is connected. To form Thereby, the output terminal 45-1 for chroma key processing is provided.
2 and an output terminal 46-12 can output a video signal corresponding to a video camera used for chroma key processing.

When the connection relationship between the video camera and the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f is changed, the system controller 25 changes the connection relationship based on the camera number information sent from the video camera. Irrespective of before and after, camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f to which video cameras corresponding to a certain camera number are connected, and certain terminals 45-1 to 45-12, 46-1 to 46-12.
The matrix switch 42 is controlled so that a signal path is formed between the two.

For example, in the initial setting, the video camera 31a
The camera numbers of “1” to “6” are “1” to “6”, and the camera-side input / output terminal 11 to which the video cameras 31a to 31f are connected.
a to 11f and terminals 45-1 to 45-6, 46-1 to 46
It is assumed that a signal path is formed between the signal path and -6. Then, the video camera 31a and the video camera 31b
, The video camera 31a is connected to the camera-side input / output terminal 11b, and the video camera 31b is connected to the camera-side input / output terminal 11a. Then, based on the camera number information sent from the video cameras 31a and 31b, the system controller 25 connects the video camera 31a with the camera number "1" to the camera-side input / output terminal 11b and sets the camera number "2". Is connected to the camera-side input / output terminal 11a. And
The system controller 25 is connected to the camera-side input / output terminal 11b to which the video camera 31a having the camera number “1” is connected.
And a terminal 45-1 and a terminal 45-1. A signal path is formed between the terminals 45-1 and 46-1, and a camera-side input / output terminal 11a to which a video camera 31b of camera number "2" is connected, and terminals 45-2 and 46-2.
The corresponding relationship between the input terminal and the output terminal of the matrix switch is switched so that a signal path is formed between the input terminal and the output terminal.
Thus, the video signal corresponding to the video camera 31a is transmitted to the same terminal 45 regardless of before and after the connection relationship is changed.
Video signals output from -1 and 46-1 and corresponding to the video camera 31b are output from the same terminals 45-2 and 46-2.

The same signal path switching is also performed by the matrix switch and command network circuit 24 of the audio processing unit 23.

As described above, the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment has the functions of the CCU and the CNU of a plurality of conventional devices, and also includes the matrix switch 42 of the video processing unit 22 and the audio system. Matrix switch and command network circuit 24 of processing unit 23
Arbitrarily between the plurality of camera-side input / output terminals 21a to 21f and the plurality of device-side terminals 12, 13, 14;
A signal path for a video signal, an audio signal, and a control signal can be formed.

Therefore, according to the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the connection relation of the video camera is changed, the wiring between the CCU and the device is changed, It is not necessary to provide a matrix switch between the camera and the device, and the connection relationship between the video cameras can be changed without complicated work and without complicating the configuration of the camera system or increasing the occupied space. Can be easily handled.

Further, according to the camera control device 10 of the present embodiment, the matrix switch 42 of the video processing unit 22, the matrix switch of the audio processing unit 23, and the command network circuit 24 are controlled by the system controller 25. Since control can be performed simultaneously, it is not necessary to individually operate a plurality of matrix switches as in the related art.

Further, according to the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment, the signals corresponding to the same video camera are transmitted by setting the matrix switch 42 of the video processing unit 22 and the matrix switch of the audio processing unit 23. It is possible to output from the terminals 12 and 13 on a plurality of devices. Therefore, according to the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment, the conventional distributor becomes unnecessary,
It is possible to cope with an increase in the required number of signals for the same signal without complicating the configuration of the camera system or increasing the occupied space.

Further, according to the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the connection relationship between the video camera and the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f is changed by the system controller 25, it is sent from the video camera. Based on the information of the camera numbers that come in, before and after the change of the connection relationship, the camera-side input / output terminals 11a to 11f to which the video cameras corresponding to the fixed camera numbers are connected,
The matrix switch 42 of the video processing unit 22, the matrix switch of the audio processing unit 23, and the command network circuit 24 are controlled so that a signal path is formed between the fixed terminals 12, 13, and 14. This eliminates the need for complicated operations and operations associated with changing the connection relationship between the video cameras. Therefore, it is possible to operate the camera without worrying about the change of the camera cable connected to the video camera, and the mobility is improved.

Further, according to the camera control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, by controlling the matrix switch 42 of the video processing section 22, video signals corresponding to a plurality of video cameras can be transmitted from a fixed device side terminal. Signals can be switched and output, thereby enabling a single monitor to monitor video signals corresponding to a plurality of video cameras. Conventionally, when monitoring video signals corresponding to a plurality of video cameras by one monitor, a plurality of video signals are input to the outside of the CCU, and any one of the video signals is selectively output to the monitor. It was necessary to prepare a video selector,
According to the present embodiment, the video selector becomes unnecessary.

Conventionally, an output terminal for monitoring a video signal is required for each CCU. However, according to the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment, the output terminal for monitoring a video signal is Since the number of video cameras that can be connected to the camera control device 10 (six in the embodiment) can be reduced, the number of terminals (connectors) of the entire camera system can be reduced, and the space efficiency can be improved.
Downsizing as a camera system becomes possible.

Conventionally, an output terminal for chroma key processing was required for each CCU. However, according to the camera control device 10 of the present embodiment, the function of CCUs for a plurality of CCUs is provided. Since only one output terminal for chroma key processing is required, the number of terminals (connectors) of the camera system as a whole can be reduced, space efficiency is improved, and downsizing as the camera system is possible.

In the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of camera control devices 10 can be connected in cascade (cascade). When a plurality of camera control devices 10 are cascaded, a plurality of output terminals 46-1 to 46-46 in the preceding camera control device 10 are used.
An arbitrary output terminal of -12 is connected to the auxiliary signal input terminal 15 of the camera control device 10 at the subsequent stage. This makes it possible to selectively output video signals corresponding to seven or more video cameras from an arbitrary output terminal of the camera control device 10 at the subsequent stage. For example, when two camera control devices 10 are connected in cascade, a maximum of 6 camera control devices 10 connected to the previous camera control device 10 are connected.
A video signal corresponding to a total of twelve video cameras, that is, six video cameras and six video cameras connected to the rear camera control device 10, is selectively output from an arbitrary output terminal of the rear camera control device 10. It is possible to do.

In the video processing unit 22 of the camera control device 10 according to the present embodiment, the output processing circuit 43-1 is used.
In ４３43-12, a plurality of different types of signal processing are performed in accordance with the signal path, so that the signal processing can be switched at the same time as the signal path is switched.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and for example, a plurality of matrix switches may be provided. Thus, by providing a plurality of stages of matrix switches and providing a plurality of types of signal processing circuits between each output terminal of the preceding stage matrix switch and each input terminal of the following stage matrix switch, the camera side in the camera control device can be provided. Various processing such as changing only the content of signal processing can be performed without changing the correspondence between the input / output terminal and the device-side input / output terminal.

Further, the camera controller 10 may be provided with an operation unit connected to the system controller 25 for setting a signal path.

Further, a signal path for an intercom signal and a tally signal is provided in the camera controller 10, and a matrix switch similar to the matrix switch for video and audio signals is provided in the middle of these signal paths. It may be provided.

[0073]

As described above, claims 1 to 3 are described.
According to the camera control device described in any one of the above, the signal path forming unit may arbitrarily transmit a signal between the plurality of camera-side input / output terminals and the plurality of device-side input / output terminals via the signal processing unit. Signal path for transmitting video signals, so that complicated operations are not required, the configuration of the camera system is not complicated, and the occupied space is not increased. It is possible to cope with the change and to cope with an increase in the required number of signals for the same signal.

Further, according to the camera control device of the second aspect, based on the camera identification information for identifying the video camera sent from the connected video camera,
Control for controlling a signal path forming means so that a signal path is formed between a camera-side input / output terminal to which a video camera corresponding to a certain camera identification information is connected and a certain device-side input / output terminal. With the provision of the means, it is further advantageous in that complicated operations and operations for changing the connection relation of the video cameras become unnecessary.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a video processing unit in a camera control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a video camera connected to the camera control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format of a control signal including a command used in the camera control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a conventional camera system.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera control apparatus, 11a-11f ... Camera side input / output terminal, 12 ... Video signal output terminal, 13 ... Audio signal output terminal, 14 ... Control signal input / output terminal, 21a-21
f: Camera interface circuit, 22: Video processing unit, 23: Audio processing unit, 24: Command network circuit, 25: System controller, 31a-3
1f: video camera, 42: matrix switch, 43
-1 to 43-12: Output processing circuit, 45-1 to 45-1
2, 46-1 to 46-12 ... output terminals.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A camera control device for controlling a video camera, comprising: a plurality of camera-side inputs / outputs connected to the video camera for performing at least one of signal input and output with the video camera. And a plurality of device-side input / output terminals to which devices other than the video camera are connected, and at least one of signal input and output with the device, the camera-side input / output terminal and the device side Signal processing means for performing predetermined signal processing on a signal input from one of the input / output terminals to generate a signal output from the other; a plurality of camera-side input / output terminals and a plurality of device-side input / output terminals And a signal path forming means for forming a signal path for transmitting a signal via the signal processing means. 2. A camera-side input / output to which a video camera corresponding to a certain camera identification information is connected, based on camera identification information for identifying the video camera sent from the connected video camera. 2. The camera control device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the signal path forming means so that a signal path is formed between the end and a fixed device-side input / output end. . 3. The camera control device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit performs a plurality of different types of signal processing according to a signal path.