JPS60259069A - Video camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow one set of monitor to supervise plural video images at the same time by synchronizing plural video cameras with horizontal and vertical pulses having different timings to synthesize the video signal of each video camera. CONSTITUTION:A horizontal scanning signal generating circuit 24 generates a horizontal scanning signal having twice amplitude of a conventional one to scan an image pickup plane of an image pickup element 4. A signal from the image pickup element 4 is amplified by a video amplifier circuit 11, becomes the video signal and the result is fed to a blanking signal inserting circuit 12. Then a horizontal blanking signal generated from a horizontal blanking signal generating circuit 26 applies horizontal blanking of 1/2H plus blanking period. Similarly, a vertical scanning signal having an amplitude twice that of a conventional circuit is fed to the image pickup element 4 from a vertical scanning signal generating circuit 25. Thus, the conventional picture is reduced to 1/2 for both the horizontal and vertical directions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a video camera system that uses an image sensor to obtain a composite video signal, and particularly to signal processing thereof.

[Prior art]

Conventionally, the first video camera system of this type was
There was something shown in the figure. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional video camera system. In the figure,
1 is 31.5 KHz oscillation circuit, 2 is 15.75 KH
2 frequency divider circuit to obtain horizontal pulse of z, 3 is 60H
525 frequency dividing circuit for obtaining a vertical pulse of z; 4 is an image sensor; 5 is a horizontal scanning signal generation circuit that generates a horizontal scanning signal for horizontally scanning the image sensor 4; 6 is a vertical scanning circuit for vertically scanning the image sensor 4. a vertical scanning signal generation circuit that generates a signal;
7 is a horizontal blanking signal generation circuit that generates a horizontal blanking signal for erasing a part of the video signal generated by horizontally scanning the image sensor 4; 8 is the image sensor 4;
9 is a horizontal synchronization signal generation circuit that generates a horizontal synchronization signal, and lO is a vertical synchronization signal. 11 is a video amplification circuit that amplifies the signal generated by scanning the image sensor 4; 12 is a blanking circuit that inserts a horizontal blanking signal and a vertical blanking signal into one video signal. A signal insertion circuit 13 is a synchronization signal insertion circuit for inserting a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal into a video signal subjected to horizontal blanking and vertical blanking, and reference numeral 14 is a monitor for image reproduction.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the effective imaging range and the signal relationship of each part in the video camera system of FIG. 1, respectively. In the figure, 15 is an effective imaging range of the image sensor 4 scanned by one frame scan, and 16 is an effective imaging range 15.
17 is a video signal generated by horizontal scanning, 18 is a horizontal blanking signal for erasing a part of the video signal 17, 19 is a horizontal synchronization signal, and 20 is an effective imaging signal. A vertical scanning signal for vertically scanning the range 15, 21 a video signal generated by vertically scanning the imaging surface of the image sensor 4, 22 a vertical blanking signal for erasing a part of this video signal 21,
23 is a vertical synchronization signal.

The conventional video camera system is configured as described above, in which a 31.5 KHz oscillation circuit 1 generates a 31.5 KH2 signal, and this signal is divided into 15.
A horizontal pulse of 75 KHz is used to synchronize horizontal signal generation. Also, 31.5KHz is 5
A 60 Hz vertical pulse is generated by the 25 frequency divider circuit 3, thereby synchronizing the vertical signal generation. Now, the operation of the circuit regarding the horizontal direction will be described when the horizontal direction portion of the effective imaging range 15 on the imaging surface of the image sensor 4 is defined as H2 and the vertical direction portion is V.

When the amplitude of the current required to horizontally scan the effective imaging range 15 is IH, the horizontal scanning signal generation circuit 5
A horizontal scanning signal 16 having an amplitude of is generated, and a signal generated by horizontally scanning the imaging surface of the imaging element 4 with this horizontal scanning signal 16 is amplified by the video amplification circuit 11 to obtain a video signal 17. In order to erase (make the black level) the portion of the horizontal scanning signal 16 corresponding to the return time tRH in the video signal 17, the horizontal blanking signal 18 is generated by the horizontal blanking signal generating circuit 7, and the blanking signal 18 is generated by the horizontal blanking signal generating circuit 7. The insertion circuit 12 adds horizontal blanking to the video signal 17. A horizontal synchronizing signal 19 generated by a horizontal synchronizing signal generating circuit 9 is inserted by a synchronizing signal insertion circuit 13 into this horizontally blanked video signal.

Next, the operation of the vertical circuit will be explained. The amplitude of the current required to vertically scan the effective imaging range 15 is I
y, the vertical scanning signal generating circuit 6 generates a vertical scanning signal 20 with an amplitude of v, and this vertical scanning signal 2
A video signal 21 is obtained by amplifying a signal generated by vertically scanning the imaging surface of the image sensor 4 using the video amplifying circuit 11. In order to erase the blanking period trtv of the vertical scanning signal 20 in the video signal 21 (set it as a black level), a vertical blanking signal 22 is generated in the vertical blanking signal generation circuit 8, and the blanking Vertical blanking is applied to the video signal 21 by the signal insertion circuit 12. A vertical synchronizing signal 23 generated by a vertical synchronizing signal generating circuit 10 is inserted by a synchronizing signal inserting circuit 13 into this vertically blanked video signal.

As mentioned above, horizontal blanking, vertical blanking, and horizontal synchronization are applied to the video signal generated by horizontally scanning and vertically scanning the imaging surface of the image sensor 4.

A composite video signal is obtained by inserting each vertical synchronization signal. This composite video signal is reproduced as an image by the image reproduction monitor 14, and the captured image of the video camera is monitored. However, the conventional video camera system as described above has a drawback in that when images taken by a plurality of video cameras are to be monitored simultaneously, the same number of image playback monitors 14 as there are video cameras are required. .

[Summary of the invention]

The present invention was made to improve the drawbacks of the conventional ones as described above, and includes a horizontal scanning signal generation circuit and a vertical scanning signal generation circuit that respectively generate horizontal scanning signals and vertical scanning signals with large slopes. By operating multiple video cameras in synchronization with horizontal and vertical pulses with mutually different timings, and combining the video signals of each video camera, it is possible to display a single image on a single image playback monitor. To provide a video camera system that allows images from multiple video cameras to be monitored simultaneously.

[Embodiments of the invention]

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a video camera in a video camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the same parts as in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.
A detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the figure, an image sensor 4. The video amplification circuit 11 and the blanking signal insertion circuit 12 are the same as those in the conventional example shown in FIG. 1 above. 24 is a horizontal scanning signal generation circuit that generates a horizontal scanning signal with twice the current amplitude; 25 is a vertical scanning signal generating circuit that generates a vertical scanning signal with twice the current amplitude; 26 is a conventional one. A horizontal blanking signal generating circuit 27 generates a horizontal blanking signal wider than that of the conventional example, and a vertical blanking signal generating circuit 27 generates a vertical blanking signal wider than that of the conventional example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the effective imaging range of the video camera of FIG. 3 and the signal relationship of each part of the video camera. In the figure, 15 is an effective imaging range on the imaging surface of the image sensor 4, 28 is a horizontal scanning signal with the current amplitude doubled, 29 is a video signal generated by horizontally scanning the imaging surface with the horizontal scanning signal 28, 30 is a horizontal blanking signal for erasing video signals other than those obtained from the effective imaging range 15 within the video signal 29; 31 is a vertical scanning signal with the current amplitude doubled; 32 is a vertical scanning signal; signal 3
1 is a video signal generated by vertically scanning the imaging surface, and 33 is a vertical blanking signal for erasing video signals other than the video signal obtained from the effective imaging range 15 in the video signal 32.

Now, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 above, the horizontal scanning signal generation circuit 24 generates a horizontal scanning signal 28 whose amplitude is twice that of the conventional example, and this horizontal scanning signal 28 is used to capture an image of the image sensor 4. When the surface is scanned, the camera '13Ij element 4
A video signal 29 is obtained by amplifying this signal by the video amplification circuit 11. However, since the amplitude of the current required to scan the horizontal scanning portion H of the effective imaging range 15 is In, in order to erase a part of the video signal other than the amplitude period t1 (20 periods), "BH2
A horizontal blanking signal 30 having a blanking period of 1 is generated by a horizontal blanking signal generating circuit 26, and a blanking signal inserting circuit 12 adds horizontal blanking to the video signal 29. At this time, the horizontal scanning signal generating circuit 24 and the horizontal blanking signal generating circuit 26 synchronize the generated signals with a horizontal pulse of 15.75 KHz inputted from the outside.

Further, when the vertical scanning signal generation circuit 25 generates a vertical scanning signal 31 whose amplitude is twice that of the conventional example, and when the imaging surface of the imaging Yonago 4 is scanned with this vertical scanning signal 31, the signal from the imaging element 4 is generated. This signal is transmitted to the video amplification circuit 1.
1, a video signal 32 is obtained. However, since the amplitude of the current required to scan the vertical scanning portion V of the effective imaging range 15 is Iy, the amplitude period tV
In order to erase a part of the video signal other than period 2, t
A vertical blanking signal 33 having a blanking period of Bv2 is generated by a vertical blanking signal generation circuit 27, and a blanking signal insertion circuit 12 applies vertical blanking to the video signal 32. At this time, the vertical scanning signal generating circuit 25. The vertical blanking signal generating circuit 27 synchronizes the generated signal with a 60 Hz vertical pulse input from the outside. The video signal obtained by the above-described operation is compressed to 1/2 of that of the conventional example on the time axis both horizontally and vertically. This is an image obtained by reducing the image of the conventional example by a reduction ratio of 172 both horizontally and vertically.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the video camera system of FIG. 3 when four video cameras are provided. In the figure, 31,5 KE(z
Oscillator circuit, divide-by-2 circuit 2,525 division circuit 3. Synchronous signal insertion circuit 13. The image reproduction monitor 14 is the same as that of the conventional example described above. 34 is a delay circuit (A) that delays the 15.75 KHz horizontal pulse output from the 2 frequency divider circuit 2, and 35 is a 6 output from the 525 frequency divider circuit 3.
Delay circuit (B) for delaying 0 Hz vertical pulse, 3
6 to 39 each of the four video cameras (1) to video camera (4), 40 each of the video cameras (1,) 36 to
Piteo camera (4) 4 output from 39 respectively
, a video signal synthesis circuit that synthesizes two video signals into one, 4
1 is a horizontal synchronizing signal generating circuit, and 42 is a vertical synchronizing signal generating circuit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the video signal and synchronization signal of each video camera in the video camera system of FIG. 5, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing screen allocation. 6th
In the figure, 43 to 47 correspond to the horizontal scans A and B in FIG. 7, and 43 is the video camera (1) 36.
horizontal video signal, 44 is a video camera (2)
37 is a horizontal video signal, 45 is a video camera (
3) 38 horizontal video signal, 46 is a video camera (4) 39 horizontal video signal, 47 is a composite video signal obtained by combining four video signals and inserting a horizontal synchronization signal, 48 to 52 are: This corresponds to vertical scanning C in FIG. 7, where 48 is a vertical video signal of video camera (1) 36, 49 is a vertical video signal of video camera (2) 37, and 50 is a video signal of video camera (2) 37. 3138
video signal in the vertical direction, 51 is a video camera (4)
A vertical video signal 39 and a composite video signal 52 are obtained by combining these four video signals and inserting a vertical synchronization signal.

In the setup as shown in FIG. 5, the control signals for the four video cameras (1) 36 to (4) 390 are 31. s KHz divided by 2 15.75
The Kl-1z signal PH, the horizontal pulse PHD% which is delayed by tSH/2 (ISH't water drop scanning period) by the delay circuit (A) 34, and the vertical pulse of 60H2 obtained by dividing the frequency of 31.5 KHz by 525. Pulse Pv and its delay circuit (
B) tsv/2 by 35 (tsv is vertical set meal period)
A delayed vertical pulse PI/D is generated. video·
Each circuit of the camera (1) 36 is set to PH, and the video camera (
2) 37 circuits to PHD, video camera (3) 3
By synchronizing each circuit of 8 to PH and each circuit of video camera (4) 39 to PHD to generate a signal, the signals are generated from each of the above-mentioned video cameras (1) 36 to video camera (4) 39. Each horizontal video signal 4 to be output
3 to 46 are synthesized by a video signal synthesis circuit 40, and a horizontal synchronization signal generated by a horizontal synchronization signal generation circuit 41 is inserted into the synthesized video signal by a synchronization signal insertion circuit 13 to generate a composite video signal 47. obtain. Also, a video camera (1
) 36 circuits to PV, video camera (2) 37 circuits to Pv, video camera (3) 38 circuits to PyD, video camera (4) 39 circuits to pvo
By generating signals in synchronization with each of the video cameras (1) 36 to (4),
Each vertical video signal 48 to 51 output from 39
are synthesized by a video signal synthesis circuit 40, and a vertical synchronization signal generated by a vertical synchronization signal generation circuit 42 is inserted into the synthesized video signal by a synchronization signal insertion circuit 13 to obtain a composite video signal 52. When each of the composite video signals 47.52 obtained in the above manner is reproduced as an image on the image reproduction monitor 14, as shown in FIG. Image 36 is shown with the video camera (2) in the upper right corner. Image 37 is shown with the video camera (2) in the lower left corner.
An image taken by the camera (3) 38 and an image taken by the video camera (4) 39 are displayed at the lower right.

In addition, in the above embodiment, each video camera (1) 36 to
Although the screen allocation for displaying images shot by the video camera (4) 39 is fixed, if the amplitude of the horizontal and vertical scanning signals can be made variable, it is possible to It is also possible to enlarge the image taken by the camera.

In addition, in the above embodiment, four video cameras (1) 3
6 - Video Camera (4) Although we have described the case where 39 is used in one operation, it is of course possible to use it with two or more video cameras, as well as the slope of the horizontal scanning signal and vertical scanning signal and each delay circuit (A). 34. (B) By changing the 350 circuit constants and delay time settings, it can be used satisfactorily even with five or more video cameras.

Further, in the above embodiment, the horizontal scanning signal generating circuit 24, the vertical scanning signal generating circuit 25 . Horizontal blanking signal generation circuit 26. Although the case where the vertical blanking signal generation circuit 27 and the blanking signal insertion circuit 12 are provided inside the video camera has been described, it is also possible to provide each of these outside the video camera, and each delay circuit ( A):34 and (B) 35. It is also possible to provide the video signal synthesis circuit 40 and the synchronization signal insertion circuit 13 inside the video camera.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention provides a video camera system that includes a horizontal scanning signal generation circuit and a vertical scanning signal generation circuit that respectively generate horizontal scanning signals and vertical scanning signals with large inclinations, is configured to operate in synchronization with horizontal pulses and vertical pulses that have mutually different timings, and to synthesize the video signals from each video camera, so when playing back an image, multiple videos can be displayed on the screen. - Camera images can be displayed at the same time, which has the excellent effect of allowing images from multiple video cameras to be monitored simultaneously and easily on one image playback monitor.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a conventional video camera system, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the effective imaging range and signal relationships of each part in the video camera system shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing this system. FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing a video camera in a video camera system that is an embodiment of the invention, and shows the effective imaging range of the video camera in FIG. 3 and the signal relationship of each part of the video camera, respectively. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the video camera system shown in FIG. 3 when four video cameras are provided, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the video camera system shown in FIG. 5. , a diagram showing the relationship between the video signal and synchronization signal of each video camera, FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the allocation of a screen divided into four parts in a camera system. In the figure, 1...31.5 KHz oscillation circuit, 2...
...2 frequency divider circuit, 3...525 frequency divider circuit, 4...imaging element, 5゜24...horizontal synchronization signal generation circuit, 6.2
5...Vertical scanning signal generation circuit, 7.26...Horizontal blanking signal generation circuit, 8.27...Vertical blanking signal generation circuit, 9.41...Horizontal synchronization signal generation circuit, 10° 42... Vertical synchronization signal generation circuit, 11...
-Video amplification circuit, 12...Blanking signal insertion circuit, 13...Synchronization signal insertion circuit, 14...Image playback monitor, 34...Delay circuit (A), 35...Delay circuit ( B), 36 to 39... Video camera (1) to video camera (4), 40... Video signal synthesis circuit. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent parts. Agent Masuo Oiwa Figure 2 (1) ≠ H-→ 0 1-□□IH Funeral 2 (■) Figure - “j-v Figure 4 (1) Figure 4 (■) Figure 6 Figure 7 Procedure Written amendment (voluntary) 1. Indication of the case Japanese Patent Application No. 59-117207 2, Title of the invention Video camera system 3, Representative of the person making the amendment Katayama, Jin Hachi Part 4, Agent 5, Subject of the amendment The “Detailed Description of the Invention” column of the specification. 6 Contents of amendment (1) “Synchronization signal insertion circuit 1” on page 8, line 1 of the specification
3" is corrected to "by the synchronization signal insertion circuit 13." (2) “Video” in the fourth line of page 9 of the same book is “photographed image”
and correct it. (3) "Oscillation circuit" on page 12, line 20 of the same book is corrected to "generator circuit 1." (4) "Each circuit" in the 1st line, 1st-2nd line, 2nd line, and 3rd line of the same book, page 15 is corrected to ``each horizontally-related circuit''. (5) Same book, page 15, lines 11, 12, and 13
In the 1st and 14th lines, "each circuit" is corrected to "each vertical circuit". Page (6) "Synchronization was obtained" in lines 17 to 19 of the same book is corrected to "synchronized."

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) Horizontal ffi! is set so that the time for horizontal and vertical scanning of the effective imaging range on the imaging surface of the image sensor corresponds to the image reduction ratio! A horizontal scanning signal generation circuit and a vertical scanning signal generation circuit that generate signals and vertical scanning signals in synchronization with externally inputted horizontal pulses and vertical pulses, and horizontally scanning and vertically scanning an imaging surface of the imaging device. A horizontal blanking signal generation circuit and a vertical blanking signal that generate a horizontal blanking signal and a vertical blanking signal for erasing a part of the video signal generated by the horizontal blanking signal in synchronization with the horizontal pulse and vertical pulse inputted from the outside. a plurality of video cameras each including a generation circuit and a blanking signal insertion circuit for erasing a part of the video signal using the horizontal blanking signal and the vertical blanking signal; a video signal synthesis circuit that synthesizes the video signals output from each of the video cameras to obtain a composite video signal; and a horizontal synchronization signal generation circuit that generates a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal. A video camera system comprising: a vertical synchronization signal generation circuit; and a synchronization signal insertion circuit for inserting the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal into the composite video signal. (2) The video camera according to claim 1, wherein one or both of the horizontal scanning signal generation circuit and the vertical scanning signal generation circuit are provided outside the video camera. ·system. (3) At least one of the horizontal blanking signal generation circuit, the vertical blanking signal generation circuit, and the blanking signal insertion circuit is provided outside the video camera. The video camera system according to item 1 or 2. (4) Each delay circuit that delays the horizontal pulse and the vertical pulse, respectively, and the video signal synthesis circuit. the horizontal synchronization signal generation circuit and the vertical synchronization signal generation circuit;
Claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the synchronization signal insertion circuits is provided inside any one of the plurality of video cameras, and the generated signal from each of the circuits is shared. or the video camera described in paragraph 3.
system. (5) The video camera according to claim 1, wherein in each of the video cameras, the time for horizontal scanning and the time for vertical scanning of the effective imaging range are respectively variable. system.