JPH0541816A - TV camera device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] A frame switcher, split screen, split screen, and parent-child screen can be formed simply by connecting multiple cameras in cascade. [Structure] A plurality of subordinately connected cameras 1a to 1b are operated in synchronization with an external synchronization signal, and a video signal input by the own camera and a video signal input as an external synchronization signal can be switched and output by a signal switcher 9. To

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a television camera device having a frame switcher function and a screen division function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a conventional television camera apparatus. In the figure, 1a to 1d are color cameras (hereinafter referred to as cameras), 30a to 30d are coaxial cables for transmitting video signals, and 31 is a cable. Image processing units, 32a to 32d are video signal processing circuits, and have the same internal configuration. Video signal processing circuit 32a-
In 32d, 33 is a luminance / color signal (hereinafter referred to as Y / C) separation circuit that separates a color signal and a luminance signal, and 34 is the demodulation of the separated color signals into RY and BY color difference signals. Color-difference signal demodulation circuits 35, 36, and 37 are analog / digital (hereinafter referred to as A / D) that convert the luminance signal Y and the color-difference signals RY and BY, respectively, into digital signals.
A converter 38 is a sync separation circuit for separating the composite sync signal, the vertical sync signal, and the color burst signal from the video signals from the cameras 1a to 1d.

Reference numeral 39 is a write clock generating circuit, and 40, 41 and 42 are image memories for recording the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals RY and BY by the clocks generated by the write clock generating circuit 39, respectively. Is. Four
Reference numeral 3 is a read clock generation circuit, 44 is a memory control circuit, and 46, 47 and 48 are video signal processing circuits 32a to 32a.
The luminance signal Y and the color difference signal RY, which are supplied from 2d,
A digital / analog (hereinafter referred to as D / A) converter that converts BY from an analog signal, and 49 is a luminance signal Y
A modulation circuit for modulating the color difference signals RY and BY into a composite video signal, and 20 is a video signal output terminal.

Next, the operation will be described. Camera 1a ~
1d supplies the composite video signal to the image processing unit 31 through the coaxial cables 30a to 30d, respectively. The composite video signal sent from each of the cameras 1a to 1d is separated into a color signal and a luminance signal by the Y / C separation circuit in the video signal processing circuits 32a to 32d, and further converted into a luminance signal Y by the color difference signal demodulation circuit 34. Color difference signals RY, B
Demodulated to -Y color difference signal. The luminance signal Y is the A / D converter 35, and the color difference signal RY is the A / D converter 36.
Then, the color difference signals BY are respectively converted into digital video signals by the A / D converter 37. The composite video signal is also supplied to the sync separation circuit 38 and separated into a composite sync signal, a vertical sync signal, a color burst signal, etc., and a write clock creation circuit 39 creates a write clock synchronized with the composite video signal. The digital video signal is recorded in the image memories 40, 41 and 42 by the clock signal.

On the other hand, the read clock creating circuit 43 creates a stable read clock by crystal oscillation or the like,
The memory control circuit 44 creates various clock signals for memory control, and the image memory 4 is generated in accordance with the clock signals.
The digital video signals recorded in 0, 41, 42 are read out. The digital video signal thus read is D /
The analog luminance signal Y and the color difference signals RY and BY are converted by the A converters 46, 47 and 48, and further modulated into a composite video signal by the modulation circuit 49, and then output from the video signal output terminal 20. It

In this case, the image memory 4 is simply
When the reading of the digital video signals recorded in 0, 41, 42 is switched in frame units and sent to the D / A converters 46, 47, 48, it operates as a frame switcher. That is, when the digital video signals recorded in the image memories 40, 41, 42 are read every other horizontal and vertical directions, as shown in FIG.
If the time axis is compressed and switched, the image p of 4 screens,
q, r, s are obtained.

[0007]

Since the conventional television camera device is constructed as described above, when one wants a frame switcher function or an image of four screen divisions, three cameras are provided on the controller side for each camera. A / D converter 3
5 to 37, D / A converters 46 to 48, and an image memory for separately storing the demodulated Y signal, BY signal, and RY signal are required, and a demodulation circuit and a modulation circuit for a color signal are also required. However, there is a problem that the circuit becomes complicated and expensive.

The invention of claim 1 has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. By connecting a plurality of cameras in cascade, a frame switcher function and a split composite image can be formed by an inexpensive and simple circuit. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a television camera device capable of obtaining.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a television camera device capable of forming an image by dividing into a plurality of screens such as four screens with an inexpensive and simple circuit.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a television camera device capable of switching between parent and child screens for output by compressing a video signal.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a television camera device, which includes a signal processing circuit for converting the output of a charge-coupled device into a composite video signal based on a signal according to the presence or absence of an external synchronizing signal, The composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal and the output of the signal processing circuit are switched at a specified switching cycle in the vertical blanking interval,
Alternatively, a plurality of cameras each having a signal switcher for switching to split screen display and having the external synchronization signal detection circuit, the signal generator, the signal processing circuit, and the signal switcher, and a composite video signal from the signal switcher It is connected in cascade so as to be input to the external synchronization signal of the next stage.

Further, in the television camera device according to the invention of claim 2, a memory control for controlling the number of screen divisions output by the image memory for storing the output of the charge-coupled device and the camera position corresponding to each divided screen. A circuit is provided to allow the signal switcher to select the output after the control of the image memory in the compressed video signal section, and to select the composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal in the other sections. It is designed to be output.

Further, in the television camera device according to the invention of claim 3, an image memory for storing the output of the charge-coupled device and an image signal so as to be within the setting area of the screen according to the setting instruction of the parent-child screen from the outside. And a memory control circuit for controlling compression and decompression of the
In the video signal section of the screen when the area is set, the output after the control of the image memory is selected, and in the other sections, the composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal is selected.

[0014]

According to the signal processing device of the invention of claim 1,
By creating a video signal that is synchronized with the composite video signal that is input as an external sync signal, and switching between the video signal from the outside and the video signal created by your camera with the signal switcher and outputting it, multiple cameras can be output. Just make a subordinate connection,
Enables frame switcher operation. Also, a split composite image is obtained by a split screen setting instruction to the signal switching device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the memory control circuit compresses the video signal of its own camera in the vertical and horizontal directions according to the screen division setting instruction, and the compressed video signal and the video signal input as the external synchronizing signal. And are switched at a predetermined interval by a signal switcher, and a plurality of cameras are connected in cascade to obtain an image divided into a plurality of screens.

Further, the memory control circuit according to the invention of claim 3 compresses the video signal from the self camera according to the parent-child screen setting instruction, and the compressed video signal from the self camera and the video signal from the external synchronization input are within one frame. A parent-child screen is formed by switching at predetermined intervals.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, each of 1a to 1d is one camera, and their internal configurations are the same. 2a-2d
Is an external sync signal input terminal, 3 is an external sync signal detection circuit that outputs an “H” signal if there is an external sync signal, and outputs an “L” signal if there is no external sync signal, and 4 is a composite sync signal or color from the external sync signal A sync signal separation circuit for separating and outputting a burst signal, 5 is a crystal oscillator, and 6 is a signal oscillator. When the output of the external sync signal detection circuit 3 is “H”, the signal output by the sync signal separation circuit 4 is output. It is a signal generator that generates various synchronized signals, while generating various signals from the output of the crystal oscillator 5 when the output of the external synchronization signal detection circuit 3 is "L". Reference numeral 7 is a charge coupled device (hereinafter referred to as CCD), 8 is a signal processing circuit that uses the output of the CCD 7 as a composite video signal, and 9 is vertical blanking of the composite video signal input as an external synchronization signal and the output of the signal processing circuit 8. A signal switcher for switching in a section, 10a to 10d are video signal output terminals, 11a to 11d are switching cycle setting terminals for setting a switching cycle of the signal switcher 9 of each of the cameras 1a to 1d, and 20 is a monitor.

Next, the operation will be described. A composite video signal is input to the external synchronization signal input terminal 2 as an external synchronization signal. The external sync signal detection circuit 3 outputs an "H" signal if there is an external sync signal, and outputs an "L" signal if there is no external sync signal.
The sync signal separation circuit 4 separates a composite sync signal and a color burst signal from the input composite video signal and outputs them. In the signal generator 6, when the output of the external synchronization signal detection circuit 3 is "H", various signals synchronized with the signal output from the synchronization signal separation circuit 4 are generated, and the output of the external synchronization signal detection circuit 3 is " At the time of "L", various signals are generated from the output of the crystal oscillator 5. The CCD 7 and the signal processing circuit 8 generate a composite video signal by the output of the signal generator 6. The signal switch 9 switches between the composite video signal input as the external synchronization signal and the output of the signal processing circuit 8 at the frame cycle set by the switching cycle setting terminals 11a to 11d. Therefore, the output of the camera 1a is connected to the video signal output terminal 10
output from a, input to the external synchronization signal input terminal 2b of the camera 1b, output from the camera 1b from the video output signal terminal 10b, and input to the external synchronization signal input terminal 2c of the camera 1c. Furthermore, the output of the camera 1c is output from the video signal output terminal 10c, and this is output to the camera 1
By inputting to the external synchronizing signal input terminal 2d of d, the frame switcher function can be obtained without a special device.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention according to claim 1, wherein in each of the cameras 1a to 1d, 12 is a flag signal detecting circuit, 13 is a flag signal adding circuit, and 14a to 14d.
Is an external alarm signal input terminal. The other blocks that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The flag signal detection circuit 12 detects whether or not there is a flag signal at a predetermined position in the vertical blanking interval in the external synchronization signal. When there is a flag signal, the signal switch 9 selects the video signal input as the external synchronization signal and outputs it including the flag signal to the video signal output terminals 10a to 10d. When there is no flag signal and an alarm signal is input to the external alarm signal input terminals 14a to 14d, the signal switch 9 selects the output of the signal processing circuit 8 of the own camera, and the flag signal adding circuit 13 causes the vertical blanking interval. The flag signal is added to the predetermined position of and output to the video signal output terminals 10a to 10d.

On the other hand, when there is neither a flag signal nor an external alarm signal, the signal switching device 9 switches the switching cycle setting terminal 1
The video signal input as the external synchronization signal and the output of the signal processing circuit 8 are switched in a cycle set by 1. In this case, the flag signal adding circuit 13 outputs the input signal as it is to the video signal output terminals 10a to 10d. By connecting the cameras 1a to 1d having the above functions to each other as shown in FIG. 2, the cameras normally function as a frame switcher.
When an alarm signal is generated, only the image of a specific camera can be selected and viewed on the monitor 20.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of this claim 1,
Reference numerals 21a and 21b denote split screen setting terminals for inputting a signal for setting a section for outputting a video signal of the own camera to the signal switcher 9. The same blocks as those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. , And the overlapping description will be omitted. Further, FIG. 4A shows a combination of two split screens in the horizontal direction according to this embodiment.
(B) is a composite of two split screens in the vertical direction. For example, areas A and C are images of the camera 1a, area A,
D is an image of the camera 1b.

Next, the operation will be described. The split screen setting terminal 21 sets which of the areas A, B, C and D in FIG. The signal switch 9 selects the output of the signal processing circuit 8 in the video signal section of the screen set by the split screen setting terminal, and selects and outputs the video signal input as the external synchronization signal in the other sections. Cameras 1a and 1b with this function
Are connected in cascade as shown in FIG.
By setting the area A or A or area W or A in FIG. 4 with a and 1b, a split screen as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be obtained without a special device.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention of claim 2, and 15 is A for converting the output of the CCD 7 into a digital signal.
/ D converter, 16 is an image memory, 17 is a memory control circuit for controlling recording and reproduction of the image memory 16, and 18 is D /
The A converters 19a to 19d are setting screen division setting terminals for setting the number of screen divisions and the position of the camera after the division. For example, the number of divisions is 4 (= 2 × 2) and the camera positions are “1” to The camera position "1" corresponding to the divided image G1 in the images G1, G2, G3, G4 of "4" is set. FIG. 6 shows the screen position when the screen is divided into four screens, for example. The other blocks that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. By inputting setting values to the screen division setting terminals 19a to 19d, for example, the compression ratio "2" in the horizontal and vertical directions of the image signal and the screen position "1" are set. The memory control circuit 17 follows the set value
The output signal of the CCD 7 stored in the image memory 16 and digitally converted by the A / D converter 15 is included in the image G1 at the screen position "1" shown in FIG. Read every other time and compress by 1/2. The signal switch 9 selects the output of the signal processing circuit 8 in the compressed video signal section of the self camera, and selects and outputs the video signal input as the external synchronization signal in the other sections. Cameras 1a to 1 having the above functions
d in cascade connection as shown in FIG.
By setting “4” in each of the cameras 1a to 1d, an image of four screen divisions can be displayed on the monitor 20 without any special device.
Can be obtained at

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention of claim 3, and 22a and 22b are parent-child setting terminals for setting whether each of the cameras 1a and 1b is a parent screen or a child screen. The setting signal can be input to the signal switch 9. Further, FIG. 8 shows a parent-child screen obtained on the monitor 20, where area E is the parent screen and area K is the child screen. The other blocks that are the same as those shown in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. First, when the setting of the parent-child setting terminal 22a or 22b is “parent”, the memory control circuit 17 does not perform compression in reading and writing of the image memory 16, and the signal switcher 9 causes the video signal of the screen of area E in FIG. In the section, the output of the signal processing circuit 8 is selected, and in the other sections, the video signal input as the external synchronization signal is selected and output. On the other hand, parent-child setting terminal 2
When the setting of 2a or 22b is "child", the memory control circuit 17 reads the image memory 16 and performs compression so as to fit in the image of the area of FIG.
Selects the output of the signal processing circuit 8 in the video signal section of the screen of the area F in FIG. 8, and selects and outputs the video signal input as the external synchronization signal in the other sections. As shown in FIG. 8, two cameras 1a and 1b having this function are connected in cascade as shown in FIG. 7, and "parent" or "child" is set for each one of the cameras 1a and 1b. The parent-child screen can be obtained without any special device.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention of claim 3, 23a and 23b are external control signal input terminals provided in the cameras 1a and 1b, and 24 is external control in the cameras 1a and 1b. The memory control circuit 17 demodulates the signal related to the compression ratio and the image position after compression from the signal.
Is a compression control circuit for controlling the video signal, 25 is a switching control circuit for demodulating a signal related to screen switching from an external control signal, and controls the signal switching device 9, and 26 is a camera controller for outputting an external control signal for controlling the cameras 1a and 1b. is there.

Next, the operation will be described. The camera controller 26 outputs an external control signal for controlling each of the cameras 1a and 1b, and the compression control circuit 24 demodulates a signal relating to the compression ratio and the position of the compressed image from the external control signal to cause the memory control circuit 17 to operate. Control. The switching control circuit 25 demodulates a signal related to screen switching from an external control signal to control the signal switching device 9. For example, if the compression ratio is controlled to "1" and the screen switching is controlled to be a multiple of one frame, it has a frame switcher function as described with reference to FIG. Also, the compression ratio is vertical,
If the horizontal switching is "1/2", and the screen switching is controlled to be the screen shown in FIG.
Has the function of screen division. Moreover, if the compression ratio is controlled to "1" and the screen switching is controlled to the screen shown in FIG.
The function of the split screen described above is obtained.

Further, if the compression ratio of one camera is "1", the compression ratio of another camera is "1/2" for both vertical and horizontal, and the screen switching is controlled to the screen shown in FIG. The function of the parent-child screen as described for 7 can be obtained. Also,
It goes without saying that a combination of split screen and parent-child screen, parent-child-grandchild screen function, four-screen split and split screen combination, etc. can be realized by appropriately combining the compression ratio, post-compression position, and signal switching control. Yes.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention of claim 3, 27 is an external synchronization control signal generator for modulating and outputting an external control signal in a vertical blanking interval of a video signal,
28a to 28d are camera number setting terminals for setting camera numbers, and 29 is an external control signal demodulation circuit, which demodulates the external control signals added to the vertical blanking interval of the video signal and is set by the camera number setting terminals. Only the external control signal corresponding to the camera number, the compression control circuit 24 and the switching control circuit 25 of the camera.
Output to.

Next, the operation will be described. The external sync control signal generator 27 generates a composite sync signal and a color burst signal for external sync, and modulates and adds the external control signal to the vertical blanking interval of the signal. This signal is supplied to the external synchronizing signal input terminal of the camera 1a, the camera 1a operates in synchronization with this signal, and the external control signal demodulating the external control signal corresponding to the camera number set by the camera number setting terminal 28a. It is taken out by the circuit 29 and supplied to the compression control circuit 24 and the switching control circuit 25 to perform compression and switching control. Further, the external control signal is supplied from the video signal output terminal 10a to the external synchronization signal input terminal 2b of the camera 1b, and the same operation is performed until the camera 1d. As described above, all cameras 1a to 1d can be controlled by a one-line slave connection from the external synchronization control signal generator 27 to the monitor 20 through the cameras 1a to 1d, and the frame switcher, split screen, Various functions such as a parent-child screen and four-screen division can be obtained individually or in combination.

[0033]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a signal processing circuit for converting the output of the charge coupled device into a composite video signal based on a signal depending on the presence or absence of an external synchronizing signal,
The composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal and the output of the signal processing circuit are switched at a specified switching cycle,
A plurality of cameras having a signal switcher for switching in a vertical blanking section or for enabling split screen display and having the external synchronization signal detection circuit, the signal generator, the signal processing circuit and the signal switcher Since the composite video signal from the projector is connected so that it will be input to the external synchronization signal of the next stage, the function of the frame switcher can be obtained without a special device, and the split composite image can be created by the instruction of the split screen setting. There is an effect that what can be obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a memory control circuit for controlling the number of screen divisions output by the image memory for storing the output of the charge coupled device and the camera position corresponding to each divided screen is provided. By the signal switcher, the output after the control of the image memory is selected in the compressed video signal section, and the composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal is selected and output in the other sections. Since it is configured, there is an effect that a plurality of screen-divided images can be obtained by switching the compressed video signal from the own camera and the video signal from the external synchronization input at a predetermined interval within one frame.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the image memory for storing the output of the charge coupled device and the compression and non-compression of the image signal so as to fit within the set area of the screen according to the setting instruction of the parent-child screen from the outside. And a memory control circuit for controlling compression, which causes the signal switcher to select the output of the image memory after the control in the video signal section of the screen when the area is set, and includes the external synchronization signal in other sections. Since it is configured to select a composite video signal from the outside, a parent-child screen can be formed by switching the compressed video signal from the own camera and the video signal from the external synchronization input at a predetermined interval within one frame. There is an effect that can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a television camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another television camera device according to the invention of claim 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another television camera device according to the invention of claim 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a split screen according to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a television camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a split screen according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a television camera device according to an embodiment of the invention of claim 3;

8 is an explanatory diagram showing a parent-child screen in FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another television camera device according to the invention of claim 3;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another television camera device according to the invention of claim 3;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a conventional television camera device.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a monitor image according to FIG. 11.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1a camera 1b camera 1c camera 1d camera 3 external synchronization signal detection circuit 6 signal generator 7 CCD (charge coupled device) 8 signal processing circuit 9 signal switcher 16 image memory 17 memory control circuit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An external synchronization signal detection circuit for detecting whether or not an external synchronization signal is input, a signal generator for generating a signal according to the presence or absence of the external synchronization signal, and a signal from the signal generator. The signal processing circuit that uses the output of the charge-coupled device that is obtained as a composite video signal and the composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal and the output of the signal processing circuit are vertically blanked at a specified switching cycle. A signal switcher for switching between sections or for enabling split screen display, the external synchronization signal detection circuit,
A television camera device having a signal generator, a signal processing circuit, and a signal switcher, and a plurality of cameras cascade-connected so that the composite video signal from the signal switcher is used as an external synchronization signal input of the next stage. .. 2. An external synchronization signal detection circuit for detecting whether or not an external synchronization signal is input, a signal generator for generating a signal according to the presence or absence of the external synchronization signal, and a signal from the signal generator. An image memory for storing the output of the charge-coupled device obtained based on the above, a memory control circuit for controlling the number of screen divisions output by the image memory and a camera position corresponding to each divided screen, and a compressed video signal section A signal switcher that selects the output after the control of the image memory and selects and outputs a composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal in other sections, the external synchronization signal detection circuit, and the signal generator. , A plurality of cameras having an image memory, a memory control circuit, and a signal switcher, which are cascade-connected so that the composite video signal from the signal switcher is used as an external synchronization signal input for the next stage And a television camera device. 3. An external synchronization signal detection circuit for detecting whether or not an external synchronization signal is input, a signal generator for generating a signal according to the presence or absence of the external synchronization signal, and a signal from the signal generator. An image memory that stores the output of the charge-coupled device obtained based on the above, a memory control circuit that controls compression and decompression of an image signal so that the image signal is stored in a set area of the screen according to an instruction to set a parent-child screen from the outside, and A signal switcher that selects the output after the control of the image memory in the video signal section of the screen at the time of area setting, and selects and outputs a composite video signal from the outside including the external synchronization signal in the other sections. It has the external synchronization signal detection circuit, the signal generator, the image memory, the memory control circuit and the signal switcher, and the composite video signal from the signal switcher is used as the external synchronization signal of the next stage. And a television camera device including a plurality of cameras connected in cascade.