Input / output control device and imaging system

Abstract

Provided is an input / output control device capable of preventing an operation failure when an input connector is connected to an output substrate. An input / output control device for outputting data input from an input device to an output device, the input / output control device comprising: an input connector to which data is input by the input device via an input substrate; an output connector that outputs data to an output device via an output substrate; and a first control unit that controls input and output to the input connector and the output connector. The input connector and the output connector are of the same shape. The first control unit outputs the power supply voltage from the input connector when it is determined that the input connector is connected to the input substrate, and does not output the power supply voltage from the input connector when it is determined that the input connector is connected to the output substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input / output control device connected to an input device and an output device, and a shooting system comprising the two devices. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as control devices for controlling camera heads such as endoscopes, there are known control devices that generate the required voltage for each of the multiple camera modules that can be installed (for example, see Patent Document 1), and control devices that have circuits that individually correspond to the format of the imaging element (for example, see Patent Document 2).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6219004;

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-005150. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] Furthermore, in an input / output control device that outputs data from an input device (e.g., the aforementioned camera head) to an output device (e.g., a monitor), in order to facilitate reconfiguration by sharing signal lines, it is advisable to make the input connector connected to the input device via the input board and the output connector connected to the output device via the output board have the same shape.

[0009] Here, if the input connector and the output connector are of the same shape, a new problem will arise where the wrong connection is made between the input substrate and the output substrate, causing malfunctions. However, while Patent Documents 1 and 2 envision a situation where multiple input devices can be connected to the input connector, they do not envision a situation where the output substrate is connected to the input connector.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an input / output control device that can prevent malfunction when the input connector is connected to the output board.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] (Invention 1)

[0013] To solve the above problems, the input / output control device of the present invention outputs data input from an input device to an output device, comprising: an input connector through which data is input from the input device via an input substrate; an output connector through which data is output to the output device via an output substrate; and a first control unit that controls the input and output of the input connector and the output connector, wherein the input connector and the output connector are of the same shape, wherein the first control unit outputs a power supply voltage from the input connector when it determines that the input connector is connected to the input substrate, and wherein the first control unit does not output the power supply voltage from the input connector when it determines that the input connector is connected to the output substrate.

[0014] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following structure can be exemplified.

[0015] (Invention 2)

[0016] According to the above-described input / output control device (Invention 1), wherein,

[0017] The above-mentioned input connector includes:

[0018] A substrate identification terminal identifies the substrate connected to the aforementioned input connector;

[0019] A power output terminal that outputs the power voltage to the input device via the input substrate; and

[0020] Data input terminal, which receives input data.

[0021] When the voltage drop across the resistor in the identification terminal applied to the substrate identification terminal is within a threshold range, the first control unit outputs the power supply voltage from the power output terminal and allows data input to the data input terminal.

[0022] When the voltage drop across the resistor is outside the threshold range, the first control unit does not output the power supply voltage from the power output terminal.

[0023] (Invention 3)

[0024] According to the above-described input / output control device (Invention 2), wherein,

[0025] After determining that the substrate is connected to the input connector, the first control unit stops applying the identification voltage to the substrate identification terminal.

[0026] (Invention 4)

[0027] According to the above-described input / output control device (Invention 1), wherein,

[0028] When the board identifier input to the output connector is a predetermined value, the first control unit allows data to be output from the output connector.

[0029] The first control unit prohibits data output from the output connector if the substrate identifier is not the specified value.

[0030] (Invention 5)

[0031] According to the above-described input / output control device (invention 4), wherein,

[0032] The above-mentioned output connectors include:

[0033] The control signal output terminal outputs a control signal to the connected substrate.

[0034] A substrate identification terminal is used to input the aforementioned substrate identifier; and

[0035] The data output terminal outputs data.

[0036] The first control unit outputs the control signal indicating the output of the substrate identifier from the control signal output terminal.

[0037] When the substrate identifier input to the substrate identification terminal is the predetermined value, the first control unit allows data to be output from the data output terminal.

[0038] If the substrate identifier input to the substrate identification terminal is not the specified value, the first control unit prohibits data output from the data output terminal.

[0039] (Invention 6)

[0040] According to the above-described (Invention 5) input / output control device, it has:

[0041] A first substrate, on which the aforementioned first control unit is mounted; and

[0042] The second substrate is equipped with the aforementioned input connector and the aforementioned output connector.

[0043] (Invention 7)

[0044] According to the above-described input / output control device (invention 6), wherein,

[0045] A second control unit is mounted on the second substrate. When the first control unit allows data to be input to the input connector and data to be output from the output connector, the second control unit processes the data input to the input connector and outputs the data from the output connector.

[0046] (Invention 8) A shooting system having:

[0047] The above-described (Invention 1) input / output control device;

[0048] The aforementioned camera, serving as the aforementioned input device, inputs image data generated from capturing the subject to the aforementioned input connector via the aforementioned input board; and

[0049] The aforementioned monitor, as the aforementioned output device, displays an image represented by the aforementioned image data output from the aforementioned output connector via the aforementioned output board.

[0050] Invention Effects

[0051] According to the present invention, an input / output control device can be obtained that prevents malfunction when the input connector is connected to the output board. Furthermore, the problems, structures, and effects other than those described above can be clarified through the following description of embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the camera system.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the camera control board and image processing board.

[0054] Figure 3 This diagram shows the correspondence of the terminals when the input connector is connected to the image input I / F board.

[0055] Figure 4 This diagram shows the correspondence of the terminals when the output connector is connected to the image output I / F board.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the input substrate judgment and processing.

[0057] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the terminal correspondence when the input connector is incorrectly connected to the image output I / F board.

[0058] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the output substrate judgment and processing.

[0059] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the terminal correspondence when the output connector is incorrectly connected to the image input I / F board. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the invention will be described. This embodiment contributes to "9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure" of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by realizing a highly versatile input / output control device and imaging system.

[0061] [Overall structure of camera system 1]

[0062] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of camera system 1. Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the camera control board 11 and the image processing board 12. The shooting system 1 is a system that displays the image data captured by the camera head 20 on the monitor 30 under the control of the camera controller 10. However, the data sent and received by the system of the present invention is not limited to image data, but may also be other data such as audio data.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the shooting system 1 mainly includes a camera controller 10, a camera head 20, and a monitor 30. Furthermore, the camera controller 10, camera head 20, and monitor 30 constituting the shooting system 1 are wired together via wiring harnesses 3 and 4. Moreover, the camera controller 10, camera head 20, and monitor 30 are configured with detachable wiring harnesses 3 and 4.

[0064] The camera controller 10 is an input / output control device that outputs image data generated by the camera head 20 to the monitor 30. In other words, the camera controller 10 relays image data between the camera head 20 and the monitor 30. Furthermore, the camera controller 10 controls the camera head 20 to generate image data and the monitor 30 to display the image. Moreover, the camera controller 10 may also have the function of image processing (e.g., noise removal, brightness and hue adjustment, contour matching, 3D digitization, etc.) of the image data. The camera controller 10, for example, includes a camera control board 11, an image processing board 12, an image input I / F board 200 (input board), and an image output I / F board 300 (output board).

[0065] The camera control board 11 is the first board that controls the overall operation of the shooting system 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a first control unit 13 and an internal connector 14 are mounted on the camera control board 11. The image processing board 12 is a second board that, according to the instructions of the camera control board 11, causes the camera head 20 to generate image data and causes the monitor 30 to display the image. Figure 2 As shown, a second control unit 15, an internal connector 16, an input connector 17, an output connector 18, and a USB connector 19 are mounted on the image processing substrate 12.

[0066] The first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15, for example, have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The memory may be composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a combination thereof. The first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 implement the processing described later by the CPU reading and executing program code stored in ROM or HDD. RAM serves as the working area when the CPU executes the program.

[0067] However, the specific structure of the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 is not limited to this, and can also be implemented by hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0068] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this example, the substrates 11 and 12 are divided into two sheets, but the structure of the camera controller 10 is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit 13, the second control unit 15, the input connector 17, the output connector 18, and the USB connector 19 can also be mounted on a single substrate. Furthermore, the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 can also be implemented by a single chip (i.e., a single control unit).

[0069] Internal connectors 14 and 16 are interfaces that connect the camera control board 11 and the image processing board 12 using wire harness 2 (signal line harness). That is, one end of wire harness 2 is connected to internal connector 14, and the other end of wire harness 2 is connected to internal connector 16. Thus, the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 send and receive signals through wire harness 2 connected to internal connectors 14 and 16.

[0070] Input connector 17 is the interface through which image data is input to the camera head 20 via wire harnesses 3 and 5 and the image input I / F board 200. More specifically, one end of wire harness 3 is connected to the input connector (not shown) of the image input I / F board 200, and the other end of wire harness 3 is connected to the output connector (not shown) of the shooting unit control board 21 mounted on the camera head 20. Furthermore, one end of wire harness 5 is connected to input connector 17, and the other end of wire harness 5 is connected to the output connector (not shown) of the image input I / F board 200.

[0071] Therefore, the image processing board 12 and the imaging unit control board 21 transmit and receive signals (e.g., power supply voltage, control signals (commands), image data) via wiring harnesses 3 and 5 and the image input I / F board 200. Additionally, the number of input connectors 17 (in...) Figure 2 (Two in total) Not limited to Figure 2 Examples will be provided later. Figure 3 The details of input connector 17 are described below.

[0072] Output connector 18 is an interface for outputting image data to monitor 30 via wire harnesses 4 and 6 and image output I / F board 300. More specifically, one end of wire harness 4 is connected to the output connector (not shown) of image output I / F board 300, and the other end of wire harness 4 is connected to the input connector (not shown) of display unit control board 31 mounted on monitor 30. Furthermore, one end of wire harness 6 is connected to output connector 18, and the other end of wire harness 6 is connected to the input connector (not shown) of image output I / F board 300.

[0073] Therefore, the image processing board 12 and the display control board 31 transmit and receive signals (e.g., power supply voltage, control signals (commands), board identifiers, and image data) via wiring harnesses 4 and 6 and the image output I / F board 300. Additionally, the number of output connectors 18 (in...) Figure 2 (The middle part is three) and not limited to Figure 2 Examples will be provided later. Figure 4 The output connector 18 is described in detail.

[0074] The USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 19 is an interface for connecting USB cables. User interfaces such as keyboards, indicator devices, and control monitors can also be connected to the USB connector 19. Furthermore, the number of USB connectors 19 (in...) Figure 2 (Two in total) Not limited to Figure 2 For example, the USB connector 19 can be omitted. Furthermore, the aforementioned user interface can also be connected to the USB connector (not shown) of the camera control board 11.

[0075] The image input I / F board 200 relays various signals transmitted and received between the image processing board 12 and the camera head 20 via wiring harnesses 3 and 5. Furthermore, the image input I / F board 200 may also include a resistor for generating the resistive voltage divider described later. The image output I / F board 300 relays various signals transmitted and received between the image processing board 12 and the monitor 30 via wiring harnesses 4 and 6. Furthermore, the image output I / F board 300 outputs a board identifier identifying itself according to the instructions of the image processing board 12.

[0076] The shapes of the connectors for harnesses 3 and 4 may differ depending on the type of input and output devices. On the other hand, the shapes of the connectors for harnesses 5 and 6 are uniform (the same shape). That is, the image input I / F board 200 and the image output I / F board 300 serve to convert the connector shapes of harnesses 3 and 4 into the connector shapes of harnesses 5 and 6.

[0077] The camera head 20 is an example of an input device that inputs image data generated from capturing a subject to the camera controller 10 via the wiring harness 3. Furthermore, the specific structure of the camera head 20 is not particularly limited; it can be, for example, a surveillance camera, a flexible endoscope, or a rigid endoscope. Moreover, specific examples of the input device are not limited to the camera head 20; they could also be a microphone (sound recording device) that captures ambient sound to generate audio data, or other image processing boards. Figure 1 As shown, the camera head 20 mainly includes, for example, a shooting unit control board 21 and a shooting unit 22.

[0078] The imaging unit control board 21 controls the operation of the camera head 20. The imaging unit control board 21 controls the operation of the imaging unit 22 based on the power supply voltage and control signals output from the camera controller 10 via the wiring harness 3. Furthermore, the imaging unit control board 21 outputs the image data generated by the imaging unit 22 to the camera controller 10 via the wiring harness 3. Similar to the camera control board 11 and the image processing board 12, a control unit is mounted on the imaging unit control board 21.

[0079] The imaging unit 22, under the control of the imaging unit control board 21, captures images of the subject to generate image data, and outputs the generated image data to the imaging unit control board 21. The imaging unit 22 is, for example, an image sensor such as CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge-Coupled Device).

[0080] Monitor 30 is an example of an output device that acquires image data output from camera controller 10 via wiring harness 4 and displays the image represented by the acquired image data. However, specific examples of output devices are not limited to monitor 30; they could also be speakers that output sound represented by audio data, memory that stores data, communication interfaces that transmit data via communication networks, other image processing boards, etc. Figure 1 As shown, the monitor 30 mainly includes, for example, a display control board 31 and a display unit 32.

[0081] The display unit control board 31 controls the operation of the monitor 30. The display unit control board 31 controls the operation of the display unit 32 based on the power supply voltage and control signals output from the camera controller 10 via the wiring harness 4. Furthermore, the display unit control board 31 displays the image represented by the image data output from the camera controller 10 via the wiring harness 4 on the display unit 32. Similar to the camera control board 11 and the image processing board 12, a control unit is mounted on the display unit control board 31.

[0082] Display unit 32 displays the image represented by image data. Display unit 32 is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0083] [Structure of Input Connector 17]

[0084] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the terminal correspondence when the image input I / F board 200 is connected to the input connector 17. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, the input connector 17 and the output connector of the image input I / F substrate 200 are composed of multiple pins (30 in this embodiment). That is, the wiring harness 5 is composed of 30 signal lines. In addition, the number of pins of the input connector 17 is not limited to the example described above.

[0085] The input connector 17 includes a board identification terminal 171, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal output terminal) 172, an image input terminal (data input terminal) 173, and a power output terminal 174. In this embodiment, the board identification terminal 171 is composed of pins (29-30), the control signal input / output terminal 172 is composed of pins (23-28), the image input terminal 173 is composed of pins (10-22), and the power output terminal 174 is composed of pins (1-9). However, the combination of pins constituting each terminal (171-174) is not limited to the above example. Furthermore, some pins may be omitted.

[0086] The board identification terminal 171 is used to identify the board connected to the input connector 17 via the wiring harness 5. The control signal input / output terminal 172 is used to output control signals (e.g., synchronization signals for synchronizing the camera head 20 and the camera controller 10, and control signals for controlling devices such as the imaging element within the camera head 20) to the input device connected via the wiring harnesses 3 and 5 and the image input I / F board 200 to the input connector 17. The image input terminal 173 is used to input image data to the input device connected via the wiring harnesses 3 and 5 and the image input I / F board 200. The power output terminal 174 is used to output a power supply voltage for operating the input device to the input device connected via the wiring harnesses 3 and 5 and the image input I / F board 200 to the input connector 17.

[0087] The output connector of the image input I / F board 200 includes a board identification terminal 211, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal input terminal) 212, an image output terminal (data output terminal) 213, and a power input terminal 214. In this embodiment, the board identification terminal 211 is composed of pins (1 to 2), the control signal input / output terminal 212 is composed of pins (3 to 8), the image output terminal 213 is composed of pins (9 to 21), and the power input terminal 214 is composed of pins (22 to 30). However, the combination of pins constituting each terminal (211 to 214) is not limited to the above example. Furthermore, some pins may be omitted.

[0088] The substrate identification terminal 211 has a predetermined resistance value (e.g., 17.5Ω) common to the input substrate that can be connected to the input connector 17. The control signal input / output terminal 212 is a terminal for inputting control signals to the input connector 17 connected via the wiring harness 5. The image output terminal 213 is a terminal for outputting image data to the input connector 17 connected via the wiring harness 5. The power input terminal 214 is a terminal for inputting power supply voltage to the input connector 17 connected via the wiring harness 5.

[0089] Furthermore, a voltage terminal 175, a resistor 176, and an ADC (Analog-to-digital converter) 177 are mounted on the image processing board 12. The voltage terminal 175 is the terminal to which an identification voltage (e.g., 3.3V) is applied by the camera control board 11. The resistor 176 has a specified resistance value (e.g., 10kΩ). The ADC 177 converts the resistive voltage division generated between the resistor 176 and the board identification terminal 211 from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs it to the camera control board 11.

[0090] When the input connector 17 is connected to the output connector of the image input I / F board 200 using the wiring harness 5, the resistor 176 and the board identification terminal 211 are connected in series with the voltage terminal 175. Therefore, if the resistance value of the board identification terminal 211 is a predetermined value (e.g., 17.5Ω), the resistive voltage division generated between the resistor 176 and the board identification terminal 211 is a predetermined value (e.g., 1.2V). Therefore, if the resistive voltage division output by the ADC 177 is within the threshold range (1.2V±α) after considering noise, the first control unit 13 of the camera control board 11 determines that the input connector 17 is connected to the input board. On the other hand, if the resistive voltage division output by the ADC 177 is outside the threshold range, the first control unit 13 determines that the input connector 17 is connected to a board different from the input board (typically an output board).

[0091] [Structure of output connector 18]

[0092] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the terminal correspondence when the image output I / F board 300 is connected to the output connector 18. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the output connector 18 and the input connector of the image output I / F substrate 300 are composed of multiple pins (30 in this embodiment). That is, the wiring harness 4 is composed of 30 signal lines. In addition, the number of pins of the output connector 18 is not limited to the example described above.

[0093] The output connector 18 includes a power output terminal 181, an image output terminal (data output terminal) 182, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal output terminal) 183, and a board identification terminal 184. In this embodiment, the power output terminal 181 is composed of pins (22-30), the image output terminal 182 is composed of pins (9-21), the control signal input / output terminal 183 is composed of pins (3-8), and the board identification terminal 184 is composed of pins (1-2). However, the combination of pins constituting each terminal (181-184) is not limited to the above example. Furthermore, some pins may be omitted.

[0094] Power output terminal 181 is a terminal that outputs a power supply voltage to the output device connected to the output connector 18 via wiring harnesses 4 and 6 and the image output I / F board 300. Image output terminal 182 is a terminal that outputs image data to the output device connected to the output device via wiring harnesses 4 and 6 and the image output I / F board 300. Control signal input / output terminal 183 is a terminal that outputs control signals (e.g., signals indicating output board identifiers) to the input board connected to the output connector 18 via wiring harness 6. Board identification terminal 184 is a terminal that inputs board identifiers to the output board connected via wiring harness 6.

[0095] The input connector of the image output I / F board 300 includes a power input terminal 311, an image input terminal (data input terminal) 312, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal input terminal) 313, and a board identification terminal 314. In this embodiment, the power input terminal 311 is composed of pins (1 to 9), the image input terminal is composed of pins (10 to 22), the control signal input / output terminal 313 is composed of pins (23 to 28), and the board identification terminal 314 is composed of pins (29 to 30). However, the combination of pins constituting each terminal (311 to 314) is not limited to the above example. Furthermore, some pins may be omitted.

[0096] Power input terminal 311 is a terminal for inputting power voltage to the output connector 18 connected via wiring harness 6. Image input terminal 312 is a terminal for inputting image data to the output connector 18 connected via wiring harness 6. Control signal input / output terminal 313 is a terminal for inputting control signals to the output connector 18 connected via wiring harness 6. Board identification terminal 314 is a terminal for outputting board identifiers to the output connector 18 connected via wiring harness 6.

[0097] An output substrate that can be connected to the output connector 18 via wiring harness 6 stores a substrate identifier with a specified value. As an example, the substrate identifier could be a serial number that uniquely identifies the output substrate. In this case, a portion of the substrate identifier (e.g., the top two rows) could be a common value. As another example, the substrate identifier could also be a value common to all output substrates that can be connected to the output connector 18.

[0098] The first control unit 13 of the camera control board 11 outputs a control signal indicating an output board identifier from the control signal input / output terminal 183. Furthermore, in response to this control signal, the first control unit 13 determines whether the board identifier at the input board identification terminal 184 is a predetermined value. Moreover, if the board identifier input to the board identification terminal 184 is a predetermined value, the first control unit 13 determines that the output connector 18 is connected to an output board. Conversely, if the board identifier input to the board identification terminal 184 is not a predetermined value, the first control unit 13 determines that the output connector 18 is connected to a device different from the output board (typically an input board).

[0099] The input connector 17 and the output connector 18 are of the same shape. "Same shape" means that they are physically connected to one end of the wire harness 5 extending from the image input I / F substrate 200 and one end of the wire harness 6 extending from the image output I / F substrate 300. That is, the same number of pins are arranged in the same layout in both the input connector 17 and the output connector 18. Furthermore, one end of the wire harnesses 5 and 6 is of the same shape. On the other hand, even if the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 have different markings, labels, or different external shapes (e.g., notches, recesses, protrusions) unrelated to the connecting wire harnesses 5 and 6, they are still included in the category of "same shape".

[0100] On the other hand, the pins (1-30) of the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 are assigned to different terminals. Here, "pin" refers to the contact point where the signal lines contained in the harnesses 5 and 6 are electrically connected. On the other hand, "terminal" refers to a collection of multiple pins that are assigned a specific function. That is, in the input connector 17 and the output connector 18, the signals input and output at the pins in the same location are assigned different meanings.

[0101] In the camera controller 10 of this embodiment, the various substrates (11, 12, 200, 300) are sometimes reassembled inside the housing. There are no particular limitations on the reasons for reassembling the substrates. For example, if the input and output devices are connected to the camera controller 10 using wire harnesses with connector shapes different from the standard wire harnesses 3 and 4, it is advisable to replace the image input I / F substrate 200 and the image output I / F substrate 300. Furthermore, since the connector shapes of the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 are the same, it is possible to incorrectly connect the image input I / F substrate 200 and the image output I / F substrate 300. However, if the output device is incorrectly connected to the input connector 17 or the input device is incorrectly connected to the output connector 18, it will not function properly.

[0102] For example, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the input connector 17 and output connector 18 of this embodiment, the power output terminals 174 and 181 are configured differently, and the control signal input / output terminals 172 and 183 are configured differently. Therefore, in the image input I / F board 200 incorrectly connected to the output connector 18, the power input terminal 214 will not receive a power supply voltage, and the control signal input / output terminal 212 will not receive a control signal. Similarly, in the image output I / F board 300 incorrectly connected to the input connector 17, the power input terminal 311 will not receive a power supply voltage, and the control signal input / output terminal 313 will not receive a control signal.

[0103] [Input substrate detection and processing]

[0104] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the input substrate judgment and processing. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the terminal correspondence when the image output I / F board 300 is incorrectly connected to the input connector 17. The input board determination process is a process for determining whether the board connected to the input connector 17 is an input board.

[0105] First, the first control unit 13 begins applying an identification voltage to the voltage terminal 175 (S11). When no substrate is connected to the input connector 17, there are no other resistors connected in series with the resistor 176 (substrate identification terminal 211), therefore the resistor divider output from the ADC 177 matches the identification voltage (a value outside the threshold range) applied to the voltage terminal 175. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the image input I / F board 200 is connected to the input connector 17, since the board recognition terminal 211 is connected in series with the resistor 176, the resistive voltage output from the ADC 177 is within a predetermined threshold range. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, when the image output I / F board 300 is connected to the input connector 17, the resistance value of the power input terminal 311 is different from that of the board recognition terminal 211. Therefore, the voltage drop output from the ADC177 is outside the predetermined threshold range.

[0106] Next, the first control unit 13 determines whether the resistor voltage output by the ADC 177 is within a threshold range (S12). If the resistor voltage is within the threshold range (S12: Yes), the first control unit 13 determines that the input connector 17 is connected to the image input I / F board 200, and supplies power voltage for operating the camera head 20 to the image processing board 12 via the wiring harness 2. Then, the second control unit 15 outputs the power voltage supplied by the camera control board 11 from the power output terminal 174 to the image input I / F board 200 (S13).

[0107] Furthermore, the first control unit 13 allows the camera head 20 to input image data to the image input terminal 173 (S14). For example, the first control unit 13 instructs the second control unit 15 to output a start command from the control signal input / output terminal 172, instructing the camera head 20 to begin image output. The second control unit 15, under the control of the first control unit 13, outputs the start command from the control signal input / output terminal 172. Additionally, the timing of executing step S14 is not limited to after step S13; it can be at a time when the user instructs via the user interface, at a time when the output device is connected to the output connector 18, or a combination thereof.

[0108] Then, the first control unit 13 stops applying the identification voltage to the voltage terminal 175 (S15). Furthermore, the execution order of steps S13 to S15 is not limited to... Figure 5 For example, if the resistor voltage is outside the threshold range (S12: No), the first control unit 13 does not execute the processing of steps S13 to S14, but executes the processing of step S15. That is, if the resistor voltage is outside the threshold range (S12: No), the first control unit 13 determines that the input connector 17 is connected to a substrate different from the image input I / F substrate 200, and does not output power voltage from the power output terminal 174, and does not allow image data to be input to the image input terminal 173. In contrast, regardless of whether the resistor voltage is within the threshold range, after determining that the substrate is connected to the input connector 17, the first control unit 13 stops applying the recognition voltage to the substrate recognition terminal 171.

[0109] The image input I / F board 200 outputs the power voltage input to the power input terminal 214 to the camera head 20 via the wiring harness 3. The shooting unit control board 21 activates the shooting unit 22 using the power voltage input to the image input I / F board 200 via the wiring harness 3 (S13). As a result, the camera head 20 is in a state where it can generate and output image data according to the instructions of the camera controller 10.

[0110] Furthermore, the image input I / F board 200 outputs the start command input to the control signal input / output terminal 212 to the camera head 20 via the wiring harness 3. When the start command is input to the image input I / F board 200 via the wiring harness 3 (S14), the imaging unit control board 21 causes the imaging unit 22 to start capturing images and outputs the image data generated by the imaging unit 22 to the image input I / F board 200. The image input I / F board 200 outputs the image data input to the camera head 20 via the wiring harness 3 from the image output terminal 213.

[0111] Furthermore, the image input I / F board 200 outputs the end command input to the control signal input / output terminal 212 to the camera head 20 via the wiring harness 3. When the image input I / F board 200 inputs an end command indicating the end of shooting via the wiring harness 3, the shooting unit control board 21 causes the shooting unit 22 to end shooting.

[0112] The second control unit 15 performs image processing (e.g., noise removal, brightness and hue adjustment, contour matching, 3D digitization, etc.) on the image data input to the image input terminal 173, and outputs it to the output device from the output connector 18 through the wiring harnesses 4 and 6 and the image output I / F board 300. (Referring to the following...) Figure 7 The processing of image data output from output connector 18 is described in detail.

[0113] [Output board identification and processing]

[0114] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the output substrate judgment and processing. Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the terminal correspondence when the image input I / F substrate 200 is incorrectly connected to the output connector 18. The output substrate determination process is a process for determining whether the substrate connected to the output connector 18 is an output substrate.

[0115] First, the first control unit 13 supplies the power voltage for operating the monitor 30 to the image processing board 12 via the wiring harness 2. Then, the second control unit 15 outputs the power voltage supplied by the camera control board 11 from the power output terminal 181 to the board connected to the wiring harness 6 (S21). Next, the first control unit 13 instructs the second control unit 15 to output an identification command indicating the board identifier from the control signal input / output terminal 183. The second control unit 15 outputs the identification command from the control signal input / output terminal 183 according to the control of the first control unit 13 (S22).

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown, when the image output I / F board 300 is connected to the output connector 18 via the wiring harness 6, the image output I / F board 300 is activated by the power supply voltage input to the power input terminal 311. Furthermore, when an identification command is input to the control signal input / output terminal 313 (S22), the image output I / F board 300 outputs its own set board identifier from the board identification terminal 314.

[0117] On the other hand, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the image input I / F board 200 (a different board from the output board) is connected to the output connector 18 via the wiring harness 6, the power supply voltage output from the power output terminal 181 is not input to the power input terminal 214, but is input to the board recognition terminal 211, the control signal input / output terminal 212, and a portion of the image output terminal 213. Therefore, the image input I / F board 200 cannot start the imaging unit 22 with the power supply voltage supplied by the output connector 18 via the wiring harness 6. However, the board recognition terminal 211, the control signal input / output terminal 212, and a portion of the image output terminal 213 have the function of blocking overcurrent. Furthermore, the recognition command output from the control signal input / output terminal 183 is input to the power input terminal 214, so the image input I / F board 200 cannot understand the meaning of the recognition command.

[0118] Next, the second control unit 15 outputs the substrate identifier input to the substrate identification terminal 184 to the camera control board 11 via the wiring harness 2. Then, the first control unit 13 determines whether the substrate identifier obtained from the image processing board 12 is a predetermined value (the substrate identifier output by the output board) (S23). Then, if the substrate identifier is a predetermined value (S23: Yes), the first control unit 13 determines that the output connector 18 is connected to the image output I / F board 300, and allows the output of image data from the output connector 18 to the second control unit 15 (S24). On the other hand, if the substrate identifier is not a predetermined value, or if the substrate identifier is not input to the substrate identification terminal 184 (S23: No), the first control unit 13 determines that the output connector 18 is connected to the image input I / F board 200 (a different board from the output board), and does not perform the processing in step S24. That is, if the first control unit 13 determines that the output connector 18 is connected to the image input I / F board 200, it prohibits the output of image data from the output connector 18 to the second control unit 15.

[0119] When image data output from the first control unit 13 is permitted, the second control unit 15 performs image processing on the image data input to the image input terminal 173 (e.g., noise removal, brightness and hue adjustment, contour matching, 3D digitization, etc.) and outputs it from the image output terminal 182 to the image output I / F board 300. On the other hand, when image data output from the first control unit 13 is prohibited, the second control unit 15 does not output the image data input to the image input terminal 173 from the image output terminal 182.

[0120] The image output I / F board 300 outputs the image data input to the image input terminal 312 to the monitor 30 via the wiring harness 4. The display unit control board 31 displays the image represented by the image data input via the wiring harness 4 on the display unit 32.

[0121] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0122] According to the above embodiment, after determining that the input connector 17 is connected to the input substrate, the power supply voltage is output, and when determining that the input connector 17 is connected to the output substrate, the power supply voltage is not output. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction when the input connector 17 is incorrectly connected to the output substrate.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the combination of the substrate identification terminal 171 and the resistor 176 is used to detect whether an input substrate is connected to the input connector 17, thus enabling the determination of the substrate connected to the input connector 17 with a simple structure. However, the resistor used to generate a resistive voltage divider can also be used instead of the image input I / F substrate 200 and mounted on the camera head 20.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, after determining the substrate connected to the input connector 17, the application of the identification voltage is stopped, thereby reducing the power consumption of the camera controller 10.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by requesting the output substrate identifier from the substrate connected to the output connector 18, it is possible to determine whether the output connector 18 is connected to the output substrate. As a result, malfunctions can be prevented if the output connector 18 is incorrectly connected to the input substrate.

[0126] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, since the processing is shared by the camera control board 11 and the image processing board 12, the processing load of the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 can be reduced, and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0127] Furthermore, the layout of the terminals of the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 is not limited to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 For example, the layout of power output terminals 174 and 181 can also be common (same pin positions). As another example, the layout of control signal input / output terminals 172 and 183 can also be common (same pin positions). As yet another example, the layout of image input terminal 173 and image output terminal 182 can also be common (same pin positions).

[0128] Moreover, even with such a terminal layout, by performing Figure 5 and Figure 7 The processing can also appropriately determine incorrect connections between the substrate and the input connector 17 and the output connector 18. For example, even if the output connector 18 is incorrectly connected to the image input I / F substrate 200, image data will not be output through the image output terminal 182 as long as the substrate identification terminal 184 is not input with the appropriate substrate identifier. Therefore, it is assumed that even if the above-mentioned incorrect connection occurs, there will be no conflict between the image data output from the image processing substrate 12 and the image data output from the camera head 20.

[0129] Furthermore, the identification of the substrate is not limited to the method of using resistor voltage division or using substrate identifiers, as in the identification method of this embodiment.

[0130] Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is certainly not limited to these examples. Obviously, those skilled in the art will conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the structural elements of the various embodiments described above can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0131] Industrial availability

[0132] This invention is useful as an input / output control device that can prevent malfunctions when an output device is connected to an input connector.

[0133] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0134] 1: Camera system;

[0135] 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Wiring harness;

[0136] 10: Camera controller;

[0137] 11: Camera control board;

[0138] 12: Image processing substrate;

[0139] 13: First Control Unit;

[0140] 14, 16: Internal connectors;

[0141] 15: Second Control Unit;

[0142] 17: Input connector;

[0143] 18: Output connector;

[0144] 19: USB connector;

[0145] 20: Camera head;

[0146] 21: Camera control board;

[0147] 22: Filming Department;

[0148] 30: Monitor;

[0149] 31: Display control board;

[0150] 32: Display unit;

[0151] 171, 184, 211, 314: Terminals for board identification;

[0152] 172, 183, 212, 313: Control signal input / output terminals;

[0153] 173, 312: Image input terminals;

[0154] 174, 181: Power output terminals;

[0155] 175: Voltage terminal;

[0156] 176: Resistor;

[0157] 182, 213: Image output terminals;

[0158] 214, 311: Power input terminals.

Claims

1. An input / output control device that outputs data input from an input device to an output device, comprising: An input connector, which receives data from the input device via an input substrate; An output connector that outputs data to the output device via an output substrate; as well as A first control unit controls the input and output to the input connector and the output connector. The input connector and the output connector have the same shape. When the first control unit determines that the input connector is connected to the input substrate, it outputs a power supply voltage from the input connector. If the first control unit determines that the input connector is connected to the output board, it will not output the power supply voltage from the input connector.

2. The input / output control device according to claim 1, wherein, The input connector includes: A substrate identification terminal for identifying the substrate connected to the input connector; A power output terminal that outputs the power voltage to the input device via the input substrate; and Data input terminal, which receives input data. When the voltage drop across the resistor in the identification terminal applied to the substrate identification terminal is within a threshold range, the first control unit outputs the power supply voltage from the power output terminal and allows data input to the data input terminal. When the voltage drop across the resistor is outside the threshold range, the first control unit does not output the power supply voltage from the power supply output terminal.

3. The input / output control device according to claim 2, wherein, After determining that a substrate is connected to the input connector, the first control unit stops applying the identification voltage to the substrate identification terminal.

4. The input / output control device according to claim 1, wherein, When the board identifier input to the output connector is a predetermined value, the first control unit allows data to be output from the output connector. If the substrate identifier is not the specified value, the first control unit prohibits data output from the output connector.

5. The input / output control device according to claim 4, wherein, The output connector includes: The control signal output terminal outputs a control signal to the connected substrate. A substrate identification terminal is input to which the substrate identifier is received; and The data output terminal outputs data. The first control unit outputs the control signal indicating the output of the substrate identifier from the control signal output terminal. When the substrate identifier input to the substrate identification terminal is the predetermined value, the first control unit allows data to be output from the data output terminal. If the substrate identifier input to the substrate identification terminal is not the predetermined value, the first control unit prohibits data output from the data output terminal.

6. The input / output control device according to claim 5, comprising: A first substrate, on which the first control unit is mounted; and The second substrate is equipped with the input connector and the output connector.

7. The input / output control device according to claim 6, wherein, A second control unit is mounted on the second substrate. When the first control unit allows data to be input to the input connector and data to be output from the output connector, the second control unit processes the data input to the input connector and outputs the data from the output connector.

8. A shooting system, comprising: The input / output control device as described in claim 1; A camera, which serves as the input device, inputs image data generated from capturing a subject to the input connector via the input substrate; and A monitor, which serves as the output device, displays an image represented by the image data output from the output connector via the output substrate.

Images