Imaging apparatus and control method for the same

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of quickly switching images to be displayed and a control method for the same.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus has an imaging element and an output unit that selectively outputs a main line video obtained using the imaging element and an external video input from an external source. The imaging apparatus changes the resolution of the main line video so that the resolution of the main line video is equal to the resolution of the external video when the output of the external video from the output unit is set to be enabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, some imaging devices used for television broadcasting have a function to display images input from outside, such as images output by other imaging devices or images currently being broadcast (Patent Document 1). Such images input from outside are called return images, and images captured and output by the imaging device itself are called main line images. The imaging device described in Patent Document 1 displays the main line images and return images on separate display devices so that the user can check them in parallel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-127245 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By simultaneously or switchably displaying the main line video and the return video on one display device, the number of display devices and the scale of the imaging system can be reduced. However, when displaying the main line video and the return video on one display device, it is necessary to switch the video format and / or the display device settings depending on the video to be displayed. This can cause a time lag between when an instruction to switch the video is given and when the video is displayed. When the video is frequently switched, this time lag can cause inconvenience.

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides an imaging device capable of quickly switching between displayed images, and a control method thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved by an imaging device having an imaging element, an output means for selectively outputting a main line image obtained using the imaging element and an external image input from the outside, and a control means for controlling the image output from the output means, wherein the control means changes the resolution of the main line image to be equal to the resolution of the external image when the output of the external image from the output means is set to be enabled, and does not change the resolution of the main line image when the output of the external image from the output means is not set to be enabled. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of quickly switching between displayed images and a control method thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an extension unit that can be connected to an imaging device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram of a connection between an imaging device and an extension unit [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic resolution control processing according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an automatic frame rate control process according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an external output setting screen in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below based on its exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of them are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0010] In the following embodiment, the present invention will be described with respect to a case where the present invention is implemented in an imaging device such as a video camera. However, the present invention can also be implemented in any electronic device having an imaging function and an external input function for a video signal. Such electronic devices include, in addition to imaging devices, computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), smartphones, game consoles, etc. These are merely examples, and the present invention can also be implemented in other electronic devices.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image pickup device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Data and control signals can be communicated via an internal bus 130 between functional blocks connected to the internal bus 130.

[0012] The memory 102 may be a volatile memory such as a DRAM. The memory 102 is used for processing by the CPU 101 and the image processing unit 104. The memory 102 is also used as a buffer memory for captured images and a video memory for the display 105.

[0013] The non-volatile memory 103 is generally a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM. However, the non-volatile memory 103 may include a storage device such as a hard disk. The non-volatile memory 103 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, setting values ​​of the imaging device 100, GUI (Graphical User Interface) data used for menu screens, and the like.

[0014] The CPU 101 refers to one or more microprocessors capable of executing programs. The CPU 101 loads the programs stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the memory 102 and executes them. The CPU 101 realizes various functions of the imaging device 100, including a display control process described later, by controlling the operation of each functional block according to the programs.

[0015] The image processing unit 104 applies predetermined image processing to image data stored in the memory 102, generates signals and image data according to the application, and acquires and / or generates various information. The image processing unit 104 may be a dedicated hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to realize a specific function. Alternatively, the image processing unit 104 may be configured to realize a specific function by a processor such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) executing software. The image processing unit 104 outputs the acquired or generated information and data to the CPU 101, memory 102, etc. according to the application.

[0016] Image processing that can be applied by the image processing unit 104 can include, for example, pre-processing, color interpolation processing, correction processing, detection processing, data processing, evaluation value calculation processing, special effect processing, and the like. Pre-processing may include signal amplification, reference level adjustment, defective pixel correction, A / D conversion, etc. Color interpolation processing is performed when an image sensor is provided with a color filter, and is a process for interpolating values ​​of color components that are not included in the individual pixel data that constitutes the image data. Color interpolation processing is also called demosaic processing. The correction processing can include white balance adjustment, gradation correction, correction of image degradation caused by optical aberration of the imaging optical system (image restoration), correction of the effect of peripheral light falloff of the imaging optical system, color correction, and the like. The detection process may include detection of feature regions (for example, face regions or human body regions) and their movements, person recognition processing, and the like. Data processing may include signal format conversion, area extraction (trimming), synthesis, scaling (resolution conversion), encoding and decoding, generation of file data that stores image data, etc. Data processing also includes generation of image data for display or image data for recording. The evaluation value calculation process may include processes for generating signals and evaluation values ​​used in automatic focus detection (AF), generating evaluation values ​​used in automatic exposure control (AE), etc. The AF process and the AE process are executed by the CPU 101. The special effects processing may include adding a blur effect, changing color tones, relighting, and the like. It should be noted that these are merely examples of processes that the image processing unit 104 can apply, and do not limit the processes that the image processing unit 104 can apply.

[0017] Under the control of the CPU 101, the display 105 displays main line video, external video (return video), video stored in the recording medium 109, etc. The display 105 also displays a GUI screen, such as a menu screen, for confirming or changing the setting values ​​of the imaging device 100. The CPU 101 selectively outputs either the main line video or the return video to the display 105 by operating a switching button 107, which will be described later.

[0018] 1 shows a configuration in which the display 105 is built into the imaging device 100. However, the display 105 may be an external device. When the display 105 is an external device, the imaging device 100 outputs a video signal to be displayed on the display 105 to an interface to which the display 105 is connected.

[0019] The operation unit 106 has one or more input devices that accept user operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a dial, a joystick, a touch sensor, a touch pad, etc. When the display 105 is a touch display, the touch panel of the display 105 is included in the operation unit 106. A switching button 107, which will be described later, for switching the image displayed on the display 105 or an external display device between a return image and a main line image is also included in the operation unit 106. Note that the switching button 107 may be provided for each output system of the image.

[0020] The touch panel outputs whether or not there is contact and the coordinates where the contact is detected. CPU 101 can also recognize known gesture inputs such as flicks according to the output of the touch panel. CPU 101 monitors operations on input devices included in operation unit 106, and when an operation is detected, executes a function assigned to the operated input device and an operation according to the operation.

[0021] The recording medium I / F 108 is an interface for accessing a removable recording medium 109 such as a memory card. The CPU 101 records the recording image data generated by the image processing unit 104 and stored in the memory 102, onto the recording medium 109 via the recording medium I / F 108. The CPU 101 also reads out the image data recorded on the recording medium 109 and stores it in the memory 102.

[0022] The external I / F 110 is a communication interface with an external device. The external I / F 110 complies with one or more communication standards and has a connector and a transmitter / receiver according to the communication standard. Typical communication standards are Universal Serial BUS (USB), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)), and Serial Digital Interface (SDI). The external I / F 110 may also comply with wireless communication standards such as wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark). An extension unit, which will be described later, is connected to the external I / F 110. The CPU 101 inputs and outputs video signals, audio signals, and control signals to and from external devices through the external I / F 110.

[0023] The external input unit 111 is, for example, an SDI terminal or an HDMI terminal. A return video (external video) can be input to the external input unit 111. The external output unit 112 is, for example, an SDI terminal or an HDMI terminal. The CPU 101 can selectively output one of the main line video and the return video from the external output unit 112 by operating a switching button 107, which will be described later.

[0024] The imaging unit 113 is a camera unit having a photographing optical system, an imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, a shutter, an aperture, etc. The photographing optical system includes movable lenses such as a zoom lens and a focus lens. The imaging unit 113 also has peripheral circuits such as a drive circuit for driving the aperture and the movable lens, a timing generator for controlling the operation of the imaging element, and an A / D converter for A / D converting an analog image signal read from the imaging element. The operation of the imaging unit 113 is controlled by the CPU 101. The imaging unit 113 sequentially stores image data obtained by photographing in the memory 102.

[0025] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an extension unit 200 that extends the function of the imaging device 100. The extension unit 200 may be directly connected to an external I / F of the imaging device 100, or may be indirectly connected to the external I / F of the imaging device 100 via another extension unit. Note that the extension of the function may be the addition of a new function or the enhancement of an existing function.

[0026] The expansion unit 200 has a functional configuration in which the display and the imaging unit are removed from the imaging device 100. The operation of the functional blocks shown in Fig. 2 is the same as the operation of the functional blocks having the same names in Fig. 1, so the description of each functional block will be omitted. Note that even if the functional blocks have the same names in the imaging device 100 and the expansion unit 200, the functional blocks in the expansion unit 200 may have more functions and / or higher performance.

[0027] Note that the extension unit may have a plurality of external I / Fs 209. In this case, the imaging device 100 may be connected to one of the external I / Fs 209, and another extension unit may be connected to the other one. In this manner, a plurality of extension units may be connected to the imaging device 100.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a connection pattern between the imaging device 100 and the expansion unit 200. Fig. 3(A) shows a state in which only the imaging device 100 is present. Fig. 3(B) shows a state in which the expansion unit 200 is connected to the imaging device 100. By connecting the external I / F 110 of the imaging device 100 and the external I / F 207 of the expansion unit 200, it is possible to connect the expansion unit 200 and the imaging device 100.

[0029] Hereinafter, the operations performed by the external input unit 111 and the external output unit 112 in the imaging device 100 will be described as follows: The external input unit 210 and the external output unit 211 of the expansion unit 200; The external input unit 111 of the imaging device 100 and the external output unit 211 of the extension unit 200, the external input unit 210 of the extension unit 200 and the external output unit 112 of the imaging device 100; Similarly, when a plurality of extension units 200 are connected to the imaging device 100, any combination of external input units and external output units can be implemented.

[0030] Next, a process in which the CPU 101 automatically controls the resolution of the main line video output by the imaging device 100 to a display device will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. The main line video for which the resolution is controlled here is the main line video to be displayed on a display device connected to the imaging device 100 or the extension unit 200. The resolution of the main line video output to a switcher or used for recording is not changed in this process. Therefore, in the following description, the main line video output from the external output unit 112 is the main line video to be output to an external display device connected to the external output unit 112. The resolution of the main line video output to the display 105 can also be controlled in the same way as the resolution of the main line video for display output from the external output unit 112. In the following description, the display device refers to both the display 105 and the external display device.

[0031] The resolution of the main line video to be displayed may be set by the user instead of being automatically controlled by the CPU 101. Whether the resolution of the main line video to be displayed is automatically controlled or follows the user setting may be changeable by the user through a menu screen or the like. The CPU 101 can control the resolution of the main line video by controlling the pixels to be read from the imaging element, whether or not to perform additive reading, and the like.

[0032] When automatically controlling the resolution of the main line video for display, CPU 101 controls the resolution of the main line video for display depending on whether or not the output of the return video is set to "enabled" (the return video is in a state where it can be displayed on the display device). Specifically, when the output of the return video is not set to "enabled" (set to "disabled"), CPU 101 does not change the resolution of the main line video for display regardless of the resolution of the return video.

[0033] On the other hand, when the output of the return video is set to "enabled," the CPU 101 changes the resolution of the main line video for display to be the same as the resolution of the return video. This eliminates the need for resolution conversion of the video and the display device when switching the video displayed on the display device between the main line video and the return video. This allows for quick video switching, improving usability.

[0034] The automatic control process of the resolution of the main line video for display can be executed at various times, such as when the imaging device 100 is started up, when the output of the return video is set on the output setting screen (described later) in Fig. 7, when the input of the return video to the external input unit 111 is detected, or when a user operates via a menu screen, but is not limited to these.

[0035] In S401, the CPU 101 reads the current return output setting stored in the memory 102. Note that the CPU 101 may read the current return output setting from the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109.

[0036] Next, in S402, CPU 101 reads the previous return output setting stored in memory 102 in the most recent execution of S404. When automatic control processing of the resolution of the main line video to be displayed is executed for each display device, CPU 101 reads the previous return output setting stored in memory 102 in the most recent execution of S404 for the display device that is the current processing target. As with the current return output setting, CPU 101 may read the previous return output setting from non-volatile memory 103 or recording medium 109. Also, for example, if there is no previous return output setting, CPU 101 may skip S402 and execute S403.

[0037] In S403, CPU 101 compares the current return output setting acquired in S401 with the previous return output setting acquired in S402, and determines whether they are the same. If CPU 101 determines that they are the same (there is no change in the return output setting), it ends the automatic control process without changing the resolution of the main line video for display. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that they are not the same (there is a change in the return output setting), it executes S404. Note that if S402 has not been executed, or if the previous return output setting could not be acquired in S402, CPU 101 assumes that there has been a change in the return output setting, and executes S404.

[0038] In S404, the CPU 101 updates the previous return output setting stored in the memory 102 (which may be the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109) with the current return output setting acquired in S401. If the previous return output setting has not been stored, the current return output setting may simply be stored. Note that if S402 is not executed, S404 does not need to be executed either.

[0039] In S405, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current return output setting acquired in S401 is "valid", and if it is determined that the return output setting is valid, the CPU 101 executes S406, and if not, the CPU 101 executes S408.

[0040] In S406, the CPU 101 stores in the memory 102 (which may be the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109) the resolution of the main line video for display output from the external output unit 112. Note that S407 may be executed without executing S406.

[0041] In S407, CPU 101 sets the resolution of the main line video for display output from external output unit 112 to be equal to the resolution of the return video, and ends the automatic resolution control process. After this, CPU 101 outputs the main line video from external output unit 112 at the set resolution, i.e., the same resolution as the return video. The resolution of the return video can be acquired from the return video input to external input unit 111. Also, the resolution of the return video once acquired may be stored in non-volatile memory or recording medium 109, and the stored resolution may be referenced from the next time onwards. Also, the resolution of the return video may be input by the user. CPU 101 may acquire the resolution of the return video by other methods.

[0042] There are cases where the resolution of the display image output from the external output unit 112 is set to be linked to the resolution of the output destination display device. In this case, the CPU 101 first disables the linkage of the resolution, and then changes the resolution of the main line image to be displayed.

[0043] Furthermore, CPU 101 may determine whether the device to which the main line video is output is a display device, and only when it is determined that the device is a display device, may the resolution of the main line video be matched to the resolution of the return video.

[0044] Furthermore, whether or not to automatically control the resolution of the main line video for display may be set for each output system (terminal). In this case, the CPU 101 does not change the resolution of the main line video output from an output system for which automatic resolution control is not set.

[0045] In S408, CPU 101 sets (returns) the resolution of the main line video for display output from external output unit 112 to the resolution before it was adjusted to the resolution of the return video, and ends the automatic resolution control process. After this, CPU 101 outputs the main line video from external output unit 112 at the set (returned) resolution. The resolution before it was adjusted to the resolution of the return video is, for example, the resolution most recently saved in S406. Note that if the resolution of the external output unit cannot be obtained at the time of most recent execution of S406, CPU 101 may end the process of setting the resolution of the external output unit without processing S408.

[0046] It should be noted that instead of determining whether or not there is a change in the return output setting in S401 to S403, it may be determined whether or not a return video is being input to the external input unit 111. When a return video is being input to the external input unit 111, the CPU 101 executes S407 and can set the resolution of the input return video as the resolution of the main line video to be displayed.

[0047] On the other hand, CPU 101 can execute S407 even when no return video is input to external input unit 111. In this case, however, CPU 101 can set the resolution of the most recently input return video or the resolution of the return video input by the user (for example, 1920×1080 or 2048×1080) as the resolution of the main line video to be displayed.

[0048] In addition, for example, when multiple display devices are connected to the imaging device 100 and each display device is capable of switching between separate return images and main line images, the CPU 101 may perform automatic control processing of the resolution of the main line image for display for each display device or return image.

[0049] In this way, automatic control processing of the resolution of the main line video is executed, and the main line video is output at the same resolution as the return video. Then, when switching button 107 is operated to instruct switching from the main line video to the return video, the output is switched from the main line video to the return video. At this time, since the resolutions of the main line video and the return video are the same, no resolution change processing is required when switching the output to the return video, and the video can be switched quickly.

[0050] 4, steps S401 and S402 may be executed at startup, and steps S403 and after may be executed at other times. For example, the process from S403 onwards may be executed when the setting of the interface (terminal) for outputting the return video or the setting of enabling / disabling the output of the return video is changed by a user operation via the menu screen.

[0051] Next, a process in which the CPU 101 automatically controls the frame rate of the main line video of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0052] The frame rate of the main line video may be set by the user instead of being automatically controlled by CPU 101. The user may be able to change whether the frame rate of the main line video is automatically controlled or follows the user setting through a menu screen or the like.

[0053] When automatically controlling the frame rate of the main line video, if the return video is input or phase synchronization between the return video and the main line video is completed, the CPU 101 matches the frame rate of the main line video to the frame rate of the return video.

[0054] The automatic control process of the frame rate of the main line video can be executed at various times, such as when the imaging device 100 is started, when settings related to the output of the return video are made, when the input of the return video to the external input unit 111 is detected, or when a user operates via a menu screen, but is not limited to these.

[0055] In S501, the CPU 101 acquires the current state of the external input unit 111.

[0056] Next, in S502, the CPU 101 reads the previous state of the external input unit 111 that was saved in the memory 102 in the most recently executed S504. The CPU 101 may read the previous state of the external input unit 111 from the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109. Also, for example, if the previous state of the external input unit 111 does not exist, the CPU 101 may skip S502 and execute S503.

[0057] In S503, CPU 101 compares the current state of external input unit 111 acquired in S501 with the previous state of external input unit 111 acquired in S502, and determines whether they are the same. If CPU 101 determines that they are the same (there is no change in the state of external input unit 111), it ends the automatic control process without changing the frame rate frame of the main line video. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that they are not the same (there is a change in the state of external input unit 111), it executes S504. Note that if S502 is not executed, or if the previous state of external input unit 111 cannot be acquired in S502, CPU 101 assumes that there is a change in the return output setting, and executes S504.

[0058] In S504, the CPU 101 updates the previous state of the external input unit 111 stored in the memory 102 (which may be the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109) with the current state of the external input unit 111 acquired in S501. If the previous state of the external input unit 111 has not been stored, it is sufficient to simply store the current state of the external input unit 111. Note that if S502 is not executed, S504 does not need to be executed either.

[0059] In S505, CPU 101 determines whether or not return video is being input based on the current state of external input unit 111 acquired in S501, and further determines whether the output of return video has been enabled on the return output setting screen of Fig. 7. If CPU 101 determines that return video is being input and that the output of return video has been enabled, it executes S506, and if not, it ends the automatic control process without changing the frame rate frame of the main line video.

[0060] In S506, the CPU 101 acquires the synchronization state between the phase of the main line video and the phase of the return video.

[0061] In S507, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the phase synchronization process between the main line video and the return video is complete based on the synchronization state acquired in S506. If it is determined that the phase synchronization process between the main line video and the return video is complete, the CPU 101 executes S508, and if not, ends the automatic control process without changing the frame rate frame of the main line video.

[0062] In S508, the CPU 101 stores the current frame rate of the main line video in the memory 102 (which may be the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109). Note that the CPU 101 may skip the process of S508 and execute S509.

[0063] In S509, CPU 101 acquires the frame rate of the return video input to external input unit 111. The frame rate of the return video can be acquired from the return video input to external input unit 111. The frame rate of the return video once acquired may be stored in non-volatile memory or recording medium 109, and the stored frame rate may be referenced from the next time onwards. The frame rate of the return video may also be input by the user. CPU 101 may acquire the frame rate of the return video by other methods.

[0064] In S510, CPU 101 sets the frame rate of the main line video to be equal to the frame rate of the return video acquired in S509. Thereafter, CPU 101 ends the frame rate setting process of imaging device 100. Note that after setting the frame rate of the main line video to be equal to the frame rate of the return video, the phases of the main line video and the return video may become asynchronous. In this case, CPU 101 may return the frame rate of the main line video to the frame rate saved in S508.

[0065] Next, the display control process of the main line image and the return image in the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. When multiple display devices are available, this process can be executed for each display device. This process can be executed repeatedly in a state where the operation of the switching button 107 can be accepted, for example, in a shooting standby state or while shooting for recording is being performed.

[0066] In S601, the CPU 101 reads the current return output setting stored in the memory 102, similar to S401. Note that the CPU 101 may read the current return output setting from the non-volatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109.

[0067] In S602, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current return output setting acquired in S601 is "valid", and if it is determined that the return output setting is valid, the CPU 101 executes S603, and if not, the CPU 101 executes S612.

[0068] In step S603 , the CPU 101 reads the state of the switching button 107 . In S604, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the switching button 107 has been operated (e.g., pressed) based on the state of the switching button 107 read in S603. If it is determined that the switching button 107 has been operated, the CPU 101 executes S605, and if not, the CPU 101 executes S612.

[0069] In this embodiment, the return video is displayed while the switching button 107 is being operated, and the main line video is displayed while the switching button 107 is not being operated. The correspondence between the operation of the switching button 107 and the video to be displayed may be reversed. Also, the return video and the main line video may be switched each time the switching button 107 is pressed. In either case, the CPU 101 executes S605 when the return video is to be displayed, and executes S612 when the main line video is to be displayed.

[0070] In S605, the CPU 101 acquires the synchronization state between the phase of the main line video and the phase of the return video.

[0071] In S606, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the phase synchronization process between the main line video and the return video is completed based on the synchronization state acquired in S605. If it is determined that the phase synchronization process between the main line video and the return video is completed, the CPU 101 executes S607, and if not, executes S611.

[0072] In S607 , the CPU 101 acquires the resolution and frame rate of the return video input to the external input unit 111 . In S608, the CPU 101 acquires the resolution and frame rate of the main line video to be displayed.

[0073] In S609, CPU 101 compares the resolution and frame rate of the return video acquired in S607 with the resolution and frame rate of the main line video for display acquired in S608, and determines whether the resolution and frame rate are the same. If CPU 101 determines that the return video and the main line video for display have the same resolution and frame rate, it executes S610, and if not, it executes S611. If automatic control processing of the resolution and frame rate is being executed by the processing in Figures 4 and 5, the return video and the main line video for display will have the same resolution and frame rate.

[0074] In S610, CPU 101 starts outputting the return video input to external input unit 111 to display 105 or an external display device connected to external output unit 112. The display device that outputs the return video is determined, for example, according to the terminal to which the return video is input in external input unit 111. CPU 101 then ends the display control process. Note that CPU 101 may repeat the process from S604. Since the return video and the main line video for display have the same resolution and frame rate, it is possible to quickly switch from the main line video to the return video without performing conversion processing or the like.

[0075] In S611, CPU 101 starts outputting a predetermined image (e.g., a black image) that is neither a return image nor a main line image to display 105 or an external display device connected to external output unit 112. This predetermined image indicates that the return image cannot be displayed. A message indicating that the return image cannot be displayed may be displayed instead of the black image or superimposed on the black image. CPU 101 may execute S612 instead of S611. In this case, since the image displayed is not changed by operating switching button 107, CPU 101 superimposes a message indicating that the return image cannot be displayed on the main line image. The return image may be output in response to completion of phase synchronization processing.

[0076] In S612, since the output of the return video is set to be disabled, CPU 101 outputs the main line video for display to display 105 or an external display device connected to external output unit 112. Then, CPU 101 ends the display control process. Note that CPU 101 may repeat the process from S604.

[0077] 7 shows an example of a return output setting screen, which is a part of a menu screen displayed on the display 105 by the imaging device 100. The user can set, via the return output setting screen, whether to enable or disable the output of the return video input to the external input unit 111 for the external display device connected to the external output unit 112. The setting can be made for each interface (output terminal) provided in the external output unit 112. On the return output setting screen, first, an interface selection screen (not shown) is displayed. On the interface selection screen, interfaces that can be set as targets for outputting the return video and the current setting for enabling / disabling the output of the return video are displayed.

[0078] The user operates the operation unit 106 to select an interface for changing the setting of enable / disable of return video output. When an interface is selected, a return video output enable / disable setting screen corresponding to the selected interface is displayed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the external output unit 112 has one HDMI terminal and one SDI terminal. The return output setting screen 701 shown in FIG. 7(A) is a screen for setting whether to enable / disable the output of return video to the HDMI terminal. Moreover, the return output setting screen 705 shown in FIG. 7(B) is a screen for setting whether to enable / disable the output of return video to the SDI terminal.

[0079] In S611, CPU 101 starts outputting a predetermined image (e.g., a black image) that is neither a return image nor a main line image to display 105 or an external display device connected to external output unit 112. This predetermined image indicates that the return image cannot be displayed. A message indicating that the return image cannot be displayed may be displayed instead of the black image or superimposed on the black image. CPU 101 may execute S612 instead of S611. In this case, since the image displayed is not changed by operating switching button 107, CPU 101 superimposes a message indicating that the return image cannot be displayed on the main line image.

[0080] In S612, CPU 101 outputs the main line video for display to display 105 or an external display device connected to external output unit 112. Then, CPU 101 ends the display control process. Note that CPU 101 may repeat the process from S604.

[0081] 7 shows an example of a return output setting screen displayed on the display 105 by the imaging device 100. The user can set, via the return output setting screen, whether to enable or disable the output of the return video input to the external input unit 111 for the external display device connected to the external output unit 112. The setting can be made for each interface (output terminal) provided in the external output unit 112. Here, it is assumed that the external output unit 112 has one HDMI terminal and one SDI terminal. The return output setting screen 701 shown in FIG. 7(A) is a screen for setting the HDMI terminal. Also, the return output setting screen 705 shown in FIG. 7(B) is a screen for setting the SDI terminal.

[0082] CPU 101 selects either "Enable" button 703 or "Disable" button 704 in response to, for example, the operation of a direction key or a touch panel included in operation unit 106. Then, CPU 101 sets a value according to the button that is in the selected state at the time when CPU 101 detects, for example, the operation of a decision button included in operation unit 106.

[0083] As explained above, when the output of the return video is set to "enabled" (when the display device is in a state where the return video can be displayed), the resolution of the main line video for display is changed to be the same as the resolution of the return video. This prevents resolution conversion of the video and the display device from occurring when switching the video displayed on the display device between the main line video and the return video. This enables quick switching of the video, improving usability.

[0084] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0085] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following image processing device, imaging device, image processing method, and program. (Item 1) An imaging element; an output means for selectively outputting a main line image obtained by using the imaging element and an external image input from an external source; a control means for controlling the image output from the output means, The control means When the output of the external video from the output means is set to be valid, changing the resolution of the main line video so as to be equal to the resolution of the external video; When the output of the external video from the output means is not set to be valid, the resolution of the main line video is not changed. 1. An imaging device comprising: (Item 2) a setting means for setting the output of the external video from the output means to be valid; an instruction unit for inputting a switching instruction for switching the image output from the output unit from the main line image to the external image; The control means in response to the setting means setting the output of the external video to be valid, control is performed so that the main line video is output from the output means at a resolution equal to a resolution of the external video; and controlling the output means to output the external video in response to the switching instruction being input by the instruction means while the setting means has enabled the output of the external video. 2. The imaging device according to item 1, (Item 3) The control means further comprises: When the output of the external video from the output means is set to be valid, changing the frame rate of the main line video so as to be equal to the frame rate of the external video; when the output of the external video from the output means is not enabled, the frame rate of the main line video is not changed; 2. The imaging device according to item 1, (Item 4) The imaging device described in item 3, characterized in that the control means changes the frame rate of the main line video so that it becomes equal to the frame rate of the external video in a state where phase synchronization processing between the main line video and the external video is completed. (Item 5) an instruction unit for inputting a switching instruction for switching the image output from the output unit from the main line image to the external image; In response to the switching instruction being input by the instruction means, the control means When the frame rate of the main line video is changed to be equal to the frame rate of the external video, control is performed to switch to the external video; If the frame rate of the main line video is not changed to be equal to the frame rate of the external video, control is performed to switch to a specific video instead of the external video. 4. The imaging device according to item 3, (Item 6) 6. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein when the imaging device has a plurality of output means, the control means controls the video output for each of the output means. (Item 7) 7. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the output means outputs the main line image and the external image to the same display device. (Item 8) 8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control means does not control the image output from the output terminal when a display device is not connected to the output means. (Item 9) The imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that when a setting is made such that the resolution of the image output from the output means is linked to the resolution of a display device connected to the output means, the control means disables the setting and then changes the resolution of the main line image to be equal to the resolution of the external image. (Item 10) The imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that when an extension unit to which the main line video and the external video are input is connected to the imaging device, the control means performs control on the video output from the output means of the extension unit in a manner similar to the control on the video output from the output means of the imaging device. (Item 11) 11. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that when the setting for outputting the external image from the output means is changed from enabled to disabled, the control means returns the resolution of the main line image to the resolution before it was changed so as to be equal to the resolution of the external image. (Item 12) An imaging element; A control method executed by an imaging device having an output unit that selectively outputs a main line image obtained by using the imaging element and an external image input from an external source, the control method comprising: determining whether or not the output of the external video from the output means is enabled; changing a resolution of the main line image to be equal to a resolution of the external image when it is determined that the output of the external image from the output means is set to be valid; If it is determined that the output of the external video from the output means is not set to be valid, the resolution of the main line video is not changed. 13. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising: (Item 13) An imaging element; A program for causing a computer of an imaging device having an output means for selectively outputting a main line image obtained using the imaging element and an external image input from the outside to function as a control means possessed by the imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100: imaging device, 101: CPU, 102: memory, 103: non-volatile memory, 104: image processing unit, 105: display, 106: operation unit, 107: switching button, 110: external I / F, 111: external input unit, 112: external output unit

Claims

1. An imaging element; an output means for selectively outputting a main line image obtained by using the imaging element and an external image input from an external device; a control means for controlling the video output from the output means, The control means When the output of the external video from the output means is enabled, changing the resolution of the main line video to be equal to the resolution of the external video; When the output of the external video from the output means is not enabled, the resolution of the main line video is not changed. An imaging device characterized by:

2. a setting means for validating the output of the external video from the output means; an instruction means for inputting a switching instruction for switching the video output from the output means from the main line video to the external video, The control means In response to the setting means enabling the output of the external video, control is performed so that the main line video is output from the output means at a resolution equal to the resolution of the external video; and controlling the output means to output the external video in response to the switching instruction being input by the instruction means while the setting means has enabled the output of the external video.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. The control means further comprises: When the output of the external video from the output means is enabled, changing the frame rate of the main line video to be equal to the frame rate of the external video; When the output of the external video from the output means is not enabled, the frame rate of the main line video is not changed.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control means changes the frame rate of the main line video so that it becomes equal to the frame rate of the external video when phase synchronization processing between the main line video and the external video has been completed.

5. an instruction means for inputting a switching instruction for switching the video output from the output means from the main line video to the external video, In response to the switching instruction being input by the instruction means, the control means If the frame rate of the main line video has been changed to be equal to the frame rate of the external video, control is performed to switch to the external video; If the frame rate of the main line video is not changed to be equal to the frame rate of the external video, control is performed to switch to a specific video instead of the external video.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3.

6. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the imaging device has a plurality of output means, the control means controls the video to be output for each of the output means.

7. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the main line image and the external image to the same display device.

8. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein said control means does not control the image output from said output means when a display device is not connected to said output means.

9. The imaging device described in claim 1, characterized in that if the resolution of the image output from the output means is set to be linked to the resolution of the display device connected to the output means, the control means disables the setting and then changes the resolution of the main line image to be equal to the resolution of the external image.

10. The imaging device described in claim 1, characterized in that when an extension unit to which the main line video and the external video are input is connected to the imaging device, the control means performs control on the video output from the output means of the extension unit in the same way as control on the video output from the output means of the imaging device.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the setting for outputting the external image from the output means is changed from enabled to disabled, the control means returns the resolution of the main line image to the resolution before it was changed so that it is equal to the resolution of the external image.

12. An imaging element; A control method executed by an imaging device having an output means for selectively outputting a main line image obtained using the imaging element and an external image input from an external device, the control method comprising: determining whether or not the output of the external video from the output means is enabled; changing the resolution of the main line video to be equal to the resolution of the external video when it is determined that the output of the external video from the output means is enabled; If it is determined that the output of the external video from the output means is not set to be valid, the resolution of the main line video is not changed.

10. A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising:

13. An imaging element; A program for causing a computer of an imaging device having an output means for selectively outputting a main line image obtained using the imaging element and an external image input from the outside to function as a control means possessed by the imaging device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images