Imaging device, imaging device processing method, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to grasp a button to which a function of switching between output of a captured video signal and output of an input video signal is assigned.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes switching means that, in response to pressing of a button to which a signal switching function is assigned, switches from outputting an input video signal input to an input portion to outputting an imaged video signal captured by the imaging portion and outputs the imaged video signal to a display device, and notification means that, when the input video signal is being output to the display device, notifies information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, a processing method for an imaging device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In an imaging device such as a camera device, when a return signal, which is a signal of a return image, is output to a monitor, the return signal has conventionally been output to an arbitrary monitor at all times.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that outputs a return signal and an imaging signal to two monitors, respectively. In recent years, labor-saving measures for filming and more compact filming systems have led to a decrease in the number of monitors at filming locations, resulting in an increasing demand for switching between outputting the imaging signal and the return signal to a single monitor. To achieve this, a method that switches between outputting the return signal and the imaging signal when the user presses a signal switching button is suitable for user operation.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a control device that, when a function assigned to an assign button is switched, displays the switched function on the screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-127245 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-73799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, the signal switching button is not assigned as a dedicated button. If the signal switching function is assigned to an assignable button that is assigned a specific function, it may become difficult to know which button to use to switch to the imaging signal while the return signal is being displayed, and the user may accidentally press another button, leading to an erroneous operation.

[0007] Patent document 2 discloses a control device that displays the switched function on the screen when the function assigned to an assignment button is switched, but the display does not occur while the return signal is being displayed, and so it cannot solve the problem of incorrect operation.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to grasp a button to which a function of switching between output of a captured video signal and output of an input video signal is assigned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The imaging device has a switching means that, in response to pressing of a button to which a signal switching function is assigned, switches from outputting an input video signal input to the input section to outputting an imaged video signal captured by the imaging section and outputs the imaged video signal to a display device, and a notification means that, when the input video signal is being output to the display device, notifies information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to grasp the button to which the function of switching between output of a captured video signal and output of an input video signal is assigned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an expansion unit. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating connection patterns between the imaging device and the extension unit. [Figure 4]10 is a flowchart relating to the display of a return signal switching button. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart relating to display. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart relating to the display of a return signal switching button. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an imaging signal and a return signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. The imaging device 100 has a CPU 101, a memory 102, a nonvolatile memory 103, an image processing unit 104, a display 105, an operation unit 106, a recording medium I / F 108, an external I / F 110, and an imaging unit 113, which are connected to an internal bus 130. The units connected to the internal bus 130 are able to exchange data with each other via the internal bus 130.

[0014] Furthermore, the imaging device 100 has an assign button 107 , a recording medium 109 , an external input unit 111 , an external output unit 112 , an external input synthesis unit 114 , and an external input synthesis determination unit 115 .

[0015] The memory 102 is made up of, for example, RAM (volatile memory using semiconductor elements, etc.). The non-volatile memory 103 stores image data, audio data, other data, and various programs for operating the CPU 101. The non-volatile memory 103 is made up of, for example, a hard disk (HD) or ROM.

[0016] The CPU 101 performs various processes and controls each part of the image capturing apparatus 100 in accordance with a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 103, for example, and uses the memory 102 as a work memory.

[0017] Under the control of the CPU 101, the image processing unit 104 performs various types of image processing on image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 or recording medium 109, image data captured by the imaging unit 113, etc. The image processing performed by the image processing unit 104 includes A / D conversion processing, D / A conversion processing, image data encoding processing, compression processing, decoding processing, enlargement / reduction processing (resizing), noise reduction processing, color conversion processing, etc.

[0018] The image processing unit 104 may be configured with a circuit block dedicated to performing specific image processing. Depending on the type of image processing, the CPU 101 may perform image processing according to a program without using the image processing unit 104.

[0019] The display 105 displays images, GUI screens constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and the like under the control of the CPU 101. In the configuration of FIG. 1, the display 105 is a display device built into the imaging device 100, but it may also be an external display device (an external monitor, television, etc.). When the display 105 is an external display device, the imaging device 100 itself is only provided with an interface for outputting a video signal to be displayed on the display 105.

[0020] Then, CPU 101 generates a display control signal according to the program, and controls each unit of imaging device 100 to generate a video signal to be displayed on display 105 and output it to display 105. As a result, display 105 displays an image based on the output video signal.

[0021] The operation unit 106 is an input device for receiving user operations, including a character information input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, a dial, a joystick, a touch sensor, a touch pad, and the like.

[0022] The operation unit 106 also includes an assign button 107 to which a function of switching between a return signal and an imaging signal, which will be described later, can be assigned. In this case, the imaging device 100 may be provided with a plurality of assign buttons 107, and it is possible to assign different functions to each assign button 107.

[0023] The touch panel is an input device that is configured as a plane overlaid on the display 105 and outputs coordinate information according to the touched position. When the operation unit 106 includes a touch panel, the CPU 101 detects a user operation on the touch panel or the state of the touch panel.

[0024] The recording medium I / F 108 allows a recording medium 109 such as a memory card, CD, or DVD to be attached, and reads data from the attached recording medium 109 and writes data to the recording medium 109 based on the control of the CPU 101.

[0025] The external I / F 110 is a communication interface with an external device and has a connector for connecting a cable. For example, the external I / F 110 includes a USB interface for connecting a personal computer or the like, an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) or an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) for connecting an external monitor or the like, and corresponding connectors.

[0026] In addition, the external I / F 110 is an interface that allows an external expansion unit 200 (Figure 3(B)), which will be described later, to be attached, and is used to input and output video signals, audio signals, and control signals between the expansion unit 200.

[0027] The external I / F 110 includes an external input unit 111 and an external output unit 112. The external input unit 111 is a terminal for inputting video data from the outside, such as an SDI terminal or an HDMI terminal. The external input unit 111 inputs a return signal.

[0028] The external output unit 112 is a terminal for externally outputting video data, such as an SDI terminal or an HDMI terminal. The external output unit 112 may also output a return signal, an imaging signal, or the like.

[0029] The imaging unit 113 is a camera unit configured with an imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, a zoom lens, a focus lens, a shutter, an aperture, a distance measurement unit, an A / D converter, etc. The imaging unit 113 is capable of capturing still images and moving images, and transmits image data of the captured images to the image processing unit 104. The image processing unit 104 performs encoding processing on the image data. Thereafter, the CPU 101 records the encoded image data on the recording medium 109 as a still image file or a moving image file.

[0030] The external input combining unit 114 is included in the image processing unit 104. When the signal switching function for switching between an imaging signal and a return signal is assigned to the assign button 107, the external input combining unit 114 combines the return signal with the assign button to which the signal switching function is assigned, and outputs the combined signal from the external output unit 112. Alternatively, the external input combining unit 114 may combine and superimpose a menu selection screen on the return signal.

[0031] The external input synthesis determination unit 115 is one of the controls performed by the CPU 101, and performs synthesis processing of the external input synthesis unit 114 and determines whether to output the result to the outside.

[0032] The audio output unit 116 outputs audio information about the state of the imaging device 100 and the start and end timings of function operations. When an assign button 107 to which a signal switching function is assigned to a return signal is output as a video signal to the outside, similar information may be output from the audio output unit 116.

[0033] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an expansion unit 200 that can be connected to the image capture device 100 or another expansion unit and enables expansion of the functions of the image capture device 100. In this embodiment, expansion of the functions of the image capture device 100 includes not only expansion of functions that add functions that the image capture device 100 does not have, but also expansion that improves the performance of functions that the image capture device 100 has.

[0034] The expansion unit 200 has a CPU 201, a memory 202, a nonvolatile memory 203, an image processing unit 204, an operation unit 205, a recording medium I / F 207, and an external I / F 209, which are connected to an internal bus 230. The units connected to the internal bus 230 are configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the internal bus 230.

[0035] Furthermore, the expansion unit 200 has an assign button 206 , a recording medium 208 , an external input unit 210 , and an external output unit 211 .

[0036] The CPU 201, memory 202, non-volatile memory 203, image processing unit 204, operation unit 205, assignment button 206, recording medium I / F 207, recording medium 208, external I / F 209, external input unit 210, and external output unit 211 have the same configurations and roles as the corresponding CPU 101, memory 102, non-volatile memory 103, image processing unit 104, operation unit 106, assignment button 107, recording medium I / F 108, recording medium 109, external I / F 110, external input unit 111, and external output unit 112 in Figure 1, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0037] It is possible to connect further expansion units to an expansion unit connected to the image capture device 100 via the external I / F on the expansion side. This allows the image capture device 100 to be provided with the functions and capabilities of not only one expansion unit but also multiple expansion units.

[0038] Fig. 3(B) 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 where only the imaging device 100 is present. Fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing a state where 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 209 of the expansion unit 200, it is possible to connect the expansion unit 200 and the imaging device 100.

[0039] Next, the flow of processing executed by the CPU 101 of the imaging device 100 will be described.

[0040] 4 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU 101 when outputting a return signal displaying the name of an assign button to which a signal switching function is assigned to the external output unit 112 in the image capturing apparatus 100. A processing method of the image capturing apparatus 100 will be described below.

[0041] 4 is realized by executing a program according to this embodiment by the CPU 101 of the imaging device 100. All of the processing in the flowchart of Fig. 4 may be realized by a hardware configuration, or some of the processing may be performed by a hardware configuration and the remaining processing may be performed by a software configuration based on a program.

[0042] In the following description, steps S401 to S405 in the flowchart of Fig. 4 will be abbreviated as S401 to S405, respectively. Note that the embodiment will be described below using the external input unit 111 and the external output unit 112 of the imaging device 100 as an example. However, in the embodiment of Fig. 3(B), the external input unit 111 and the external output unit 112 of the imaging device 100 may be read as the external input unit 210 and the external output unit 211 of the extension unit 200, respectively.

[0043] In this case, the combination is not limited to the combination of the external input unit 210 and the external output unit 211 of the expansion unit 200. Other combinations include the combination of the external input unit 111 of the imaging device 100 and the external output unit 211 of the expansion unit 200, or the combination of the external input unit 210 of the expansion unit 200 and the external output unit 112 of the imaging device 100.

[0044] The same applies to a connection pattern (not shown) in which a plurality of expansion units 200, or one or more expansion units other than the expansion unit 200, are connected to the imaging device 100. In that case, this embodiment can be applied to any external input unit and any external output unit of the imaging device 100, the expansion unit 200, or an expansion unit other than the expansion unit 200. The same applies to other flowcharts described later.

[0045] In S401, the CPU 101 receives an external operation and assigns to the assign button 107 a signal switching function for switching the video to be output to the external output unit 112 between an image signal captured by the image capturing unit 113 and a return signal input to the external input unit 111. The CPU 101 may read the assignment setting for the assign button 107 from the nonvolatile memory 103 or the recording medium 109.

[0046] In S402 , the CPU 101 receives a return signal via the external input unit 111 .

[0047] In S403, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the input return signal can be output to the external output unit 112. If the return signal has a resolution acceptable for the imaging device 100 and a frame rate acceptable for the system frequency set in the imaging device 100, the return signal can be output to the external output unit 112, and the process proceeds to S404. If the return signal does not have a resolution acceptable for the imaging device 100, or does not have a frame rate acceptable for the system frequency set in the imaging device 100, the return signal cannot be output to the external output unit 112, and the process of the flowchart in FIG. 4 ends.

[0048] In S404, when the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed, the CPU 101 switches the video to be output to the external output unit 112 from the imaging signal 701 to the return signal 702 as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B).

[0049] In S405, the CPU 101 causes the external input synthesis unit 114 to superimpose information capable of identifying an assign button 107 to which a signal switching function is assigned among the multiple assign buttons 107 onto the return signal 702, and outputs the superimposed return signal to the external output unit 112. The superimposed return signal is displayed on an external device via the external output unit 112.

[0050] For example, the information that can identify the assigned assign button 107 is the assign button name 703 to which the signal switching function is assigned in FIG. 7B.

[0051] This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation when attempting to switch the display image to an imaging signal while a return signal is being displayed, due to not knowing which assign button 107 it has been assigned to.

[0052] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a case where an image capture signal and an assign button 107 to which a signal switching function is assigned are displayed superimposed on a return signal. 701 represents the image capture signal, and 702 represents the return signal. A name 703 of the assign button to which the signal switching function is assigned is displayed superimposed above the return signal 702.

[0053] The assign button 107 may be assigned a signal switching function to be displayed on the display 105. The display 105 is an example of a display device. In this case, when the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed in S404, the CPU 101 switches the image to be displayed on the display 105 from the imaging signal 701 to the return signal 702. In S405, the CPU 101 causes the external input synthesis unit 114 to superimpose information 703, which can identify the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, of the multiple assign buttons 107, on the return signal 702. The CPU 101 then displays the superimposed return signal on the display 105.

[0054] As described above, each time the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed, the CPU 101 alternately switches between outputting the image capture signal 701 captured by the imaging unit 113 and outputting the return signal 702 input to the external input unit 111. In this case, the CPU 101 functions as a switching unit. Here, the image capture signal 701 is an example of an image capture video signal, and the return signal 702 is an example of an input video signal (return video signal).

[0055] For example, the CPU 101 outputs the imaging signal 701 or the return signal 702 to a display device or a display 105 connected to the external output unit 112. The display 105 is an example of a display device.

[0056] In S404, if the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the imaging signal 701 is being output, the process proceeds to S405.

[0057] In S405, the CPU 101 functions as a notification unit and notifies the user of information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned. The CPU 101 may also notify the user of information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned by voice using the audio output unit 116.

[0058] In S405, the CPU 101 causes the external input synthesis unit 114 to superimpose information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, onto the return signal 702. The CPU 101 outputs the return signal 702, onto which the information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, superimposed, to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105.

[0059] In addition, if an assign button 107 to which a signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being output, the CPU 101 outputs the imaging signal 701 without superimposed information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned to the external output unit 112 or the display 105.

[0060] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. By inputting a return signal to the external input unit 111, the imaging device 100 can display the return signal on the display device or the display 105 connected to the external output unit 112.

[0061] The imaging signal 701 and return signal 702 that the CPU 101 displays on the display device or display 105 can be switched by assigning a signal switching function to the assign button 107. Each time the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed, the imaging signal 701 and return signal 702 are toggled alternately.

[0062] Therefore, if the user forgets which of the multiple assign buttons 107 the signal switching function is assigned to, the user will be unable to return from the return signal 702 to the image capture signal 701. If a different assign button 107 is inadvertently pressed, an erroneous operation may occur. In this way, if the user forgets which assign button 107 the signal switching function is assigned to while the return signal 702 is being displayed, the user will be unable to return to displaying the image capture signal 701.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the CPU 101, while the return signal 702 is being displayed, superimposes the name of the assign button 703 to which the signal switching function is assigned on the return signal 702, thereby preventing the user from being unable to return to the display of the image capture signal 701. The user can return to the display of the image capture signal 701 by pressing the assign button 107 corresponding to the displayed assign button name 703. The imaging device 100 can prevent the user from accidentally pressing another button while the return signal 702 is being displayed, because the user does not know which assign button 107 is assigned the signal switching function.

[0064] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The configuration of the image capture device 100 in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the image capture device 100 in the first embodiment, and the same components as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for displaying the name 703 of the assigned button to which the signal switching function is assigned superimposed on the return signal 702 when any button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being displayed.

[0066] The processing from S501 onwards is performed in place of the processing from S401 to S405 in Fig. 4 in the first embodiment. The processing from S501 to S504 is the same as the processing from steps S401 to S404 in Fig. 4 in the first embodiment.

[0067] In S505, the CPU 101 receives a signal that one of the buttons included in the operation unit 106 and one of the assign buttons 107 has been pressed.

[0068] In S506, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the button pressed in S505 is an assign button 107 to which a signal switching function has been assigned, using the external input synthesis determination unit 115. If an assign button 107 to which a signal switching function has been assigned has been pressed, the process proceeds to S507, and if any other button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S508.

[0069] In S507 , the CPU 101 switches the video to be output to the external output unit 112 from the return signal 702 to the imaging signal 701 .

[0070] In S508, the CPU 101 does not execute the function of the button pressed in S505. For a certain period of time after the button is pressed, the CPU 101 causes the external input synthesis unit 114 to superimpose information 703, which enables identification of the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, on the return signal 702 and output the superimposed information to the external output unit 211. Thereafter, the CPU 101 outputs only the return signal 702 to the external output unit 112.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the CPU 101 displays information 703 that can identify the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned only when a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being displayed.

[0072] As a result, the CPU 101 displays the input return signal 702 in its current state unless it wishes to switch the displayed video while displaying the return signal 702. The CPU 101 determines that the button has been pressed by mistake only when a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed, and is able to display the assign button name 703 to which the signal switching function is assigned.

[0073] In this embodiment, in order to avoid erroneous operation, when a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being displayed, the function of the pressed button is disabled, but this is not limiting. The CPU 101 may be configured to switch between disabled and enabled by a menu setting.

[0074] In addition, in S508, it has been described that the information 703 for identifying the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function has been assigned is displayed superimposed on the return signal 702, but this is not limiting. The CPU 101 may notify the information 703 for identifying the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function has been assigned as audio information from the audio output unit 116, rather than displaying it superimposed on the return signal.

[0075] It may be cumbersome to always superimpose the assign button name 703 to which the signal switching function is assigned on the return signal 702 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the CPU 101 superimposes the assign button name 703 to which the signal switching function is assigned on the return signal 702 for a certain period of time only when a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed.

[0076] As described above, in S505, if a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being output, the process proceeds to S508 via S506. Also, if the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being output, the process proceeds to S507 via S506.

[0077] In S508, the CPU 101 notifies the user of information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned. The CPU 101 may notify the user of information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned by voice using the audio output unit 116.

[0078] In S508, the CPU 101 causes the external input synthesis unit 114 to superimpose information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, onto the return signal 702. Then, the CPU 101 outputs the return signal 702, onto which the information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, superimposed, to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105.

[0079] Specifically, the CPU 101 outputs a return signal 702 on which information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed for a certain period of time. After that, the CPU 101 outputs a return signal 702 on which information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

[0080] Furthermore, in S508, the CPU 101 functions as a control unit and performs control so that the function of the button pressed in S505 is not executed.

[0081] In S507, the CPU 101 outputs to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105 the imaging signal 701 on which the information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

[0082] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The configuration of the image capture device 100 in the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the image capture device 100 in the first embodiment, and the same components as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0083] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the imaging device 100 according to the third embodiment. A case will be described in which a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being displayed. In this case, the imaging device 100 displays the name 703 of the assign button to which the signal switching function is assigned, superimposed on the return signal 702, only when a specific condition is met.

[0084] The processing from S601 is performed in place of the processing from S501 to S508 in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5. The processing from S601 to S607 is the same as the processing from S501 to S507 in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

[0085] In S606, if the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed, the process proceeds to S607, and if any other button is pressed, the process proceeds to S608.

[0086] In S608, the external input synthesis determination unit 115 determines whether or not the condition for displaying the assign button name 703 is met. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to S610, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to S609.

[0087] Examples of conditions for displaying the assign button name 703 include pressing and holding the S605 button for a certain period of time or more, pressing the S605 button multiple times in a short period of time, or pressing the S605 button again after a certain period of time has passed since pressing it.

[0088] In S609, the CPU 101 executes the function assigned to the button pressed in S605.

[0089] In S610, the external input synthesis determination unit 115 determines whether the conditions for displaying the signal switching selection screen are met. If the conditions are met, the process proceeds to S612, and if the conditions are not met, the process proceeds to S611.

[0090] The conditions for displaying the signal switching selection screen are set to be stricter than the conditions for displaying the assign button name 703 in S608.

[0091] In S611, the CPU 101 performs the same processing as in S508 of FIG. 5 in the second embodiment.

[0092] In S612, the CPU 101 causes the external input synthesis unit 114 to output a signal in which the signal switching selection screen is superimposed on the return signal 702 to the external output unit 112. The superimposed signal is displayed on a display device connected to the external output unit 112. The CPU 101 switches the signal to be output to the external output unit 112 by an operation based on the signal switching selection screen, without having to press the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned.

[0093] The effect of this embodiment will now be described. The CPU 101 displays information 703 that allows identification of the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned only when a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while a specific condition is met while the return signal 702 is being displayed. This not only achieves the effect of the second embodiment, but also makes it possible to prevent erroneous operations and to press a button to operate the imaging device 100 when the user wishes to operate the imaging device 100 even while the return signal 702 is being displayed.

[0094] It may be cumbersome to always superimpose the assign button name 703 to which the signal switching function is assigned on the return signal 702 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the situation is not limited to when a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is simply pressed. In the third embodiment, the CPU 101 superimposes the assign button name 703 to which the signal switching function is assigned on the return signal 702 when the button is pressed in a manner that satisfies a specific condition (long press, repeated press, etc.).

[0095] In step S612, the CPU 101 may cause the external input synthesis unit 114 to display on the display 105 a signal in which the signal switching selection screen is superimposed on the return signal 702.

[0096] As described above, in S605, if a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under the condition that satisfies the condition of S608 while the return signal 702 is being output, the process proceeds to S610 via S606 and S608.

[0097] Also, if the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being output, the process proceeds to S607.

[0098] Also, if a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under conditions that do not satisfy the condition of S608 while the return signal 702 is being output, the process advances to S609 via S606 and S608.

[0099] Also, if a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being output, the process proceeds to S612, satisfying the conditions in S608 and S610.

[0100] Also, if a button other than the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the return signal 702 is being output, the process proceeds to S611 if the condition in S608 is met and the condition in S610 is not met.

[0101] Here, the condition in S608 is, for example, a condition that the button continues to be pressed for a first period of time, or a condition that the button is pressed a first number of times or more during a second period of time.

[0102] Specifically, the condition in S608 is that the button is kept pressed for a first period, and the condition in S610 is that the button is kept pressed for a third period that is longer than the first period.

[0103] Furthermore, the condition in S608 is that the button is pressed a first number of times or more during a second period, and the condition in S610 is that the button is pressed a second number of times or more during the second period, which is greater than the first number of times.

[0104] In S611, the CPU 101 causes the external input synthesis unit 114 to superimpose information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, onto the return signal 702. Then, the CPU 101 outputs the return signal 702, onto which the information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned, superimposed, to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105.

[0105] Specifically, the CPU 101 outputs a return signal 702 on which information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed for a certain period of time. After that, the CPU 101 outputs a return signal 702 on which information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

[0106] Furthermore, in S611, the CPU 101 functions as a control unit and performs control so that the function of the button pressed in S605 is not executed.

[0107] In S607, the CPU 101 outputs to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105 the imaging signal 701 on which the information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

[0108] In S609, the CPU 101 outputs to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105 the return signal 702 on which information 703 indicating the assign button 107 to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

[0109] Furthermore, in S609, the CPU 101 performs control to execute the function of the button pressed in S605.

[0110] In S612, the CPU 101 outputs a screen for selecting whether to output the imaging signal 701 or the return signal 702 to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105. Then, in response to an operation based on the selection screen, the CPU 101 outputs the imaging signal 701 or the return signal 702 to the external output unit 112 and / or the display 105. The CPU 101 also performs control so that the function of the button pressed in S605 is not executed.

[0111] In the first to third embodiments, the multiple assignable buttons 107 and 206 are buttons to which functions can be assigned. In the above, the multiple assignable buttons 107 have been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the multiple assignable buttons 107, there may be both the assignable button 107 and the assignable button 206 of the expansion unit 200, or there may be multiple assignable buttons 206 of the expansion unit 200. The assignable buttons 107 and 206 may be buttons on a touch panel.

[0112] Furthermore, a plurality of return signals may be input to the external input unit 111. In this case, the CPU 101 alternately switches between outputting the imaging signal 701 and outputting one of the plurality of return signals input to the external input unit 111 every time the assign button 107 or 206 to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed.

[0113] As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, the imaging device 100 can grasp the assign button 107 or 206 to which the signal switching function is assigned while outputting a return signal, thereby reducing erroneous operations due to signal switching.

[0114] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more 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 the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0115] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0116] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) a switching means for switching from outputting an input video signal input to the input unit to outputting an imaged video signal captured by the image capturing unit in response to pressing of a button to which a signal switching function is assigned, and outputting the imaged video signal to the display device; a notification means for notifying information indicating a button to which the signal switching function is assigned when the input video signal is being output to the display device; An imaging device comprising: (Configuration 2) 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the input video signal is a return video signal. (Configuration 3) 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the switching means alternately switches between outputting the input video signal and outputting the captured video signal and outputs the signal to the display device each time the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the notification means notifies information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned when the input video signal is output to the display device because the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the imaging video signal is being output. (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to configuration 4, characterized in that when the input video signal is output to the display device as a result of a button to which the signal switching function is assigned being pressed while the imaging video signal is being output, the notification means superimposes information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned on the input video signal, and the switching means outputs the input video signal on which the information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to configuration 5, wherein when the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs an imaging video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed. (Configuration 7) 5. The imaging device according to configuration 4, wherein the notification means notifies information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned by voice. (Configuration 8) The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the notification means notifies information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the input video signal is being output. (Configuration 9) The imaging device according to configuration 8, further comprising a control means for controlling the device so that, when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed during output of the input video signal, the function of the pressed button is not executed. (Configuration 10) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed for a certain period of time, and thereafter outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed. (Configuration 11) when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under a condition that satisfies a first condition while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed; The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under conditions that do not satisfy a first condition while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs an input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed. (Configuration 12) The imaging device described in configuration 11 is characterized in that it further comprises control means that, if a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under a condition that satisfies a first condition while the input video signal is being output, the function of the pressed button is not executed, and, if a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under a condition that does not satisfy the first condition while the input video signal is being output, the function of the pressed button is executed. (Configuration 13) 13. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the first condition is that the button is continuously pressed for a first period of time, or that the button is pressed a first number of times or more for a second period of time. (Configuration 14) when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs a screen for selecting output of the captured video signal or output of the input video signal, and The imaging device described in any one of configurations 11 to 13, characterized in that when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under conditions that satisfy the first condition but do not satisfy the second condition during output of the input video signal, the switching means outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed. (Configuration 15) 15. The imaging device according to configuration 14, wherein the switching means outputs the captured video signal or the input video signal in response to an operation on the screen for selection. (Configuration 16) the first condition is that the button is pressed for a first period of time; 16. The imaging device according to configuration 14 or 15, wherein the second condition is that the button is kept pressed for a third period that is longer than the first period. (Configuration 17) the first condition is that the button is pressed a first number of times or more within a second period of time; 16. The imaging device according to configuration 14 or 15, wherein the second condition is that the button is pressed a second number of times or more during the second period, the second number of times being greater than the first number of times. (Configuration 18) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, comprising the display device. (Method 1) a switching step of switching from output of an input video signal input to the input unit to output of an imaged video signal captured by the imaging unit in response to pressing of a button to which a signal switching function is assigned, and outputting the imaged video signal to the display device; a notification step of notifying information indicating a button to which the signal switching function is assigned when the input video signal is output to the display device; 10. A processing method for an imaging device, comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 100 imaging device; 200 expansion unit; 101, 201 CPU; 102, 202 memory; 103, 203 non-volatile memory; 104, 204 image processing unit; 105 display; 106, 205 operation unit; 107, 206 assignment button; 108, 207 recording medium I / F; 109, 208 recording medium; 110, 209 external I / F; 111, 210 external input unit; 112, 211 external output unit; 113 imaging unit; 114 external input synthesis unit; 115 external input synthesis determination unit; 116 audio output unit

Claims

1. a switching means for switching from outputting an input video signal input to the input unit to outputting an imaged video signal captured by the image capturing unit in response to pressing of a button to which a signal switching function is assigned, and outputting the imaged video signal to the display device; a notification means for notifying information indicating a button to which the signal switching function is assigned when the input video signal is being output to the display device; An imaging device comprising:

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the input video signal is a return video signal.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means alternately switches between outputting the input video signal and outputting the captured video signal and outputs the switched signal to the display device each time a button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the input video signal is output to the display device because a button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the imaging video signal is being output, the notification means notifies information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the input video signal is output to the display device due to a button to which the signal switching function is assigned being pressed while the imaging video signal is being output, the notification means superimposes information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned on the input video signal, and the switching means outputs the input video signal on which the information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs an imaging video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

7. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned by voice.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed during output of the input video signal, the notification means notifies information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, further comprising a control means for controlling the device so that, when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed during output of the input video signal, the function of the pressed button is not executed.

10. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed for a certain period of time, and thereafter outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

11. when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under a condition that satisfies a first condition while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under conditions that do not satisfy a first condition while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs an input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is not superimposed.

12. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, further comprising a control means for controlling so that, if a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under a condition that satisfies a first condition while the input video signal is being output, the function of the pressed button is not executed, and, if a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under a condition that does not satisfy the first condition while the input video signal is being output, the function of the pressed button is executed.

13. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the first condition is that the button is continuously pressed for a first period of time, or that the button is pressed a first number of times or more within a second period of time.

14. when a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed while the input video signal is being output, the switching means outputs a screen for selecting output of the captured video signal or output of the input video signal, and 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein, during output of the input video signal, if a button other than the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is pressed under conditions that satisfy the first condition but do not satisfy the second condition, the switching means outputs the input video signal on which information indicating the button to which the signal switching function is assigned is superimposed.

15. 15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein the switching means outputs the captured video signal or the input video signal in response to an operation on the screen for selection.

16. the first condition is that the button is pressed for a first period of time; 15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein the second condition is that the button is kept pressed for a third period longer than the first period.

17. the first condition is that the button is pressed a first number of times or more within a second period; 15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein the second condition is that the button is pressed a second number of times or more during the second period, the second number of times being greater than the first number of times.

18. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising the display device.

19. a switching step of switching from output of an input video signal input to the input unit to output of an imaged video signal captured by the imaging unit in response to pressing of a button to which a signal switching function is assigned, and outputting the imaged video signal to the display device; a notification step of notifying information indicating a button to which the signal switching function is assigned when the input video signal is output to the display device; 10. A processing method for an imaging device, comprising:

20. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images