Transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a transmission device, a reception device, and a transmission / reception system capable of achieving miniaturization and communication at a high frame rate. This transmission device is provided with: a control signal reception unit for receiving a control signal which includes prescribed information and which is inputted from an external device; and a control unit for controlling, on the basis of switching information which is included in the prescribed information as necessary and which indicates switching between first communication for executing host communication during a blanking period in one frame period and second communication for executing host communication during the blanking period and a data output period in one frame period, switching between the first communication and the second communication.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known technologies that enable two-way communication between a transmitting device and a receiving device (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Due to the demand for miniaturization of sensor devices that perform two-way communication with receiving devices, there is a demand for sensor devices that share data output such as a two-way interface and communication control from the receiving side (i.e., the host side). In addition, it is expected that the demand for two-way interfaces will increase to meet the demand for additional input / output terminals as sensor devices become more multifunctional. However, at the same time, there is an increasing demand for sensor devices to output data at a frame rate higher than the normal frame rate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2707006 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4512599 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a certain amount of time is required for the data output time of the bidirectional interface, the host switching time, and the communication time with the host, and therefore a high frame rate cannot be achieved due to the time constraints imposed by these times.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system that can achieve compactness and communication at a high frame rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control signal receiving unit that receives a control signal input from an external device and containing specified information, and switching information indicating switching between a first communication that performs host communication in a blanking period of a frame period and a second communication that performs host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of a frame period is included in the specified information as necessary, and a control unit that controls switching between the first communication and the second communication based on the switching information.

[0007] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a receiving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control signal transmitting unit that transmits a control signal to an external device, the control signal including specific information, whereby switching information indicating switching between a first communication that performs host communication during a blanking period of a frame period and a second communication that performs host communication during a blanking period and a data output period of a frame period is included as necessary, and a control unit that controls the transmission of the control signal from the control signal transmitting unit.

[0008] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a transmission / reception system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a transmitting device that transmits a specified signal, and a receiving device that receives the specified signal transmitted from the transmitting device, wherein the transmitting device has a control signal receiving unit that receives a control signal input from the receiving device and containing specified information, and a control unit that controls switching between the first communication and the second communication based on switching information, wherein switching information indicating switching between a first communication that performs host communication during a blanking period of a frame period and a second communication that performs host communication during a blanking period and a data output period of a frame period is included in the specified information as necessary, and the receiving device has a control signal transmitting unit that transmits a control signal included in the specified information, in which the switching information is included as necessary, to the transmitting device, and a control unit that controls the control signal transmitting unit to transmit the control signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a timing chart of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system as a comparative example. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating other examples of timing charts of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system as a comparative example. [Diagram 5] 2 is an example of a sequence diagram of bidirectional communication in a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic surgery system. [Figure 13] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a camera head and a CCU. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [First embodiment] A transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmission / reception system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. First, a schematic configuration of the transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmission / reception system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmission / reception system according to this embodiment are configured to transmit and receive data for transmission, a clock signal for synchronization, and a control signal for controlling the operation of the transmitting device by a clock embedded method.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a transmission device 10A that transmits a predetermined signal, and a reception device 10B that receives the predetermined signal transmitted from the transmission device 10A. The transmission / reception system 1 can be applied to, for example, an endoscope system, in which the transmission device 10A transmits imaging data captured by the transmission device 10A to the reception device 10B. The reception device 10B processes the imaging data transmitted from the transmission device 10A and transmits it to, for example, a display device (not shown). For this reason, the transmission device 10A is made small so that it can enter a narrow area such as inside the human body. In addition, the reception device 10B has a configuration that can receive imaging data from the miniaturized transmission device 10A and control a clock signal to stably operate the transmission device 10A.

[0012] The transmitting device 10A is configured to bidirectionally communicate signals (data for transmission Ds, a first clock signal CLK1 for synchronization, and a register signal Rs for controlling the operation of the transmitting device 10A) with the receiving device 10B in accordance with the SLVS-EC (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock) standard. In other words, the receiving device 10B is configured to bidirectionally communicate signals (data for transmission Ds, a first clock signal CLK1 for synchronization, and a register signal Rs for controlling the operation of the transmitting device 10A) with the transmitting device 10A in accordance with the SLVS-EC standard. In other words, the transmitting / receiving system 1 is configured to bidirectionally communicate signals (data for transmission Ds, a first clock signal CLK1 for synchronization, and a register signal Rs for controlling the operation of the transmitting device 10A) between the transmitting device 10A and the receiving device 10B in accordance with the SLVS-EC standard.

[0013] The transmitting device 10A according to this embodiment includes a data source (an example of a data generating section) 12 that generates data, which is one of the predetermined signals to be transmitted to the receiving device 10B, and a transmitting section 11 that transmits data input from the data source 12 to an oscillator 112. In this embodiment, the transmitting section 11 and the data source 12 are formed on different semiconductor chips and stacked. Note that the transmitting section 11 and the data source 12 may be formed in the same semiconductor chip.

[0014] The data source 12 has, for example, a solid-state imaging element (not shown). The data source 12 outputs to the transmission unit 11 imaging data obtained by capturing an image of the external environment in which the transmission device 10A is placed.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the transmitting unit 11 provided in the transmitting device 10A has an oscillator 112 that oscillates a first clock signal CLK1, and a register signal receiving unit (an example of a control signal receiving unit) 114 that receives a register signal (an example of a control signal) Rs that is transmitted from the receiving device 10B and controls the first clock signal CLK1. The receiving device 10B corresponds to an example of an external device in the transmitting device 10A. In Fig. 1 and other figures, the register is written as "REG".

[0016] The oscillator 112 is configured to be able to change the oscillation frequency. This allows the oscillator 112 to output a first clock signal CLK1 with a changed frequency. Unlike a phase locked loop (PLL), the oscillator 112 does not include a phase comparator, a loop filter, a voltage controlled oscillator, a frequency divider, etc. Therefore, the transmitting device 10A can be made smaller than a conventional transmitting device that includes a PLL.

[0017] The transmitter 11 has a register 113 that stores a setting value of the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 oscillated by the oscillator 112. The register 113 stores a plurality of setting values ​​associated with each frequency of the first clock signal CLK1. The register 113 reads out a setting value that is the same as a setting value included in the register signal Rs received by the register signal receiver 114, and outputs the setting value to the oscillator 112. The oscillator 112 sets the setting value input from the register 113 in a predetermined region. As a result, the oscillator 112 oscillates the first clock signal CLK1 at a frequency corresponding to the setting value input from the register 113.

[0018] The register 113 is configured to store the frame rate at which the data source 12 captures the external environment. The register 113 is also configured to store the number of frames (i.e., the number of captures) to be captured at a high frame rate that is higher than the normal frame rate. The high frame rate value and the number of frames to be captured at the high frame rate stored in the register 113 are included in, for example, a register signal Rs and transmitted from the receiving device 10B to the transmitting device 10A. The register 113 may also store not only the setting value of the first clock signal CLK1 and the number of frames, but also the setting values ​​of each component provided in the transmitting device 10A.

[0019] When the register signal receiving unit 114 receives the register signal Rs transmitted from the receiving device 10B, it acquires frequency high / low information contained in the received register signal Rs. The frequency high / low information is information indicating that the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 is an optimal value, or information indicating whether the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 is higher or lower than the frequency of the reference clock signal INCK. The frequency difference between the first clock signal CLK1 and the reference clock signal INCK is detected in the receiving device 10B. When the register signal receiving unit 114 acquires frequency high / low information indicating that the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 is higher than the frequency of the reference clock signal INCK, it outputs a setting value for lowering the current frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 to the register 113. On the other hand, when the register signal receiving unit 114 acquires frequency high / low information indicating that the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 is lower than the frequency of the reference clock signal INCK, it outputs a setting value for raising the current frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 to the register 113.

[0020] The register signal receiving unit 114 may receive a register signal Rs that is input from the receiving device 10B and includes predetermined information. The predetermined information included in the register signal Rs may include, as necessary, information such as a value of one frame period at a normal frame rate, a value of one frame period at a high frame rate that is higher than the normal frame rate, and the number of consecutive frames executed at the high frame rate. The predetermined information included in the register signal Rs may include, as necessary, switching information indicating switching between a first communication in which host communication is performed during a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication in which host communication is performed during a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period. The switching information may include, as necessary, timing for switching from the first communication to the second communication, timing for switching from the second communication to the first communication, start timing and end timing of host communication in the first communication, start timing and end timing of host communication in the second communication, and the like. The register signal receiving unit 114 is configured to store the received predetermined information in the register 113.

[0021] The transmitting unit 11 has a data transmitting unit 115 that transmits data input from the data source 12 to the receiving device 10B. The data transmitting unit 115 has a frequency divider 115a that divides the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 input from the oscillator 112 to generate a second clock signal CLK2 having a lower frequency than the first clock signal CLK1. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the frequency divider is represented as "Div." The frequency divider 115a outputs the second clock signal CLK2 to the data source 12 via a link unit 117 (details of which will be described later).

[0022] The data transmission unit 115 also has a parallel-serial conversion unit 115b that converts data Dp input in parallel form from the data source 12 in synchronization with the second clock signal CLK2 into serial data Ds in synchronization with the first clock signal CLK1. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the parallel-serial conversion unit is denoted as "PS". In addition, the data transmission unit 115 has a driver 115c that embeds the first clock signal CLK1 in the serial data Ds in synchronization with the first clock signal CLK1 and transmits the clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the driver is denoted as "DRV". The driver 115c converts the single-ended first clock signal CLK1 and the single-ended data Ds into differential signals, and embeds the first clock signal CLK1 in the data Ds to generate the clock-embedded signal EB. In this case, the transmitting unit 11 can transmit the clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B at a low voltage, although the number of pins (terminals) used for input / output increases compared to when transmitting the clock-embedded signal EB in a single-ended manner. Also, the transmitting device 10A can transmit synchronized data Ds and the first clock signal CLK1 to the receiving device 10B compared to when transmitting the data Ds and the first clock signal CLK1 in a source synchronous manner. Furthermore, when the transmitting device 10A transmits the data Ds and the first clock signal CLK1 in a clock-embedded manner, compared to when transmitting the data Ds and the first clock signal CLK1 in a source synchronous manner, wiring for transmitting the first clock signal CLK1 is not required. This allows the transmitting / receiving system 1 to reduce the number of wirings between the transmitting device 10A and the receiving device 10B.

[0023] Furthermore, when the driver 115c has a voltage follower configuration, for example, it can perform impedance conversion of input and output. Therefore, the driver 115c has a low output impedance, and can improve the output current. This allows the transmission device 10A to prevent malfunctions caused by a decrease in the signal level of the clock-embedded signal EB output from the driver 115c (i.e., a dull signal waveform of the clock-embedded signal EB) in the wiring connecting the transmission device 10A and the reception device 10B.

[0024] The transmission unit 11 has a link unit 117 provided between the data source 12 and the data transmission unit 115. The link unit 117 is configured to output the second clock signal CLK2 input from the data transmission unit 115 to the data source 12. The link unit 117 also performs a predetermined process on the data input from the data source 12 in synchronization with the second clock signal CLK2, and outputs parallel data Dp to the data transmission unit 115 in synchronization with the second clock signal CLK2.

[0025] The link unit 117 is adapted to perform a function of converting the number of bits of the data Dp input from the data source 12. As an example of the clock-embedded method, 8B10B coding is known, which embeds a clock signal in an 8-bit signal. For example, the link unit 117 may be configured to convert 8-bit data Dp into 10-bit data Dp so that 8B10B coding can be used in this embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, coding such as 64B66B, 128b130b, or 128b132b other than 8B10B coding or other clock-embedded methods may be used as coding for embedding a clock signal in data. In these cases, the link unit 117 has a configuration applicable to the clock-embedded method used, thereby enabling data transmission and reception between the transmitting device 10A and the receiving device 10B.

[0026] The transmitting device 10A has regenerators 118 and 119 that regenerate the clock-embedded signal EB and the register signal Rs transmitted and received through a common line. The regenerator 118 is connected between a common line (hereinafter referred to as a "common line") through which the clock-embedded signal EB and the register signal Rs are transmitted and received, and an output terminal of the data transmitting unit 115. The regenerator 119 is connected between the common line and an input terminal of the register signal receiving unit 114.

[0027] The regenerator 118 is composed of, for example, a high-pass filter. The regenerator 118 passes the high-frequency clock-embedded signal EB output from the data transmitter 115, and can block the low-frequency register signal Rs transmitted by the common wiring. This allows the transmitter 10A to transmit the clock-embedded signal EB from the data transmitter 115 to the receiver 10B, and can prevent the register signal Rs transmitted from the receiver 10B from affecting the data transmitter 115.

[0028] The regenerator 119 is composed of, for example, a low-pass filter. The regenerator 119 can block the high-frequency clock-embedded signal EB output from the data transmitter 115 and pass the low-frequency register signal Rs transmitted by the common wiring. This allows the transmitter 10A to prevent the clock-embedded signal EB output from the data transmitter 115 from being input to the register signal receiver 114, and can input the register signal Rs transmitted from the receiver 10B to the register signal receiver 114.

[0029] The transmitting device 10A has a buffer unit 110 between the reproducing unit 119 and the register signal receiving unit 114. An input terminal of the buffer unit 110 is connected to an output terminal of the reproducing unit 119, and an output terminal of the buffer unit 110 is connected to an input terminal of the register signal receiving unit 114. This allows the buffer unit 110 to output the register signal Rs output from the reproducing unit 119 to the register signal receiving unit 114. The buffer unit 110 is configured by, for example, a voltage follower circuit. Therefore, the buffer unit 110 can prevent a drop in the voltage level of the register signal Rs output from the reproducing unit 119 by performing impedance conversion.

[0030] The transmission unit 11 has a control unit 111. The control unit 111 is configured to comprehensively control the oscillator 112, the register 113, the register signal receiving unit 114, the data transmission unit 115, the clock signal transmission unit 116, and the link unit 117. The control unit 111 may also be configured to control the data source 12.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 111 is configured to perform control based on switching information, which is information indicating switching between a first communication in which host communication is performed in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication in which host communication is performed in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period and is included in the predetermined information as necessary. That is, the control unit 111 is configured to switch from the first communication to the second communication when one frame period has a high frame rate in which the frame rate is higher than the normal frame rate of the predetermined period. That is, the control unit 111 performs host communication in a blanking period of one frame period in the case of a normal frame rate, and performs host communication in the blanking period and a data output period of one frame period in the case of a high frame rate.

[0032] Moreover, the control unit 111 is configured to analyze the register signal Rs received by the register signal receiving unit 114 and acquire information included in the register signal Rs. The control unit 111 controls the transmission of first information to the receiving device 10B when switching from the first communication to the second communication. The control unit 111 also controls the transmission of second information to the receiving device 10B when switching from the second communication to the first communication. Here, for example, the first information is standby sequential information (described in detail later), and the second information is training sequential information (described in detail later).

[0033] Therefore, the control unit 111 executes the host communication in the blanking period after transmitting the second information to the receiving device 10B and before transmitting the first information to the receiving device 10B. Also, the control unit 111 executes the host communication in the blanking period and the data output period (i.e., one frame period) after transmitting the first information to the receiving device 10B and before transmitting the second information to the receiving device 10B. In this way, the transmitting device 10A can execute data transmission and reception with the receiving device 10B at the set frame rate without being limited by the host communication even at a high frame rate, by switching the period for executing the host communication depending on the frame rate.

[0034] The receiving device 10B according to this embodiment includes a receiving unit 13 that receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the transmitting device 10A, and a data processing unit 14 that performs predetermined processing on the data received by the receiving unit 13. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 13 and the data processing unit 14 are formed and stacked on different semiconductor chips. Note that the receiving unit 13 and the data processing unit 14 may be formed in the same semiconductor chip.

[0035] 1, the receiving unit 13 included in the receiving device 10B has a data receiving unit 133 that receives a clock-embedded signal EB transmitted from the transmitting device 10A and output from a regenerating unit 136 (described in detail later). The transmitting device 10A corresponds to an example of an external device in the receiving device 10B.

[0036] The data receiving unit 133 has a driver 133a to which a clock-embedded signal EB is input, which is transmitted from a driver 115c provided in the data transmitting unit 115 of the transmitting device 10A and output from a reproducing unit 136. The driver 133a is configured to convert the differential data Ds input from the reproducing unit 136 into single-ended data Ds, and amplify the converted data Ds.

[0037] The data receiving unit 133 has a regenerator 133b that regenerates a first clock signal CLK1 from data Ds input from a driver 133a. The regenerator 133b performs, for example, a clock data recovery (CDR) function. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the regenerator that performs the CDR function is indicated as "CDR."

[0038] The data receiving unit 133 has a frequency divider 133c that divides the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 input from the reproducing unit 136 to generate a second clock signal CLK2 having a lower frequency than the first clock signal CLK. The frequency divider 133c has the same configuration as the frequency divider 115a provided in the data transmitting unit 115 of the transmitting device 10A. The frequency divider 133c divides the frequency of the first clock signal CLK1 to generate a second clock signal CLK2 having the same frequency as the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 115a.

[0039] The data receiving unit 133 has a serial-to-parallel conversion unit 133d that converts data Ds input in serial format from the driver 133a into data Dp in parallel format synchronized with the second clock signal CLK2. Note that in Fig. 1 and other figures, the serial-to-parallel conversion unit is denoted as "SP."

[0040] The data receiving unit 133 has a link unit 133e to which the parallel-format data Dp output from the serial-parallel conversion unit 133d is input. The link unit 133e is adapted to convert the data Dp output from the serial-parallel conversion unit 133d into a data format that can be processed by the data processing unit 14 (described in detail later). Furthermore, the link unit 133e is adapted to change the number of bits of the data Dp converted into a parallel format by the serial-parallel conversion unit 133d. For example, the link unit 133e may be configured to convert the number of bits of the data Dp input from the serial-parallel conversion unit 133d into the same number of bits as the data Dp output from the data source 12. Also, for example, the link unit 133e may be configured to convert the number of bits of the data Dp input from the serial-parallel conversion unit 133d into a number of bits different from that of the data Dp output from the data source 12.

[0041] In this way, the data receiving unit 133 can output the second clock signal CLK2 generated by dividing the first clock signal CLK1 and the parallel data Dp synchronized with the second clock signal CLK2 to the data processing unit 14. Furthermore, the data receiving unit 133 can output the second clock signal CLK2 to the signal generating unit 134.

[0042] The data Dp output from the data receiving unit 133 is a signal synchronized with the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 133c. The data Dp input to the data transmitting unit 115 is a signal synchronized with the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 115a. However, the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 115a of the data transmitting unit 115 and the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 133c of the data receiving unit 133 have different phases and do not have the same timing strictly. In this embodiment, the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 115a and the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 133c are signals of the same frequency, but they can also be signals of different frequencies. For example, it is assumed that the data transmitting unit 115 of the transmitting unit 11 is configured to convert the data Dp input at a communication speed of 50 Mbps / 20 bit (the frequency of the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 115a is 50 MHz) into data Ds at a communication speed of 1 Gbps / 1 bit. In this case, the data receiving unit 133 of the receiving unit 13 may be configured to convert the data Ds input at a communication speed of 1 Gbps / 1 bit into data Dp at a communication speed of 100 Mbps / 10 bits (the frequency of the second clock signal CLK2 generated by the frequency divider 133c is 10 MHz).

[0043] The receiving unit 13 has a signal generating unit 134 that generates a register signal (an example of a control signal) Rs that controls the first clock signal CLK1 based on a comparison result of comparing one of the first clock signal CLK1 and the second clock signal CLK2 based on the first clock signal CLK1 transmitted from the transmitting device 10A with the reference clock signal INCK. Here, the second clock signal CLK2 is a signal generated by dividing the first clock signal CLK1, and therefore corresponds to a signal based on the first clock signal CLK1. In addition, in FIG. 1 and other figures, the signal generating unit is represented as "Fcnt". The receiving unit 13 also has a register signal transmitting unit (an example of a control signal transmitting unit) 135 that transmits the register signal Rs generated by the signal generating unit 134 to the transmitting device 10A. The register signal transmitting unit 135 has an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the signal generating unit 134.

[0044] The signal generating unit 134 receives the second clock signal CLK2 output from the frequency divider 133c and the reference clock signal INCK input from outside the receiving device 10B. The signal generating unit 134 continues to sequentially compare the frequencies of the input second clock signal CLK2 and the reference clock signal INCK. The signal generating unit 134 has, for example, a counter that operates with the second clock signal CLK2 and a counter that operates with the reference clock signal INCK. The signal generating unit 134 compares the count values ​​counted by each counter within a predetermined period to obtain the frequency difference between the second clock signal CLK2 and the reference clock signal INCK. The signal generating unit 134 outputs a register signal Rs to the register signal transmitting unit 135 when the frequency difference between the second clock signal CLK2 and the reference clock signal INCK falls outside a predetermined error range. The register signal Rs includes frequency high / low information.

[0045] The register signal transmitting unit 135 is configured to transmit a register signal (one example of a control signal) Rs including predetermined information including switching information indicating switching between a first communication for performing host communication in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication for performing host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period to the transmitting device (one example of an external device) 10A. When it is determined that the first information has been transmitted from the transmitting device 10A, the register signal transmitting unit 135 is configured to transmit the register signal Rs to the transmitting device 10A as necessary. When it is determined that the second information has been transmitted from the transmitting device 10A, the register signal transmitting unit 135 is configured to end the transmission of the register signal Rs to the transmitting device 10A. Here, the first information is standby sequential information, and the second information is training sequential information. The first information and the second information are, for example, included in a clock-embedded signal EB and transmitted from the transmitting device 10A to the receiving device 10B. Whether the first information or the second information has been transmitted from the transmitting device 10A is determined by the control unit 131.

[0046] The receiving device 10B has regenerators 136 and 137 that regenerate the clock-embedded signal EB and the register signal Rs transmitted and received through a common line. The regenerator 136 is connected between the common line and an input terminal of the data receiving unit 133. The regenerator 137 is connected between the common line and an output terminal of the register signal transmitting unit 135.

[0047] The regenerator 136 is composed of, for example, a high-pass filter. Therefore, the regenerator 136 can pass the high-frequency clock-embedded signal EB transmitted from the transmitter 10A and block the low-frequency register signal Rs output from the register signal transmitter 135. This allows the receiver 10B to receive the clock-embedded signal EB transmitted from the data transmitter 115 via the regenerator 118, and can prevent the register signal Rs output from the register signal transmitter 135 from being input to the data receiver 233.

[0048] The regenerator 137 is composed of, for example, a low-pass filter. This allows the regenerator 137 to block the high-frequency clock-embedded signal EB transmitted from the transmitter 10A and pass the low-frequency register signal Rs output from the register signal transmitter 135. This allows the receiver 10B to prevent the clock-embedded signal EB transmitted from the transmitter 10A from affecting the register signal transmitter 135, and to transmit the register signal Rs output from the register signal transmitter 135 to the transmitter 10A via the common wiring.

[0049] The receiving device 10B has a buffer unit 138 between the register signal transmitting unit 135 and the reproducing unit 137. The input terminal of the buffer unit 138 is connected to the output terminal of the register signal transmitting unit 135, and the output terminal of the buffer unit 138 is connected to the input terminal of the reproducing unit 137. This allows the buffer unit 138 to output the register signal Rs output from the register signal transmitting unit 135 to the reproducing unit 137. The buffer unit 138 is configured by, for example, a voltage follower circuit. Therefore, the buffer unit 138 can prevent a drop in the voltage level of the register signal Rs output from the register signal transmitting unit 135 by performing impedance conversion.

[0050] The transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 use a full-duplex method for bidirectional communication in which the register signal Rs and the clock-embedded signal EB are simultaneously transmitted and received. The transmitting device 10A has regenerators 118 and 119, and the receiving device 10B has regenerators 136 and 137. Therefore, even when the transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 use the full-duplex method, the register signal Rs and the clock-embedded signal EB can be easily regenerated.

[0051] Furthermore, the transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 may use a half-duplex method for bidirectional communication in which the register signal Rs and the clock-embedded signal EB are transmitted in a time-separated manner. In the half-duplex method, when the data signal acquired by the data source 12 is, for example, image data, the register signal Rs and the clock-embedded signal EB can be reproduced in time by transmitting the register signal Rs during a certain period of the blanking period. For example, the register signal Rs, which has a slow communication speed, may be transmitted during the vertical blanking period. Furthermore, since the data Ds has a faster communication speed than the register signal Rs, it may be transmitted during at least one of the vertical blanking period and another predetermined period. This improves the system efficiency for transmitting the register signal Rs and the clock-embedded signal EB. Furthermore, in the half-duplex method, there is no need to provide the reproduction units 118, 119, 136, and 137, so that the transmitting device 10A and the receiving device 10B can be made smaller and simpler.

[0052] The receiving unit 13 includes a control unit 131. The control unit 131 is configured to comprehensively control the data receiving unit 133, the signal generating unit 134, and the register signal transmitting unit 135.

[0053] The control unit 131 is also configured to control the transmission of the register signal Rs from the register signal transmission unit 135. When a new normal frame rate or high frame rate value is set to change the normal frame rate or high frame rate, the control unit 131 controls the register signal transmission unit 135 to include this information in the register signal Rs. Examples of cases in which a new value such as a frame rate is set in the register signal Rs include setting by a user who uses the transmission / reception system 1 and determination based on image data. Examples of settings by the user include a case in which a target to be photographed in slow motion or a target to be photographed at a high frame rate exists. Examples of determination based on image data include a case in which a moving object is detected to have entered a specific area. The register signal transmission unit 135 outputs the register signal Rs including information such as a new normal frame rate to the transmission device 10A in host communication.

[0054] The data processing unit 14 provided in the receiving device 10B executes a predetermined process using the data Dp input from the data receiving unit 133, the second clock signal CLK2, and a reference clock signal INCK input from outside the receiving device 10B. For example, the data processing unit 14 executes a sorting process and a correction process of the data Dp in order to display an image captured by the data source 12 on a display device (not shown).

[0055] (Operation of the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system) The operations of the transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. First, the operation of the transmitting device 10A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. "Frame synchronization" shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 represents the output timing of a frame synchronization signal. "Bidirectional IF" shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 represents the transmission state of data from the transmitting device 10A to the receiving device 10B.

[0056] 2, a frame period FP is a combination of a blanking period VP and a data output period DP. One frame is composed of a blanking period BP, a data output period DP, and a blanking period BP in this order in synchronization with a frame synchronization signal VS.

[0057] Although not shown in the figure, the transmitting device 10A transmits standby sequential information to the receiving device 10B at the start of a blanking period VP in each frame at the normal frame rate. Also, the transmitting device 10A transmits training sequential information to the receiving device 10B at the end of a blanking period VP in each frame at the normal frame rate. As a result, in the transmitting / receiving system 1, host communication is performed during the blanking period VP at the normal frame rate.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 2, the transmitting device 10A transmits data Ds acquired by the data source 12 (see Fig. 1) to the receiving device 10B by outputting a clock-embedded signal EB (see Fig. 1) to the receiving device 10B during a data output period DP until the transmitting device 10A transmits standby sequential information to the receiving device 10B at a high frame rate. Also, the transmitting device 10A transmits standby sequential information SS to the receiving device 10B as first information, for example, immediately before a frame synchronization signal VS at a high frame rate. As a result, the transmitting / receiving system 1 executes host communication during the subsequent blanking period BP and data output period DP (i.e., frame period FP). The transmitting device 10A does not transmit a clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B during the period in which the host communication is being executed.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 2, the transmitting device 10A continues to execute the host communication after starting the host communication until it transmits, for example, training sequential information TS as the second information to the receiving device 10B. Furthermore, at a high frame rate, the transmitting device 10A transmits the training sequential information TS as the second information to the receiving device 10B, for example, immediately before the frame synchronization signal VS. As a result, the transmitting / receiving system 1 ends the host communication and transmits a clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B in the subsequent data output period DP. Fig. 2 shows an example in which the host communication is executed in one frame, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the host communication may continue for two frames or more.

[0060] Here, as a comparative example, host communication in a conventional transmitting device will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the case of a frame period FP at a normal frame rate (e.g., 60 [fps]), the blanking period VP is also long. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the conventional transmitting device can secure the time for executing host communication in the blanking period VP.

[0061] On the other hand, in the case of a high frame rate (for example, 1000 [fps]) that is higher than the normal frame rate, the blanking period VP and the data output period DP become shorter. As shown in FIG. 4, in the case of a high frame rate, a conventional transmitting device shortens the data transmission period by data compression or the like and lengthens the blanking period VP to ensure time for executing host communication. However, there is a limit to how much the data transmission period can be shortened. Furthermore, a certain amount of time is required to execute host communication. For this reason, a conventional transmitting device that executes two-way communication with a receiving device has a problem that it is unable to perform two-way communication at the high frame rate requested by the receiving device due to the rate being limited by the host communication, resulting in a drop in the frame rate.

[0062] In contrast, the transmitting device 10A according to this embodiment is configured to use at least one frame period FP for host communication. Furthermore, the transmitting device 10A can use two or more frame periods FP for host communication depending on the value of the frame rate. Therefore, the transmitting device 10A can execute host communication even at a high frame rate with a short frame period FP. In this way, the transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 can execute two-way communication at a high frame rate without being limited by the host communication.

[0063] Next, the operation of the transmission and reception system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The frame format in this embodiment is illustrated on the left side of Fig. 5, and the operation sequence of the transmission and reception system 1 is illustrated on the right side of Fig. 5.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 5, the frame format of one frame is composed of blanking data, embedded data, pixel data, and blanking data. Hereinafter, blanking data before embedded data in one frame period may be referred to as "first half blanking data", and blanking data after pixel data in the one frame period may be referred to as "second half blanking data". As shown in the (n-1)th frame, the transmitting device 10A transmits to the receiving device 10B a clock-embedded signal EB in which a first clock signal CLK1 is embedded in data Ds in which blanking data, embedded data, pixel data, and blanking data are arranged in this order.

[0065] 5, when switching from a normal frame rate to a high frame rate, the transmitting device 10A transmits standby sequential information to the receiving device 10B as information for starting execution of a standby sequence (step S1) and starts host communication. The transmitting device 10A switches from the normal frame rate to the high frame rate and transmits the standby sequential information to the receiving device 10B based on information set in the register 113 (see FIG. 1).

[0066] As shown on the right side of FIG. 5, when the receiving device 10B receives information about the start of execution of a standby sequence, the receiving device 10B outputs a standby detection signal indicating that the information has been received to a predetermined device operated by the user (step S2).

[0067] When the control unit 111 provided in the transmitting device 10A determines that it is time to end the host communication based on the information set in the register 113, the control unit 111 transmits standby sequential information to the receiving device 10B (step S3) and then transitions to the idle mode, as shown in the sequence diagram in Fig. 5. In this way, the transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 switch from a state in which the second communication can be performed to a state in which the first communication can be performed.

[0068] As shown in the sequence diagram in Fig. 5, when the receiving device 10B receives the training sequential information, the control unit 131 (see Fig. 1) controls the data receiving unit 133 (see Fig. 1) and the like to control the receiving device 10B to a state in which it can receive data. When the receiving device 10B is controlled to a state in which it can receive data, it outputs a ready signal to a predetermined device operated by the user (step S4). This allows the user to determine that the transmitting device 10A has transmitted data and that the receiving device 10B has been set to a state in which it can receive data.

[0069] As shown in the sequence diagram in FIG. 5, when the (n+1)th frame starts, the transmitting device 10A transmits a clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B by an operation based on the parameters set in the nth frame.

[0070] (Variation 1) A transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 according to this modified example are characterized in that the data source 12 has a solid-state image sensor using, for example, a rolling shutter system. "Frame sync" shown in FIG. 6 indicates the output timing of a frame sync signal. "Shutter / read" shown in FIG. 6 indicates the timing of exposure (shutter) and data read (read) in the solid-state image sensor. "Bidirectional IF" shown in FIG. 6 indicates the state of data transmission from the transmitting device 10A to the receiving device 10B.

[0071] In the rolling shutter method, the exposure timing and data read timing are different for each row of pixels constituting the imaging area of ​​the solid-state imaging element. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6, the exposure timing ST and the data read timing RD are shifted for each row in the frame period FP of each frame.

[0072] 6, the transmitting device 10A transmits a register signal Rs including standby sequential information SS to the receiving device 10B, and then executes host communication using the frame period FP. Furthermore, when the transmitting device 10A transmits the standby sequential information SS to the receiving device 10B, it stops reading data at the first data read timing RDs thereafter. On the other hand, when the transmitting device 10A transmits the standby sequential information SS to the receiving device 10B, it does not stop exposure in the solid-state imaging element, but exposes each row at the exposure timing.

[0073] In this way, the transmitting device 10A stops reading data while host communication is being performed, but continues exposure. As a result, when the transmitting device 10A transmits training sequential information TS to the receiving device 10B, it can read data at the first data read timing RDf thereafter. Therefore, the transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 according to this modification can read out the data exposed at the exposure timing STs while host communication is being performed as valid data.

[0074] (Variation 2) A transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving system according to a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 according to this modified example are characterized in that they automatically return to a normal frame rate after operating at a high frame rate for a certain period of time. "Frame synchronization" shown in Fig. 7 represents the output timing of a frame synchronization signal. "Bidirectional IF" shown in Fig. 7 represents the state of data transmission from the transmitting device 10A to the receiving device 10B.

[0075] The transmitting device 10A stores in the register 113 the number of times data output is processed at a high frame rate and the switching information between the first communication and the second communication, which are included in the register signal Rs received during the frame period FP in the first communication (i.e., communication at a normal frame rate) in which the host communication is performed during the blanking period VP or at the start of the transmitting / receiving system 1. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 111 provided in the transmitting device 10A transmits standby sequential information SS to the receiving device 10B based on the switching information stored in the register 113, and executes the host communication in the first frame period FPf after transmitting the standby sequential information SS. Based on the information stored in the register 113, the control unit 111 controls the data source 12, the data transmitting unit 115, and the link unit 117 to transmit the clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B for the frame period FP and the number of times of processing (five times in this example) stored in the register 113, from the frame next to the frame in which the host communication was performed. In this way, the transmitting device 10A transmits a predetermined number of clock-embedded signals EB to the receiving device 10B at the high frame rate.

[0076] The control unit 111 transmits the clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B for the number of times of processing stored in the register 113. The control unit 111 also transmits the last clock-embedded signal EB of the processing number to the receiving device 10B, including the training sequential information TS. As a result, the host communication is performed in the blanking period VPf of the frame next to the frame in which the last clock-embedded signal EB of the processing number stored in the register 113 was transmitted. In this way, the control unit 111 switches from the second communication to the first communication, and the transmitting device 10A transmits the clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 10B at the normal frame rate. The transmitting device 10A, the receiving device 10B, and the transmitting / receiving system 1 according to this modified example are configured not to transition to the host communication at the high frame rate, except for the first frame period FP when the first communication is switched to the second communication.

[0077] In this manner, in the receiving device 10B according to this modified example, the control unit 111 is configured to switch to the normal frame rate after outputting data at the high frame rate for a plurality of frames.

[0078] The transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to this modification are configured to transition to processing at a high frame rate during processing at a normal frame rate, and automatically return to the normal frame rate after a predetermined number of frames are executed at the high frame rate. Therefore, this modification can be applied to a transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system having a solid-state imaging element set to capture images at high speed only for a certain period of time. In this modification, the number of times data output is processed at a high frame rate may be either fixed or variable.

[0079] As described above, in the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment and modifications 1 and 2, the transmitting device 10A and the receiving device 10B are configured to communicate bidirectionally via a common wiring. Furthermore, a clock-embedded signal in which a first clock signal is embedded is transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device. This allows the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment and modifications 1 and 2 to achieve compactness and communication at a high frame rate. Furthermore, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment and modifications 1 and 2 can operate at a high frame rate without being limited by host communication, which changes the conditions of bidirectional communication.

[0080] Meanwhile, there is a demand for high frame rate operation and flexibility in control change by host communication for solid-state imaging devices. However, it is not always desirable to change the operation of the solid-state imaging device by host communication every time at a high frame rate. It is desirable to capture images at high speed to see scene changes, but it is not desirable to change parameters every time. There are cases where it is sufficient to maintain a high frame rate and change parameters only once for tens to thousands of frames or more. That is, there are cases where it is sufficient to execute host communication only once for multiple frames. The transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to the second and third embodiments described below relate to devices and systems capable of such operations.

[0081] The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmitting / receiving system according to the second and third embodiments can be applied, for example, to a case where a parameter change depending on the environment (temperature, brightness, etc.) takes place in a unit of several seconds to several hours, or a parameter change due to a scene change takes place in a unit of several tens of milliseconds to several seconds. The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmitting / receiving system according to the second and third embodiments can be applied, for example, to a case where a frame number is specified for only a predetermined scene and imaging is performed at high speed. The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmitting / receiving system according to the second and third embodiments can be applied, for example, to a case where a transition is made to a high frame rate process during a normal frame rate, and after performing imaging of a predetermined number of frames at the high frame rate, the normal frame rate is automatically returned to. The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmitting / receiving system according to the second and third embodiments can be applied, for example, to a case where an imaging target object arrives in factory automation. The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmitting / receiving system according to the second and third embodiments can be applied, for example, to a case where an imaging target object (for example, vocal cords, pulse, eye reflex, etc.) that moves at high speed or changes at high speed is imaged in the medical field. Furthermore, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to the second and third embodiments can be applied, for example, to the case where an ordinary camera is used to capture an image of an object that suddenly begins to move, such as the moment a dolphin jumps, the moment fireworks are launched, or the moment an animal runs.

[0082] Second Embodiment A transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmission / reception system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmission / reception system according to this embodiment are characterized in that they include a plurality of data transmitting units and a plurality of data receiving units. Note that components having the same actions and functions as those of the transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmission / reception system according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0083] The transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment transmit and receive data to be transmitted and a clock signal for synchronization by a clock-embedded method. Furthermore, in the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment, the multiple data transmitting units and the multiple data receiving units each transmit and receive data by the clock-embedded method.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 8, the transmission / reception system 2 according to this embodiment includes a transmission device 20A that transmits a predetermined signal, and a reception device 20B that receives the predetermined signal transmitted from the transmission device 20A. The transmission / reception system 2 can be applied to, for example, an endoscope system, in which the transmission device 20A transmits imaging data captured by the transmission device 20A to the reception device 20B. The reception device 20B processes the imaging data transmitted from the transmission device 20A and transmits it to, for example, a display device (not shown). For this reason, the transmission device 20A is miniaturized so that it can enter a narrow area such as inside the human body. In addition, the reception device 20B has a configuration that can receive imaging data from the miniaturized transmission device 20A and control a clock signal to stably operate the transmission device 20A.

[0085] The transmission unit 21 provided in the transmission device 20A has a first data transmission unit 115M and a second data transmission unit 115N. The first data transmission unit 115M and the second data transmission unit 115N each have the same configuration as the data transmission unit 115 in the first embodiment, and perform the same function. For this reason, a description of the configuration of the first data transmission unit 115M and the second data transmission unit 115N will be omitted.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, the first data transmission unit 115M provided in the transmission unit 21 of the transmission device 10A is configured to transmit data Dp (an example of a data signal) input from a data source (an example of a data generation unit) 12 to the reception device 20B (an example of an external device) using a common wiring CLm (an example of a specified wiring) through which a register signal (an example of a control signal) Rs is transmitted.

[0087] The second data transmission unit 115N provided in the transmission unit 21 of the transmission device 10A is configured to transmit data Dp input from the data source 12 to the reception device 20B using a wiring CLn different from the common wiring CLm through which the register signal Rs is transmitted.

[0088] The receiving unit 23 provided in the receiving device 20B has a first data receiving unit 133M and a second data receiving unit 133N. The first data receiving unit 133M and the second data receiving unit 133N each have the same configuration as the data receiving unit 133 in the first embodiment and perform the same function. For this reason, the configuration of the first data receiving unit 133M and the second data receiving unit 133N will not be described. The receiving unit 23 has the same number of data receiving units as the data transmitting units provided in the transmitting unit 21. In this embodiment, since the transmitting unit 21 has two data transmitting units (the first data transmitting unit 115M and the second data transmitting unit 115N), the receiving unit 23 also has two data receiving units (the first data receiving unit 133M and the second data receiving unit 133N).

[0089] As shown in Fig. 8, the first data receiving unit 133M provided in the receiving unit 23 of the receiving device 20B is configured to receive a clock-embedded signal (an example of a data signal) EB transmitted from the transmitting device 20A (an example of an external device) using a common wiring CLm through which a register signal (an example of a control signal) Rs is transmitted. The regenerator 136 is connected to an input terminal of the first data receiving unit 133M, and the regenerator 118 is connected to an output terminal of the first data transmitting unit 115M. The common wiring CLm connects the regenerator 118 and the regenerator 136. Therefore, the first data receiving unit 133M is connected to the first data transmitting unit 115M via the regenerator 136, the common wiring CLm, and the regenerator 118.

[0090] The second data receiving unit 133N provided in the receiving unit 23 of the receiving device 20B is configured to receive the clock-embedded signal EB output from the transmitting device 20A using a wiring CLn different from the common wiring CLm through which the register signal Rs is transmitted. No regenerator is provided on the input side of the second data receiving unit 133N. Similarly, no regenerator is provided on the output side of the second data transmitting unit 115N. Therefore, the second data receiving unit 133N is connected to the second data transmitting unit 115N via the wiring CLn. In this way, the data transmitting unit provided in the transmitting unit 21 and the data receiving unit provided in the receiving unit 23 are connected in a one-to-one relationship.

[0091] The signal generating unit 234 provided in the receiving unit 23 is configured to receive the second clock signals CLK2 output from the multiple data receiving units 233. The signal generating unit 234 is configured to compare the two second clock signals CLK2 input from the first data receiving unit 133M and the second data receiving unit 133N, respectively, with the reference clock signal INCK. This allows the signal generating unit 234 to compare the second clock signal CLK2 with the reference clock signal INCK to control the first clock signal CLK1 even if the transmission of the first clock signal CLK1 in either the first data transmitting unit 115M or the second data transmitting unit 115N or the first data receiving unit 133M or the second data receiving unit 133N has failed. The signal generating unit 234 may also be configured to compare any one of the multiple second clock signals CLK2 with the reference clock signal INCK.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 8, the wiring CLn is not connected to a wiring through which the register signal Rs is transmitted. Therefore, in the transmission / reception system 2 according to this embodiment, the register signal Rs is transmitted from the receiving device 20B to the transmitting device 20A by the first data transmitting unit 115M and the first data receiving unit 133M. Moreover, the first data transmitting unit 115M has a configuration similar to that of the data transmitting unit 115 in the first embodiment, and the first data receiving unit 133M has a configuration similar to that of the data receiving unit 133 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the transmission / reception system 2 can transmit and receive a clock-embedded signal EB including the data Dp acquired by the data source 12 by the first data transmitting unit 115M and the first data receiving unit 133M.

[0093] Meanwhile, the transmission / reception system 2 can transmit and receive a clock-embedded signal EB including data Dp acquired by the data source 12 between the transmission device 20A and the reception device 20B by the second data transmission unit 115N and the second data reception unit 133N.

[0094] In this way, the transmitting device 20A, the receiving device 20B, and the transmitting / receiving system 2 according to this embodiment have two communication paths for data transmission and reception. Furthermore, one of the communication paths, which is a communication path configured by the first data transmitting unit 115M, the common wiring CLm, and the first data receiving unit 133M, can transmit and receive not only data but also the register signal Rs. Therefore, the transmitting device 20A, the receiving device 20B, and the transmitting / receiving system 2 according to this embodiment can reduce the number of terminals of the transmitting device and the receiving device and the number of wirings between the transmitting device and the receiving device, compared to a system configured to transmit and receive data and the register signal separately.

[0095] (Operation of the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system) The operations of the transmitting device 20A, the receiving device 20B, and the transmitting / receiving system 2 according to this embodiment will be described using Fig. 9 with reference to Fig. 8. "Frame synchronization" shown in Fig. 9 indicates the output timing of a frame synchronization signal. "Second communication path" shown in Fig. 9 indicates a communication path using the second data transmitting unit 115N and the second data receiving unit 133N shown in Fig. 8. "First communication path" shown in Fig. 9 indicates a communication path using the first data transmitting unit 115M and the first data receiving unit 133M shown in Fig. 8.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 9, in normal operation, the clock-embedded signal EB is transmitted from the transmitting device 20A to the receiving device 20B by the second data transmitting unit 115N and the second data receiving unit 133N for each frame period FP. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the clock-embedded signal EB transmitted from the transmitting device 20A to the receiving device 20B by the second data transmitting unit 115N and the second data receiving unit 133N includes video data. On the other hand, the communication path using the first data transmitting unit 115M and the first data receiving unit 133M is in a state in which host communication can be performed using at least one frame. In this embodiment, the host communication is not performed every frame using the first data transmitting unit 115M and the first data receiving unit 133M, but is performed as necessary when changing the frame period FP or the frame rate.

[0097] For example, suppose that a user of the transmission / reception system 2 performs an operation to capture a still image while capturing a moving image in the data source 12 (see FIG. 8). Then, the control unit 131 (see FIG. 8) provided in the receiving device 20B sets a register signal Rs including information about the operation in the register signal transmitting unit 135 (see FIG. 8). The register signal transmitting unit 135 transmits the register signal Rs to the transmitting device 20A.

[0098] When the control unit 111 provided in the transmitting device 20A acquires information instructing shooting of a still image from the register signal Rs transmitted from the receiving device 20B and received by the register signal receiving unit 114, the control unit 111 stores the information in the register 113. Furthermore, the control unit 111 transmits training sequential information as the second information to the receiving device 20B, and switches the communication path used by the first data transmitting unit 115M from the second communication to the first communication. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, the first data transmitting unit 115M transmits a clock-embedded signal EB including data Dp (e.g., data of a still image) acquired by the data source 12 to the first data receiving unit 133M during the data output period DP of the first frame period FP after transmitting the training sequential information TS.

[0099] For example, the transmitting device 20A transmits a clock-embedded signal EB including data Dp (still image data) to the receiving device 20B in a predetermined number of frames (three times in this example) based on information instructing shooting of a still image stored in the register 113. Also, the transmitting device 20A transmits a clock-embedded signal EB including standby sequential information SS as first information to the receiving device 20B in the last frame. As a result, the communication path used by the first data transmitting unit 115M is switched from the first communication to the second communication.

[0100] On the other hand, the transmitting device 20A continues to transmit the clock-embedded signal EB including the data Dp (e.g., video data) from the second data transmitting unit 115N. This allows the transmitting device 20A, the receiving device 20B, and the transmitting / receiving system 2 according to this embodiment to transmit and receive different types of data in parallel.

[0101] As described above, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment are configured to communicate bidirectionally via a common wiring. Furthermore, a clock-embedded signal in which a first clock signal is embedded is transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device. This allows the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment to achieve compactness and communication at a high frame rate. Furthermore, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment can operate at a high frame rate without being limited by host communication, which changes the conditions of bidirectional communication.

[0102] In addition, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment are configured such that, in normal operation, the second data transmitting unit and the second data receiving unit transmit and receive a clock-embedded signal including data, and the first data transmitting unit and the first data receiving unit transmit and receive a register signal. This makes it possible for the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment to prevent the rate of data communication from being limited by host communication.

[0103] Furthermore, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to this embodiment can transmit and receive data (e.g., still image data) different from the data (e.g., video data) transmitted and received by the second data transmitting unit and the second data receiving unit, by using the first data transmitting unit and the first data receiving unit. As a result, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to this embodiment can transmit and receive data and host communication in parallel during normal operation, and can transmit and receive data in place of host communication as necessary, thereby transmitting and receiving high-speed, large-volume data.

[0104] Third Embodiment A transmitting device, a receiving device, and a transmission / reception system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmission / reception system according to this embodiment are characterized in that they can exhibit a so-called always-on function. Note that components that exhibit the same actions and functions as those of the transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmission / reception system according to the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0105] The transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment transmit and receive data to be transmitted and a clock signal for synchronization by a clock-embedded method. Furthermore, in the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment, the multiple data transmitting units and the multiple data receiving units each transmit and receive data by the clock-embedded method.

[0106] 10, the transmitter 31 provided in the transmitter 30A according to this embodiment has a second data transmitter 315 having a driver 315c capable of putting the output into a high impedance state. The second data transmitter 315 has the same configuration as the second data transmitter 115N in the second embodiment, except for the driver 315c, and performs the same functions.

[0107] The transmitting unit 31 provided in the transmitting device 30A has a switch 312 provided between the oscillator 112 and the frequency divider 115a. When the switch 312 is in a closed state (on state), the first clock signal CLK1 oscillated by the oscillator 112 is input to the frequency divider 115a. On the other hand, when the switch 312 is in an open state (off state), the first clock signal CLK1 oscillated by the oscillator 112 is not input to the frequency divider 115a. Therefore, when the switch 312 is in an open state (off state), the frequency divider 115a does not output the second clock signal CLK2 to the link unit 117. As a result, the operation of the second data transmitting unit 315 and the link unit 117 connected to the second data transmitting unit 315 is stopped.

[0108] The control unit 111 controls the opening and closing of the switch 312. Although details will be described later, in normal operation, the control unit 111 controls the switch 312 to an open state (off state) and controls the output of the driver 315c to be in a high impedance state. As a result, the second data transmission unit 315, the link unit 117 connected to the second data transmission unit 315, and the second data reception unit 133N are in a stopped state. On the other hand, in an operation at a high frame rate (i.e., high-speed operation) in which the frame rate is higher than the normal frame rate, the control unit 111 controls the switch 312 to a closed state (on state) and controls the driver 315c to be in an output-enabled state. As a result, the second data transmission unit 315, the link unit 117 connected to the second data transmission unit 315, and the second data reception unit 133N are in an operating state. Therefore, the transmission / reception system 3 can transmit a large amount of data from the transmission device 30A to the reception device 20B by the second data transmission unit 315 and the second data reception unit 133N.

[0109] In this way, the control unit 111 is configured to stop outputting the clock-embedded signal EB (an example of data) from the second data transmission unit 315 when one frame period is a normal frame rate of a predetermined period, and to output the clock-embedded signal EB from the second data transmission unit 315 when the frame rate is a high frame rate that is higher than the normal frame rate.

[0110] (Operation of the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system) The operation of the transmitting device 30A, the receiving device 20B, and the transmitting / receiving system 3 according to this embodiment will be described using Fig. 11 with reference to Fig. 10. "Frame synchronization" shown in Fig. 11 indicates the output timing of a frame synchronization signal. "Second communication path" shown in Fig. 11 indicates a communication path using the second data transmitting unit 115N and the second data receiving unit 133N shown in Fig. 10. "First communication path" shown in Fig. 11 indicates a communication path using the first data transmitting unit 115M and the first data receiving unit 133M shown in Fig. 10.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 11, in normal operation, the driver 315c (see Fig. 10) of the second data transmitting unit 315 provided in the transmitting unit 31 of the transmitting device 30A is controlled so that the output state is in a high impedance state. Therefore, a high impedance (Hi-Z) state is established between the second data transmitting unit 315 and the second data receiving unit 133N provided in the receiving unit 23 of the receiving device 20B. On the other hand, in the normal state, in the data output period DP, the first data transmitting unit 115M and the first data receiving unit 133M transmit the clock-embedded signal EB from the transmitting device 30A to the receiving device 20B. Also, in the normal operation, in the blanking period VP, host communication is performed as necessary.

[0112] For example, suppose that a user of the transmission / reception system 3 performs an operation for operating at a high frame rate (i.e., high-speed operation). Then, the control unit 131 (see FIG. 10) provided in the receiving device 20B sets a register signal Rs including information about the operation in the register signal transmitting unit 135 (see FIG. 10). The register signal transmitting unit 135 transmits the register signal Rs to the transmitting device 30A.

[0113] When the control unit 111 provided in the transmitting device 30A acquires information instructing high frame rate operation from the register signal Rs transmitted from the receiving device 20B and received by the register signal receiving unit 114, the control unit 111 stores the information in the register 113 and transmits standby sequential information SS as first information to the receiving device 30B. Furthermore, the control unit 111 controls the switch 312 to a closed state (on state) and controls the driver 315c to a state in which output is possible. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the second data transmitting unit 315 transmits a clock-embedded signal EB including data Dp acquired by the data source 12 to the second data receiving unit 133N during a data output period DP (not shown in FIG. 11) of the first frame period FP after transmitting the standby sequential information SS.

[0114] For example, the transmitting device 30A transmits the clock-embedded signal EB to the receiving device 30B at a high frame rate for a predetermined number of frames (seven times in this example) based on information instructing high frame rate operation stored in the register 113. Also, the transmitting device 30A transmits the clock-embedded signal EB including the training sequential information TS as the second information to the receiving device 30B in the last frame. Furthermore, the control unit 111 controls the switch 312 to an open state (off state) and controls the output of the driver 315c to be in a high impedance state. As a result, the second data transmitting unit 315, the link unit 117 connected to the second data transmitting unit 315, and the second data receiving unit 133N are stopped.

[0115] On the other hand, the transmitting device 30A continues to transmit, from the first data transmitting unit 115M to the receiving device 20B, a clock-embedded signal EB including data Dp different from the data Dp transmitted by the second data transmitting unit 315. As a result, the transmitting device 30A, the receiving device 20B, and the transmitting / receiving system 3 according to this embodiment can transmit and receive a large amount of data when operating at a high frame rate, compared to when operating at a normal frame rate.

[0116] As described above, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment are configured to communicate bidirectionally via a common wiring. Furthermore, a clock-embedded signal in which a first clock signal is embedded is transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device. This allows the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment to achieve compactness and communication at a high frame rate. Furthermore, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment can operate at a high frame rate without being limited by host communication, which changes the conditions of bidirectional communication.

[0117] In addition, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to the present embodiment can achieve low power consumption by stopping the second data transmitting unit and the second data receiving unit during normal operation. The transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to the present embodiment can be realized as a motion detection device and system that can operate with low power consumption when the data source is configured to be able to perform motion detection.

[0118] For example, when the data source does not detect the movement of a predetermined object, the amount of data transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device is small. Therefore, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment can achieve transmission and reception of data with low power by transmitting and receiving low-resolution data by the first data transmitting unit and the second data transmitting unit, and stopping the second data transmitting unit and the second data receiving unit. On the other hand, when the data source detects the movement of a predetermined object, the amount of data transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device is large. Therefore, the transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system according to this embodiment can achieve transmission and reception of high-resolution data by transmitting and receiving data by the second data transmitting unit and the second data receiving unit in addition to the first data transmitting unit and the second data transmitting unit.

[0119] <Application example to endoscopic surgery system> The technology according to the present disclosure (the present technology) can be applied to various products. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be applied to an endoscopic surgery system.

[0120] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic surgery system to which the technology according to the present disclosure (the present technology) can be applied.

[0121] 12 shows a state in which an operator (doctor) 11131 is performing surgery on a patient 11132 on a patient bed 11133 using an endoscopic surgery system 11000. As shown in the figure, the endoscopic surgery system 11000 is composed of an endoscope 11100, other surgical tools 11110 such as an insufflation tube 11111 and an energy treatment tool 11112, a support arm device 11120 that supports the endoscope 11100, and a cart 11200 on which various devices for endoscopic surgery are mounted.

[0122] The endoscope 11100 is composed of a lens barrel 11101, a region of a predetermined length from the tip of which is inserted into a body cavity of a patient 11132, and a camera head 11102 connected to the base end of the lens barrel 11101. In the illustrated example, the endoscope 11100 is configured as a so-called rigid scope having a rigid lens barrel 11101, but the endoscope 11100 may be configured as a so-called flexible scope having a flexible lens barrel.

[0123] An opening into which an objective lens is fitted is provided at the tip of the lens barrel 11101. A light source device 11203 is connected to the endoscope 11100, and light generated by the light source device 11203 is guided to the tip of the lens barrel by a light guide extending inside the lens barrel 11101, and is irradiated via the objective lens toward an observation target in the body cavity of the patient 11132. The endoscope 11100 may be a direct-viewing endoscope, an oblique-viewing endoscope, or a side-viewing endoscope.

[0124] An optical system and an image sensor are provided inside the camera head 11102, and reflected light (observation light) from an observation target is collected on the image sensor by the optical system. The observation light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the observation light, i.e., an image signal corresponding to an observation image. The image signal is transmitted to a camera control unit (CCU) 11201 as RAW data.

[0125] The CCU 11201 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., and performs overall control of the operations of the endoscope 11100 and the display device 11202. Furthermore, the CCU 11201 receives an image signal from the camera head 11102, and performs various types of image processing on the image signal, such as development processing (demosaic processing), for displaying an image based on the image signal.

[0126] Under the control of the CCU 11201, the display device 11202 displays an image based on an image signal that has been subjected to image processing by the CCU 11201.

[0127] The light source device 11203 is composed of a light source such as an LED (light emitting diode), and supplies the endoscope 11100 with irradiation light when photographing an operation site or the like.

[0128] The input device 11204 is an input interface for the endoscopic surgery system 11000. A user can input various information and instructions to the endoscopic surgery system 11000 via the input device 11204. For example, the user inputs an instruction to change the imaging conditions (type of irradiated light, magnification, focal length, etc.) of the endoscope 11100.

[0129] The treatment tool control device 11205 controls the driving of the energy treatment tool 11112 for cauterizing tissue, incising, sealing blood vessels, etc. The insufflation device 11206 sends gas into the body cavity of the patient 11132 via the insufflation tube 11111 to inflate the body cavity for the purpose of securing the field of view of the endoscope 11100 and securing the working space of the surgeon. The recorder 11207 is a device capable of recording various information related to the surgery. The printer 11208 is a device capable of printing various information related to the surgery in various formats such as text, image, or graph.

[0130] The light source device 11203 that supplies irradiation light to the endoscope 11100 when photographing the surgical site can be composed of a white light source composed of, for example, an LED, a laser light source, or a combination of these. When the white light source is composed of a combination of RGB laser light sources, the output intensity and output timing of each color (each wavelength) can be controlled with high precision, so that the white balance of the captured image can be adjusted in the light source device 11203. In this case, it is also possible to capture images corresponding to each of the RGB colors in a time-division manner by irradiating the observation object with laser light from each of the RGB laser light sources in a time-division manner and controlling the driving of the image sensor of the camera head 11102 in synchronization with the irradiation timing. According to this method, a color image can be obtained without providing a color filter to the image sensor.

[0131] The light source device 11203 may be controlled to change the intensity of the light it outputs at predetermined time intervals. The driving of the image sensor of the camera head 11102 may be controlled in synchronization with the timing of the change in the light intensity to obtain images in a time-division manner, and the images may be synthesized to generate an image with a high dynamic range that is free of so-called blackout and whiteout.

[0132] The light source device 11203 may be configured to supply light of a predetermined wavelength band corresponding to the special light observation. In the special light observation, for example, by utilizing the wavelength dependency of light absorption in body tissue, a narrow band light is irradiated compared to the irradiated light (i.e., white light) during normal observation, and a predetermined tissue such as blood vessels on the mucous membrane surface is photographed with high contrast, so-called narrow band imaging is performed. Alternatively, in the special light observation, a fluorescent observation may be performed in which an image is obtained by fluorescence generated by irradiating an excitation light. In the fluorescent observation, it is possible to irradiate an excitation light to a body tissue and observe the fluorescence from the body tissue (autofluorescence observation), or to locally inject a reagent such as indocyanine green (ICG) into the body tissue and irradiate the body tissue with excitation light corresponding to the fluorescent wavelength of the reagent to obtain a fluorescent image. The light source device 11203 may be configured to supply narrow band light and / or excitation light corresponding to such special light observation.

[0133] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 shown in FIG.

[0134] The camera head 11102 has a lens unit 11401, an imaging unit 11402, a drive unit 11403, a communication unit 11404, and a camera head control unit 11405. The CCU 11201 has a communication unit 11411, an image processing unit 11412, and a control unit 11413. The camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 are connected to each other by a transmission cable 11400 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0135] The lens unit 11401 is an optical system provided at the connection portion with the lens barrel 11101. Observation light taken in from the tip of the lens barrel 11101 is guided to the camera head 11102 and enters the lens unit 11401. The lens unit 11401 is configured by combining a plurality of lenses including a zoom lens and a focus lens.

[0136] The imaging unit 11402 may include one imaging element (so-called single-plate type) or multiple imaging elements (so-called multiple-plate type). When the imaging unit 11402 is configured as a multiple-plate type, for example, each imaging element may generate an image signal corresponding to each of RGB, and a color image may be obtained by combining the image signals. Alternatively, the imaging unit 11402 may be configured to have a pair of imaging elements for acquiring image signals for the right eye and the left eye corresponding to a 3D (dimensional) display. By performing a 3D display, the surgeon 11131 can more accurately grasp the depth of the biological tissue in the surgical site. Note that when the imaging unit 11402 is configured as a multiple-plate type, the lens unit 11401 may also be provided in multiple systems corresponding to each imaging element.

[0137] Furthermore, the imaging unit 11402 does not necessarily have to be provided in the camera head 11102. For example, the imaging unit 11402 may be provided inside the lens barrel 11101, immediately behind the objective lens.

[0138] The driving unit 11403 is configured by an actuator, and moves the zoom lens and focus lens of the lens unit 11401 by a predetermined distance along the optical axis under the control of the camera head control unit 11405. This allows the magnification and focus of the image captured by the imaging unit 11402 to be appropriately adjusted.

[0139] The communication unit 11404 is configured by a communication device for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the CCU 11201. The communication unit 11404 transmits the image signal obtained from the imaging unit 11402 to the CCU 11201 via the transmission cable 11400 as RAW data.

[0140] Furthermore, the communication unit 11404 receives a control signal for controlling the driving of the camera head 11102 from the CCU 11201, and supplies the control signal to the camera head control unit 11405. The control signal includes information on the imaging conditions, such as information specifying the frame rate of the captured image, information specifying the exposure value at the time of capturing the image, and / or information specifying the magnification and focus of the captured image.

[0141] The image capturing conditions such as the frame rate, exposure value, magnification, and focus may be appropriately specified by a user, or may be automatically set by the control unit 11413 of the CCU 11201 based on an acquired image signal. In the latter case, the endoscope 11100 is equipped with a so-called AE (Auto Exposure) function, AF (Auto Focus) function, and AWB (Auto White Balance) function.

[0142] The camera head control unit 11405 controls the driving of the camera head 11102 based on a control signal received from the CCU 11201 via the communication unit 11404.

[0143] The communication unit 11411 is configured with a communication device for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the camera head 11102. The communication unit 11411 receives an image signal transmitted from the camera head 11102 via the transmission cable 11400.

[0144] Furthermore, the communication unit 11411 transmits, to the camera head 11102, a control signal for controlling the driving of the camera head 11102. The image signal and the control signal can be transmitted by electrical communication, optical communication, or the like.

[0145] The image processing unit 11412 performs various types of image processing on the image signal, which is RAW data sent from the camera head 11102 .

[0146] The control unit 11413 performs various controls related to imaging of the surgical site etc. by the endoscope 11100 and display of the captured image obtained by imaging the surgical site etc. For example, the control unit 11413 generates a control signal for controlling the driving of the camera head 11102.

[0147] Further, the control unit 11413 causes the display device 11202 to display the captured image showing the surgical site, etc., based on the image signal that has been image-processed by the image processing unit 11412. At this time, the control unit 11413 may recognize various objects in the captured image using various image recognition techniques. For example, the control unit 11413 can recognize surgical tools such as forceps, specific living body parts, bleeding, mist when the energy treatment tool 11112 is used, etc., by detecting the shape and color of the edge of an object included in the captured image. When the control unit 11413 causes the display device 11202 to display the captured image, it may use the recognition result to superimpose various types of surgery support information on the image of the surgical site. By superimposing and presenting the surgery support information to the surgeon 11131, the burden on the surgeon 11131 can be reduced and the surgeon 11131 can proceed with the surgery reliably.

[0148] The transmission cable 11400 connecting the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 is an electrical signal cable for communication of electrical signals, an optical fiber for optical communication, or a composite cable of these.

[0149] Here, in the illustrated example, communication is performed wired using a transmission cable 11400, but communication between the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 may also be performed wirelessly.

[0150] An example of an endoscopic surgery system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied has been described above. The technology according to the present disclosure can be used for the interface between the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 in the configuration described above. Specifically, the data source 12 can be applied to the imaging unit 11402. The transmission units 11, 21, and 31 can be applied to the camera head control unit 11405 and the communication unit 11404. The reception units 13 and 23 can be applied to the communication unit 11411. By applying the technology according to the present disclosure to the interface between the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201, the camera head 11102 can be made smaller, and data can be transmitted and received at a high frame rate without being limited by host communication.

[0151] Although an endoscopic surgery system has been described as an example here, the technology disclosed herein may also be applied to other systems, such as a microsurgery system.

[0152] The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to the above-described transmitting device, receiving device, and transmitting / receiving system.

[0153] In addition, the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present technology. In addition, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited to the present technology, and other effects may be present.

[0154] For example, the present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0155] (1) a control signal receiving unit for receiving a control signal including predetermined information input from an external device; a control unit that performs control based on switching information included in the predetermined information as necessary, which indicates switching between a first communication for executing host communication in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication for executing host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period; A transmitting device comprising: (2) The control unit switches from the first communication to the second communication when the one frame period has a high frame rate that is higher than a normal frame rate for a predetermined period. A transmitting device as described in (1) above. (3) The control unit outputs data at the high frame rate for a plurality of frames and then switches to the normal frame rate. A transmitting device as described in (2) above. (4) The control unit is controlling transmission of first information to the external device when switching from the first communication to the second communication; controlling transmission of second information to an external device when switching from the second communication to the first communication; A transmitting device according to (1) or (2) above. (5) The first information is standby sequential information, and the second information is training sequential information. The transmitting device according to (4) above. (6) A first data transmission unit is provided for transmitting a data signal input from a data generation unit to the external device using a predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted. A transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) a second data transmission unit that transmits the data signal input from the data generation unit to the external device using a wiring different from the predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted; The transmitting device according to (6) above. (8) The control unit stops output of the data signal from the second data transmission unit when the one frame period corresponds to a normal frame rate of a predetermined period, and outputs the data signal from the second data transmission unit when the one frame period corresponds to a high frame rate that is higher than the normal frame rate. The transmitting device according to (7) above. (9) Bidirectional communication of signals between the external device and the device is performed in accordance with the SLVS-EC (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock) standard. A transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) a control signal transmitting unit configured to transmit to an external device a control signal including predetermined information, the control signal including switching information indicating switching between a first communication for executing host communication in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication for executing host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period as necessary; a control unit that controls transmission of the control signal from the control signal transmission unit; A receiving device comprising: (11) When it is determined that the first information has been transmitted from the external device, the control signal transmission unit transmits the control signal to the external device as necessary; When it is determined that the second information has been transmitted from the external device, the control signal transmission unit ends the transmission of the control signal to the external device. The receiving device according to (10) above. (12) The first information is standby sequential information, and the second information is training sequential information. The receiving device according to (11) above. (13) a first data receiving unit that receives the data signal transmitted from the external device by using a predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted; A receiving device according to any one of (10) to (12) above. (14) a second data receiving unit that receives the data signal output from the external device through a wiring different from the predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted; The receiving device according to (12) above. (15) Bidirectional communication of signals between the external device and the device is performed in accordance with the SLVS-EC (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock) standard. A receiving device according to any one of (10) to (14) above. (16) A transmitting device for transmitting a predetermined signal; a receiving device for receiving the predetermined signal transmitted from the transmitting device; Equipped with The transmitting device a control signal receiving unit for receiving a control signal including predetermined information input from the receiving device; a control unit that performs control based on switching information included in the predetermined information as necessary, which indicates switching between a first communication for executing host communication in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication for executing host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period; having The receiving device includes: a control signal transmitting unit configured to transmit to the transmitting device a control signal included in the predetermined information, the control signal including the switching information as necessary; a control unit that controls transmission of the control signal from the control signal transmission unit; have Transmitting and receiving system. (17) The transmitting device and the receiving device communicate signals bidirectionally according to the SLVS-EC (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock) standard. A transmitting / receiving system as described in (16) above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1,2,3 Transmitting and Receiving System 10A, 20A, 30A transmitter 10B, 20B receiving device 11,21,31 Transmitter 12 Data Sources 13,23 Receiver 14 Data Processing Section 110,138 Buffer section 111,131 Control section 112 Oscillator 113 Registers 114 Register signal receiver 115 Data transmission unit 115a,133c frequency divider 115b Parallel-serial conversion section 115c,133a driver 115M First Data Transmission Unit 115N,315 Second data transmission unit 116 Clock signal transmitter 117 Link Section 118,119,133b,136,137 Playback section 133,233 Data receiver 133d Serial-to-parallel conversion section 133M First Data Receiving Unit 133N Second Data Receiving Unit 134,234 Signal Generator 135 Register signal transmitter 312 Switch 315c Driver

Claims

1. a control signal receiving unit for receiving a control signal including predetermined information input from an external device; a transmission unit that transmits data input from the data generation unit to the external device; a control unit that controls the transmission unit to switch between a first communication for performing host communication in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication for performing host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period, the predetermined information including switching information that indicates switching between the first communication and the second communication based on the switching information; A transmitting device comprising:

2. The control unit controls the transmission unit to switch from the first communication to the second communication when the one frame period has a high frame rate that is higher than a normal frame rate of a predetermined period. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit controls the transmission unit to output data at the high frame rate for a plurality of frames and then switch to the normal frame rate. The transmitting device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit is controlling the transmitting unit to transmit first information to the external device when switching from the first communication to the second communication; Controlling the transmission unit to transmit second information to the external device when switching from the second communication to the first communication. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

5. The first information is standby sequential information, and the second information is training sequential information. The transmitting device according to claim 4.

6. The transmission unit includes a first data transmission unit that transmits a data signal input from the data generation unit to the external device using a predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

7. The transmission unit includes a second data transmission unit that transmits the data signal input from the data generation unit to the external device using a wiring different from a predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted. The transmitting device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit controls the second data transmission unit to stop output of the data signal from the second data transmission unit when the one frame period corresponds to a normal frame rate of a predetermined period, and controls the second data transmission unit to output the data signal from the second data transmission unit when a frame rate is a high frame rate that is higher than the normal frame rate. The transmitting device according to claim 7.

9. The control signal receiving unit and the transmitting unit bidirectionally communicate signals with the external device in accordance with a Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock (SLVS-EC) standard. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

10. a control signal transmitting unit configured to transmit to an external device a control signal including predetermined information that includes switching information indicating switching between a first communication for executing host communication in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication for executing host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period; a receiving unit for receiving a predetermined signal transmitted from the external device; a control unit that controls the receiving unit and also controls the control signal transmitting unit to transmit the control signal or to terminate transmission of the control signal; A receiving device comprising:

11. When the control unit determines that first information has been transmitted from the external device, the control signal transmission unit transmits the control signal to the external device; When the control unit determines that the second information has been transmitted from the external device, the control signal transmission unit ends transmission of the control signal to the external device.

11. The receiving device according to claim 10.

12. The first information is standby sequential information, and the second information is training sequential information.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

13. The receiving unit includes a first data receiving unit that receives a data signal transmitted from the external device using a predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

14. The receiving unit includes a second data receiving unit that receives a data signal output from the external device using a wiring different from a predetermined wiring through which the control signal is transmitted.

14. A receiving device according to claim 13.

15. The control signal transmitting unit and the receiving unit bidirectionally communicate signals with the external device in accordance with a Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock (SLVS-EC) standard.

11. The receiving device according to claim 10.

16. A transmitting device for transmitting a predetermined signal; a receiving device for receiving the predetermined signal transmitted from the transmitting device; Equipped with The transmitting device a control signal receiving unit for receiving a control signal including predetermined information input from the receiving device; a transmission unit that transmits data input from a data generation unit to the receiving device as the predetermined signal; a control unit that controls the transmission unit to switch between a first communication for performing host communication in a blanking period of one frame period and a second communication for performing host communication in a blanking period and a data output period of one frame period, the predetermined information including switching information that indicates switching between the first communication and the second communication based on the switching information; having The receiving device includes: a control signal transmitting unit configured to transmit a control signal including the predetermined information including the switching information to the transmitting device; a receiving unit that receives the predetermined signal transmitted from the transmitting device; a control unit that controls the receiving unit and also controls the control signal transmitting unit to transmit the control signal or to terminate transmission of the control signal; have Transmitting and receiving system.

17. The transmitting device and the receiving device communicate signals bidirectionally according to the SLVS-EC (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock) standard. The transmitting and receiving system according to claim 16.

Images