Information processing apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To allow more suitable image output.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: output means that outputs a video to an external device; switching means that switches an operation mode of the information processing apparatus between a first mode for causing the output means to output the video and a second mode for not causing the output means to output the video; and synchronization control means that, in the output of the video performed by the output means, controls whether to perform genlock based on an external synchronization signal input from the outside. When the synchronization control means receives an instruction to perform genlock while the information processing apparatus operates in the first mode and does not perform genlock, it prevents the start of genlock while the information processing apparatus operates in the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for controlling video output in an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Some cameras operate by switching between a plurality of operation modes. Examples of the operation modes include a normal imaging mode for outputting captured video, a standby mode for stopping video output and waiting, and a playback mode for outputting video stored in a recording medium.

[0003] Also, a Genlock function is known as a function that enables switching and output of output video from a plurality of cameras without generating image distortion. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for outputting a black image when Genlock becomes unstable after activating the Genlock function.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the Genlock function is activated for a camera operating in the playback mode, there is a problem that Genlock tends to become unstable. Therefore, when the Genlock function is activated during operation in the playback mode, video with image distortion will be output. Also, when using the technique described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to prevent the occurrence of image distortion, there is a problem that a desired video cannot be output because a black image is output.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technology that enables more suitable video output.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the information processing apparatus includes output means for performing video output to an external device, switching means for switching the operation mode of the information processing apparatus between a first mode in which video output is performed by the output means and a second mode in which video output is not performed by the output means, synchronization control means for controlling whether or not to perform Genlock based on an externally input external synchronization signal in the video output by the output means, and when the synchronization control means receives an instruction to perform Genlock while operating in the first mode and not performing Genlock, the start of Genlock is suppressed while operating in the first mode.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that enables more suitable video output.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] (First Embodiment) As a first embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, a camera (information processing apparatus having an imaging unit) in an imaging system will be described below as an example.

[0012] <System Configuration and Apparatus Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the imaging system. The imaging system 10 is composed of two cameras 100 (camera 100-1, camera 100-2), a controller 120, a display 130, and a synchronization signal output device 140. Here, it is assumed that the video output from the two cameras is switched by the controller 120 and displayed on the display 130.

[0013] The synchronization signal output from the synchronization signal output device 140 is input to the camera 100-1 and the camera 100-2. The video outputs from the camera 100-1 and the camera 100-2 are synchronized in accordance with the input synchronization signal. Therefore, even when the controller 120 switches the video output from the camera 100-2 to the camera 100-1, no interruption of the video occurs. Note that although the case of switching the video output from two cameras is described here, the same applies to the case of switching the video output from three or more cameras.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the functional configuration of each device in the imaging system. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system includes a camera 100, a controller 120, a display 130, and a synchronization signal output device 140.

[0015] Camera 100, also known as a remote camera or a network camera, captures a subject in a surveillance target area based on an instruction from a remote location. Camera 100 includes an imaging unit 101, an image processing unit 102, a system control unit 103, and a storage unit 104. In addition, Camera 100 includes a pan drive unit 105, a tilt drive unit 106, a speed control unit 107, a mode control unit 108, a synchronization signal input unit 109, a Genlock control unit 110, a stabilization determination unit 111, and a communication unit 112.

[0016] The imaging unit 101 is composed of an optical system such as a lens and an imaging device such as a CMOS image sensor. The imaging unit 101 generates an analog image signal based on the subject image formed on the imaging device by the optical system. The analog image signal is converted into a digital image signal and output to the image processing unit 102.

[0017] The image processing unit 102 performs predetermined image processing and compression encoding processing on the digital image signal output from the imaging unit 101 to generate image data (or video data including a plurality of frame images), and outputs it to the system control unit 103. The predetermined image processing includes, for example, development processing such as de Bayer (demosaic) processing, white balance processing, and gradation conversion processing.

[0018] The system control unit 103 controls the overall operation of Camera 100. More specifically, it outputs the image data captured by the imaging unit 101 and acquired via the image processing unit 102 to the controller 120 via the communication unit 112. It also receives a control command from the controller 120 via the communication unit 112, analyzes the received command, and performs processing according to the command. For example, when receiving a control command for setting image quality adjustment for the image processing unit 102, it analyzes the control command and executes the image quality adjustment. Also, when receiving a control command for performing a pan-tilt operation on the pan drive unit 105 and / or the tilt drive unit 106, it analyzes the control command and drives and controls the pan drive unit 105 and / or the tilt drive unit 106. When receiving a control command for instructing Genlock activation / deactivation, it gives an instruction for activation or deactivation to the Genlock control unit 110.

[0019] The memory unit 104 stores the control data in the camera 100 and the captured image data (video data). When the camera 100 operates in the playback mode, the image data stored in the memory unit 104 is output as a video to the display unit 131. In addition, the memory unit 104 can store parameters for image quality adjustment, network setting values, or information on the imaging direction of the camera 100. The information on the imaging direction may be stored, for example, as the pan angle and tilt angle in the pan drive unit 105 and the tilt drive unit 106. Even when the camera 100 is restarted, the system control unit 103 can obtain the previously set values by referring to the memory unit 104.

[0020] The pan drive unit 105, the tilt drive unit 106, and the speed control unit 107 are direction control mechanisms for controlling the imaging direction of the camera 100. The pan drive unit 105 is composed of a mechanical drive system that performs a pan operation according to a control command from the system control unit 103 and a motor as its drive source. When the motor is driven and controlled by the system control unit 103, the pan drive mechanism is driven in the pan direction. The tilt drive unit 106 is composed of a mechanical drive system that performs a tilt operation according to a control command from the system control unit 103 and a motor as its drive source. When the motor is driven and controlled by the system control unit 103, the tilt drive mechanism is driven in the tilt direction. The speed control unit 107 calculates the next instructed driving speed according to a control command from the system control unit 103, and instructs the pan drive unit 105 and the tilt drive unit 106 to be driven at the calculated speeds respectively. For example, the next instructed driving speed is calculated based on the current speed, the target speed, the value of the acceleration, or the information in the acceleration / deceleration table.

[0021] The mode control unit 108 controls the switching of the operation mode of the camera 100. In FIG. 2, the mode control unit 108 is described as a functional unit separate from the system control unit 103, but it may be configured as a part of the system control unit 103. Here, it is assumed that there are three modes (normal imaging mode, standby mode, playback mode) as the operation modes of the camera 100. The normal imaging mode is a mode for outputting the video captured by the imaging unit 101. The standby mode is a mode for stopping the output of the video and waiting. The playback mode is a mode for outputting the video stored in the storage unit 104. The mode control unit 108 determines, via the communication unit 112 and the system control unit 103, which switching instruction (transition instruction) to an operation mode has been input from the controller 120, and sets the camera 100 to operate in the determined operation mode.

[0022] The mode control unit 108 may, for example, indicate the operation mode by a predetermined set value. For example, "0" may indicate the standby mode, "1" may indicate the normal imaging mode, and "2" may indicate the playback mode, respectively. In this case, the system control unit 103 determines the operation mode by referring to the set value indicated by the mode control unit 108.

[0023] When the system control unit 103 determines that it is operating in the normal imaging mode, it controls each of the imaging unit 101, the image processing unit 102, the system control unit 103, and the communication unit 112 to control the output of the captured video (image data) to the controller 120. In addition, the system control unit 103 performs pan-tilt drive control by the pan drive unit 105, the tilt drive unit 106, and the speed control unit 107. Further, the image data generated by the image processing unit 102 is stored in the storage unit 104 via the system control unit 103.

[0024] On the other hand, when the system control unit 103 determines that it is operating in the standby mode, it controls to stop the output of the captured video (image data) to the controller 120. Further, the system control unit 103 also stops the pan-tilt drive control by the pan drive unit 105, the tilt drive unit 106, and the speed control unit 107. After driving to a predetermined pan-tilt position, the pan-tilt drive control may be configured to stop.

[0025] Also, when the system control unit 103 determines that it is operating in the playback mode, it controls each of the system control unit 103, the storage unit 104, and the communication unit 112 to output the image data stored in the storage unit 104 to the controller 120. When a plurality of video data is stored in the storage unit 104, the video data designated by the user via the controller 120 is output.

[0026] The synchronization signal input unit 109 inputs the synchronization signal (external synchronization signal) output from the synchronization signal output device 140 to the camera 100. The Genlock control unit 110 synchronizes the synchronization signal generated by the Genlock control unit 110 with the external synchronization signal input from the synchronization signal input unit 109 to perform synchronization control of the entire camera 100. Thereby, in the normal imaging mode, video can be output to the controller 120 in synchronization with the external synchronization signal.

[0027] In addition, the Genlock control unit 110 performs switching control for enabling and disabling Genlock. Enabling Genlock means starting synchronization with the synchronization signal generated by the Genlock control unit 110 upon receipt of a Genlock enabling instruction from the controller 120 while an external synchronization signal is being input from the synchronization signal input unit 109. On the other hand, disabling Genlock means stopping the synchronization between the external synchronization signal and the synchronization signal generated by the Genlock control unit 110 upon receipt of a Genlock disabling instruction from the controller 120. When Genlock is disabled, the camera 100 performs operation control using only the synchronization signal generated by the Genlock control unit 110. Since the Genlock technology is well-known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0028] The stabilization determination unit 111 determines whether the external synchronization signal and the synchronization signal generated by the Genlock control unit 110 are stably synchronized. Hereinafter, the stable synchronization of the two synchronization signals is expressed as "Genlock is stable". For example, the difference between the H / V synchronization signal generated by the Genlock control unit 110 and the H / V synchronization signal input from the synchronization signal input unit 109 is obtained. Then, when the difference remains within a predetermined number of clocks for a predetermined period or longer, it is determined that Genlock is stable. Otherwise, it is determined that Genlock is not stable.

[0029] In addition, when the Genlock control unit 110 enables Genlock and starts synchronization, it takes about several seconds until the two synchronization signals are stably synchronized. As a result, the synchronization becomes unstable for about a predetermined time (for example, 7 seconds) from the start of Genlock. Therefore, as an alternative determination method, it may be determined whether the synchronization is stable based on whether a predetermined time (for example, 7 seconds) has elapsed since the Genlock control unit 110 enabled Genlock and started synchronization. Note that video disturbance may occur during the stabilization of Genlock, or a process for stopping video processing for synchronization processing may be included.

[0030] The communication unit 112 performs network communication processing via a LAN. For example, it transmits video data output from the system control unit 103 to the controller 120. It also receives control commands from the controller 120 and passes them to the system control unit 103.

[0031] The controller 120 operates as a switch (switching device) for switching the video to be displayed on the display 130. The controller 120 includes an input unit 121, a system control unit 122, and a communication unit 123.

[0032] The input unit 121 is composed of buttons, joysticks, etc., and receives various operations from the user. Such operations include, for example, the switching operation of the camera 100 that performs video output, the switching operation of the operation mode of the camera 100, the operation of enabling / disabling Genlock, etc. The system control unit 122 transmits a control command to the camera 100 via the communication unit 123 according to the operation received from the user.

[0033] The communication unit 123 performs network communication processing via a LAN. For example, it receives video data output from the camera 100 and transfers it to the display 130. It also receives a control command from the system control unit 122 and transmits it to the camera 100.

[0034] The display 130 includes a display unit 131. More specifically, the display 130 receives video data output from the camera 100 via the controller 120 and displays it on the display unit 131. The display unit 131 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0035] The synchronization signal output device 140 includes a synchronization signal output unit 141. The synchronization signal output unit 141 outputs a synchronization signal (corresponding to the above-mentioned external synchronization signal) that serves as a reference signal for operating a plurality of cameras 100 synchronously. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the synchronization signal from the synchronization signal output device 140 is input to the respective synchronization signal input units 109 of two cameras 100.

[0036] Figure 2B is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the camera. The CPU 201 is a device that performs overall control of the camera 100 and calculation, processing, and management of data. For example, by executing various programs, it can function as a system control unit 103, a speed control unit 107, a mode control unit 108, a Genlock control unit 110, etc. Further, the CPU 201 may also function as an image processing unit 102 that compresses and encodes the digital image signal output from the camera unit 206 to generate image data. Note that these functional units may be realized by a dedicated processor (such as an ASIC).

[0037] The RAM 202 is a volatile memory and is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile memory, and various programs executed by the CPU 201 and various parameters are stored in predetermined areas respectively. For example, the CPU 201 uses the RAM 202 as a work memory and controls each part of the camera 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 203. Note that the program for the CPU 201 to operate is not limited to being stored in the ROM 203 and may be stored in the storage device 204.

[0038] The storage device 204 is composed of, for example, an SD card, an HDD, a flash memory, etc., and can function as a storage unit 104. Application programs, an OS, control programs, image data, and other data are stored in the storage device 204. The storage device 204 can read and write data based on the control of the CPU 201. The storage device 204 may be used instead of the RAM 202 or the ROM 203.

[0039] The communication device 205 is a communication interface for communicating with the controller 120 based on the control of the CPU 201 and can function as the communication unit 112. The communication device 205 can include a wireless communication module for wireless connection communication. In that case, it may include well-known circuit mechanisms such as an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identification module card, and a memory. Further, the communication device 205 can include a wired communication module for wired connection communication. The wired communication module enables wired connection communication with other devices via one or more physical ports. The physical ports can utilize Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394, etc. Also, the communication device 205 can include various software components for processing data and can be configured as an alternative to each of the above-described units.

[0040] The camera unit 206 can function as the imaging unit 101, the pan drive unit 105, and the tilt drive unit 106, and captures a monitoring area in the real space to generate a subject image. The camera unit 206 converts an analog image signal obtained using an image sensor into a digital image signal by A / D conversion and outputs it to the CPU 201. In the camera unit 206, for example, in addition to still images, it is possible to acquire a predetermined number of image frames (e.g., 30 frames) per second and acquire a 30fps moving image (live video) of the monitoring area. The operation unit 207 is composed of, for example, buttons, a cross key, a touch panel, etc., and receives operation inputs from the user.

[0041] Although FIG. 2B describes the hardware configuration of the camera 100, the hardware configuration of the controller 120 can also be made to conform to FIG. 2B. In that case, the camera unit 206 is excluded from the configuration. Also, the operation unit 207 functions as the input unit 121 and can further include a keyboard and a mouse.

[0042] <Operation of the device> FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera 100 in the first embodiment. The processing corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 201 executing a predetermined program. Here, it is assumed that the startup of the camera 100, the controller 120, the display 130, and the synchronization signal output device 140 has already been completed, and the controller 120 is in a state where it can accept user input operations. Also, this flowchart may be configured to start in response to an instruction from the user, or may be configured to start automatically by the camera 100.

[0043] In S301, the system control unit 103 controls each block of the camera 100 and starts operating in the normal imaging mode. At this time, the mode control unit 108 sets the set value to "1" indicating the normal imaging mode. Then, the mode control unit 108 starts monitoring for a mode switching instruction from the controller 120 via the communication unit 112. When a switching instruction to the standby mode is received, the set value is set to "0". Also, when a switching instruction to the playback mode is received, the set value is set to "2".

[0044] In S302, the system control unit 103 refers to the set value of the mode control unit 108 and determines whether a switching instruction to the playback mode has been received (the set value is "2"). If it is determined that a switching instruction to the playback mode has been received, the process proceeds to S303. Then, the mode control unit 108 starts monitoring for a mode switching instruction from the controller 120 via the communication unit 112, and when a switching instruction is given, the set value is set to the corresponding value. On the other hand, if it is determined that a switching instruction to the playback mode has not been received, the normal imaging mode is continued. In S303, the system control unit 103 controls the operation of each block of the camera 100 and shifts to the operation in the playback mode of video-outputting the video data stored in the storage unit 104.

[0045] In S304, the Genlock control unit 110 determines whether it has received an instruction to activate Genlock from the controller 120. If it is determined that the instruction to activate Genlock has been received, the process proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the instruction to activate Genlock has been received, the process proceeds to S306. In S305, the Genlock control unit 110 sets the set value (Genlock_Flag) managed by the Genlock control unit 110 to "ON". However, at this point (while operating in the playback mode), the activation (start) of Genlock is suppressed.

[0046] In S306, the system control unit 103 refers to the set value of the mode control unit 108 and determines whether it has received an instruction to switch to the standby mode (the set value is "0"). If it is determined that the instruction to switch to the standby mode has been received, the process proceeds to S307. Thereafter, the mode control unit 108 starts monitoring for a mode switching instruction from the controller 120 via the communication unit 112, and when the switching instruction is given, sets the set value to the corresponding value. On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction to switch to the standby mode has not been received, the playback mode is continued. In S307, the system control unit 103 controls the operations of each block of the camera 100 to shift to the standby mode in which video data is not output.

[0047] In S308, the system control unit 103 refers to the set value (Genlock_Flag) of the Genlock control unit 110 and determines whether it is "ON". If it is determined to be "ON", the process proceeds to S309. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be "ON" (i.e., "OFF"), the process proceeds to S311. In S309, the Genlock control unit 110 starts Genlock. That is, Genlock is started in the standby mode where video output is not performed. In S310, the stabilization determination unit 111 determines whether Genlock is stable. The method for determining whether Genlock is stable is as described above, and it may be based on the difference between two synchronization signals or based on the elapsed time since the start of Genlock. If it is determined that Genlock is stable, the process proceeds to S311. If it is not determined that Genlock is stable, the determination process in S310 is continued, and after the stabilization of Genlock is completed, the process proceeds to S311.

[0048] In S311, the system control unit 103 refers to the set value of the mode control unit 108 and determines whether an instruction to switch to the playback mode has been received (the set value is "2"). If it is determined that an instruction to switch to the playback mode has been received, the process proceeds to S303. Thereafter, the mode control unit 108 starts monitoring for a mode switch instruction from the controller 120 via the communication unit 112, and when a switch instruction is given, the set value is set to the corresponding value. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to switch to the playback mode has not been received, the standby mode is continued.

[0049] According to the first embodiment as described above, when an instruction to enable the Genlock function is given during the playback mode, the start of Genlock is suppressed during the playback mode, and Genlock is started after shifting to the standby mode. As a result, even when an instruction to enable the Genlock function is given during the playback mode, video output can be performed without image disturbance or stoppage. Also, when starting Genlock in the standby mode, the determination of shifting to the playback mode is made after the stabilization of Genlock is completed. Therefore, after shifting to the playback mode, stable video output can be performed without image disturbance or stoppage.

[0050] Note that in the above description, the transition process from the playback mode to the standby mode (Yes in S306) has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to apply it to the transition process from the normal imaging mode to the standby mode. In that case, in S302 and S311, it is preferable to configure to determine whether an instruction to switch to the normal imaging mode has been received (the set value is "1"). As a result, when an instruction to enable the Genlock function is given during the normal imaging mode, the Genlock function is enabled after shifting to the standby mode. Therefore, after shifting back to the normal imaging mode, stable video output can be performed without video disturbance / stoppage.

[0051] Also, for example, a determination process of whether to shift from the playback mode to the normal imaging mode may be performed in S306, and the transition process to the normal imaging mode may be performed in S307. In that case, even when an instruction to enable the Genlock function is given during the playback mode, the Genlock function may be enabled after shifting to the normal imaging mode instead of the playback mode (in other words, in the normal imaging mode).

[0052] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the operations of other modes when an instruction to enable the Genlock function is given during the playback mode will be described. Note that the system configuration and device configuration are the same as those in the first embodiment (Figs. 1 and 2A), so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] <Operation of the device> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera 100 in the second embodiment. The processing corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 201 executing a predetermined program. Note that the processing of S301 to S311 is the same as the processing of S301 to S311 in the first embodiment (FIG. 3), so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] In S306, when it is determined that an instruction to switch to the standby mode has been received, the process proceeds to S401. In S401, the system control unit 103 sets (resets) the timer value T for time management to "0". Thereafter, in S307, the standby mode is entered and the timer is started.

[0055] In S308, when it is determined that the set value (Genlock_Flag) is "ON", the process proceeds to S402. In S402, the system control unit 103 refers to the timer value T and determines whether it is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. If it is determined that T is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S309. On the other hand, if it is not determined that T is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S403. In S403, the system control unit 103 determines whether there is an instruction to shift to the playback mode. If there is no instruction to shift to the playback mode, the process proceeds to S402, and if there is an instruction to shift to the playback mode, the process transitions to S303.

[0056] As described above, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, during the playback mode, the start of Genlock is suppressed, and Genlock is started after shifting to the standby mode. In particular, Genlock is started after a predetermined time or more has elapsed since shifting to the standby mode. Therefore, when an instruction to shift to the playback mode is given immediately after shifting to the standby mode, it is possible to immediately shift to the playback mode without starting Genlock. And after shifting back to the playback mode, it is possible to stably output video without video disturbance / stop.

[0057] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0059] 10 Imaging system; 100 Camera; 120 Controller; 130 Display; 140 Synchronization signal output device

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, output means for performing video output to an external device; switching means for switching an operation mode of the information processing apparatus between a first mode in which video output is performed by the output means and a second mode in which video output is not performed by the output means; synchronization control means for controlling whether or not to perform Genlock based on an externally input external synchronization signal in video output by the output means; comprising: when the synchronization control means receives an instruction to perform Genlock while operating in the first mode and not performing Genlock, the synchronization control means suppresses the start of Genlock while operating in the first mode An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. when the synchronization control means receives an instruction to perform Genlock while operating in the first mode and not performing Genlock, after shifting to operation in the second mode via the switching means, the synchronization control means starts Genlock The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. further comprising determination means for determining whether or not Genlock by the synchronization control means is stable; after shifting to operation in the second mode, the switching means suppresses shifting to operation in the first mode until it is determined by the determination means that Genlock is stable The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. after shifting to operation in the second mode via the switching means, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed, the synchronization control means starts Genlock The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. After shifting to the operation in the second mode via the switching means, if the switching means receives an instruction to shift to the operation in the first mode before the elapse of the predetermined time or more, the synchronization control means does not start Genlock and shifts to the operation in the first mode via the switching means The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The first mode includes at least one of a normal imaging mode for outputting imaging video by an imaging unit and a playback mode for outputting video based on video data stored in a storage unit. The second mode includes a standby mode in which video output is not performed and the apparatus waits. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. A control method for an information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus includes output means for outputting video to an external device, switching means for switching an operation mode of the information processing apparatus between a first mode in which video output is performed by the output means and a second mode in which video output is not performed by the output means, and synchronization control means for controlling whether or not to perform Genlock based on an external synchronization signal input from the outside in the video output by the output means. The control method includes: a reception step in which the synchronization control means receives an instruction to perform Genlock while operating in the first mode and not performing Genlock; a synchronization control step in which the synchronization control means suppresses the start of Genlock while operating in the first mode, and after shifting to the operation in the second mode via the switching means, starts Genlock. The control method is characterized by including. The control method is characterized in that.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 7.

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