Video signal processing device and video signal processing method

Abstract

To provide a video signal processing device and a video signal processing method capable of appropriately outputting a video signal according to a video source.SOLUTION: The video signal processing device includes a control unit. The control unit accepts inputs which are video signals from a plurality of video sources including cameras and a designation signal to designate which of the plurality of video signals is to be output to a display device and changes the waiting time from a time at which the designation signal is inputted until the video signal is outputted to the display device according to the video source of the video signal designated by the designation signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a video signal processing apparatus and a video signal processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technique for displaying a video signal input from a plurality of video sources such as a camera such as a back camera and a drawing device that draws a navigation image or the like on a display device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when there are a plurality of video sources, the output timing may be adjusted according to the output timing of the video signal with the slowest output preparation. However, if waiting until the above output timing, there is a possibility that such a request cannot be satisfied when an immediate video display is required such as a camera.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a video signal processing apparatus and a video signal processing method capable of appropriately outputting a video signal according to a video source.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the video signal processing device according to the present invention includes a control unit. The control unit receives input of video signals from a plurality of video sources, including a camera, and a designation signal that specifies which of the plurality of video signals to output to a display device, and changes the waiting time from when the designation signal is input until the video signal is output to the display device according to the video source of the video signal specified by the designation signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a video signal can be appropriately output according to the video source. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the video signal processing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a video signal processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of processing 1 executed by the video signal processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for processing step 2 executed by the video signal processing device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the video signal processing apparatus and video signal processing method disclosed in this application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] First, an overview of the video signal processing method according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the video signal processing method according to the embodiment. The video signal processing method according to the embodiment is performed by the video signal processing device 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a video signal processing system S including the video signal processing device 1. The video signal processing system S may be configured as, for example, a navigation device.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the video signal processing system S includes a video signal processing device 1, a video IC (Integrated Circuit) 100, a SoC (System on a Chip) 200, a camera 300, and a display device 400.

[0012] The video IC 100 is connected to the video source, the SoC 200, and the camera 300, and outputs video signals such as the drawn image from the SoC 200 and the camera image from the camera 300 to the display device 400. The video IC 100 outputs video signals using, for example, LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling).

[0013] The video IC 100 outputs a video signal to the display device 400 according to the output timing instructed by the video signal processing device 1, but this will be explained later.

[0014] The SoC200 has the function of rendering various types of images. These rendering images include, for example, various screens of navigation devices (settings screens, map screens, etc.), audio settings screens, and guide lines (vehicle width lines) superimposed on camera images.

[0015] The SoC200 outputs the drawn image as a video signal to the video IC100.

[0016] The camera 300 is, for example, a camera mounted on a vehicle, and outputs a camera image of the surrounding of the vehicle as a video signal to the video IC 100. The camera 300 includes, for example, a back camera that images the rear of the vehicle, a front camera that images the front of the vehicle, a side camera that images the side of the vehicle, and the like. Also, the camera image of the camera 300 may be an analog image or a digital image.

[0017] The display device 400 is, for example, a liquid crystal display such as a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor) liquid crystal. The display device 400 displays the video signal output from the video IC 100 as a video.

[0018] The video signal processing device 1 determines an output timing for outputting a video signal from the video IC 100 to the display device 400 by executing a video signal processing method, and instructs the video IC 100 to output the video signal when such output timing arrives.

[0019] Specifically, in the video signal processing method according to the embodiment, first, the video signal processing device 1 receives an input of a video signal from a plurality of video sources and receives an input of a designation signal that designates which of the plurality of video signals is to be output from the video IC 100 to the display device 400 (step S1).

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the designation signal is a vehicle signal or an input signal from the SoC 200. For example, when a reverse signal indicating reverse of the shift lever is input as a vehicle signal to the video signal processing device 1, the video signal of the back camera (camera 300), that is, the designation of the camera image, is received as the designation signal.

[0021] Also, when the video signal processing device 1 receives an output request of a drawn image from the SoC 200 it receives the designation of the drawn image of the SoC 200 as the designation signal.

[0022] Then, after the designation signal is input, the video signal processing apparatus 1 changes the waiting time from when the designation signal is input until the video signal is output to the display device 400 according to the video source of the video signal designated by the designation signal (step S2).

[0023] For example, when the video source of the video signal designated by the designation signal is the camera 300, the video signal processing apparatus 1 sets the first time as the waiting time, and when the video source of the video signal designated by the designation signal is the SoC 200, the video signal processing apparatus 1 sets the second time, which is longer than the first time, as the waiting time. This is because the SoC 200 requires time for drawing processing, while the camera 300 can output the video as it is and thus requires a short preparation time.

[0024] Then, when the set waiting time has elapsed, the video signal processing apparatus 1 determines that it is the output timing and instructs the video IC 100 to output the video signal.

[0025] Thereby, for example, for the camera image of the camera 300, the time from when the designation signal is received until it is displayed on the display device 400 can be shortened by shortening the waiting time, and for the video signal of the SoC 200 that requires time for drawing, the video signal can be output after waiting until the output preparation is complete (drawing is completed).

[0026] That is, according to the video signal processing method according to the embodiment, the video signal can be appropriately output according to the video source.

[0027] Note that the video signal processing apparatus 1 can change the waiting time according to the type of the camera 300, such as whether the camera 300 is a back camera or whether it is a digital image or an analog image. Details of this point will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, although Figure 1 shows a case where the video signal processing device 1 and the video IC 100 are configured as separate components, the video signal processing device 1 and the video IC 100 may be configured as an integrated unit. In such a case, the video IC 100 may be configured as an integrated unit having the functions of the video signal processing device 1, or the video signal processing device 1 may be configured as an integrated unit having the functions of the video IC 100.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the video signal processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video signal processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the video signal processing device 1 according to the embodiment is connected to a video IC 100, an SoC 200, a camera 300, and a shift lever 500.

[0030] The shift lever 500 is an example of a device that outputs vehicle signals, and outputs vehicle signals corresponding to the shift position to the video signal processing device 1. In addition to the shift lever 500, other devices that output vehicle signals include the activation switch for the camera 300 and the turn signals (activation switch for the side cameras).

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the video signal processing device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a control unit 2 and a storage unit 3. The control unit 2 comprises an acquisition unit 21, a reception unit 22, a modification unit 23, a timing unit 24, and an IC control unit 25. The storage unit 3 stores various types of information.

[0032] Here, the video signal processing device 1 includes, for example, a computer and various circuits having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), data flash, input / output ports, etc.

[0033] The computer's CPU functions as the acquisition unit 21, reception unit 22, modification unit 23, timing unit 24, and IC control unit 25 of the control unit 2, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in ROM.

[0034] Furthermore, at least one or all of the acquisition unit 21, reception unit 22, modification unit 23, timing unit 24, and IC control unit 25 of the control unit 2 can be configured with hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 2 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2, and other configurations are acceptable as long as they perform the processing described later. For example, the modification unit 23 may perform all or part of the processing described later with respect to parts other than the modification unit 23.

[0035] Furthermore, the memory unit 3 can, for example, support RAM or data flash. RAM and data flash can store information about various programs, etc. The video signal processing device 1 may also acquire the above-mentioned programs and various information via other computers or portable recording media connected by wired or wireless networks.

[0036] Next, we will explain the functions of the control unit 2 (acquisition unit 21, reception unit 22, modification unit 23, timing unit 24, and IC control unit 25).

[0037] The acquisition unit 21 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires information about the type of camera 300. The types of cameras 300 include, for example, a rear camera, a side camera, a front camera, etc. The type of camera 300 also includes the type of camera image (digital image, analog image). The acquisition unit 21 outputs the acquired information to the modification unit 23.

[0038] The reception unit 22 accepts video signals from multiple video sources and also accepts a designation signal that specifies which of the multiple video signals should be output from the video IC 100 to the display device 400.

[0039] For example, the reception unit 22 receives a designation signal that specifies that the video signal (camera image) from the camera 300 (rear camera) should be output to the display device 400 when a vehicle signal, which is a reverse signal, is input from the shift lever 500. In this way, by receiving the designation signal via the vehicle signal, no special equipment for receiving the designation signal is required, thus reducing costs.

[0040] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 22 receives a signal indicating that the SoC 200 will output a drawing image, it receives a designation signal that specifies that the video signal (drawing image) from the SoC 200 should be output to the display device 400. When the receiving unit 22 receives a designation signal, it notifies the modification unit 23 of the video source information of the video signal specified by the designation signal.

[0041] When the receiving unit 22 receives input of a specified signal, the modification unit 23 changes the waiting time from when the specified signal is input until the video signal is output to the display device 400, according to the video source of the video signal specified by the specified signal.

[0042] Here, the waiting time includes the minimum required time regardless of the video source (waiting time A shown in Figures 3 and 4 below) and the additional time set according to the video source. The required time is the time required from when the reception unit 22 receives the input of the specified signal (vehicle signal, etc.) until it determines the video source of the video signal specified by the specified signal.

[0043] The additional time is a time that is set additionally depending on the video source and is set by the modification unit 23. For example, the modification unit 23 sets a first additional time when the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is the camera 300, and sets a second additional time that is longer than the first additional time when the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is the SoC 200.

[0044] In other words, the modification unit 23 shortens the waiting time when the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is camera 300 compared to the waiting time when the video source is other than camera 300. This enables immediate video display from camera 300, while allowing the SoC 200 to display the video after waiting for the rendering process to complete.

[0045] Furthermore, if multiple video sources include multiple different cameras 300 (back camera, side camera, front camera), the modification unit 23 changes the waiting time according to the type of camera 300.

[0046] For example, the modification unit 23 shortens the waiting time when the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is the rearview camera compared to the waiting time when it is a camera other than the rearview camera 300. This allows the rearview camera image to be output immediately when the shift lever 500 is put into reverse. As a result, the driver can reverse while checking the rearview camera image immediately after putting the vehicle into reverse.

[0047] Furthermore, the modification unit 23 shortens the waiting time when the camera image of camera 300, which is the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal, is a digital image compared to the waiting time when it is an analog image. This is because the time required for the video IC 100 to be ready for output is shorter for digital images than for analog images. In this way, an appropriate waiting time can be set according to the type of camera image from camera 300.

[0048] The modification unit 23 sets the configured waiting time on the timer of the timing unit 24 and starts the timer count.

[0049] The timing unit 24 has a timer function for measuring time. The timing unit 24 measures the waiting time set by the change unit 23 and notifies the IC control unit 25 when the waiting time has elapsed.

[0050] The IC control unit 25 controls the output timing of the video signal from the video IC 100 based on the waiting time set by the modification unit 23.

[0051] Specifically, when the IC control unit 25 receives a timing signal from the timing unit 24 indicating the elapsed waiting time, it determines that it is time to output a video signal and instructs the video IC 100 to output a video signal. For example, if the video IC 100 is performing video output using LVDS, the IC control unit 25 turns on LVDS.

[0052] Next, the processing steps of the processes performed by the video signal processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of process 1 performed by the video signal processing device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of process 2 performed by the video signal processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0053] First, let's explain the process shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the process of changing the waiting time depending on whether the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is camera 300 or not. As shown in Figure 3, first, the reception unit 22 receives the input of the designated signal (step S101).

[0054] Next, the IC control unit 25 waits for a waiting time A after receiving the specified signal input (step S102). This waiting time A is the time required for all video sources.

[0055] Next, after the waiting time A has elapsed, the modification unit 23 determines whether or not the video source of the video signal specified by the specified signal is camera 300 (step S103).

[0056] The modification unit 23 sets the waiting time to none if the video source of the video signal specified by the specified signal is camera 300 (step S103: Yes), and the IC control unit 25 sets the output of the video signal by LVDS of the video IC 100 to ON (step S104), and terminates the process.

[0057] On the other hand, if the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is the SoC200 (step S103: No), the modification unit 23 sets a waiting time B, and the IC control unit 25 waits for waiting time B (step S105) before proceeding to step S104.

[0058] Next, the process shown in Figure 4 will be explained. Figure 4 shows the process of changing the waiting time depending on the type of camera 300. As shown in Figure 4, first the reception unit 22 receives a specification signal that specifies the camera image of camera 300 (step S201).

[0059] Next, the IC control unit 25 waits for a waiting time A after receiving the specified signal (step S202). This waiting time A is the time required for all video sources.

[0060] Next, after the waiting time A has elapsed, the modification unit 23 determines whether the camera image of camera 300, which is the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal, is a digital image or an analog image (step S203).

[0061] If the camera image is an analog image (step S203: Yes), the modification unit 23 sets a waiting time C, and the IC control unit 25 waits for the waiting time C to expire (step S204).

[0062] On the other hand, if the camera image is a digital image (step S203: No), the modification unit 23 sets a waiting time D, and the IC control unit 25 waits for the waiting time D (step S205). Note that the waiting time D is shorter than the waiting time C.

[0063] Then, after the waiting time has elapsed, the IC control unit 25 sets the output of the video signal by LVDS of the video IC 100 to ON (step S206), and terminates the process.

[0064] As described above, the video signal processing device 1 according to the embodiment includes a control unit 2. The control unit 2 receives input of video signals from multiple video sources, including a camera 300, and a designation signal that specifies which of the multiple video signals to output to the display device 400. The control unit 2 changes the waiting time from when the designation signal is input until the video signal is output to the display device 400 according to the video source of the video signal specified by the designation signal. This makes it possible to output video signals appropriately according to the video source.

[0065] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Video signal processing device 2 Control Unit 3 Storage section 21 Acquisition Department 22 Reception Department 23 Changes 24 Timing section 25 IC control section 100 Video ICs 200 SoC 300 Cameras 400 display device 500 Shift lever S Video signal processing system

Claims

1. A control unit receives input of video signals from multiple video sources, including a camera, and a designation signal that specifies which of the multiple video signals to output to the display device. The control unit changes the waiting time from when the designation signal is input until the video signal is output to the display device according to the preparation time, which is the time it takes for each of the video sources of the video signal specified by the designation signal to be ready for output. A video signal processing device characterized by comprising the following:

2. The control unit, The vehicle signal that specifies the aforementioned video signal is accepted as the aforementioned designated signal. The video signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The control unit, The waiting time when the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is the camera is made shorter than the waiting time when the video source is something other than the camera. A video signal processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The control unit, If the multiple video sources include multiple different cameras, the waiting time is changed according to the type of camera. A video signal processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. The aforementioned multiple cameras are Includes a rearview camera that captures images of the area behind the vehicle. The control unit, The waiting time when the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal is the rear camera is made shorter than the waiting time when the camera is other than the rear camera. The video signal processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by the following:

6. The camera image of the aforementioned camera is It is either a digital image or an analog image. The control unit, To make the waiting time when the camera image of the camera, which is the video source of the video signal specified by the designated signal, is a digital image shorter than the waiting time when it is an analog image. A video signal processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. A control process that receives input of video signals from multiple video sources, including a camera, and a designation signal that specifies which of the multiple video signals to output to a display device, and changes the waiting time from when the designation signal is input until the video signal is output to the display device according to the preparation time, which is the time it takes for each of the video sources of the video signal specified by the designation signal to be ready to output. A video signal processing method characterized by including the following.

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