Input / output control device and imaging system

Abstract

Provided is an input / output control device capable of preventing a malfunction when an output substrate is connected to an input connector.　The input / output control device for outputting data input from an input device to an output device comprises: an input connector to which data is input from the input device via an input substrate; an output connector for outputting data to the output device via the output substrate; and a first control unit for controlling input / output from / to the input connector and the output connector. The input connector and the output connector have the same shape. The first control unit outputs power supply voltage from the input connector when it is determined that an input substrate is connected to the input connector, and does not output power supply voltage from the input connector when it is determined that an output substrate is connected to the input connector.

Description

Input / output control device and imaging system

[0001] The present invention relates to an input / output control device to which an input device and an output device are connected, and to a photographing system combining these.

[0002] Conventionally, known control devices for controlling a camera head such as an endoscope include a control device that generates the required voltage for each of multiple attachable camera modules (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and a control device that has circuits that individually correspond to the format of the imaging element (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6219004 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-005150

[0004] Furthermore, in an input / output control device that outputs data from an input device (e.g., the aforementioned camera head) to an output device (e.g., a monitor), in order to standardize signal lines and facilitate rearrangement, it is conceivable to make the input connector that connects the input device via the input board and the output connector that connects the output device via the output board the same shape.

[0005] However, if the input connector and the output connector are made to have the same shape, a new problem arises in that the input board and the output board are connected to the wrong destination, resulting in malfunction. However, while Patent Documents 1 and 2 assume that there are multiple input devices that can be connected to the input connector, they do not assume that an output board will be connected to the input connector.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide an input / output control device that can prevent malfunctions when an output board is connected to an input connector.

[0007] (Invention 1) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an input / output control device that outputs data input from an input device to an output device, comprising: an input connector into which data is input from the input device via an input board; an output connector that outputs data to the output device via an output board; and a first control unit that controls input and output to the input connector and the output connector, wherein the input connector and the output connector have the same shape, and when the first control unit determines that the input board is connected to the input connector, it outputs a power supply voltage from the input connector, and when it determines that the output board is connected to the input connector, it does not output the power supply voltage from the input connector.

[0008] Furthermore, the following configurations can be exemplified as preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] (Invention 2) In the input / output control device described in (Invention 1) above, the input connector includes a board identification terminal for identifying a board connected to the input connector, a power supply output terminal for outputting the power supply voltage to the input device via the input board, and a data input terminal for inputting data, and the first control unit outputs the power supply voltage from the power supply output terminal and allows input of data to the data input terminal when a resistive voltage divided by a resistor of the identification voltage applied to the board identification terminal is within a threshold range, and does not output the power supply voltage from the power supply output terminal when the resistive voltage is outside the threshold range.

[0010] (Invention 3) In the input / output control device described above (Invention 2), the first control unit stops applying the identification voltage to the board identification terminal after determining the board connected to the input connector.

[0011] (Invention 4) In the input / output control device described above in (Invention 1), the first control unit allows the output of data from the output connector when the board identifier input to the output connector is a predetermined value, and prohibits the output of data from the output connector when the board identifier is not the predetermined value.

[0012] (Invention 5) In the input / output control device described above in (Invention 4), the output connector includes a control signal output terminal that outputs a control signal to a connected board, a board identification terminal to which the board identifier is input, and a data output terminal that outputs data, and the first control unit outputs the control signal that instructs the output of the board identifier from the control signal output terminal, allows the output of data from the data output terminal when the board identifier input to the board identification terminal is the predetermined value, and prohibits the output of data from the data output terminal when the board identifier input to the board identification terminal is not the predetermined value.

[0013] (Invention 6) The input / output control device according to (Invention 5) above, further comprising: a first board on which the first control unit is mounted; and a second board on which the input connector and the output connector are mounted.

[0014] (Invention 7) In the input / output control device described above in (Invention 6), the second board is equipped with a second control unit that processes data input to the input connector and outputs the data from the output connector when the input of data to the input connector and the output of data from the output connector are permitted by the first control unit.

[0015] (Invention 8) An imaging system comprising: an input / output control device as described in (Invention 1) above; a camera as the input device that inputs video data generated by photographing a subject to the input connector via the input board; and a monitor as the output device that displays an image represented by the video data output from the output connector via the output board.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an input / output control device that can prevent malfunctions when an output board is connected to an input connector. Note that problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the description of the following embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a photography system. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a camera control board and a video processing board. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the correspondence between terminals when a video input I / F board is connected to an input connector. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the correspondence between terminals when a video output I / F board is connected to an output connector. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an input board determination process. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between terminals when a video output I / F board is erroneously connected to an input connector. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an output board determination process. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the correspondence between terminals when a video input I / F board is erroneously connected to an output connector.

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment realizes a highly versatile input / output control device and imaging system, thereby contributing to "9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, promote innovation and build resilient infrastructure" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations.

[0019] [Overall Configuration of Photography System 1] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of the photography system 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the camera control board 11 and the video processing board 12. The photography system 1 is a system that displays video data captured by a camera head 20 on a monitor 30 under the control of a camera controller 10. However, the data transmitted and received by the system of the present invention is not limited to video data, and may be other data such as audio data.

[0020] 1, the photography system 1 mainly includes a camera controller 10, a camera head 20, and a monitor 30. The camera controller 10, camera head 20, and monitor 30 that constitute the photography system 1 are connected by wire via harnesses 3 and 4. The camera controller 10, camera head 20, and monitor 30 are configured so that the harnesses 3 and 4 can be attached and detached.

[0021] The camera controller 10 is an input / output control device that outputs video data generated by the camera head 20 to the monitor 30. In other words, the camera controller 10 relays video data between the camera head 20 and the monitor 30. The camera controller 10 also controls the generation of video data by the camera head 20 and the display of the video by the monitor 30. The camera controller 10 may also have a function for performing video processing on the video data (e.g., noise removal, brightness and color adjustment, contour enhancement, 3D conversion, etc.). The camera controller 10 includes, for example, a camera control board 11, a video processing board 12, a video input I / F board 200 (input board), and a video output I / F board 300 (output board).

[0022] The camera control board 11 is a first board that controls the operation of the entire imaging system 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a first control unit 13 and an internal connector 14 are mounted on the camera control board 11. The image processing board 12 is a second board that causes the camera head 20 to generate image data and displays images on the monitor 30 in accordance with instructions from the camera control board 11. As shown in Fig. 2, the image processing board 12 is mounted with a second control unit 15, an internal connector 16, an input connector 17, an output connector 18, and a USB connector 19.

[0023] The first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 each include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The memory may be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination of these. The first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 realize the processes described below by the CPU reading and executing program code stored in the ROM or the HDD. The RAM is used as a work area when the CPU executes the program.

[0024] However, the specific configuration of the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 is not limited to this, and may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0025] 1 and 2 illustrate an example in which the boards 11 and 12 are separated into two boards, but the configuration of the camera controller 10 is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit 13, the second control unit 15, the input connector 17, the output connector 18, and the USB connector 19 may be mounted on a single board. Furthermore, the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 may be realized on a single chip (i.e., a single control unit).

[0026] The internal connectors 14 and 16 are interfaces that connect the camera control board 11 and the video processing board 12 with a harness 2 (a bundle of signal lines). That is, one end of the harness 2 is connected to the internal connector 14, and the other end of the harness 2 is connected to the internal connector 16. As a result, the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 send and receive signals through the harness 2 connected to the internal connectors 14 and 16.

[0027] The input connector 17 is an interface through which video data is input from the camera head 20 via the harnesses 3 and 5 and the video input I / F board 200. More specifically, one end of the harness 3 is connected to an input connector (not shown) of the video input I / F board 200, and the other end of the harness 3 is connected to an output connector (not shown) of the imaging unit control board 21 mounted on the camera head 20. Furthermore, one end of the harness 5 is connected to the input connector 17, and the other end of the harness 5 is connected to an output connector (not shown) of the video input I / F board 200.

[0028] As a result, the image processing board 12 and the imaging unit control board 21 transmit and receive signals (for example, power supply voltage, control signals (commands), and image data) through the harnesses 3 and 5 and the image input I / F board 200. Note that the number of input connectors 17 (two in FIG. 2) is not limited to the example in FIG. 2. Details of the input connectors 17 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0029] The output connector 18 is an interface that outputs video data to the monitor 30 via the harnesses 4 and 6 and the video output I / F board 300. More specifically, one end of the harness 4 is connected to an output connector (not shown) of the video output I / F board 300, and the other end of the harness 4 is connected to an input connector (not shown) of a display unit control board 31 mounted on the monitor 30. Furthermore, one end of the harness 6 is connected to the output connector 18, and the other end of the harness 6 is connected to an input connector (not shown) of the video output I / F board 300.

[0030] As a result, the video processing board 12 and the display unit control board 31 transmit and receive signals (for example, power supply voltage, control signals (commands), board identifiers, and video data) through the harnesses 4 and 6 and the video output I / F board 300. Note that the number of output connectors 18 (three in FIG. 2) is not limited to the example in FIG. 2. Details of the output connectors 18 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0031] The USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 19 is an interface to which a USB cable is connected. A user interface such as a keyboard, a pointing device, or a control monitor may be connected to the USB connector 19. The number of USB connectors 19 (two in FIG. 2 ) is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2 . The USB connector 19 may be omitted. The user interface may be connected to a USB connector (not shown) on the camera control board 11.

[0032] The video input I / F board 200 relays various signals transmitted and received between the video processing board 12 and the camera head 20 via the harnesses 3 and 5. The video input I / F board 200 may also include a resistor for generating a resistive voltage division, which will be described later. The video output I / F board 300 relays various signals transmitted and received between the video processing board 12 and the monitor 30 via the harnesses 4 and 6. The video output I / F board 300 also outputs a board identifier that identifies the video output I / F board 300, in accordance with an instruction from the video processing board 12.

[0033] The connector shapes of the harnesses 3 and 4 may differ depending on the type of input device and output device. On the other hand, the connector shapes of the harnesses 5 and 6 are standardized (the same shape). In other words, the video input I / F board 200 and the video output I / F board 300 have the role of converting the connector shapes of the harnesses 3 and 4 into the connector shapes of the harnesses 5 and 6.

[0034] The camera head 20 is an example of an input device that inputs video data generated by capturing an image of a subject to the camera controller 10 via the harness 3. The specific configuration of the camera head 20 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a surveillance camera, a flexible endoscope, and a rigid endoscope. Specific examples of the input device are not limited to the camera head 20, and may include a microphone (sound collection device) that collects ambient sounds and generates audio data, other video processing boards, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1 , the camera head 20 mainly includes, for example, an imaging unit control board 21 and an imaging unit 22.

[0035] The photographing unit control board 21 controls the operation of the camera head 20. The photographing unit control board 21 controls the operation of the photographing unit 22 in accordance with the power supply voltage and control signals output from the camera controller 10 through the harness 3. The photographing unit control board 21 also outputs video data generated by the photographing unit 22 to the camera controller 10 through the harness 3. Similar to the camera control board 11 and the video processing board 12, a control unit is implemented on the photographing unit control board 21.

[0036] The imaging unit 22, under the control of the imaging unit control board 21, images a subject to generate video data and outputs the generated video data to the imaging unit control board 21. The imaging unit 22 includes an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device).

[0037] The monitor 30 is an example of an output device that acquires video data output from the camera controller 10 via the harness 4 and displays video represented by the acquired video data. Specific examples of the output device are not limited to the monitor 30, and may include a speaker that outputs audio represented by audio data, storage that stores data, a communication interface that transmits data via a communication network, another video processing board, etc. As shown in FIG. 1 , the monitor 30 mainly includes, for example, a display control board 31 and a display unit 32.

[0038] The display control board 31 controls the operation of the monitor 30. The display control board 31 controls the operation of the display unit 32 in accordance with the power supply voltage and control signals output from the camera controller 10 through the harness 4. The display control board 31 also displays, on the display unit 32, an image represented by the image data output from the camera controller 10 through the harness 4. The display control board 31 has a control unit mounted thereon, similar to the camera control board 11 and the image processing board 12.

[0039] The display unit 32 displays the video represented by the video data. The display unit 32 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0040] [Configuration of Input Connector 17] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the correspondence of terminals when the video input I / F board 200 is connected to the input connector 17. As shown in Fig. 3, the input connector 17 and the output connector of the video input I / F board 200 are each composed of a plurality of pins (30 in this embodiment). In other words, the harness 5 is composed of 30 signal lines. Note that the number of pins of the input connector 17 is not limited to the example described above.

[0041] The input connector 17 includes a board identification terminal 171, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal output terminal) 172, a video input terminal (data input terminal) 173, and a power output terminal 174. In this embodiment, the board identification terminal 171 is composed of pins (29-30), the control signal input / output terminal 172 is composed of pins (23-28), the video input terminal 173 is composed of pins (10-22), and the power output terminal 174 is composed of pins (1-9). However, the combination of pins that make up each terminal (171-174) is not limited to the example described above. Also, some pins may be unused.

[0042] The board identification terminal 171 is a terminal for identifying a board connected to the input connector 17 via the harness 5. The control signal input / output terminal 172 is a terminal for outputting control signals (e.g., a synchronization signal for synchronizing the camera head 20 and the camera controller 10, and a control signal for controlling devices such as an image sensor in the camera head 20) to an input device connected to the input connector 17 via the harnesses 3 and 5 and the video input I / F board 200. The video input terminal 173 is a terminal for inputting video data from an input device connected via the harnesses 3 and 5 and the video input I / F board 200. The power output terminal 174 is a terminal for outputting a power supply voltage for operating the input device connected to the input connector 17 via the harnesses 3 and 5 and the video input I / F board 200.

[0043] The output connector of the video input I / F board 200 includes a board identification terminal 211, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal input terminal) 212, a video output terminal (data output terminal) 213, and a power input terminal 214. In this embodiment, the board identification terminal 211 is composed of pins (1-2), the control signal input / output terminal 212 is composed of pins (3-8), the video output terminal 213 is composed of pins (9-21), and the power input terminal 214 is composed of pins (22-30). However, the combination of pins that make up each terminal (211-214) is not limited to the example described above. Also, some pins may be unused.

[0044] The board identification terminal 211 has a predetermined resistance value (e.g., 17.5 Ω) common to input boards that can be connected to the input connector 17. The control signal input / output terminal 212 is a terminal to which a control signal is input from the input connector 17 connected via the harness 5. The video output terminal 213 is a terminal to which video data is output to the input connector 17 connected via the harness 5. The power input terminal 214 is a terminal to which a power supply voltage is input from the input connector 17 connected via the harness 5.

[0045] Furthermore, the video processing board 12 is mounted with a voltage terminal 175, a resistor 176, and an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) 177. The voltage terminal 175 is a terminal to which an identification voltage (e.g., 3.3 V) is applied by the camera control board 11. The resistor 176 has a predetermined resistance value (e.g., 10 kΩ). The ADC 177 converts a resistive voltage generated between the resistor 176 and the board identification terminal 211 from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the signal to the camera control board 11.

[0046] When the input connector 17 and the output connector of the video input I / F board 200 are connected by the harness 5, the resistor 176 and the board identification terminal 211 are connected in series to the voltage terminal 175. Therefore, if the resistance value of the board identification terminal 211 is a predetermined value (e.g., 17.5 Ω), the resistive voltage generated between the resistor 176 and the board identification terminal 211 will be a predetermined value (e.g., 1.2 V). Therefore, the first control unit 13 of the camera control board 11 determines that an input board is connected to the input connector 17 when the resistive voltage output through the ADC 177 is within a threshold range (1.2 V±α) that takes noise into consideration. On the other hand, the first control unit 13 determines that a board (typically, an output board) different from the input board is connected to the input connector 17 when the resistive voltage output through the ADC 177 is outside the threshold range.

[0047] [Configuration of Output Connector 18] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence of terminals when the video output I / F board 300 is connected to the output connector 18. As shown in Fig. 4, the output connector 18 and the input connector of the video output I / F board 300 are each composed of a plurality of pins (30 in this embodiment). In other words, the harness 4 is composed of 30 signal lines. Note that the number of pins of the output connector 18 is not limited to the example described above.

[0048] In this embodiment, the output connector 18 includes a power output terminal 181, a video output terminal (data output terminal) 182, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal output terminal) 183, and a board identification terminal 184. The power output terminal 181 is made up of pins (22 to 30), the video output terminal 182 is made up of pins (9 to 21), the control signal input / output terminal 183 is made up of pins (3 to 8), and the board identification terminal 184 is made up of pins (1 to 2). However, the combination of pins that make up each terminal (181 to 184) is not limited to the example described above. Also, some pins may be unused.

[0049] The power output terminal 181 is a terminal that outputs a power supply voltage for operating an output device to an output device connected to the output connector 18 via the harnesses 4 and 6 and the video output I / F board 300. The video output terminal 182 is a terminal that outputs video data to an output device connected via the harnesses 4 and 6 and the video output I / F board 300. The control signal input / output terminal 183 is a terminal that outputs a control signal (for example, a signal instructing the output of a board identifier) ​​to an input board connected to the output connector 18 via the harness 6. The board identification terminal 184 is a terminal to which a board identifier is input from an output board connected via the harness 6.

[0050] The input connector of the video output I / F board 300 includes a power input terminal 311, a video input terminal (data input terminal) 312, a control signal input / output terminal (control signal input terminal) 313, and a board identification terminal 314. In this embodiment, the power input terminal 311 is made up of pins (1 to 9), the video input terminal is made up of pins (10 to 22), the control signal input / output terminal 313 is made up of pins (23 to 28), and the board identification terminal 314 is made up of pins (29 to 30). However, the combination of pins making up each terminal (311 to 314) is not limited to the example described above. Also, some pins may be unused.

[0051] The power input terminal 311 is a terminal to which a power supply voltage is input from the output connector 18 connected via the harness 6. The video input terminal 312 is a terminal to which video data is input from the output connector 18 connected via the harness 6. The control signal input / output terminal 313 is a terminal to which a control signal is input from the output connector 18 connected via the harness 6. The board identification terminal 314 is a terminal to which a board identifier is output to the output connector 18 connected via the harness 6.

[0052] An output board that can be connected to the output connector 18 via the harness 6 stores a board identifier of a predetermined value. As one example, the board identifier may be a serial number that can uniquely identify the output board. In this case, part of the board identifier (e.g., the first two digits) may be a common value. As another example, the board identifier may be a value common to output boards that can be connected to the output connector 18.

[0053] The first control unit 13 of the camera control board 11 outputs a control signal instructing output of a board identifier from the control signal input / output terminal 183. In response to the control signal, the first control unit 13 determines whether the board identifier input to the board identification terminal 184 is a predetermined value. If the board identifier input to the board identification terminal 184 is the predetermined value, the first control unit 13 determines that an output board is connected to the output connector 18. On the other hand, if the board identifier input to the board identification terminal 184 is not the predetermined value, the first control unit 13 determines that a device different from the output board (typically, an input board) is connected to the output connector 18.

[0054] The input connector 17 and the output connector 18 have the same shape. "The same shape" refers to a shape that allows physical connection between one end of the harness 5 extending from the video input I / F board 200 and one end of the harness 6 extending from the video output I / F board 300. In other words, the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 have the same number of pins arranged in the same layout. Furthermore, one end of the harnesses 5, 6 has the same shape. On the other hand, even if the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 have different markings or stickers or have different external shapes (e.g., notches, recesses, protrusions) that are not related to connecting the harnesses 5, 6, they are still included in the category of "the same shape."

[0055] Meanwhile, the pins (1 to 30) of the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 are assigned to different terminals. Here, a "pin" refers to a contact point to which the signal lines included in the harnesses 5 and 6 are electrically connected. Meanwhile, a "terminal" refers to a group of multiple pins to which a specific function (role) is assigned. In other words, in the input connector 17 and the output connector 18, signals input to and output from pins at the same position are assigned different meanings.

[0056] In the camera controller 10 according to this embodiment, the boards (11, 12, 200, 300) may be rearranged inside the housing. The reason for rearranging the boards is not particularly limited. For example, the video input I / F board 200 and the video output I / F board 300 may be replaced when connecting an input device and an output device to the camera controller 10 using harnesses with connector shapes different from the standard harnesses 3 and 4. Furthermore, since the connector shapes of the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 are the same, there is a possibility that the video input I / F board 200 and the video output I / F board 300 may be incorrectly connected. However, incorrectly connecting an output device to the input connector 17 or an input device to the output connector 18 will prevent proper operation.

[0057] 3 and 4 , the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 according to this embodiment have different arrangements of the power output terminals 174 and 181, and different arrangements of the control signal input / output terminals 172 and 183. Therefore, in the video input I / F board 200 that is incorrectly connected to the output connector 18, no power supply voltage is input to the power supply input terminal 214, and no control signal is input to the control signal input / output terminal 212. Similarly, in the video output I / F board 300 that is incorrectly connected to the input connector 17, no power supply voltage is input to the power supply input terminal 311, and no control signal is input to the control signal input / output terminal 313.

[0058] [Input Board Determination Process] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the input board determination process. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the correspondence between terminals when the video output I / F board 300 is erroneously connected to the input connector 17. The input board determination process is a process for determining whether the board connected to the input connector 17 is an input board.

[0059] First, the first control unit 13 starts applying an identification voltage to the voltage terminal 175 (S11). When no board is connected to the input connector 17, there is no other resistor (board identification terminal 211) connected in series with the resistor 176, so the resistance-divided voltage output from the ADC 177 matches the identification voltage (a value outside the threshold range) applied to the voltage terminal 175. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when the video input I / F board 200 is connected to the input connector 17, the board identification terminal 211 is connected in series with the resistor 176, so the resistance-divided voltage output from the ADC 177 falls within a predetermined threshold range. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the video output I / F board 300 is connected to the input connector 17, the resistance value of the power input terminal 311 differs from that of the board identification terminal 211, so the resistance-divided voltage output from the ADC 177 falls outside the predetermined threshold range.

[0060] Next, the first control unit 13 determines whether the resistive voltage division output through the ADC 177 is within the threshold range (S12). If the resistive voltage division is within the threshold range (S12: Yes), the first control unit 13 determines that the video input I / F board 200 is connected to the input connector 17, and supplies a power supply voltage for operating the camera head 20 to the video processing board 12 through the harness 2. Then, the second control unit 15 outputs the power supply voltage supplied from the camera control board 11 to the video input I / F board 200 from the power output terminal 174 (S13).

[0061] Furthermore, the first control unit 13 permits the camera head 20 to input video data to the video input terminal 173 (S14). The first control unit 13 instructs the second control unit 15 to output, for example, a start command instructing the camera head 20 to start video output from the control signal input / output terminal 172. The second control unit 15 outputs the start command from the control signal input / output terminal 172 in accordance with the control of the first control unit 13. Note that the timing for executing step S14 is not limited to immediately after step S13, but may be the timing at which a user instructs it via the user interface, the timing at which an output device is connected to the output connector 18, or a combination of these.

[0062] Furthermore, the first control unit 13 stops applying the identification voltage to the voltage terminal 175 (S15). Note that the execution order of steps S13 to S15 is not limited to the example of FIG. 5 . On the other hand, if the resistive voltage division is outside the threshold range (S12: No), the first control unit 13 executes step S15 without executing steps S13 to S14. That is, if the resistive voltage division is outside the threshold range (S12: No), the first control unit 13 determines that a board other than the video input I / F board 200 is connected to the input connector 17, does not output a power supply voltage from the power output terminal 174, and does not allow video data to be input to the video input terminal 173. In response to this, the first control unit 13 determines the board connected to the input connector 17 and then stops applying the identification voltage to the board identification terminal 171, regardless of whether the resistive voltage division is within the threshold range.

[0063] Video input I / F board 200 outputs the power supply voltage input to power input terminal 214 to camera head 20 through harness 3. Photography unit control board 21 starts up photography unit 22 using the power supply voltage input from video input I / F board 200 through harness 3 (S13). This enables camera head 20 to generate and output video data in accordance with instructions from camera controller 10.

[0064] Furthermore, the video input I / F board 200 outputs the start command input to the control signal input / output terminal 212 to the camera head 20 through the harness 3. When the start command is input from the video input I / F board 200 through the harness 3 (S14), the imaging unit control board 21 causes the imaging unit 22 to start imaging, and outputs the video data generated by the imaging unit 22 to the video input I / F board 200. The video input I / F board 200 outputs the video data input from the camera head 20 through the harness 3 from the video output terminal 213.

[0065] Furthermore, the video input I / F board 200 outputs the end command input to the control signal input / output terminal 212 to the camera head 20 through the harness 3. When an end command instructing the end of imaging is input from the video input I / F board 200 through the harness 3, the imaging unit control board 21 causes the imaging unit 22 to end imaging.

[0066] The second control unit 15 performs video processing (for example, noise removal, brightness and color adjustment, contour enhancement, 3D conversion, etc.) on the video data input to the video input terminal 173, and outputs the video data from the output connector 18 to the output device via the harnesses 4 and 6 and the video output I / F board 300. Details of the process of outputting video data from the output connector 18 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0067] [Output Board Determination Process] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the output board determination process. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the correspondence between terminals when the video input I / F board 200 is erroneously connected to the output connector 18. The output board determination process is a process for determining whether the board connected to the output connector 18 is an output board.

[0068] First, the first control unit 13 supplies the power supply voltage for operating the monitor 30 to the image processing board 12 through the harness 2. Then, the second control unit 15 outputs the power supply voltage supplied from the camera control board 11 to the board connected to the harness 6 from the power output terminal 181 (S21). Next, the first control unit 13 instructs the second control unit 15 to output an identification command instructing output of a board identifier from the control signal input / output terminal 183. The second control unit 15 outputs the identification command from the control signal input / output terminal 183 in accordance with the control of the first control unit 13 (S22).

[0069] 4, when the video output I / F board 300 is connected to the output connector 18 via the harness 6, the video output I / F board 300 is activated by the power supply voltage input to the power supply input terminal 311. Furthermore, when an identification command is input to the control signal input / output terminal 313 (S22), the video output I / F board 300 outputs the board identifier set for itself from the board identification terminal 314.

[0070] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the video input I / F board 200 (a board different from the output board) is connected to the output connector 18 via the harness 6, the power supply voltage output from the power output terminal 181 is input to the board identification terminal 211, the control signal input / output terminal 212, and part of the video output terminal 213, rather than to the power input terminal 214. Therefore, the video input I / F board 200 cannot start up the imaging unit 22 with the power supply voltage supplied from the output connector 18 via the harness 6. However, it is assumed that the board identification terminal 211, the control signal input / output terminal 212, and part of the video output terminal 213 have a function to cut off overcurrent. Furthermore, since the identification command output from the control signal input / output terminal 183 is input to the power input terminal 214, the video input I / F board 200 cannot understand the meaning of the identification command.

[0071] Next, the second control unit 15 outputs the board identifier input to the board identification terminal 184 to the camera control board 11 via the harness 2. The first control unit 13 then determines whether the board identifier acquired from the video processing board 12 is a predetermined value (the board identifier output by the output board) (S23). If the board identifier is the predetermined value (S23: Yes), the first control unit 13 determines that the video output I / F board 300 is connected to the output connector 18 and permits the second control unit 15 to output video data from the output connector 18 (S24). On the other hand, if the board identifier is not the predetermined value or if no board identifier is input to the board identification terminal 184 (S23: No), the first control unit 13 determines that the video input I / F board 200 (a board different from the output board) is connected to the output connector 18 and does not execute the processing of step S24. That is, when the first control unit 13 determines that the video input I / F board 200 is connected to the output connector 18 , it prohibits the second control unit 15 from outputting video data from the output connector 18 .

[0072] When the output of video data is permitted by the first control unit 13, the second control unit 15 performs video processing (e.g., noise removal, brightness and color adjustment, contour enhancement, 3D conversion, etc.) on the video data input to the video input terminal 173 and outputs the processed video data from the video output terminal 182 to the video output I / F board 300. On the other hand, when the output of video data is prohibited by the first control unit 13, the second control unit 15 does not output the video data input to the video input terminal 173 from the video output terminal 182.

[0073] The video output I / F board 300 outputs the video data input to the video input terminal 312 to the monitor 30 through the harness 4. The display control board 31 causes the display unit 32 to display the video represented by the video data input through the harness 4.

[0074] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the power supply voltage is output after it is determined that an input board is connected to the input connector 17, and the power supply voltage is not output when it is determined that an output board is connected to the input connector 17, thereby preventing malfunctions when an output board is incorrectly connected to the input connector 17.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, whether or not an input board is connected to the input connector 17 is detected by a combination of the board identification terminal 171 and the resistor 176, so that it is possible to determine the board connected to the input connector 17 with a simple configuration. However, the resistor for generating the resistive voltage division may be mounted on the camera head 20 instead of the video input I / F board 200.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the application of the identification voltage is stopped after the board connected to the input connector 17 is identified, so that the power consumption of the camera controller 10 can be reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to determine whether an output board is connected to the output connector 18 by requesting the output of a board identifier from the board connected to the output connector 18. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunctions that may occur when an input board is incorrectly connected to the output connector 18.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, processing is shared between the camera control board 11 and the image processing board 12, so the processing load on the first control unit 13 and the second control unit 15 can be reduced and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0079] The layout of the terminals of the input connector 17 and the output connector 18 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4. As one example, the power output terminals 174 and 181 may have a common layout (same pin positions). As another example, the control signal input / output terminals 172 and 183 may have a common layout (same pin positions). As yet another example, the video input terminal 173 and the video output terminal 182 may have a common layout (same pin positions).

[0080] 5 and 7, it is possible to properly determine whether the boards are connected incorrectly to the input connector 17 and the output connector 18. For example, even if the video input I / F board 200 is connected incorrectly to the output connector 18, video data will not be output through the video output terminal 182 unless an appropriate board identifier is input to the board identification terminal 184. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned incorrect connection occurs, a situation will not occur in which the video data output from the video processing board 12 and the video data output from the camera head 20 collide.

[0081] Furthermore, the method of identifying the substrate is not limited to the method of using a resistive voltage divider or a substrate identifier, as in the identification method of this embodiment.

[0082] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0083] The present disclosure is useful as an input / output control device that can prevent malfunctions when an output device is connected to an input connector.

[0084] 1 Photography system 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Harness 10 Camera controller 11 Camera control board 12 Image processing board 13 First control unit 14, 16 Internal connector 15 Second control unit 17 Input connector 18 Output connector 19 USB connector 20 Camera 21 Photography unit control board 22 Photography unit 30 Monitor 31 Display unit control board 32 Display unit 171, 184, 211, 314 Board identification terminal 172, 183, 212, 313 Control signal input / output terminal 173, 312 Video input terminal 174, 181 Power output terminal 175 Voltage terminal 176 Resistor 182, 213 Video output terminal 214, 311 Power input terminal

Claims

1. An input / output control device that outputs data input from an input device to an output device, comprising: an input connector into which data is input from the input device via an input board; an output connector that outputs data to the output device via an output board; and a first control unit that controls input and output to the input connector and the output connector, wherein the input connector and the output connector have the same shape, and the first control unit outputs a power supply voltage from the input connector when it determines that the input board is connected to the input connector, and does not output the power supply voltage from the input connector when it determines that the output board is connected to the input connector.

2. An input / output control device according to claim 1, wherein the input connector includes a board identification terminal for identifying a board connected to the input connector, a power supply output terminal for outputting the power supply voltage to the input device via the input board, and a data input terminal for inputting data, and the first control unit outputs the power supply voltage from the power supply output terminal and permits input of data to the data input terminal when a resistive voltage division of the identification voltage applied to the board identification terminal via a resistor is within a threshold range, and does not output the power supply voltage from the power supply output terminal when the resistive voltage division is outside the threshold range.

3. An input / output control device according to claim 2, wherein the first control unit stops applying the identification voltage to the board identification terminal after determining the board connected to the input connector.

4. An input / output control device as described in claim 1, wherein the first control unit permits the output of data from the output connector when the board identifier input to the output connector is a predetermined value, and prohibits the output of data from the output connector when the board identifier is not the predetermined value.

5. An input / output control device according to claim 4, wherein the output connector includes a control signal output terminal that outputs a control signal to a connected board, a board identification terminal to which the board identifier is input, and a data output terminal that outputs data, and the first control unit outputs the control signal that instructs the output of the board identifier from the control signal output terminal, permits the output of data from the data output terminal when the board identifier input to the board identification terminal is the specified value, and prohibits the output of data from the data output terminal when the board identifier input to the board identification terminal is not the specified value.

6. An input / output control device according to claim 5, comprising: a first board on which the first control unit is mounted; and a second board on which the input connector and the output connector are mounted.

7. An input / output control device according to claim 6, wherein the second board is equipped with a second control unit that processes data input to the input connector and outputs the data from the output connector when the input of data to the input connector and the output of data from the output connector are permitted by the first control unit.

8. An imaging system comprising: an input / output control device according to claim 1; a camera as the input device that inputs image data generated by photographing a subject to the input connector via the input board; and a monitor as the output device that displays an image represented by the image data output from the output connector via the output board.

Images