Information processing device and imaging device

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device and an imaging device capable of simplifying a circuit.　The information processing device (10) includes an HDMI interface (10A) compatible with HDMI, and an SDI interface (10B) compatible with SDI. The HDMI interface (10A) can directly transmit an HDMI video signal to a first external device connected to the HDMI interface (10A). The SDI interface (10B) includes an SDI conversion circuit (14) for converting an HDMI video signal, identical to the HDMI video signal transmitted by the HDMI interface (10A), into an SDI video signal, and can transmit the SDI video signal converted by the SDI conversion circuit (14) to a second external device connected to the SDI interface (10B). In addition, only the HDMI interface (10A) among the HDMI interface (10A) and the SDI interface (10B) can perform bidirectional communication with an external device.

Description

Information processing device and imaging device

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an imaging device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a broadcast signal generating device that enables video captured by consumer devices to be used in broadcasting facilities. Patent Document 2 describes a video signal processing device that automatically switches between input and output terminal functions. Patent Document 3 describes a power supply device with an overcurrent protection function and an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signal transmission system equipped with the same.

[0003] Registered Utility Model No. 3202555 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-078856 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-079147

[0004] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides an information processing device and an imaging device that can simplify the circuitry.

[0005] (1) An information processing device comprising a first communication interface corresponding to a first communication standard and a second communication interface corresponding to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, wherein the first communication interface is capable of transmitting first data corresponding to the first communication standard to a first external device connected to the first communication interface, the second communication interface has a conversion circuit that converts the first data into second data corresponding to the second communication standard and is capable of transmitting the second data converted by the conversion circuit to a second external device connected to the second communication interface, and wherein of the first communication interface and the second communication interface, only the first communication interface is capable of two-way communication with an external device.

[0006] (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the first data is a video signal of the first communication standard, the first communication interface transmits the video signal of the first communication standard and a control signal of the first communication standard to the first external device, and the second communication interface transmits the second data converted from the video signal of the first communication standard to the second external device.

[0007] (3) An information processing device according to (1) or (2), comprising a processor, wherein the processor stops detecting connection of the first external device to the first communication interface when communication with an external device is performed only through the second communication interface out of the first communication interface and the second communication interface.

[0008] (4) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the conversion circuit causes the format of the second data to correspond to the format of the first data.

[0009] (5) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4), comprising a processor, wherein when the format of the first data is changed, the processor notifies a user before the format of the second data is changed due to the change or before the second data cannot be output.

[0010] (6) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first communication interface generates the first data in synchronization with a clock signal supplied from a third external device connected to the information processing device, and the second communication interface generates the second data in synchronization with the clock of the first data generated by the first communication interface.

[0011] (7) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6), comprising a processor, wherein the processor notifies a user when the second data is being transmitted from the second communication interface to the second external device, before transmitting test data of the first communication standard from the first communication interface to the first external device.

[0012] (8) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7), comprising a processor, wherein the processor transmits the second data from the second communication interface to the second external device, and when the second data is recorded in the second external device, waits for a change in the format of the first data.

[0013] (9) An imaging device comprising: the information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8); and an imaging unit, wherein the first communication interface transmits the first data generated based on imaging data obtained by the imaging unit to the first external device.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device and an imaging device that can simplify the circuitry.

[0015] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging device 100 to which the information processing device 10 is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of control by an HDMI output circuit 11 according to a format used. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device 10 in a state where only an HDMI video signal is transmitted. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device 10 in a state where only an SDI video signal is transmitted. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first example of notification to a user by the information processing device 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where a sink device 51 is not connected to the information processing device 10. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of FRL link training by the HDMI output circuit 11. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third example of notification to a user by the information processing device 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the HDMI output circuit 11 when a sink device 51 is connected during recording by an SDI receiving device 52.

[0016] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 includes an HDMI output circuit 11, an HDMI splitter 12, an HDMI connector 13, an SDI conversion circuit 14, a PLL 15, an SDI connector 16, a power supply unit 17, switches 18a and 18b, and a clock connector 19.

[0018] The HDMI output circuit 11, HDMI splitter 12, HDMI connector 13, and switches 18a and 18b constitute an HDMI interface 10A that supports HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). HDMI is a registered trademark. HDMI is an example of a first communication standard of the present invention. The HDMI splitter 12, SDI conversion circuit 14, PLL 15, and SDI connector 16 constitute an SDI interface 10B that supports SDI. SDI is an example of a second communication standard of the present invention.

[0019] The HDMI output circuit 11 outputs an HDMI video signal, which is a video signal compatible with HDMI, to the HDMI splitter 12. The HDMI output circuit 11 is an example of a processor of the present invention. The HDMI video signal is, for example, video and audio data (stream) and is an example of first data of the present invention.

[0020] For example, an HDMI video signal is input to the HDMI output circuit 11. In this case, the HDMI output circuit 11 outputs the input HDMI video signal to the HDMI splitter 12. Alternatively, a non-HDMI video signal may be input to the HDMI output circuit 11. In this case, the HDMI output circuit 11 converts the input video signal into an HDMI video signal and outputs the converted HDMI video signal to the HDMI splitter 12.

[0021] The HDMI output circuit 11 also acquires an HPD (Hot Plug Detect) signal output from the switch 18b. The HPD signal is a signal indicating that a sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13. The sink device 51 (SINK device) is a device that receives an HDMI video signal and is connected to the HDMI connector 13. As an example, the sink device 51 is a display that is located relatively close to the information processing device 10. For example, when the sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13, it transmits an HPD signal to the information processing device 10 using a voltage of 5 V (described below) transmitted from the information processing device 10. The HPD signal transmitted to the information processing device 10 is output to the HDMI output circuit 11 via the HDMI connector 13 and the switch 18b. This allows the HDMI output circuit 11 to detect the connection of the sink device 51 to the HDMI connector 13.

[0022] Furthermore, when the HDMI output circuit 11 detects connection of the sink device 51 to the HDMI connector 13, it transmits and receives a DDC (Display Data Channel) signal to and from the sink device 51 through bidirectional communication via the HDMI connector 13. The DDC signal is a control signal transmitted and received in HDMI between a transmitting device (e.g., the information processing device 10) and a receiving device (e.g., the sink device 51). By transmitting and receiving the DDC signal to and from the sink device 51, the HDMI output circuit 11 can acquire information about the performance of the sink device 51 (e.g., screen size, supported rate, etc.) and the functions of the sink device 51.

[0023] Furthermore, the HDMI output circuit 11 outputs a power output control signal to the switches 18 a and 18 b. Each of the switches 18 a and 18 b is turned on when the power output control signal output from the HDMI output circuit 11 is on, and turned off when the power output control signal output from the HDMI output circuit 11 is off.

[0024] When switch 18a is in the ON state, it outputs the 5 V voltage output from power supply unit 17 to HDMI connector 13. When switch 18a is in the OFF state, it does not output the 5 V voltage output from power supply unit 17 to HDMI connector 13. The 5 V voltage output from switch 18a to HDMI connector 13 is transmitted to sink device 51 connected to HDMI connector 13.

[0025] The power supply unit 17 outputs a voltage of, for example, 5 [V] to the switch 18 a as the power supply for the sink device 51 .

[0026] When the switch 18b is in the ON state, it outputs the HPD signal transmitted from the sink device 51 and output from the HDMI connector 13 to the HDMI output circuit 11. When the switch 18b is in the OFF state, it does not output the HPD signal output from the HDMI connector 13 to the HDMI output circuit 11.

[0027] The HDMI splitter 12 branches the HDMI video signal output from the HDMI output circuit 11, and outputs one of the branched HDMI video signals to the HDMI connector 13 and the other branched HDMI video signal to the SDI conversion circuit 14. In other words, the HDMI splitter 12 outputs the same HDMI video signal to the HDMI connector 13 and the SDI conversion circuit 14.

[0028] The HDMI connector 13 is a connector to which a sink device 51 can be connected. For example, the sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13 via an HDMI cable. The HDMI connector 13 transmits the HDMI video signal output from the HDMI splitter 12 to the sink device 51.

[0029] The HDMI connector 13 also transmits the DDC signal output from the HDMI output circuit 11 to the sink device 51. The HDMI connector 13 also outputs the DDC signal from the sink device 51 to the HDMI output circuit 11. The HDMI connector 13 also transmits the voltage of 5 V output from the switch 18 a to the sink device 51. The HDMI connector 13 also outputs the HPD signal transmitted from the sink device 51 to the HDMI output circuit 11.

[0030] The SDI conversion circuit 14 does not have a frame buffer, and converts the HDMI video signal output from the HDMI splitter 12 into an SDI video signal, and outputs the converted SDI video signal to the SDI connector 16. The conversion performed by the SDI conversion circuit 14 is a conversion of the communication standard of the video signal (from HDMI to SDI), and does not include conversion of the video format. Note that the video format refers to a format related to the video, such as image size, video display method (progressive / interlaced), frame rate, aspect ratio, color space, and bit depth.

[0031] That is, the SDI conversion circuit 14 makes the video format of the SDI video signal the same as (corresponds to) the video format of the HDMI video signal. Therefore, the SDI video signal output from the SDI conversion circuit 14 to the SDI connector 16 is a video signal with the same content and video format as the HDMI video signal output from the HDMI splitter 12 to the HDMI connector 13.

[0032] Furthermore, the SDI conversion circuit 14 switches between a state in which the SDI video signal is output to the SDI connector 16 (on state) and a state in which the SDI video signal is not output to the SDI connector 16 (off state) in response to an SDI output control signal output from the HDMI output circuit 11. Note that in the off state, the SDI conversion circuit 14 may stop at least a part of the process of converting the HDMI video signal into an SDI video signal.

[0033] The PLL 15 is a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit that generates a clock signal whose phase is synchronized with the HDMI video signal by performing feedback control based on the HDMI video signal input from the HDMI splitter 12 to the SDI conversion circuit 14. The SDI conversion circuit 14 generates an SDI video signal synchronized with the HDMI video signal input from the HDMI splitter 12 based on the clock signal generated by the PLL 15.

[0034] The SDI connector 16 is a connector to which an SDI receiving device 52 can be connected. The SDI receiving device 52 is a device that receives an SDI video signal. As an example, the SDI receiving device 52 is a storage device that records (saves) the SDI video signal transmitted from the information processing device 10. The SDI receiving device 52 may also be a display that is located relatively far from the information processing device 10. For example, the SDI receiving device 52 is connected to the SDI connector 16 via an SDI cable. The SDI connector 16 transmits the SDI video signal output from the SDI conversion circuit 14 to the SDI receiving device 52.

[0035] The clock connector 19 is a connector to which a clock generator 53 can be connected. For example, the clock generator 53 is connected to the clock connector 19 via a cable capable of transmitting a clock signal. The clock generator 53 generates a highly accurate clock signal and transmits the generated clock signal to the clock connector 19. The clock connector 19 outputs the clock signal transmitted from the clock generator 53 to the HDMI output circuit 11. Based on the clock signal output from the clock connector 19, the HDMI output circuit 11 generates an HDMI video signal synchronized with the clock signal.

[0036] 1 , the HDMI output circuit 11 sets a usage format, which is the video format of the HDMI video signal to be output. For example, the HDMI output circuit 11 sets the video format of the video signal input to the HDMI output circuit 11 as the usage format. Alternatively, the HDMI output circuit 11 may set a video format that is predetermined based on the specifications of the HDMI output circuit 11 as the usage format. Alternatively, the HDMI output circuit 11 may set the usage format based on transmission and reception of a DDC signal with the sink device 51. Alternatively, the HDMI output circuit 11 may set the usage format based on input from the user.

[0037] The HDMI output circuit 11 determines whether the set format to be used is a video format that can be transmitted via HDMI and whether the set format to be used is a video format that can be transmitted via SDI. For example, in the HDMI output circuit 11, video formats that can be transmitted via HDMI and video formats that can be transmitted via SDI are defined, and the HDMI output circuit 11 makes the above determination based on these definitions. Then, based on the determination result, the HDMI output circuit 11 performs control to output only the transmittable video signals out of the HDMI video signal and the SDI video signal.

[0038] <Image capture device 100 employing information processing device 10> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image capture device 100 employing the information processing device 10. The image capture device 100 shown in Fig. 2 includes a lens device 20 and an image capture device body 30. The lens device 20 may be fixed to the image capture device body 30, or may be replaceable with respect to the image capture device body 30.

[0039] The imaging device main body 30 includes an imaging section 31, an image processing section 32, a video output section 33, and a user interface .

[0040] The imaging unit 31 generates imaging data by photoelectrically converting the image of the subject formed by the lens device 20, and outputs the generated imaging data to the image processing unit 32. As the imaging sensor of the imaging unit 31, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or the like is suitably used.

[0041] The image processing unit 32 performs image processing based on the imaging data output from the imaging unit 31. The image processing includes, for example, demosaic processing. The image processing may also include at least one of white balance correction, gamma correction, noise reduction, and sharpness enhancement. The image processing unit 32 outputs a video signal (video data) obtained by the image processing to the video output unit 33.

[0042] The video output unit 33 is a communication interface that outputs (transmits) the video signal output from the image processing unit 32 to the outside of the imaging device 100. The information processing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be applied to the video output unit 33, for example.

[0043] The user interface 34 includes an input interface that accepts user operations and an output interface that outputs information to the user. The input interface includes various switches such as levers and buttons. The output interface includes a display screen and a speaker. The input interface and the output interface may also be configured using a touch panel or the like.

[0044] <Control by HDMI output circuit 11 according to format used> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of control by the HDMI output circuit 11 according to the format used. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing device 10 in a state where only an HDMI video signal is transmitted. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing device 10 in a state where only an SDI video signal is transmitted. The HDMI output circuit 11 performs control shown in table 60 in Fig. 3, for example.

[0045] For example, when the HDMI output circuit 11 determines that the set format is a video format that can be transmitted by both HDMI and SDI, it turns on the power output control signal and the SDI output control signal as shown in Fig. 1. This causes the information processing device 10 to transmit both an HDMI video signal and an SDI video signal.

[0046] Furthermore, if the HDMI output circuit 11 determines that the set format to be used is a video format that can be transmitted via HDMI but not via SDI (transmittable only via HDMI), it turns on the power output control signal and turns off the SDI output control signal, as shown in Fig. 4. This stops the output of the SDI video signal from the SDI conversion circuit 14 to the SDI connector 16. This causes the information processing device 10 to transmit an HDMI video signal, but not an SDI video signal.

[0047] If the HDMI output circuit 11 determines that the set format is a video format that cannot be transmitted via HDMI but can be transmitted via SDI (transmission is possible only via SDI), it turns off the power output control signal and turns on the SDI output control signal, as shown in Fig. 5. This causes the switches 18a and 18b to be in the off state.

[0048] When switch 18a is turned off, the output of a voltage of 5 V from power supply unit 17 to HDMI connector 13 is stopped. Therefore, even if sink device 51 is connected to HDMI connector 13, a voltage of 5 V is not transmitted to sink device 51, and therefore sink device 51 does not transmit an HPD signal. Even if sink device 51 transmits an HPD signal without using a voltage of 5 V, switch 18b is turned off, so that the HDMI output circuit 11 does not acquire the HPD signal.

[0049] As a result, DDC negotiation is not performed between the HDMI output circuit 11 and the sink device 51, and the sink device 51 can be placed in a state where it does not receive an HDMI video signal without stopping the output of the HDMI video signal by the HDMI output circuit 11. Therefore, the information processing device 10 is placed in a state where it does not transmit an HDMI video signal and transmits an SDI video signal. When the SDI output control signal is turned off, the switches 18a and 18b may be controlled to return to the on state at that timing.

[0050] <First Example of Notification to User by Information Processing Device 10> Figure 6 is a diagram showing a first example of notification to a user by the information processing device 10. For example, when the HDMI output circuit 11 determines that the format to be used, set by a user operation, is a video format that can be transmitted via both HDMI and SDI, the HDMI output circuit 11 enters the state shown in Figure 1, detects the sink device 51 using a DDC signal from the sink device 51, and performs DDC negotiation by transmitting and receiving the DDC signal to and from the sink device 51. In the DDC negotiation, the video format of the HDMI video signal to be transmitted from the HDMI output circuit 11 to the sink device 51 is determined taking into account the performance and functions of the sink device 51.

[0051] There are cases where the video format determined by the DDC negotiation differs from the format used set by the HDMI output circuit 11. As an example, suppose that the format used set by the HDMI output circuit 11 is 4K resolution (e.g., 4096 x 2160), but the sink device 51 does not support 4K resolution, and therefore it is decided in the DDC negotiation to use HD resolution (e.g., 1920 x 1080). Also, here, it is assumed that the video format determined by the DDC negotiation is a video format that can be transmitted via SDI.

[0052] In this case, the HDMI output circuit 11 inquires of the user whether or not to change the video format (for example, whether or not to change from 4K resolution to HD resolution) and accepts a selection operation from the user as to whether or not to change the video format. For example, the HDMI output circuit 11 displays a message 71 a and operation buttons 71 b and 71 c on the display screen 71.

[0053] The display screen 71 is, for example, a display screen of a touch panel included in the user interface 34 shown in Fig. 2. The message 71a notifies the user that the output destination (sink device 51) of the HDMI video signal does not support the set 4K resolution, and inquires whether or not to change the video format from 4K resolution to HD resolution.

[0054] The operation button 71b is a button for a user to instruct to change the video format. When the HDMI output circuit 11 receives an instruction operation (e.g., a touch operation) of the operation button 71b from the user, it changes the video format of the output HDMI video signal from 4K resolution to HD resolution. In this case, an HD resolution HDMI video signal is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the sink device 51, and an HD resolution SDI video signal is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the SDI receiving device 52.

[0055] The operation button 71c is a button for the user to instruct not to change the video format. When the HDMI output circuit 11 receives an instruction from the user via the operation button 71c, it maintains the video format of the output HDMI video signal at 4K resolution. In this case, a 4K resolution HDMI video signal is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the sink device 51, and a 4K resolution SDI video signal is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the SDI receiving device 52. However, in this example, since the sink device 51 does not support 4K resolution, the sink device 51 cannot receive the 4K resolution HDMI video signal, and the HDMI video signal is not transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the sink device 51. In this case, the HDMI output circuit 11 may turn off the power output control signal as described above to prevent DDC negotiation from being performed with the sink device 51.

[0056] In addition to the message 71a and the operation buttons 71b and 71c, the HDMI output circuit 11 may also display on the display screen 71 a message 71d notifying that if the video format is not changed, it will not be possible to output an HDMI video signal, and a message 71e notifying that if the video format is changed, it will be possible to output an HDMI video signal, but the video format of the SDI video signal will also be changed.

[0057] 6 has been described assuming that the video format determined by the DDC negotiation is a video format that can be transmitted via SDI. However, if the video format determined by the DDC negotiation is a video format that cannot be transmitted via SDI, the HDMI output circuit 11 may display, instead of the message 71e, a message notifying the user that an HDMI video signal can be output but an SDI video signal cannot be output when the video format is changed. In this embodiment, in order to match the HDMI and SDI formats, a message notifying the user that an HDMI video signal can be output but an SDI video signal cannot be output when the format is changed may be displayed on the display screen 71. However, this is not limiting, and only the output of the HDMI video signal may be changed, and the output of the SDI video signal may not be changed. In that case, for example, instead of the message 71e, a message such as "HDMI video signals can be output, but the format of the SDI video signal will not be changed" or "HDMI video signals can be output, but the SDI video signal will remain at 4K" may be displayed.

[0058] <Second Example of Notification to User by Information Processing Device 10> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a sink device 51 is not connected to the information processing device 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, if an SDI receiving device 52 is connected to the SDI connector 16 but a sink device 51 is not connected to the HDMI connector 13, the HDMI output circuit 11 does not receive an HPD signal and DDC negotiation is not performed. In this case, the HDMI video signal is not transmitted, and only an SDI video signal is transmitted.

[0059] In this state, when the sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13, the HDMI output circuit 11 receives the HPD signal from the sink device 51 and executes DDC negotiation with the sink device 51. The video format determined by this DDC negotiation may differ from the video format currently used to transmit the SDI video signal. As an example, suppose that the video format currently used to transmit the SDI video signal is 4K resolution (e.g., 4096 x 2160), but the sink device 51 does not support 4K resolution, and so it is decided in the DDC negotiation to use HD resolution (e.g., 1920 x 1080).

[0060] In this case, the HDMI output circuit 11 inquires of the user as to whether or not to change the video format (for example, whether or not to change from 4K resolution to HD resolution), and accepts a selection operation from the user as to whether or not to change the video format. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the HDMI output circuit 11 displays a message 71a and operation buttons 71b and 71c on the display screen 71. Furthermore, the HDMI output circuit 11 may display messages 71d and 71e on the display screen 71 as shown in Fig. 6.

[0061] Furthermore, in addition to the message 71e, the HDMI output circuit 11 may also display on the display screen 71 a message indicating that the output of the SDI video signal will be temporarily stopped when the video format is changed.

[0062] Furthermore, if the video format determined by the DDC negotiation is a video format that cannot be transmitted via SDI, the HDMI output circuit 11 may display on the display screen 71, instead of message 71e, a message informing the user that, if the video format is changed, an HDMI video signal can be output but an SDI video signal cannot be output.

[0063] Although the case where the HDMI output circuit 11 notifies the user by displaying a screen has been described, the notification to the user by the HDMI output circuit 11 is not limited to a screen display and may be an audio output, etc. Furthermore, the user interface used by the HDMI output circuit 11 to notify the user is not limited to the user interface 34 of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 2 , but may be any of various user interfaces that can be controlled from the HDMI output circuit 11.

[0064] <FRL Link Training by HDMI Output Circuit 11> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of FRL link training by the HDMI output circuit 11. A case will be described where FRL (Fixed Rate Link) link training is performed between the HDMI output circuit 11 and the sink device 51. Between the HDMI output circuit 11 and the sink device 51, for example, FRL link training may be performed after the above-mentioned DDC negotiation is performed.

[0065] In FRL link training, a test video signal is transmitted from the HDMI output circuit 11 to the sink device 51, and the reception result of the test video signal by the sink device 51 is fed back to the HDMI output circuit 11, thereby setting an optimal data rate and signal timing of the HDMI video signal from the HDMI output circuit 11 to the sink device 51. The transmission of the test video signal is performed, for example, by the HDMI output circuit 11 controlling the output of the HDMI splitter 12, as shown in FIG.

[0066] When performing FRL link training with the sink device 51, the HDMI output circuit 11 changes the parameters (data rate and signal timing) of the test video signal to be transmitted to the sink device 51. At that time, the HDMI output circuit 11 changes the parameters of the test video signal within a range in which the SDI conversion circuit 14 can normally output an SDI video signal. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the parameters set by the FRL link training become parameters outside the range in which the SDI conversion circuit 14 can normally output an SDI video signal, making it impossible to normally output an SDI video signal.

[0067] Furthermore, if an error occurs during FRL link training with parameters within a range in which the SDI conversion circuit 14 can normally output an SDI video signal, the HDMI output circuit 11 inquires of the user as to whether or not to stop outputting the SDI video signal, and accepts a selection operation from the user as to whether or not to stop outputting the SDI video signal. When the HDMI output circuit 11 accepts a selection operation to stop outputting the SDI video signal, it stops outputting the SDI video signal, performs FRL link training in which the parameters are changed beyond the range in which the SDI conversion circuit 14 can normally output an SDI video signal, and starts transmitting the HDMI video signal to the sink device 51 using the parameters set by the FRL link training. At this time, the HDMI output circuit 11 may turn off the SDI output control signal.

[0068] <Stopping HDMI Output and SDI Output> The HDMI output circuit 11 may receive an instruction to stop outputting the HDMI video signal, for example, via the user interface 34. When receiving the instruction to stop outputting the HDMI video signal, the HDMI output circuit 11 turns off the power output control signal as described above, thereby preventing the HDMI video signal from being transmitted to the sink device 51.

[0069] Furthermore, the HDMI output circuit 11 may receive an instruction to stop outputting the SDI video signal, for example, via the user interface 34. When receiving the instruction to stop outputting the SDI video signal, the HDMI output circuit 11 turns off the SDI output control signal as described above, thereby preventing the SDI video signal from being transmitted to the SDI receiving device 52.

[0070] As described above, the information processing device 10 includes an HDMI interface 10A (first communication interface) compatible with HDMI (first communication standard) and an SDI interface 10B (second communication interface) compatible with SDI (second communication standard). The HDMI interface 10A can directly transmit (transmit without conversion) an HDMI video signal (first data) compatible with HDMI to a sink device 51 (first external device) connected to the HDMI interface 10A. The SDI interface 10B has an SDI conversion circuit 14 (conversion circuit) that converts an HDMI video signal identical to the HDMI video signal transmitted by the HDMI interface 10A into an SDI video signal (second data) compatible with SDI, and can transmit the SDI video signal converted by the SDI conversion circuit 14 to an SDI receiving device 52 (second external device) connected to the SDI interface 10B. Of the HDMI interface 10A and the SDI interface 10B, only the HDMI interface 10A is capable of two-way communication with an external device.

[0071] In this way, by splitting the HDMI video signal and converting only one of the signals to an SDI video signal, it is possible to transmit the HDMI video signal and the SDI video signal simultaneously. Furthermore, since the HDMI video signal can be transmitted directly (without conversion processing), it is possible to simplify the circuit. This allows for the simultaneous transmission of multiple data signals using different communication standards while simplifying the circuit.

[0072] Furthermore, the HDMI interface 10A transmits an HDMI video signal and an HDMI DDC signal (control signal) to the sink device 51. On the other hand, the SDI interface 10B transmits an SDI video signal converted from the HDMI video signal to the SDI receiving device, but does not convert the HDMI DDC signal into an SDI control signal or transmit it to the SDI receiving device. In other words, by branching the HDMI video signal and converting it into an SDI video signal while not branching the HDMI control signal (not converting it to SDI), it is only necessary to perform bidirectional communication using only the HDMI signal out of the HDMI and SDI signals, which makes it possible to simplify the circuit.

[0073] Furthermore, when communication with an external device is performed only via the SDI interface 10B out of the HDMI interface 10A and the SDI interface 10B (for example, when the set format to be used is compatible only with SDI), the HDMI output circuit 11 (processor) performs control to stop detection of connection of the sink device 51 to the HDMI interface 10A.

[0074] For example, by turning off switch 18a, the HDMI output circuit 11 does not transmit a voltage of 5 [V] to the sink device 51, which transmits an HPD signal using a voltage of 5 [V] from the information processing device 10, and thereby does not detect the connection of the sink device 51.

[0075] Furthermore, by turning off the switch 18b, the HDMI output circuit 11 may discard the HPD signal even if it is transmitted from the sink device 51, thereby setting the HDMI output circuit 11 in a state in which it does not detect the connection of the sink device 51. In this case, the configuration for turning off the switch 18a may be omitted, and a voltage of 5 [V] may be transmitted to the sink device 51.

[0076] For example, in order to transmit an SDI video signal from the information processing device 10 to the SDI receiving device 52, it is necessary to output an HDMI video signal, which is the source of the SDI video signal, but when the HDMI output circuit 11 outputs the HDMI video signal, the HDMI video signal is transmitted to the sink device 51. Therefore, as described above, when communication with an external device is performed using only the SDI interface 10B, the connection of the sink device 51 is set to a state in which it is not detected, thereby suppressing DDC negotiation between the HDMI output circuit 11 and the sink device 51, and thereby making it possible to set the sink device 51 to a state in which it does not receive the HDMI video signal without stopping the output of the HDMI video signal.

[0077] When the video format of the HDMI video signal is changed, for example, due to two-way communication between the HDMI interface 10A and the sink device 51 (for example, transmission and reception of a DDC signal or FRL link training), the HDMI output circuit 11 notifies the user (for example, at least one of messages 71a, 71d, and 71e) before the video format of the SDI video signal is changed or before the SDI video signal cannot be output due to the change, and waits for an approval operation from the user (for example, an instruction operation using the operation button 71b) before changing the video format of the SDI video signal.

[0078] For example, when the video format of the HDMI video signal is changed, the HDMI output circuit 11 determines whether the changed video format is compatible with SDI. If the changed video format is compatible with SDI, the HDMI output circuit 11 notifies the user that the SDI video format will be changed, and after the user's approval, changes the video format of the HDMI video signal output to the HDMI splitter 12. Along with the change in the video format of the HDMI video signal output to the HDMI splitter 12, the video format of the SDI video signal is also changed.

[0079] If the changed video format is not compatible with SDI, the HDMI output circuit 11 notifies the user that the SDI output will be stopped, and after the user's approval, changes the video format of the HDMI video signal and turns off the SDI output control signal, thereby stopping the output of the SDI video signal from the SDI conversion circuit 14.

[0080] Furthermore, the HDMI interface 10A generates an HDMI video signal in synchronization with a clock signal supplied from a signal generator (third external device) connected to the information processing device 10. The SDI interface 10B generates an SDI video signal in synchronization with the clock of the HDMI video signal generated by the HDMI interface 10A. This makes it possible to transmit an HDMI video signal and an SDI video signal that are synchronized with each other, using the clock signal supplied from the signal generator connected to the information processing device 10.

[0081] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 may be applied to an imaging device 100, and the HDMI interface 10A may transmit an HDMI video signal generated based on imaging data obtained by the imaging unit 31 of the imaging device 100 to the sink device 51.

[0082] This makes it possible to configure the device so that, for example, not only the timing of the HDMI video signal and the SDI video signal, but also the exposure period of the image sensor of the image capturing section 31 of the image capturing device 100 is synchronized using a clock signal supplied from a signal generator connected to the information processing device 10.

[0083] Furthermore, as described above, by configuring the imaging device 100 so that the voltage of 5 V is not transmitted when no HDMI output is performed, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the imaging device 100. This makes it possible to improve the operating time of the imaging device 100 when the imaging device 100 is configured to be battery-powered, for example.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, when a video signal generated based on imaging data obtained by the imaging unit 31 of the imaging device 100 is recorded by the sink device 51 or the SDI receiving device 52, the imaging device 100 may be configured to accept an operation to start or end recording by the sink device 51 or the SDI receiving device 52 via the user interface 34, and control the start or end of recording by the sink device 51 or the SDI receiving device 52. In this case, the imaging device 100 may be configured to control switching of the video signal to be output by the information processing device 10, between the HDMI video signal and the SDI video signal, in conjunction with the control by the imaging device 100 of the start or end of recording by the sink device 51 or the SDI receiving device 52.

[0085] The above-mentioned various notifications and operation reception by the HDMI output circuit 11 can be performed using a user interface 34 provided in the imaging device 100 .

[0086] <Third Example of Notification to User by Information Processing Device 10> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a third example of notification to the user by the information processing device 10. As described above, in FRL link training, the HDMI output circuit 11 controls the HDMI splitter 12 to transmit a test video signal to the sink device 51. Because the HDMI splitter 12 outputs the same HDMI video signal to the HDMI connector 13 and the SDI conversion circuit 14, in FRL link training the test video signal is also output to the SDI conversion circuit 14. Therefore, in this case, the HDMI output circuit 11 turns off the SDI output control signal to stop the output of the SDI video signal from the SDI conversion circuit 14.

[0087] When starting FRL link training with the sink device 51 while transmitting an SDI video signal to the SDI receiving device 52, the HDMI output circuit 11 inquires of the user whether or not to execute FRL link training, and accepts a selection operation from the user as to whether or not to execute FRL link training. For example, the HDMI output circuit 11 displays a message 71f and operation buttons 71g and 71h on the display screen 71.

[0088] The message 71f notifies the start of FRL link training for outputting an HDMI video signal and inquires whether to start FRL link training. The operation button 71g is a button that the user uses to instruct the start of FRL link training. When the HDMI output circuit 11 receives an instruction from the user operating the operation button 71g, it starts FRL link training with the sink device 51.

[0089] The operation button 71h is a button that allows the user to instruct not to start FRL link training. When the HDMI output circuit 11 receives an instruction from the user operating the operation button 71h, the HDMI output circuit 11 does not start FRL link training.

[0090] In addition, the HDMI output circuit 11 may display on the display screen 71 a message 71i informing the user that the output of the SDI video signal will stop when FRL link training starts, along with the message 71f and the operation buttons 71g and 71h.

[0091] In this way, when transmitting an SDI video signal from the SDI interface 10B to the SDI receiving device 52, the HDMI output circuit 11 (processor) may notify the user (e.g., by sending at least one of messages 71f and 71i) and transmit the HDMI test video signal after receiving an approval operation (e.g., an instruction operation on the operation button 71g) before transmitting the HDMI test video signal (test data) from the HDMI interface 10A to the sink device 51. This makes it possible to prevent the SDI video signal from being stopped unintentionally by the user due to the transmission of the HDMI test video signal.

[0092] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the HDMI output circuit 11 when the sink device 51 is connected while recording is being performed by the SDI receiving device 52. For example, it is assumed that the SDI receiving device 52 has a function of recording (saving) the SDI video signal received from the information processing device 10. It is also assumed that the SDI receiving device 52 starts and stops recording the SDI video signal received from the information processing device 10 under the control of the imaging device 100.

[0093] For example, in a state where a sink device 51 is not connected to the HDMI connector 13, an SDI receiving device 52 is connected to the SDI connector 16, and an SDI video signal is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the SDI receiving device 52, the HDMI output circuit 11 executes the process shown in FIG. 10.

[0094] First, the HDMI output circuit 11 determines whether or not the sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13 (step S11), and waits until the sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13 (step S11: No loop). The determination in step S11 is made based on, for example, the HPD signal input to the HDMI output circuit 11.

[0095] In step S11, when the sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13 (step S11: Yes), the HDMI output circuit 11 determines whether or not the current video format is compatible with the sink device 51 connected to the HDMI connector 13 (step S12). The determination in step S12 is made based on, for example, transmission and reception of DDC signals between the HDMI output circuit 11 and the sink device 51 (DDC negotiation).

[0096] In step S12, if the current video format is compatible with the sink device 51 (step S12: Yes), the HDMI output circuit 11 ends the series of processes. In this case, the current video format is maintained, and the HDMI video signal is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the sink device 51, and the SDI video signal is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the SDI receiving device 52.

[0097] In step S12, if the current video format is not compatible with the sink device 51 (step S12: No), the HDMI output circuit 11 determines whether or not the SDI video signal is being recorded by the SDI receiving device 52 (step S13). As described above, the start and end of recording of the SDI video signal by the SDI receiving device 52 is controlled by the HDMI output circuit 11, so the HDMI output circuit 11 can make the determination in step S13 without obtaining information from the SDI receiving device 52.

[0098] In step S13, if the SDI receiving device 52 is not recording an SDI video signal (step S13: No), the HDMI output circuit 11 changes the video format to be used to a video format compatible with the sink device 51 and the SDI receiving device 52 (step S14), and ends the series of processes. At this time, the HDMI output circuit 11 may notify the user as described above and change the video format after receiving an approval operation from the user.

[0099] In step S13, if the SDI receiving device 52 is currently recording an SDI video signal (step S13: Yes), the HDMI output circuit 11 waits until the SDI receiving device 52 has finished recording the SDI video signal (loop of step S13: Yes), and then proceeds to step S14 to change the video format. Whether the SDI receiving device 52 is currently recording an SDI video signal is determined by determining whether an SDI video signal embedded with recording instruction information has been output. Here, the recording instruction information is, for example, information that instructs the SDI receiving device 52 to start or stop recording the SDI video signal.

[0100] In step S13, the HDMI output circuit 11 may turn off the power output control signal while waiting for the SDI receiving device 52 to finish recording the SDI video signal. This makes it possible to prevent the sink device 51 from receiving an HDMI video signal in a video format that is not supported by the sink device 51.

[0101] In this way, the HDMI output circuit 11 (processor) may transmit an SDI video signal from the SDI interface 10B to the SDI receiving device 52, and when the SDI video signal is being recorded in the SDI receiving device 52, wait for the video format of the HDMI video signal to be changed.

[0102] For example, in a state where the sink device 51 is not connected to the HDMI connector 13 and the information processing device 10 is transmitting an SDI video signal to the SDI receiving device 52, if the sink device 51 is connected to the HDMI connector 13, and the video format of the current HDMI video signal is compatible with the sink device 51, the information processing device 10 will also transmit the HDMI video signal as is to the sink device 51. If the video format of the current HDMI video signal is not compatible with the sink device 51, the video format of the HDMI video signal is changed to match the sink device 51, but if the SDI receiving device 52 is recording, the change will wait until the recording is finished.

[0103] In this embodiment, each process is executed by a computer. The computer may execute these processes by a processor, a program, or a combination thereof. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for specific applications, a system such as a workstation, or other hardware element capable of executing a program.

[0104] The processor may be configured with one or more pieces of hardware, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, the processor may be configured with hardware such as a programmable logic device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated circuit for executing specific processing such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a neural processing unit (NPU). The processor also has various units or means for executing various processes in this embodiment. The type of hardware may also be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple pieces of hardware are configured to execute one or more processes of a certain processor, the multiple pieces of hardware may be located in devices physically separated from each other, or may be located in the same device. Furthermore, in any embodiment, the order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware is configured by an electric circuit (circuitry) or the like that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0105] Furthermore, the present embodiment may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. Software, firmware, and microcode may be configured by a program. A program may also be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform the respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storages). The program may be stored in multiple non-transitory computer-readable media that reside in physically separate devices. Program code or a code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or a code segment may be connected to another code segment or a hardware circuit by sending or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0106] Although the imaging device 100 has been described as an apparatus to which the information processing device 10 can be applied, the information processing device 10 is not limited to the imaging device 100 and can be applied to various types of devices, such as a playback device that plays back recorded video data and outputs a video signal, or a relay device that outputs an input video signal.

[0107] Furthermore, although the information processing device 10 has been described as being configured to output a video signal, the information processing device 10 may also be capable of outputting a still image.

[0108] Furthermore, although HDMI has been described as an example of the first communication standard, the first communication standard is not limited to the current HDMI, and can be any of various communication standards that enable two-way communication, such as successor standards, alternative standards, or similar standards to HDMI.

[0109] Furthermore, although SDI has been described as an example of the second communication standard, the second communication standard is not limited to the current SDI, and can be any of various communication standards that do not allow two-way communication, such as a successor standard, alternative standard, or similar standard to SDI.

[0110] Although various embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0111] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-104975) filed on June 28, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing device 10A HDMI interface 10B SDI interface 11 HDMI output circuit 12 HDMI splitter 13 HDMI connector 14 SDI conversion circuit 15 PLL 16 SDI connector 17 Power supply unit 18a, 18b Switch 19 Clock connector 20 Lens device 30 Imaging device main body 31 Imaging unit 32 Image processing unit 33 Video output unit 34 User interface 51 Sink device 52 SDI receiving device 53 Clock generator 60 Table 71 Display screen 71a, 71d, 71e, 71f, 71i Message 71b, 71c, 71g, 71h Operation button 100 Imaging device

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a first communication interface compatible with a first communication standard and a second communication interface compatible with a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, wherein the first communication interface is capable of transmitting first data compatible with the first communication standard to a first external device connected to the first communication interface, the second communication interface has a conversion circuit that converts the first data into second data compatible with the second communication standard, and is capable of transmitting the second data converted by the conversion circuit to a second external device connected to the second communication interface, and wherein of the first communication interface and the second communication interface, only the first communication interface is capable of two-way communication with an external device.

2. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first data is a video signal of the first communication standard, the first communication interface transmits the video signal of the first communication standard and a control signal of the first communication standard to the first external device, and the second communication interface transmits the second data converted from the video signal of the first communication standard to the second external device.

3. An information processing device according to claim 1, comprising a processor, wherein the processor stops detecting the connection of the first external device to the first communication interface when communication with the external device is performed only via the second communication interface out of the first communication interface and the second communication interface.

4. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion circuit causes the format of the second data to correspond to the format of the first data.

5. An information processing device according to claim 1, comprising a processor, wherein, when the format of the first data is changed, the processor notifies the user before the format of the second data is changed due to the change, or before the second data cannot be output.

6. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication interface outputs the first data in synchronization with a clock signal supplied from a third external device connected to the information processing device, and the second communication interface outputs the second data in synchronization with the clock of the first data generated by the first communication interface.

7. An information processing device according to claim 1, comprising a processor, wherein the processor notifies a user when the second data is being transmitted from the second communication interface to the second external device, before transmitting test data of the first communication standard from the first communication interface to the first external device.

8. An information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a processor, wherein the processor waits for a change in the format of the first data when the second data is being transmitted from the second communication interface to the second external device.

9. An imaging device comprising: an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and an imaging unit, wherein the first communication interface transmits the first data generated based on imaging data obtained by the imaging unit to the first external device.

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