Transmission system

Abstract

In a transmission system 100 and a transmission method used by the transmission system 100 according to the present disclosure, a camera control signal for controlling an imaging unit 31 is transmitted to a network 900, the imaging unit 31 images an imaging subject according to the camera control signal received from the network 900, and pixel data corresponding to each among a plurality of pixels of the imaging unit 31 is transmitted to the network 900.

Description

Transmission System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for transmitting information captured by a terminal.

[0002] With the technological development and widespread use of devices equipped with cameras (smartphones, IoT devices), various solutions using cameras are becoming widespread (safety and security through surveillance cameras, person and object recognition, industrial applications, etc.).

[0003] Conventionally, such cameras convert optical information collected by an optical system into electrical information using an image sensor based on a CMOS / CCD (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor / Charge Coupled Device) or the like, and then convert this into image information using an image processor. Generally, the output of the image sensor and image processor is a parallel signal output, but when outputting image information from an external interface, a parallel-to-serial (P / S) conversion is performed in a processing section at a previous stage to shape the data format.

[0004] Here, in a configuration in which some of the camera functions in a conventional configuration are implemented in a data center or the like at a higher level in the network, there is a problem in that it is difficult to control a camera that is located remotely.

[0005] Ogasawara et al., "300 Frames Per Second Progressive Scan HDTV High-Speed ​​Camera," Journal of the Institute of Visual Media, Vol. 60, No. 3, pp. 358-365, 2006. OMNIVISION and Silicon Line Partner to Provide the First Optical Fiber Endoscope Cables for 4K MIPI D-PHY Video”, [online], April 6, 2022, Internet <URL: https: / / www.ovt.com / press-releases / omnivision-and-silicon-line-partner-to-provide-the-first-optical-fiber-endoscope-cables-for-4k-mipi-d-phy-video / >

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a transmission system and a transmission method that enable remote control of a camera.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the transmission system and transmission method of the present disclosure employ a technique of exchanging control signals for controlling an image capture unit via a network.

[0008] Specifically, the transmission system of the present disclosure transmits a control signal for controlling an imaging unit to a network, the imaging unit captures an image of an object in accordance with the control signal received from the network, and transmits pixel data corresponding to each of the multiple pixels of the imaging unit to the network.

[0009] The image processing device may further include a camera unit having the photographing unit, converting the pixel data acquired as a parallel signal into a serial signal, and transmitting the pixel data converted into the serial signal to the network; and an image data processing unit receiving the pixel data from the network, converting the received pixel data into a parallel signal, and generating image data consisting of at least a portion of the plurality of pixels from the pixel data converted into the parallel signal, wherein the pixel data and the control signal may have different wavelengths.

[0010] The image data processing unit may include a plurality of processor processing units, and may select at least one of the plurality of processor processing units in accordance with the received pixel data to generate the image data.

[0011] Specifically, the transmission method of the present disclosure includes transmitting a control signal for controlling an imaging unit to a network, the imaging unit capturing an image of a subject in accordance with the control signal received from the network, and transmitting pixel data corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels of the imaging unit to the network.

[0012] The camera unit and image data processing unit according to the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium or provided via a network. The program according to the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to realize each function provided in the camera unit and image data processing unit according to the present disclosure, and is a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure provided in the method executed by the camera unit and image data processing unit according to the present disclosure.

[0013] The above disclosures can be combined as much as possible.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a transmission system and a transmission method that enable remote control of a camera.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a transmission system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image data processing unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image data processing unit according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a related camera.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below. These implementation examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Note that components with the same reference numerals in this specification and drawings indicate the same components.

[0017] (First Embodiment) A transmission system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. First, the basic configuration of the transmission system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the transmission system 100 mainly includes a camera unit 300 including an imaging unit 31, and an image data processing unit 500. The camera unit 300 and the image data processing unit 500 are connected via a network 900.

[0018] Specifically, the transmission system 100 and the transmission method using the transmission system 100 of the present disclosure transmit a camera control signal for controlling the photographing unit 31 to the network 900, the photographing unit 31 photographs the subject in accordance with the camera control signal received from the network 900, and transmits pixel data corresponding to each of the multiple pixels of the photographing unit 31 to the network 900.

[0019] The camera unit 300 mainly includes an imaging unit 31 having a plurality of pixels, and an image sensor unit 32. Although Fig. 1 shows an example in which the image sensor unit 32 includes a PD (Photo Diode), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor / Charge Coupled Device) circuit, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling), and an ADC (Analog-to-digital converter), the configuration of the image sensor unit 32 is arbitrary, and the image sensor unit 32 may have other configurations or additional configurations.

[0020] The camera unit 300 performs E / O (Electrical signal / Optical signal) conversion on the output from the image sensor unit 32 and sends the converted data to the network 900. The image data processing unit 500 performs O / E (Optical signal / Electrical signal) conversion on the pixel data from the camera unit 300 using its internal or external functions and performs processing. FIG. 1 shows that the image data processing unit 500 performs image processing with priority on image quality, image processing with priority on delay, and AI processing. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the image data processing unit 500 can perform various types of processing.

[0021] Furthermore, the image data processing unit 500 sends a camera control signal to the camera unit 300. The camera unit 300 controls various functions based on the camera control signal.

[0022] In the transmission system 100, the image processor function, which is a dominant factor in power consumption / size, is separated from the camera unit 300 and placed in a data center (image data processing unit 500) on the network. Fig. 1 shows a basic configuration in which the camera unit 300 and the image data processing unit 500 are in a one-to-one relationship.

[0023] The present disclosure also includes a case where multiple camera units and multiple image data processing units are connected via an optical fiber network. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the case shown in Fig. 1, and one image data processing unit may correspond to multiple camera units, or multiple image data processing units may correspond to one camera unit.

[0024] A more detailed configuration of the camera unit 300 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . The camera unit 300 controls various functions based on a camera control signal from the image data processing unit 500. The camera unit 300 includes an imaging unit 31, an image sensor unit 32, a parallel-serial conversion unit 35, an optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 30, a camera control optical signal receiving unit 37, and a camera control unit 38. In this embodiment, data transfer from the camera unit 300 to the image data processing unit 500 is performed via an optical fiber transmission unit 700. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to data transfer via optical transmission using the optical fiber transmission unit 700, and data transfer via other transmission modes is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, data transfer via a combination of optical transmission and other transmission modes is also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The photographing unit 31 is an optical system equipped with a lens and the like, and collects optical information. The image sensor unit 32 includes an image sensor processing unit 33 and an analog / digital conversion unit 34. The image sensor unit 32 is, for example, an image sensor based on a CMOS / CCD (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor / Charge Coupled Device). The image sensor unit 32 converts the optical information collected by the photographing unit 31 into electrical information. The image sensor unit 32 outputs parallel electrical data signals.

[0026] The parallel-to-serial converter 35 performs parallel-to-serial (parallel-to-serial) conversion on the parallel output from the image sensor unit 32 to shape the data format. That is, the camera unit 300 converts electrical information acquired as a parallel signal into a serial signal and shapes the pixel data to be transmitted as a serial signal (optical signal). However, whether or not to provide the parallel-to-serial converter 35 is optional; for example, if the output from the image sensor unit 32 is a serial output, the parallel-to-serial converter 35 is not necessary. The optical transmitter 36 transmits the pixel data from the parallel-to-serial converter 35 to the image data processor 500 via the optical signal multiplexer / demultiplexer 30 and the optical fiber transmission unit 700.

[0027] The optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 30 has the function of combining a number of optical signals into a single optical fiber, or conversely, splitting them. In particular, in this embodiment, the optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 30 is configured to transmit pixel data from the optical transmitter 36 to the optical fiber transmission unit 700, and to transmit a camera control signal from the image data processor 500 to the camera control optical signal receiver 37. In this embodiment, in order to ensure wavelength selectivity between the pixel data and the camera control signal, the respective wavelengths are set to be different (the wavelength λ of the pixel data is ｓ ≠ wavelength λ of camera control signal ｃ ).

[0028] The camera control optical signal receiving unit 37 receives a camera control signal via the optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 30. The camera control optical signal receiving unit 37 transmits the received camera control signal to the camera control unit. The camera control unit 38 optimizes the settings of various setting parameters in the camera unit 300, such as the optical system of the photographing unit 31, based on the camera control signal. The photographing unit 31 photographs the subject in accordance with the camera control signal.

[0029] A more detailed configuration of the image data processing unit 500 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . The image data processing unit 500 transmits a camera control signal for controlling the photographing unit 31 to the network 900. The image data processing unit 500 is also configured to generate image data (image information) based on pixel data from the camera unit 100. However, the image data processing unit 500 may also generate image data composed of at least a portion of the multiple pixels of the photographing unit 31 from the received pixel data. The image data processing unit 500 includes an optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 50, a camera control instruction unit 71, a camera control light transmitting unit 72, an optical receiving unit 51, a control unit 52, a processor processing unit 55, and a processing setting unit 56.

[0030] The camera control instruction unit 71 generates a camera control signal for controlling the camera unit 300. Specifically, the camera control instruction unit 71 generates the camera control signal based on an external control instruction or a preset control instruction. The camera control light transmission unit 72 transmits the generated camera control signal to the optical fiber transmission unit 700 via the optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 50.

[0031] The optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 50 has the function of integrating multiple optical signals into a single optical fiber, or conversely, splitting the signals. In particular, in this embodiment, the optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 50 is configured to transmit pixel data from the camera unit 300 to the optical receiving unit 51, and to transmit camera control signals from the camera control optical transmitting unit 72 to the optical fiber transmitting unit 700.

[0032] The optical receiving section 51 receives pixel data from the optical transmitting section 36 of the camera section 300 via the optical fiber transmitting section 700 .

[0033] The control unit 52 includes a serial-to-parallel (serial-to-parallel) conversion unit 53 and a lane delay control unit 54. The serial-to-parallel conversion unit 53 performs serial-to-parallel conversion on the pixel data received by the optical receiving unit 51. In other words, the serial-to-parallel conversion unit 53 converts the pixel data into a parallel signal. The lane delay control unit 54 performs delay control for each parallel lane on the pixel data after serial-to-parallel conversion, and inputs the data to the processor processing unit 55. It is optional whether or not to provide the control unit 52, and the pixel data may be input directly from the optical receiving unit 51 to the processor processing unit 55 as serial data.

[0034] The processor processing unit 55 is configured to perform various processes. Specifically, the processor processing unit 55 generates image data from pixel data converted into parallel signals. In addition, the functions of the processor processing unit 55 can be customized according to a predetermined purpose (such as person detection or dark place photography).

[0035] The processing setting unit 56 is configured to optimize the settings of the processor processing unit 55 for the captured image. In this embodiment, the processing setting unit 56 includes a captured image learning unit 57. The captured image learning unit 57 is configured to perform machine learning based on, for example, the processing results up to the immediately preceding time. The settings of the processor processing unit 55 are optimized based on the results of the machine learning by the captured image learning unit 57. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to optimizing the settings of the processor processing unit 55 by the captured image learning unit 57, and it is possible to optimize the processing of the processor processing unit 55 by any method.

[0036] (Comparison with Related Configurations) Next, the effects of the transmission system 100 in the first embodiment will be described while comparing it with the configuration of a related camera 300A shown in FIG.

[0037] The camera 300A includes an image processor 30A, a lens 31A, an image sensor 32A, a parallel-to-serial converter 35A, and an external interface 36A. The image sensor 32A includes a photodiode (PD), a CMOS / CCD circuit, a correlated double sampling (CDS), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). As described above, the camera 300A includes an image processor 30A specialized for image processing. However, such a signal processing circuit has the problem of being larger in size and consuming more power than the image sensor 32A.

[0038] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which video captured by a camera is processed in a video processing unit (CCU: Communication Control Unit) connected via a cable (see FIG. 7 in Non-Patent Document 1). In particular, Non-Patent Document 1 is specialized for the high-definition standard, and therefore video processing is performed in a signal processing unit (DSP: Digital Signal Processor) implemented in the video processing unit. However, since higher definition video generally requires larger circuit scale and power consumption, miniaturizing the entire system has been an issue.

[0039] In contrast, in the first embodiment, the above problem is solved by consolidating the image processor functions in an image data processing unit 500 (such as a data center) at a higher level in the network, and transmitting the information generated by the image sensor unit 32 over long distances via an optical fiber transmission unit 700 between the camera unit 300 and the image data processing unit 500. In other words, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to achieve power saving and miniaturization of the camera as a whole. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to optimize the settings of the processor processing unit 55 that performs image processing using the processing setting unit 56.

[0040] On the other hand, conventionally, cameras that capture images at high frame rates, such as high-speed cameras, are specialized for video capture capabilities and therefore do not have a network interface like those found in general cameras, and are configured to control the camera from a control unit connected via an optical cable, etc. In such cases, since shooting is limited to within the range where the optical cable attached to the high-speed camera system can be connected, there has been a problem in that it is difficult to control the camera from a remote location (see Figure 1 of Non-Patent Document 1).

[0041] In contrast, according to the above embodiment, in a configuration in which the image sensor and image processor are separated, camera control signals are exchanged via the optical fiber transmission unit 700, making it possible to remotely control the camera and reflect specified settings.

[0042] Second Embodiment The configuration of an image data processing unit 501 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The image data processing unit 501 includes, similarly to the image data processing unit 500, a camera control instruction unit 71, a camera control light transmitting unit 72, an optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 50, an optical receiving unit 51, and a control unit 52.

[0043] The image data processing unit 501 also includes three processor processing units 55A, 55B, and 55X, a data allocation unit 58, an allocation control unit 59, and a shooting setting determination unit 73. Each processor processing unit basically has the same functions as the processor processing unit 55 according to the first embodiment, and is configured to specialize in a specific process.

[0044] Specifically, the image data processing unit 501 selects at least one of the three processor processing units 55A, 55B, and 55X in accordance with the received pixel data to generate image data. In particular, in this embodiment, the parallel electrical data signals are distributed by the data distribution unit 58 and distribution control unit 59.

[0045] The data allocation unit 58 allocates pixel data to one of the three processor processing units 55A, 55B, and 55X. In other words, in this embodiment, in order to process the data signal in a processor processing unit appropriate for the application (person detection, dark place photography, etc.), the data allocation unit 58 is used to allocate the pixel data string to a specified processor processing unit. Note that the pixel data may be input directly as serial data from the optical receiving unit 51 to the three processor processing units 55A, 55B, and 55X without going through the control unit 52. The number of processor processing units is optional and is not limited to three.

[0046] The allocation control unit 59 controls the allocation of pixel data by the data allocation unit 58. In this embodiment, the allocation control unit 59 is configured to use the captured image learning unit 57 incorporated in the allocation control unit 59 to select a processor processing unit that is optimal for processing predetermined pixel data. Specifically, the captured image learning unit 57 is configured to perform machine learning based on the processing results up to the immediately preceding time. The selection of the processor processing unit by the data allocation unit 58 is optimized based on the results of the machine learning by the captured image learning unit 57.

[0047] Furthermore, the allocation control unit 59 is configured to optimize the settings of each processor processing unit for the captured image. Specifically, the captured image learning unit 57 of the allocation control unit 59A is configured to perform machine learning based on, for example, the processing results up to the immediately preceding time. The settings of each processor processing unit are optimized based on the results of the machine learning of the captured image learning unit 57. Specifically, the captured image learning unit 57 of the allocation control unit 59 is configured to perform machine learning based on, for example, the processing results up to the immediately preceding time. The settings of each processor processing unit are optimized based on the results of the machine learning of the captured image learning unit 57.

[0048] However, whether or not the allocation control unit 59 includes the captured image learning unit 57 is optional. If the captured image learning unit 57 is not provided, the allocation control unit 59 may be controlled by an external instruction. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to selecting the optimal processor processing unit for processing pixel data or optimizing the settings of each processor processing unit using the above-mentioned method. It is possible to select the optimal processor processing unit or optimize the settings of each processor processing unit using any method.

[0049] The shooting setting determination unit 73 determines whether or not the shooting settings need to be changed and the extent of the change, depending on the processing result of the processor processing unit, etc. For example, the shooting setting determination unit 73 may determine whether or not the shooting settings need to be changed and the extent of the change, depending on the captured image, etc.

[0050] In this embodiment, the camera control instruction unit 71 generates a camera control signal in accordance with control instructions from outside, control instructions set in advance, and also the judgment result (camera control setting) of the shooting setting judgment unit 73 for the captured image, etc.

[0051] According to the second embodiment, the functions of the image processor are consolidated in an image data processing unit 501 (such as a data center) at a higher level in the network, and information generated by the image sensor unit 32 can be transmitted over long distances via an optical fiber transmission unit 700 between the camera unit 300 and the image data processing unit 501. In other words, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to achieve power saving and miniaturization of the camera as a whole. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the allocation control unit 59 can input data to a processor processing unit suitable for processing. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to optimize the settings of the processor processing unit that performs image processing.

[0052] According to the second embodiment, in a configuration in which the image sensor and image processor are separated, camera control signals are exchanged via the optical fiber transmission unit 700, making it possible to remotely control the camera and reflect specified settings.

[0053] Third Embodiment The configuration of an image data processing unit 502 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The image data processing unit 502 includes a camera control instruction unit 71, a camera control light transmission unit 72, a shooting setting determination unit 73, and an optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 50, similar to the image data processing unit 501.

[0054] The image data processing unit 502 according to the third embodiment includes three optical receiving units 51A, 51B, and 51X, three control units 52A, 52B, and 52X, three processor processing units 55A, 55B, and 55X, an optical signal selection unit 61, and an optical signal selection unit control unit 62.

[0055] Specifically, the image data processing unit 502 selects at least one of the three processor processing units 55A, 55B, and 55X in accordance with the received pixel data, and generates image data. In particular, in this embodiment, the parallel optical signals are distributed by the optical signal selection unit 61 and the optical signal selection unit control unit 62.

[0056] The optical signal selection unit 61 selects and distributes the pixel data (optical signal) string received from the optical transmission unit 36 ​​to the three optical reception units 51A, 51B, and 51X via the optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 50. In other words, in this embodiment, when the image data processing unit 502 receives pixel data, the pixel data is selected and distributed so that a processor processing unit suitable for processing each pixel data performs processing.

[0057] Each of the three control units 52A, 52B, and 52X includes a serial / parallel conversion unit and a lane delay control unit, similar to the control unit 52. However, whether or not the three control units 52A, 52B, and 52X are provided is optional, and pixel data may be input directly as serial data from the three optical receiving units 51A, 51B, and 51X to the three processor processing units 55A, 55B, and 55X.

[0058] The optical signal selection unit control unit 62 controls the selection of pixel data by the optical signal selection unit 61. In this embodiment, the captured image learning unit 57 incorporated in the optical signal selection unit control unit 62 is configured to select the optimal optical receiving unit. Specifically, the captured image learning unit 57 is configured to perform machine learning based on the processing results up to the immediately preceding time. The selection of the optical receiving unit by the optical signal selection unit control unit 62 is optimized based on the results of the machine learning by the captured image learning unit 57.

[0059] Furthermore, the optical signal selection unit control unit 62 is configured to optimize the settings of each processor processing unit for the captured image. Specifically, the captured image learning unit 57 of the optical signal selection unit control unit 62 is configured to perform machine learning based on the processing results up to the immediately preceding time. The settings of each processor processing unit are optimized based on the results of the machine learning by the captured image learning unit 57.

[0060] However, it is optional whether or not to provide the captured image learning unit 57 in the light signal selection unit control unit 62. If the captured image learning unit 57 is not provided, the light signal selection unit control unit 62 may be controlled by an external instruction.

[0061] Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to selecting an optimal processor processing unit for processing pixel data or optimizing the settings of each processor processing unit using the above-mentioned method, but rather it is possible to select an optimal processor processing unit or optimize the settings of each processor processing unit using any method.

[0062] According to the third embodiment, the functions of the image processor are consolidated in an image data processing unit 502 (such as a data center) at a higher level in the network, and information generated by the image sensor unit 32 can be transmitted over long distances via an optical fiber transmission unit 700 between the camera unit 300 and the image data processing unit 502. In other words, according to the second embodiment, power saving and miniaturization of the camera as a whole can be achieved. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the optical signal selection unit control unit 62 can select the optimal optical receiving unit. This allows data to be input to a processor processing unit suitable for processing. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the settings of the processor processing unit that performs image processing can be optimized.

[0063] According to the third embodiment, in a configuration in which the image sensor and image processor are separated, camera control signals are exchanged via the optical fiber transmission unit 700, making it possible to remotely control the camera and reflect specified settings.

[0064] (Application of the Transmission System of the Present Disclosure) Currently, camera IFs (Interfaces), which are the output destinations of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensors, are often de facto standards for MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface). The need to extend such camera IFs has already become apparent in in-vehicle systems, and there is a possibility that further extension technologies will be required. The transmission system of the present disclosure can meet such needs.

[0065] The transmission system of the present disclosure can also be applied to technologies such as SLVS-EC (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock, registered trademark), GVIF (Gigabit Video Interface), and GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link).Furthermore, the transmission system of the present disclosure can also be applied to technologies for miniaturizing and power-saving cameras by converting MIPI into a SerDes (serializer / deserializer) and transmitting it over optical fiber.

[0066] The camera unit and image data processing unit according to the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium or provided via a network. The program according to the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to realize each function provided in the camera unit and image data processing unit according to the present disclosure, and is a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure provided in the method executed by the camera unit and image data processing unit according to the present disclosure.

[0067] The transmission system of the present disclosure can be applied to the information and communications industry.

[0068] 30: Optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 31: Photography unit 32: Image sensor unit 33: Image sensor processing unit 34: Analog / digital conversion unit 35: Parallel / serial conversion unit 36: Optical transmission unit 37: Camera control optical signal receiving unit 38: Camera control unit 50: Optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 51, 51A, 51B, 51X: Optical receiving unit 52, 52A, 52B, 52X: Control unit 53: Serial / parallel conversion unit 54: Lane delay control unit 55, 55A, 55B, 55X: Processor processing unit 56: Processing setting unit 57: Captured image learning unit 58: Data allocation unit 59: Allocation control unit 61: Optical signal selection unit 62: Optical signal selection unit control unit 71: Camera control instruction unit 72: Camera control optical transmission unit 73: Photography setting determination unit 100: Transmission system 300: Camera unit 500, 501, 502: Image data processing section 700: Optical fiber transmission section 900: Network 30A: Image processor 31A: Lens 32A: Image sensor 35A: Parallel / serial conversion section 36A: External interface 300A: Camera

Claims

1. A transmission system comprising: a control signal for controlling an image capturing unit is transmitted to a network; the image capturing unit captures an image of a subject in accordance with the control signal received from the network; and pixel data corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels of the image capturing unit is transmitted to the network.

2. The transmission system according to claim 1, comprising: a camera unit having the photographing unit, converting the pixel data acquired as a parallel signal into a serial signal, and transmitting the pixel data converted into a serial signal to the network; and an image data processing unit receiving the pixel data from the network, converting the received pixel data into a parallel signal, and generating image data consisting of at least a portion of the plurality of pixels from the pixel data converted into a parallel signal, wherein the pixel data and the control signal have different wavelengths.

3. The transmission system according to claim 2, wherein the image data processing unit comprises a plurality of processor processing units, and selects at least one of the plurality of processor processing units in accordance with the received pixel data to generate the image data.

4. A transmission method comprising: transmitting a control signal for controlling an imaging unit to a network; the imaging unit photographing an object in accordance with the control signal received from the network; and transmitting pixel data corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels of the imaging unit to the network.

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