Imaging device, imaging control device, and imaging system

Abstract

The present invention reduces the cost of a signal cable. An imaging device comprises: a balanced channel transmission unit that transmits image data using a first communication line and a second communication line which constitute a balanced channel during a transfer period in a transfer cycle composed of the transfer period, in which a frame of image data for one screen is repeatedly transferred synchronously with generation of the frame, and a pause period that follows the transfer period; an unbalanced channel reception unit that receives a command transmitted using the second communication line as an unbalanced channel during the pause period; and a control unit that performs image data transmission control for causing the balanced channel transmission unit to transmit the image data during the transfer period and command reception control for causing the unbalanced channel reception unit to receive the command during the pause period.

Description

Imaging Device, Imaging Control Device, and Imaging System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, an imaging control device, and an imaging system.

[0002] An imaging system composed of an imaging device that includes an imaging element and performs imaging of a subject, an imaging control device that controls the imaging device, and a signal cable that connects these is used in an endoscope system or the like. In such a system, a data transmission / reception system that improves data transmission and reception is used. For example, a transmission / reception system that uses a signal cable in which two signal lines for transmitting data embedded with a clock signal and one signal line for transmitting a control signal are arranged has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-031983

[0004] However, in the above prior art, since three signal lines are required in the signal cable, there is a problem that the cost of the signal cable increases.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an imaging device, an imaging control device, and an imaging system that reduce the cost of the signal cable.

[0006] The imaging device according to the present disclosure includes a balanced transmission path transmission unit that transmits the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line that constitute a balanced transmission path during a transfer period that is a period in which the above frame that is repeatedly generated in synchronization with the generation of a frame that is image data for one screen is transferred, and a rest period that follows the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission path reception unit that receives a command transmitted using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission path during the rest period; and a control unit that performs image data transmission control for causing the balanced transmission path transmission unit to transmit the image data during the transfer period and command reception control for causing the unbalanced transmission path reception unit to receive the command during the rest period.

[0007] The imaging control device according to this disclosure includes: a balanced transmission line receiving unit that receives the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of a transfer cycle consisting of a transfer period which is a period during which the frame is transferred in synchronization with the generation of a frame which is image data for one screen, and a pause period following the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits commands using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; and a control unit that performs image data reception control to cause the balanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the image data during the transfer period and command transmission control to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the commands during the pause period.

[0008] This figure shows an example configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example configuration of an imaging control device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of a controller mode and a target mode according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of a processing procedure according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows another example of a processing procedure according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example configuration of an imaging unit according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description will be in the following order. In each of the following embodiments, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. 1. Embodiments 2. Image sensor configuration

[0010] (1. Embodiments) <Configuration of the imaging system> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an imaging system according to the present disclosure. The same figure is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the imaging system 1. The imaging system 1 captures images of a subject and generates images. The imaging system 1 comprises an imaging device 10 and an imaging control device 20.

[0011] The imaging device 10 captures images of the subject and generates image data. This image data is transmitted to the imaging control device 20.

[0012] The imaging control device 20 controls the imaging device 10. For example, the imaging control device 20 controls the imaging device 10 to start imaging. The imaging control device 20 also receives image data from the imaging device 10. The imaging control device 20 outputs the received image data as an image to an external device, such as a display device.

[0013] The imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20 are connected by a first communication line 31 and a second communication line 32. The imaging device 10 transmits image data via the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32. In this case, the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32 constitute a balanced transmission line. The imaging control device 20 transmits commands to control the imaging device 10 via the second communication line 32. In this case, the second communication line 32 constitutes an unbalanced transmission line. In a balanced transmission line, information can be transmitted using differential signals. For example, LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) can be applied to these differential signals.

[0014] <Configuration of the Imaging Device> Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an imaging device according to the present disclosure. The figure shows an example configuration of the imaging device 10. The figure further shows a first communication line 31 and a second communication line 32. A shield 33 is provided on the first communication line 31. A shield 34 is provided on the second communication line 32. These shields 33 and 34 are connected to a reference potential line (e.g., GND) and constitute a signal return path.

[0015] The imaging device 10 comprises an imaging unit 100, a balanced transmission line transmission unit 110, an unbalanced transmission line receiving unit 121, a transmission driver 122, a control unit 130, a timing unit 140, and an oscillation circuit 150.

[0016] The oscillation circuit 150 is a circuit that generates a clock signal. The generated clock signal is supplied to the imaging unit 100 and the like.

[0017] The imaging unit 100 is composed of an image sensor and captures images of a subject to generate image data. When capturing an image, the imaging unit 100 generates a frame, which is an image that makes up one screen. The imaging unit 100 sequentially outputs the image data that makes up the generated frame.

[0018] The balanced transmission line transmission unit 110 transmits image data from the imaging unit 100 to the imaging control device 20 via the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32. In this case, the balanced transmission line transmission unit 110 uses the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32 as a balanced transmission line. The balanced transmission line transmission unit 110 includes a transmission driver 111 and an inverting transmission driver 112. Image data from the imaging unit 100 is input to the transmission driver 111 and the inverting transmission driver 112. The output of the transmission driver 111 is connected to the first communication line 31, and the output of the inverting transmission driver 112 is connected to the second communication line 32.

[0019] Image data is transmitted by the balanced transmission line transmission unit 110 during the transfer period of a transfer cycle, which consists of a transfer period during which frames are transferred in synchronization with the generation of frames, and a pause period that follows the transfer period.

[0020] The second communication line 32 has a branching point 125. At this branching point 125, a communication line 124 that branches off from the second communication line 32 is connected to a reference potential line via a resistor 123. The resistor 123 is a so-called pull-down resistor.

[0021] The unbalanced transmission line receiving unit 121 receives commands from the imaging control device 20 via the second communication line 32. In this case, the unbalanced transmission line receiving unit 121 uses the second communication line 32 as an unbalanced transmission line. The input of the unbalanced transmission line receiving unit 121 is connected to the communication line 124. The unbalanced transmission line receiving unit 121 also outputs the received commands to the control unit 130.

[0022] Commands are sent from the imaging control device 20 during the pause period of the aforementioned transfer cycle. Therefore, the unbalanced transmission line receiving unit 121 receives commands during this pause period.

[0023] The transmitting driver 122 transmits a response to a command to the imaging control device 20. The above-mentioned response is input to the transmitting driver 122. The output of the transmitting driver 122 is connected to the communication line 124.

[0024] The control unit 130 controls the imaging unit 100. The control unit 130 also performs image data transmission control, which causes the balanced transmission line transmission unit 110 to transmit image data during the transmission period, and command reception control, which causes the unbalanced transmission line reception unit 121 to receive commands during the pause period. In image data transmission control, for example, the control unit 130 controls the balanced transmission line transmission unit 110 to be in an enabled state. In command reception control, for example, the control unit 130 controls the unbalanced transmission line reception unit 121 to be in an enabled state.

[0025] The control unit 130 controls the imaging unit 100 and other components based on the received commands. These commands include commands to transmit imaging parameters for the imaging unit 100, commands to indicate the start of imaging, and commands to indicate the stop of imaging.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit 130 performs image data transmission control and command reception control based on either a predetermined transfer cycle or a transfer cycle based on a command received by the unbalanced transmission path receiving unit 121.

[0027] The predetermined transfer cycle is a transfer cycle with a predetermined period set in the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20. The pause period in this transfer cycle is a fixed period. The mode in which the system operates with this predetermined transfer cycle is called "controller mode". The control unit 130 can detect the predetermined period based on the timing result of the timing unit 140, which will be described later.

[0028] In contrast, in a transfer cycle based on a command received by the unbalanced transmission path receiving unit 121, the imaging control device 20, which is the entity that sends the command, sets a pause period. The imaging control device 20 sends a command to the imaging device 10 indicating the end of the pause period it has set. The control unit 130 detects the end of the pause period based on this command and starts the next transfer cycle. This mode of operation in a transfer cycle based on a command received by the unbalanced transmission path receiving unit 121 is called "target mode". The imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20 can switch between controller mode and target mode.

[0029] The timing unit 140 is controlled by the control unit 130 to time the duration of the transfer cycle. A timer can be applied to this timing unit 140.

[0030] <Configuration of the Imaging Control Device> Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an imaging control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure shows an example configuration of the imaging control device 20. The figure further shows a first communication line 31, a second communication line 32, shields 33 and 34, and a switch 40. The second communication line 32 is branched at a branching point 41 between the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20. From the branching point 41, the communication line 42 is connected to the imaging control device 20 via a switch 40. The switch 40 is located at or near the branching point 41. The switch 40 switches the connection and disconnection of the communication line 42 according to a switch switching signal from the imaging control device 20.

[0031] The imaging control device 20 includes a balanced transmission line receiving unit 210, a switch control driver 221, an unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit 222, a receiving driver 223, a clock data recovery unit 230, a frequency comparison unit 240, a control unit 250, and a timing unit 260. A resistor 224 is connected between the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32. This resistor 224 is a termination resistor. The communication line 42 is connected to a reference potential line via a resistor 225. The resistor 225 is a so-called pull-down resistor.

[0032] The balanced transmission line receiving unit 210 receives image data via the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32. In this case, the balanced transmission line receiving unit 210 uses the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32 as balanced transmission lines. The balanced transmission line receiving unit 210 can be configured using a differential amplifier. The balanced transmission line receiving unit 210 outputs the received image data to the clock data recovery unit 230.

[0033] The switch control driver 221 is connected to the switch 40 by a signal line 43. The switch control driver 221 outputs a switch switching signal to switch the state of the switch 40 between open and closed.

[0034] The unbalanced transmission line transmission unit 222 transmits commands via the second communication line 32. In this case, the unbalanced transmission line transmission unit 222 uses the second communication line 32 as an unbalanced transmission line. The unbalanced transmission line transmission unit 222 transmits commands from the control unit 250.

[0035] The receiving driver 223 receives responses to commands. This receiving driver 223 receives responses transmitted via the second communication line 32. The receiving driver 223 outputs the received responses to the control unit 250.

[0036] The clock data recovery unit 230 recovers a clock signal from image data received from the balanced transmission path receiving unit 210 and recovers image data based on that clock signal. The recovered image data is output to the outside of the imaging control device 20.

[0037] The frequency comparison unit 240 compares the clock signal from the clock data recovery unit 230 with a reference clock input from an external source. The comparison result is output to the control unit 250.

[0038] The control unit 250 performs image data reception control to cause the balanced transmission line receiving unit 210 to receive image data during the transfer period, and command transmission control to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit 222 to send commands during the pause period. The control unit 250 also performs control to use the second communication line 32 as an unbalanced transmission line. Specifically, the control unit 250 generates a switch switching signal and outputs it via the switch control driver 221.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 250 performs image data reception control and command transmission control based on either a predetermined transfer cycle or a transfer cycle set by itself. In other words, the control unit 250 can switch between the aforementioned controller mode and target mode. The control unit 250 detects a predetermined period based on the timing result of the timing unit 260. The control unit 250 also performs control to send a command indicating the end of the pause period to the unbalanced transmission line transmission unit 222 according to the period set by itself.

[0040] The timing unit 260 is controlled by the control unit 250 to time the duration of the transfer cycle. A timer can be applied to this timing unit 260.

[0041] <Controller Mode and Target Mode> Figure 4 shows an example of the controller mode and target mode according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The upper part of the figure represents the controller mode, and the lower part represents the target mode.

[0042] As mentioned above, the transfer cycle consists of a transfer period and a pause period. The transfer period is the period during which image data is transferred. Typically, this transfer period is a fixed-length period. The pause period is the period during which the transfer of image data is paused. During this pause period, commands are sent from the imaging control device 20 to the imaging device 10.

[0043] In controller mode, the pause period is a fixed-length period. Therefore, in controller mode, the transfer cycle is of a predetermined duration.

[0044] In the target mode, the pause period is the period set by the imaging control device 20. Specifically, the imaging control device 20 sets the end time of the pause period based on the period required to transmit a command, and transmits a command representing the end time of the pause period to the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 that has received the command proceeds to the next transfer cycle.

[0045] In the target mode, since the pause period can be set to a necessary and sufficient period, the transfer cycle can be optimized (shortened).

[0046] <Process> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure is a sequence diagram representing an example of a processing procedure in the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20. Also, the figure represents the case of the controller mode.

[0047] First, the control unit 130 of the imaging device 10 sets the timer unit 140 (step S101). Also, the control unit 250 of the imaging control device 20 sets the timer unit 260 (step S102). As a result, the timer units 140 and 260 start timing. Also, the transfer period starts.

[0048] Next, image data is transferred between the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20 (step S103). After that, when the transfer of image data corresponding to a frame is completed (step S104), the process proceeds to the pause period. A command is transmitted between the imaging control device 20 and the imaging device 10 (step S105).

[0049] Next, the control unit 130 of the imaging device 10 acquires the timing result from the timer unit 140 (step S106) and proceeds to the next transfer cycle. Also, the control unit 250 of the imaging control device 20 acquires the timing result from the timer unit 260 (step S107) and proceeds to the next transfer cycle.

[0050] In a new transfer cycle, the control unit 130 of the imaging device 10 sets the timing unit 140 (step S108), and the control unit 250 of the imaging control device 20 sets the timing unit 260 (step S109). Next, image data is transferred between the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20 (step S110).

[0051] Figure 6 is a diagram showing another example of the processing procedure according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The figure is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing procedure in the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20. The figure also shows the case in target mode.

[0052] First, the control unit 130 of the imaging device 10 and the control unit 250 of the imaging control device 20 start a transfer cycle, and the transfer of image data between the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20 begins (step S133). After the transfer of image data corresponding to a frame is completed (step S134), the system transitions to a pause period. A command is transmitted between the imaging control device 20 and the imaging device 10 (step S135).

[0053] Next, the control unit 250 of the imaging control device 20 sends a command to the imaging device 10 indicating the end of the pause period (step S136). As a result, the pause period ends, and the control unit 130 of the imaging device 10 moves to the next transfer cycle. Similarly, the control unit 250 of the imaging control device 20 moves to the next transfer cycle.

[0054] In a new transfer cycle, image data is transferred between the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20 (step S139).

[0055] As described above, the imaging system 1 of the embodiment of this disclosure connects the imaging device 10 and the imaging control device 20 with two communication lines (a first communication line 31 and a second communication line 32). This reduces costs. Furthermore, the imaging system 1 can switch between controller mode and target mode, improving convenience.

[0056] (2. Configuration of the Imaging Unit) Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the imaging unit according to the present disclosure. The same figure is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the imaging unit 100. The imaging unit 100 is a semiconductor element that generates pixel signals of a subject. The imaging unit 100 comprises a pixel array unit 101, a vertical drive unit 103, a column signal processing unit 104, and a control unit 105.

[0057] The pixel array section 101 is composed of multiple pixels 102 arranged together. The pixel array section 101 in the figure shows an example in which multiple pixels 102 are arranged in the shape of a two-dimensional matrix. Here, each pixel 102 is equipped with a photoelectric conversion unit that performs photoelectric conversion of incident light and generates a pixel signal of the subject based on the irradiated incident light. For example, a photodiode can be used for this photoelectric conversion unit. Signal lines 106 and 107 are wired to each pixel 102. The pixel 102 generates a pixel signal controlled by a control signal transmitted by the signal line 106 and outputs the generated pixel signal via the signal line 107. The signal line 106 is arranged in each row of the two-dimensional matrix and is wired in common to multiple pixels 102 arranged in one row. The signal line 107 is arranged in each column of the two-dimensional matrix and is wired in common to multiple pixels 102 arranged in one column.

[0058] The vertical drive unit 103 generates the control signals for the pixels 102 described above. The vertical drive unit 103 in the figure generates control signals for each row of the two-dimensional matrix of the pixel array unit 101 and outputs them sequentially via the signal line 106.

[0059] The column signal processing unit 104 processes the pixel signals generated by the pixels 102. The column signal processing unit 104 in the figure simultaneously processes pixel signals from multiple pixels 102 arranged in one row of the pixel array unit 101, which are transmitted via the signal line 107. This processing can include, for example, analog-to-digital conversion, which converts the analog pixel signals generated by the pixels 102 into digital pixel signals, and correlated double sampling (CDS), which removes offset errors in the pixel signals. The processed pixel signals are output to external circuits, etc., of the imaging unit 100.

[0060] The control unit 105 controls the vertical drive unit 103 and the column signal processing unit 104. The control unit 105 in the figure generates control signals to control the vertical drive unit 103 and the column signal processing unit 104 based on data that commands the clock, operating mode, etc., input from an external circuit or the like. Next, the control unit 105 controls the vertical drive unit 103 and the column signal processing unit 104 by outputting control signals via signal lines 108 and 109, respectively.

[0061] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur.

[0062] Furthermore, this technology can also take the following configurations: (1) An imaging device having: a balanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of a transfer cycle consisting of a transfer period which is the period during which frames are transferred in synchronization with the generation of frames which are image data for one screen, and a pause period following the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission line receiving unit that receives commands transmitted using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; and a control unit that performs image data transmission control to cause the balanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the image data during the transfer period and command reception control to cause the unbalanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the commands during the pause period. (2) The imaging device according to (1), wherein the control unit performs the image data transmission control and the command reception control based on either the transfer cycle of a predetermined period or the transfer cycle of a period based on the commands received by the unbalanced transmission line receiving unit. (3) The imaging device according to (2), further comprising a timing unit for timing the transfer period and the pause period, wherein the control unit detects the predetermined period based on the timing result of the timing unit. (4) The imaging device according to (2), wherein the control unit detects the period of the transfer cycle based on the command indicating the end of the pause period. (5) An imaging control device comprising: a balanced transmission line receiving unit that receives the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of a transfer cycle consisting of a transfer period which is a period during which the frame is transferred, repeated in synchronization with the generation of a frame which is image data for one screen, and a pause period following the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits a command using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; and a control unit that performs image data reception control to cause the balanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the image data during the transfer period and command transmission control to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the command during the pause period. (6) The image capture control device according to (5), wherein the control unit performs image data reception control and command transmission control based on either the transfer cycle of a predetermined period or the transfer cycle of a period set by itself.(7) The imaging control device according to (6), further comprising a timing unit for timing the transfer period and the pause period, wherein the control unit detects the predetermined period based on the timing result of the timing unit. (8) The imaging control device according to (6), wherein the control unit further performs control to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmission unit to transmit the command indicating the end of the pause period according to the period set by itself. (9) The imaging control device according to (5), wherein the control unit further performs control for using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line. (10) An imaging device comprising: a balanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of a transfer cycle consisting of a transfer period which is a period during which the frame is transferred in synchronization with the generation of a frame which is image data for one screen, and a pause period following the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission line receiving unit that receives commands transmitted using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; an imaging device comprising: an image data transmission control that causes the balanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the image data during the transfer period and a command reception control that causes the unbalanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the commands during the pause period; a balanced transmission line receiving unit that receives the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of the transfer cycle; an unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits commands using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; An imaging system having an imaging control device comprising an imaging control device that performs image data reception control to cause the balanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the image data during the transfer period and command transmission control to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the command during the pause period.

[0063] 1 Imaging system 10 Imaging device 20 Imaging control device 31 First communication line 32 Second communication line 100 Imaging unit 110 Balanced transmission line transmitting unit 121 Unbalanced transmission line receiving unit 130, 250 Control unit 140, 260 Timing unit 210 Balanced transmission line receiving unit 222 Unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: a balanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of a transfer cycle consisting of a transfer period which is the period during which frames are transferred in synchronization with the generation of frames which are image data for one screen, and a pause period following the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission line receiving unit that receives commands transmitted using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; and a control unit that performs image data transmission control to cause the balanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the image data during the transfer period and command reception control to cause the unbalanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the commands during the pause period.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the image data transmission control and the command reception control based on either the transfer cycle having a predetermined period or the transfer cycle having a period based on the command received by the unbalanced transmission path receiving unit.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising a timing unit for timing the transfer period and the pause period, wherein the control unit detects the predetermined period based on the timing result of the timing unit.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit detects the period of the transfer cycle based on the command indicating the end of the pause period.

5. An imaging control device comprising: a balanced transmission line receiving unit that receives the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of a transfer cycle consisting of a transfer period which is the period during which frames are transferred in synchronization with the generation of frames which are image data for one screen, and a pause period following the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits commands using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; and a control unit that performs image data reception control to cause the balanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the image data during the transfer period and command transmission control to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the commands during the pause period.

6. The imaging control device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs image data reception control and command transmission control based on either the transfer cycle of a predetermined period or the transfer cycle of a period set by itself.

7. The imaging control device according to claim 6, further comprising a timing unit for timing the transfer period and the pause period, wherein the control unit detects the predetermined period based on the timing result of the timing unit.

8. The imaging control device according to claim 6, further performing control on the control unit to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmission unit to transmit the command indicating the end of the rest period according to the period set by the control unit.

9. The imaging control device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit further performs control for using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line.

10. An imaging device comprising: a balanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of a transfer cycle consisting of a transfer period which is the period during which the frame, which is image data for one screen, is transferred and repeated in synchronization with the generation of the frame, and a pause period following the transfer period; an unbalanced transmission line receiving unit that receives commands transmitted using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; an imaging device comprising: an imaging device comprising: an imaging device comprising: an imaging device comprising: an imaging device comprising: a balanced transmission line receiving unit that receives the image data using a first communication line and a second communication line constituting a balanced transmission line during the transfer period of the transfer cycle; an unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit that transmits commands using the second communication line as an unbalanced transmission line during the pause period; An imaging system having an imaging control device comprising an imaging control device that performs image data reception control to cause the balanced transmission line receiving unit to receive the image data during the transfer period and command transmission control to cause the unbalanced transmission line transmitting unit to transmit the command during the pause period.

Images