DE4102191A1 - Automatic white balance control circuit for video camera - Google Patents

Abstract

The white balance control circuit has light (2) received back from the object by a lens (2) and directed onto sensors (1). Processing circuits are provided for luminance (3) and chromatism (4). Amplifiers (8,9) connect with subtractors (6,7) generating colour difference signals for input to a modulator (15). The colour components (R,G,B) are also received by sensors (10,11,12), with outputs received by dividers (13,14) and a comparator (200) controlling switching stages (300,400) that process the white balance signals to control the output.

Description

The invention relates to an automatic white balance regulator liervorrichtung according to the preamble of claim 1 or 14 or 23 or 29 or 32 or 33 or 35 or 39 or 42. In particular, the present invention relates to an automa table white balance adjustment device for use with for example in a color video camera or an electronic color camera.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the architecture or the structure of a known white balance Reguliervor direction, which is equipped with a color temperature sensor system and is intended for use in a color video camera. Light 2 , which is reflected from an object, hits an image recording element 1 through a lens 100 . The pickup element 1 converts the light 2 of the Objek tes into a video signal E and applies this signal to a processing circuit 3 for the brightness and a signal processing circuit 4 for the color (luninance signal and chroma signal). The luminance signal processing circuit 3 generates a luminance signal F from the video signal E and applies it to an adder 5 . The chroma signal processing circuit 4 divides the video signal E from the pickup element 1 into a blue signal (blue signal) B ₁ , a red signal (red signal) R ₁ and a green signal (green signal) G ₁ . The green signal G ₁ is supplied to a negative input of each of subtractors 6 and 7, and the red signal R ₁ and the blue signal B ₁ are supplied to a red signal gain control circuit (hereinafter referred to as R gain control circuit) 8 and a blue signal gain control circuit (hereinafter labeled with B amplification control circuit) 9 supplied.

A red sensor (R sensor) 10 outputs a red signal R ₂ accordingly a red color component in the incident light. A green sensor (G sensor) 11 outputs a green signal G ₂ corresponding to a green color component in the incident light and a blue sensor (B sensor) 12 outputs a blue signal B ₂ corresponding to a blue color component in the incident light. A divider or divider 13 a converts the red signal R ₂ and the green signal G ₂ logarithmically and subtracts them from each other to output a white balance control signal H _1a according to the ratio of these signals and a divider or divider 14 a converts the blue signal B ₂ and the green signal G ₂ logarithmically and subtracts them from one another _{to output a white balance control signal H 2a} , which corresponds to the ratio of these signals.

The R gain control circuit 8 receives the white balance control signal H _1a and changes its gain control in response thereto. The B gain control circuit 9 receives the white balance control signal H _2a and changes its gain in accordance with this signal. For example, when the level of the red signal R ₁ increases, the gain of the R gain control circuit 8 decreases and when the level of the red signal R ₁ decreases, the gain of the R gain control circuit 8 increases. The variations in the gain power keep the ratio of the red, green and blue signals R ₁ , G ₁ and B ₁ constant. This is how the white balance adjustment is carried out.

The R gain control circuit 8 amplifies the Rotsi signal R ₁ and supplies the resulting signal to the positive input of the subtracter 8 . The B gain control circuit 9 amplifies the blue signal B ₁ and delivers the resulting signal to the positive input of the subtractor 7 . The subtracter 6 subtracts the green signal G ₁ from the amplified red signal R ₁ and delivers the resulting color difference signal E ₁ to a modulator 15 . The subtractor 7 subtracts the green signal G ₁ from the amplified blue signal B ₁ and supplies the resulting color difference signal E ₂ to the modulator 15 as well . The modulator 15 performs vertical two-phase modulation using the color difference signals E ₁ and E ₂ and supplies the resulting modulation signal J to the adder 5 . A synchronization signal generator 16 generates a vertical synchronization signal K and supplies this to the adder 5 . The adder 5 adds the luminance signal F, the modulation signal J and the vertical synchronization signal K and outputs an NTSC output L.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram representation of the architecture or the structure of a known automatic white balance regulating device for use in a recording Farbsi signal processing system, which in turn can be used in a color video camera. The automatic white balance control device of FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that the output from the chroma signal processing circuit 4 is used to obtain white balance control signals H _1b and H _2b . The green signal G ₁ and the red signal R ₁ from the chroma signal processing circuit 4 are fed to a divider 13 b and the green signal G ₁ and the blue signal B ₁ thereof are fed to a further divider 14 b. The divider 13 b converts the red signal R ₁ and the green signal G ₁ logarithmically and subtracts them vonein other to obtain a white balance control signal H _1b , which corresponds to the ratio of these signals, whereas the divider 14 b, the blue signal B ₁ and the green signal G _{1 is} log arithmically converted and subtracted from one another to obtain a white balance control signal H _2b which corresponds to the ratio of these signals. The other components of this white balance regulating device are the same as those shown in FIG. 1.

The R gain control circuit 8 changes its gain depending on the white balance control signal H _1b , whereas the B gain control circuit 9 changes its gain depending on the white balance control signal H _2b . Thus, by changing the amplification power in the amplification control circuits 8 and 9, the automatic white balance regulating device controls the white balance. The remaining system processes correspond to those in FIG. 1.

In known automatic white balance regulating devices according to FIGS. 1 or 2, there are in reality some problems, the most important of which are mentioned below:
First of all, the problems with the color video camera with the color temperature sensor system shown in FIG. 1 will be presented to whoever. With this type of video camera, when an outdoor scene is to be filmed from a building in daylight through a window, the R-sensor 10 , the G-sensor 11 and the B-sensor 12 receive the light from one inside the building located light source. The white balance regulation is thus carried out on the basis of the color temperature of the inside of the building, usually an artificial light source. However, the light 2 supplied to the image recording element 1 is the light originating from an object in the open air. There is thus the problem that an error occurs in the white balance regulation, since there is a difference between the color temperature of the external light source, ie the sunlight and the color temperature of the mostly artificial light source inside the building.

In the color video camera with the color signal processing system shown in FIG. 2, problems also arise. It is assumed, for example, that a person with a red item of clothing who is in front of a green background or on a green lawn is to be recorded with such a camera. If during this recording the lens 100 is moved by a motor M in order to zoom in away from the person, for example 90% of the recorded scene is in the green area. In this case, the red item of clothing is hardly visible in the scenery. If, on the other hand, the lens 100 is moved by the motor M in order to zoom in on the person, the majority of the scene being filmed is in the red range. If the majority of the recorded scenery is therefore in a single color range, the _{levels of the white balance control signals H 1b} and H _{2b change} very significantly and the entire white balance regulation is carried out with insufficient accuracy. So the green lawn or the green background and the person with the red garment are illuminated with sunlight and the white balance regulation is carried out on the basis of the color components of the sunlight. This results in the problem that an error occurs in the white balance regulation and the green lawn or the green background is reproduced in a blue-green hue and the red garment is reproduced in a dull brownish red.

The following explains a problem that arises in the case where a sunset light scene is recorded with a color video camera using either the color temperature sensor system or the color signal processing system. When the picture is taken at sunset, the level of the red signals R ₁ and R _{2 increases} quite considerably, whereas the blue signals B ₁ and B ₂ decrease considerably. Therefore, the white balance regulation is performed so that the amplification performance of the R gain control circuit 8 becomes small and that of the B gain control circuit 9 increases. With a regulation carried out in this way, the scene is recorded by the video camera at sunset, with the red component being almost completely suppressed. The problem arises that, although the scene was recorded at sunset, there is essentially no difference from a scene recorded in normal daylight.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a car matic white balance regulating device to create wel che is able to adjust a perfect white balance according to a change in the respective reception situation tion to perform.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the in claim 1 or 14 or 23 or 29 or 32 or 33 or 35 or 39 or 42 specified features.

Generally speaking, in the present invention, Sy stem selection devices provided, which depends on of the respective recording situation to switch to a white balance equal control or a white balance control signal choose which one is suitable for the respective recording situation so that the white balance adjustment is correct and natural according to the respective recording situation is feasible.

More precisely, an automatic white balance adjustment direction in an image capture device for capturing a Object according to a first aspect of the present invention equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a color signal processing system, is indicated by: a plurality of color sensors for receiving the Light from the area where the image capture device is on is ordered to a plurality of first color signals admit; Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals; first Control signal generating devices for generating an er most white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor y stems using the first color signals; second tax ersignal generating devices for generating a second White balance control signal of the color signal processing system stems using the second color signals; System off selection devices for selecting the first white balance control ersignals when it is in the arrangement area of the image pickup device is brighter than around the object and towards Selecting the second white balance control signal, if so is not the case; and level regulators for Regu a level of a specific or selected one of the second color signals in response to the first or second White balance control signal generated by the system selection fixtures was selected.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of a second aspect of the present invention equips with a color temperature sensor system and a Color signal processing system, is characterized by: a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light the area where the image pickup device is located, to output a plurality of first color signals; Picture Pick-up devices for picking up the object for output a plurality of second color signals; first control signal Generating devices for generating a first white balance equal control signal of the color temperature sensor system Using the first color signals; second control signal-Er generating devices for generating a second Weißab equal control signal of the color signal processing system un using the second color signals; System selection directions for selecting the first white balance control gnals if it is in the image pickup arrangement area direction is bright around a certain level or above and for selecting the second white balance control signal, if this is not the case; and level regulators for Regulating a level of a specific or selected of the second color signals in response to the first or second White balance control signal generated by the system selection fixtures was selected.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of a third aspect of the present invention equips with a color temperature sensor system and a Color signal processing system, is characterized by: a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light the area where the image pickup device is located, to output a plurality of first color signals; Picture Pick-up devices for picking up the object for output a plurality of second color signals; first control signal Generating devices for generating a first white balance equal control signal of the color temperature sensor system Using the first color signals; second control signal-Er generating devices for generating a second Weißab equal control signal of the color signal processing system un using the second color signals; System selection directions for selecting the first white balance control gnals when zoomed in or out by a certain amount and for selecting the second white balance control signal les if not; and level regulator functions to regulate a level of a certain or selected one of the second color signals in response to it ste or second white balance control signal which is generated by the System selectors has been selected.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of a fourth aspect of the present invention equips with a color temperature sensor system and a Manual operating system, is characterized by: a plurality of color sensors to pick up the light from the area, where the image pickup device is located, and more output number of first color signals; Image capture before directions for receiving the object to issue a more number of second color signals; first control signal generation transmission devices for generating a first white balance Control signal of the color temperature sensor system under use generation of the first color signals; second control signal generation devices for generating a second white balance control ersignals of the color signal processing system, which from Are manually adjustable; System selectors to choose from of the second white balance control signal when the level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and for selecting the first white balance control signal, if this is not the case; and level regulators to regulate a level of a specific or selected th of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control signal sent by the system selection devices has been selected.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of a fifth aspect of the present invention equips with a color temperature sensor system and a Manual operating system, is characterized by: Image acquisition devices for receiving the object for outputting a Plurality of second color signals; first control signal generation transmission devices for generating a first white balance Control signal of the color temperature sensor system under use generation of the first color signals; second control signal generation devices for generating a second white balance control ersignals, which can be regulated by hand; System selection directions for selecting the second white balance control gnals when the level of a certain color component is in ei ner light source is very high and to select the first White balance control signal if not; and level regulators for regulating a level a specific or selected one of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control gnal, which is selected by the system selection devices was chosen.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of a sixth aspect of the present invention equips with a color temperature sensor system and a Color signal processing system, is characterized by: a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light the area where the image pickup device is located, to output a plurality of first color signals; Picture Pick-up devices for picking up the object for output a plurality of second color signals; first control signal Generating devices for generating a first white balance equal control signal of the color temperature sensor system Using the first color signals; second control signal-Er generating devices for generating a second Weißab equal control signal of the color signal processing system un using the second color signals; Brightness detection ons devices for detecting whether there is any Imaging device is brighter or not than in range of the object to generate a first control signal depending on the Output detection result; Detection devices for the zoom amount to determine a zoom in or out amount animals and a second control signal depending on the amount to spend; System selectors for receiving the er first and second white balance control signals and the first and second control signals to selectively select one of the first and second white balance control signals depending on one Output a combination of the first and second control signals; and level regulators for regulating a level of a certain one of the second color signals depending on the first or second white balance control signal generated by the system selectors have been selected.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of a seventh aspect of the present invention equips with a color temperature sensor system and a Manual operating system, is characterized by: a plurality of color sensors to pick up the light from the area, where the image pickup device is located, and more output number of first color signals; Image capture before directions for receiving the object to issue a more number of second color signals; first control signal generation transmission devices for generating a first white balance Control signal of the color temperature sensor system under use generation of the first color signals; second control signal generation devices for generating a second white balance control ersignals of the color signal processing system are used generation of the second color signals; first system selection device gen to select the first white balance control signal, if it in the arrangement area of the image pickup device hel Better than walking around the object and picking the two th white balance control signal, if this is not the case is; third control signal generating devices for generating generation of a third white balance control signal, which ma is manually adjustable; second system selection devices, which with an exit page of the first system selection directions are connected to the third white balance control er signal to select when a level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and around which he ste or second white balance control signal from the first Sy select stem selectors if not the Case is; and level regulators for regulating ei nes level of a certain one of the second color signals depending on the first, second or third white balance Control signal which is from the second system selection device was selected.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of an eighth aspect of the present invention with a color temperature sensor system, a color signal Processing system and a manual operating system, is ge characterized by: a plurality of color sensors for on took the light from the area where the picture was taken direction is arranged to a plurality of first Farbsi output gnals; Image capture devices for taking pictures of the object for outputting a plurality of second color images gnalen; first control signal generating devices for Er generation of a first white balance control signal of the color element temperature sensor system using the first Farbsi gnale; second control signal generating devices for Er generation of a second white balance control signal of the Farbsi gnal processing system using the second color signals; first system selection devices for selecting the first white balance control signal when around a given Amount is zoomed in or out and to select the two th white balance control signal, if this is not the case is; third control signal generating devices for generating generation of a third white balance control signal, which ma is manually adjustable; second system selection devices, which with an exit page of the first system selection directions are connected to the third white balance control er signal to select when a level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and around which he ste or second white balance control signal from the first Sy select stem selectors if not the Case is; and level regulators for regulating ei nes level of a certain one of the second color signals depending on the first, second or third white balance Control signal, which by the second system selection directions has been selected.

An automatic white balance adjustment device in one Image recording device for recording an object according to of a ninth aspect of the present invention equips with a color temperature sensor system, a Farbsi gnal processing system and a manual operating system characterized by: a plurality of color sensors for Capture the light from the area where the image is captured device is arranged to a plurality of first Output color signals; Image recording devices for on acquisition of the object to output a plurality of second Color signals; first control signal generating devices for Generating a first color white balance control signal temperature sensor system using the first Farbsi gnale; second control signal generating devices for Er generation of a second white balance control signal of the Farbsi gnal processing system using the second color signals; Brightness detection devices for detection, whether it is brighter at the installation site of the image recording device or not as in the area of the object to a first tax output signal depending on a detection result; Detection devices for the amount of zoom in order to or zoom out amount to detect a second tax si output gnal depending on this amount; first system selection devices for receiving the first and second White balance control signal and first and second control signal gnale to selectively set the first or second white balance control ersignal depends on a combination of the first and two output th control signal; third control signal generation devices for generating a third white balance control ersignales, which can be set manually; second system selection devices, which with an output side of the er most system selection devices are connected to the third white balance control signal to select when a level a certain color component in a light source is high and around the first or second white balance control select gnal from the first system selectors, if this is not the case; and level regulators to regulate a level of a certain one of the second Color signals depending on the first, second or third White balance control signal sent by the second system selection devices has been selected.

Advantageous further developments of the present invention are given in the respective subclaims.

More details, aspects and advantages of the present Invention emerge from the following description with reference to the drawing.

It shows:

Figures 1 and 2 are block diagrams of known automatic white balance regulators;

Figs. 3A to 10A are block diagrams of first to fifteenth embodiments of automatic White balance equal-regulating devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a block diagram of an exemplary exporting approximate shape of the structure of a counter;

FIG. 10C is a block diagram of an exemplary exporting approximate shape of a counter circuit;

FIG. 11A is a block diagram of a sixteenth execution form of an automatic white balance adjusting device according to the invention;

FIG. 11B is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a structure of a charge / discharge circuit; and

Figs. 12 to 18B are block diagrams of three and seventeenth to twentieth embodiments of auto matic white balance adjustment devices according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-9B show, respectively, in Blockdiagrammdar position several embodiments of the inventive automatic genetic white balance adjustment devices which share fix After that, when a to be in the open lie constricting scenery in the daylight from the interior of a building out was added through a window then consist should.

Fig. 3A shows a block diagram of a first embodiment of a regulating device according to the present invention. The inventive automatic white balance Reguliervor direction according to FIG. 3A differs from the known devices according to FIGS. 1 and 2, first in that it is essentially a combination of the devices according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and is consequently able to to switch between the color temperature sensor system and the color signal processing system, depending on the current recording situation.

More precisely, the devices according to FIGS. 1 and 2 are combined to form common circuits and common elemen, with essentially a comparator 200 , and system switchers 300 and 400 added to who. In the first embodiment, the brightness around an object is represented by the green signal G ₁ , whereas the brightness at the point where the video camera is located is represented by the green signal G ₂ . The comparator 200 receives the green signals G ₁ and G ₂ and outputs a system switchover signal P corresponding to the result of this comparison process between the green signal G ₁ and the green signal G ₂ . The switch 300 is switched into a path that includes the dividers 13 a and 13 b and the R gain control circuit 8 and the switch 400 is switched into a path that includes the dividers 13 a and 13 b and the B gain control circuit 9 includes. These changeover switches 300 and 400 change their switching positions as a function of the switching signal P. The functions of the other circuits and elements, as well as the interconnections, essentially correspond to the illustration in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The following describes the recording of an outdoor scene in daylight from a building, the video camera being equipped with the automatic white balance control device just described. In this recording situation, it is brighter outside than inside the building. As a result, the level of the green signal G ₁ from the chroma signal processing circuit 4 is higher than that of the green signal G ₂ from the G sensor 11 , which receives light from a light source located in the building. Thus, the system switching signal P from the comparator 200 becomes high level. In response to this high level, the switches 300 and 400 toggle so that the dividers 13 b and 14 b are connected to the R gain control circuit and the B gain control circuit 9 and the respective white balance control signals H _1b and H _{2b are} received (Selection of the color signal processing system). The control circuits 8 and 9 change their gain depending on the white balance control signals H _1b and H _2b in order to carry out the white balance regulation in the manner already described. Since the white balance regulation is carried out on the basis of the light 2 from the object, there is no error in the white balance regulation, as in conventional systems. Thus, when the recorded scenery is reproduced on a monitor or the like, natural colors appear on the screen surface of the monitor.

The following describes the recording of a scene lying in the dark or a night scene outdoors from inside a building. In such a recording situation it is brighter inside the building than outside. As a result, the level of the green signal G ₂ from the artificial light source inside the building is higher than the level of the green signal G ₁ from the chroma signal processing circuit 4 . The system-order switching signal P at the comparator 200 thereby assumes a low level. In response to the low level, the switches 300 and 400 switch, so that the dividers 13 a and 14 a are connected to the R gain control circuit and the B gain control circuit 9 for receiving the white balance control signals H _1a and H _2a ( Color temperature sensor system is selected). The two gain control circuits 8 and 9 change their gain factors or - depending on the white balance control signals H _1a and H _2a , in order to carry out the white balance regulation in the manner already described. In this case, the white balance regulation is not carried out on the basis of the light 2 from the object but on the basis of the light from the light source in the building. This creates an error in the white balance regulation, but since the illuminance of the object is low, the error in the white balance regulation is practically undetectable when displayed on a monitor screen and the image is displayed relatively naturally.

The following explains the recording of a scene or the filming of a television picture inside the building and the recording of a point-lit object. In this case, the brightness of the object is usually greater than the brightness at the point where the video camera is arranged. Thus, the level of the green signal G ₁ from the chroma signal processing circuit 4 becomes larger than _{the level of the green signal G 2} from the G sensor 11 . As a result, the switching signal P from the comparator 200 assumes a high level. In response to the high level, the switches 300 and 400 switch so that the dividers 13 b and 14 b with the R-amplification control circuit 8 and the B-gain control circuit 9 are connected to receive the white balance control signals H _1b and H _2b . Thus, the white balance adjustment is performed as described above. In this case, the white balance regulation based on the brightness of the object is also carried out, so that no error occurs in the white balance regulation. Thus, the photographed or filmed object can be reproduced in natural colors.

The connection of capacitors C ₁ and C ₂ to the connec tion between the R gain control circuit 8 and the switch 300 or between the B gain control circuit 9 and the switch 400 shown in FIG. 3A can prevent a recording screen from suddenly collapsing Setting changes when switches 300 and 400 are operated. If the comparator 200 has a hysteresis characteristic, the occurrence of flicker or distortion can be prevented.

In the first embodiment, brightness in the area of the object and brightness in the area of the arrangement of the video camera are represented by the green signals G ₁ and G ₂ , but they can also be represented by the red signals R ₁ and R ₂ or the blue signals B ₁ and B _{2 should} be displayed.

Fig. 3B shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of an automatic white balance control device according to the invention. In the device according to FIG. 3A, the outputs from the comparator 200 are used to switch the output signals between the outputs of the dividers 13 a and 13 b and the outputs of the dividers 14 a and 14 b to th. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3B, however, the output from comparator 200 is used to switch signals applied to dividers 820 and 830 , unswitching between signals from the color temperature sensor system and those from the color signal processing system.

In daylight it is usually brighter outside than inside. Thus, when an outdoor scene is to be recorded out of a building, the level of the green signal G _{1 is} higher than the level of the green signal G ₂ and the switching signal P from the comparator 200 becomes high. In response to the high level signal, a system switch 610 is connected to the chroma signal processing circuit 4 so that the color signal processing system is selected. The green signal G ₁ and the blue signal B ₁ are fed to the divider 620 , whereas the green signal G ₁ and the red signal R ₁ are fed to the divider 630. The dividers 620 and 830 output white balance control signals H _3a and H _3b according to the ratios of the input signals. The R gain control circuit 8 changes its gain as a function of the control signal H _3b and the B gain control circuit 9 changes its gain as a function of the control signal H _3a in order to be able to carry out the aforementioned white balance regulation. In this case, the white balance adjustment is carried out on the basis of the light 2 which is reflected from the object, so that the same effects as in the first embodiment of the present invention can be obtained.

At night it is brighter because of the artificial lighting inside the building, if the inside of the building is to be recorded outdoors. Usually, the level of the green signal G _{2 is} higher than the level of the green signal G _1, and the switching signal P from the comparator 200 becomes a low level. In response to this low level, the order switch 610 is connected to the R sensor 10 , the G sensor 11 and the B sensor 12 in order to select the color temperature sensor system. The green signal G ₂ and the blue signal B ₂ are input to the divider 620 , whereas the green signal G ₂ and the red signal R ₂ are supplied to the divider 630. The dividers 620 and 630 output white balance control signals H _3a and H _3b indicating the ratios of the inputted signals, and these control signals are then supplied to the control circuits 8 and 9. As a result, the degrees of gain of the gain control circuits 8 and 9 change depending on the white balance control signals H _3a and H _3b in order to carry out the white balance regulation. In this case, the white balance regulation does not take place on the basis of the light 2 , which was reflected from the object, but rather on the basis of the light from the light source located inside the building. Thus, although an error occurs in the white balance regulation, since the illumination of the Objek itself is low, this error will hardly be noticeable during the reproduction, so that no impairment whatsoever occur.

When filming a television picture inside the building or when recording a point-lit object inside the building, the brightness of the object is usually greater than the brightness at the point where the video camera is located. As a result, the level of the green signal G _{1 is} usually higher than the level of the green signal G ₂ , so that the switching signal P from the comparator 200 assumes a high level. In response to the high level of the changeover signal P, the changeover switch 610 is connected to the chroma signal processing circuit 4 to select the color signal processing system, as shown in FIG. 3B, so that the aforementioned white balance adjustment is performed and effects similar to those already mentioned can be obtained. In the second embodiment, the switchover 610 is arranged upstream of the dividers 620 and 630 in terms of circuitry. Thus, the two dividers generate the _{white balance control signal H 3a} and the white balance control signal H _3b and the circuit area required in terms of circuitry can be reduced compared to the first embodiment of FIG. 3A.

Fig. 4A shows a block diagram of a third embodiment of an automatic white balance control device according to the invention. The device according to FIG. 4A differs from that according to FIG. 3A in that it is not the green signal G ₁ but a reference _{voltage V ref1 that is fed to} the positive input of the comparator 200 . In other words, the brightness around the object is indicated by the reference _voltage V ref1. The other components of the device according to FIG. 4A are the same as in FIG. 3A.

The following describes the recording of an outdoor scene from a building through a window in daylight with a video camera having the white balance regulating device according to FIG. 4A. The green signal G ₂ from the G sensor 11 is fed to the negative input of the comparator 200. When recording in daylight, the reference _{voltage V ref1 is} previously set so that the switching signal P from the comparator 200 assumes a high level. The switch, in response to the high Pe gel 300 and 400 with the dividers 13 b and 14 is connected b and the white balance control signals H _1b and H _{2 b} are the R gain control circuit 8 and the B gain control circuit supplied. 9 This results in a white balance regulation in the same way as in the embodiment according to FIG. 3A.

When recording a night scene outdoors from a building through a window, the switching signal P from the comparator 200 assumes a low level. Thereupon, the white balance regulation takes place in response to the white balance control signals H _1a and H _1b , as already mentioned, and the same effects as in the embodiment of FIG. 3A can be obtained. When filming a television screen or a point-lit object, the switching signal P assumes a high level and the same sequence as in the embodiment according to FIG. 3A is carried out.

Fig. 4B shows a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of an automatic white balance control device according to the invention. In the device according to FIG. 4A, outputs of the comparator 200 are used to switch the outputs to be used between the outputs of the dividers 13 a and 13 b and the dividers 14 a and 14 b; in the embodiment according to FIG. 4B, however, the outputs of the comparator 200 are used to switch the signals to be fed to the dividers 820 and 830 between the signals of the color temperature sensor system and the color signal processing system. The effects of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4B are the same as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3B.

FIGS. 5A and 8A show block diagrams of fifth and sixth embodiments of automatic white balance Regu liervorrichtungen according to the present invention. The advantages according to the direction of Fig. 3A and the embodiment of Figure 5A differs from that accelerator as Fig. Fig. 6A differs from that of FIG. 4A to the effect that an optical sensor 450 provided for the exposure detection, the Q, an exposure signal to the negative Input of the comparator 200 supplies. In other words, in the embodiments according to FIGS . 5A and 6A, the brightness in the area in which the video camera is arranged is indicated by the lighting signal Q. As shown in FIG. The voltage level of this lighting signal Q is proportional to the intensity or illuminance of the light that strikes the optical sensor 50. The remaining components and system processes of the devices according to FIGS. 5A and 6A correspond to those of FIGS. 3A and 4A.

In the device according to FIG. 5A, the exposure signal Q and the green signal G _{1 change} their voltage level accordingly to the recording situations; the switching signal P assumes a high level when the voltage level of the green signal G _{1 is} lower than that of the exposure signal Q and the switching signal P assumes a high level when the voltage level of the green signal G _{1 is} higher. The changeover switches 300 and 400 change the respective system connections depending on the level of the changeover signal P, as already mentioned, and the white balance adjustment is carried out in the same manner as in the device of FIG. 3A.

In the apparatus of Fig. 6A, the switching signal P assumes a high level when the exposure signal Q is _lower in voltage level than a reference voltage V ref2 which is previously set in a similar manner, signal P assumes a low level when the exposure signal Q is greater. The switches 300 and 400 change their connec tion positions depending on the level of the switching signal P, as already mentioned, and the white balance regulation is carried out in the same manner as in the device according to FIG . In the embodiments according to FIGS. 5A and 6A, a color sensor with a yellow filter or a cyan filter can be used instead of the optical sensor 450 .

Figs. 5B and 8B are block diagrams of seventh and eighth embodiments of automatic white balance regulating devices according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the optical sensor 450 is provided as in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 6A. Here, the outputs of the comparator 200 are used to switch the signals to be fed to the dividers 620 and 630 in the same manner as in FIGS. 3B and 4B, so that the same effects as in FIG the embodiment according to FIG. 3B and 4B can be obtained.

Fig. 7A shows a block diagram of a ninth embodiment of an automatic white balance control device according to the invention. The embodiment according to FIG. 7A differs from that according to FIG. 3A in that a multiplier 700 is provided. This multiplier 700 , the red signal R ₂ , the green signal G ₂ and the blue signal B _{2 are} input. The multiplier 700 multiplies these signals together in order to synthesize a signal S which is fed to the negative input of the comparator 200 . A luninance signal F, which is an output of the luminance signal processing circuit 3 , is fed to the positive input of the comparator 200. In other words, the brightness in the area where the video camera is located is represented by the signal S and the brightness around the object is represented by the luninance signal F. The other components of this device are as in the device of Fig. 3A.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A will now be described. When recording an outdoor scene out of a building, it is usually brighter in the open air, so that the level of the luminance signal F, which is based on light 2, is higher than the level of signal S, which is derived from the red signal R ₂ , the green signal G ₂ and the blue signal B _{2 was} synthesized. This causes the order switching signal P from the comparator 200 to assume a high level. In response to this high level, the switches 300 and 400 with the dividers 13 b and 14 b connected, as shown in Fig. 7A. As a result, white balance regulation is performed on the basis of the white balance control signals H _1b and H _2b , and the same effects as in the embodiment of FIG. 3A can be obtained.

When recording a night scene outdoors from a building, it is lighter inside the building, so that the level of the signal is higher than the level of the Luminanzsigna les F. This causes the signal P from the comparator 200 to switch to a low level. In response to the low level, the switches 300 and 400 are connected to the dividers 13 a and 14 a. As a result, the white balance regulation is performed on the basis of the white balance control signals H _1a and H _2a corresponding to the light from the artificial light source inside the building, so that there is an error in the white balance regulation. However, since the illuminance of the object is low, there is no problem, since this error can hardly be detected when the recorded scene is reproduced on a monitor screen.

When filming from a television screen or when recording a point-lit object, the brightness of the object is greater than the brightness in the area in which the camera is arranged, so that the switching signal P high Pe gel and the same processes as in the execution form shown in FIG. 3A are carried out, also the same effects can be obtained.

Fig. 7B shows a block diagram of a tenth embodiment of an automatic white balance control device according to the invention. Here, the multiplier 700 of the embodiment of FIG. 7A is also provided. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3B, outputs of the comparator 200 are used to switch the signals to be supplied to the dividers 620 and 630 , so that the same effects as in the embodiment of FIG. 3B can be obtained.

Fig. 8A is a block diagram of an eleventh embodiment of an automatic white balance adjusting device according to the present invention. The device according to FIG. 8A differs from that according to FIG. 7A in that a reference voltage V _{ref3 is fed to} the positive input of the comparator 200 . In other words, the illuminance of the object is given by this reference _voltage V ref3. The other components of this embodiment are the same as those in the embodiment of Fig. 7A.

In this embodiment, when recording a scene from a building in daylight, the reference voltage V _{ref3 is set} to the level of the signal S in the critical state, where an error in the white balance regulation caused by the control signals H _1a and H _2a the object displayed on a television screen can be recognized, so that the switches 300 and 400 are connected to the dividers 13 A and 14 A or 13 B and 14 B. In this way, the same effects as in the embodiment according to FIG. 7A can be obtained.

Fig. 8B shows a block diagram of a twelfth embodiment of an automatic white balance control device according to the invention. Here, too, the reference _{voltage V ref3 is} fed to the positive input of the comparator 200, as in the embodiment of FIG. 8A. Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 3B, the outputs from the gate 200 Kompara used, so that the same effects as in the form of guide From Fig. 3B are obtainable switching the dividers 620 and 630, signals to be supplied.

Fig. 9A shows a block diagram of a thirteenth Ausfüh approximate form of an automatic white balance regulating device according to the invention. The device according to FIG. 9A differs from that according to FIG. 3A in that dividers 900 a, 900 b and 900 c and a multiplier 950 are provided, the positive input of the comparator 200 being connected to an output of the multiplier 950 and the negative input of the comparator 200 is placed on ground. The divider 900 a converts the red signals R ₁ and R ₂ logarithmically and subtracts them from each other in order to obtain a signal which indicates the ratio of the signals; the divider 900 b converts the green signals G ₁ and G ₂ logarithmically and subtracts them from one another to obtain a signal which indicates the ratio of these signals and the divider 900 c converts the blue signals B ₁ and B ₂ logarithmically and subtracts them from one another to output a signal indicating the relationship between these signals. The multiplier 950 receives all ratio signals from the dividers 900 a to 900 c and synthesizes a signal which is fed to the positive input of the comparator 200. As already mentioned, the negative input of the comparator 200 is connected to ground. In other words, in the embodiment according to FIG. 9A, the illuminance at the location where the video camera is located is represented by the output signal from the multiplier 950 , and the illuminance in the area of the object is represented by the ground potential. The other components in the embodiment of FIG. 9A are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

When shooting an outdoor scene from a room in daylight, since it is brighter in the open air, the ratio signals from the dividers 900 a to 900 c are all positive, so that the output of the multiplier 950 is also positive. This causes the switch signal P from the comparator 200 to go high and the switches 300 and 400 to be connected to the chroma signal processing circuit 4 to select the color signal processing system. The following sequence is identical to that in the embodiment according to FIG. 3A.

When recording a night scenery outdoors from a room, since it is lighter inside the building, the ratio signals from the dividers 900 a to 900 c are all negative, so that the output from the multiplier 950 is also negative. This causes the switching signal P from the comparator 200 to assume a low level and the switching switches 300 and 400 to be connected to the R sensor 10 , the G sensor 11 and the B sensor 12 , so that the color temperature sensor system is selected. The subsequent sequence corresponds to that of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

When filming a television screen inside the building or when recording a point-lit object, the illuminance of the object is usually greater than the illuminance in the area in which the video camera is located. The ratio signals from the dividers 900 a to 900 c are thus all positive and the output of the multiplier 950 is also positive. This causes the switching signal P from the comparator 200 to go high. In response to this high level, the changeover switches 300 and 400 are connected to the chroma signal processing circuit 4 (to select the color signal processing system) and the white balance adjustment is performed as explained above. In this embodiment, the same effects as in the embodiment of FIG. 3A can be obtained.

Fig. 9B is a block diagram of a fourteenth embodiment of an automatic white balance control device according to the invention. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A, this embodiment is equipped with the dividers 900 a to 900 c and the multiplier 950 . Also similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3B, outputs from the comparator 200 are used to switch the signals to be supplied to the dividers 820 and 630 , so that the same effects as in the embodiment of FIG. 3B can be obtained.

As previously described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 9B, the first to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention can eliminate all the inconveniences and disadvantages that were heretofore encountered in shooting an outdoor scene.

FIGS. 10A and 11A show block diagrams of the fifteenth and sixteenth embodiments of the inventive automatic white balance genetic regulation devices. These embodiments are constructed so that the disadvantages or problems when zooming in or out can be avoided, as will be explained in more detail below. The apparatus of FIG. 10A differs from that of FIG. 3A in that the comparator 200 is no longer present, whereas a waveform shaping circuit 500 and a counter 501 are provided. The shaping or shaping circuit 500 is connected to the motor M, whereas the counter 501 is connected to the shaping circuit 500 and the switches 300 and 400 . FIG. 10B shows a block diagram of a possible Substituted staltung the structure of the counter five hundred and first A counter circuit 701 receives a clock signal (CLK) 703 from a clock generator 702 and counts these applied clock signals 703 . The counter circuit 701 is further reset in synchronization with a clock 503 generated by the shaping circuit 500. Fig. 10C is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the structure of the counter circuit 701. FIG. Here, ten flip-flops 721 , 722, ..... 730 are connected in series. The FF 721 receives the clock 703 from the clock generating circuit 702 , whereas the FFs 722 to 730 each receive the output from the preceding FF. The clock 503 of the shaping circuit 500 is a Rücksetzein gear of each of the FFs supplied 721-730. The output of each of the FFs 721 to 730 is inverted every time the input clock increases. In other words, each of the FFs 721 to 730 outputs a single clock CLK whenever two clocks are input, so the condition is (1/2) × (1/2) × ... × (1 / 2) = (1/2) ¹⁰ = 1/1024 fulfilled and the FF 730 outputs a single clock CLK if 1024 single clocks 703 have been entered in the FF 721. When recording an object with a color video camera in a large outdoor room the image section is usually changed by zooming in and out of the heart. To zoom in and out, the lens 100 must be changed or moved by the motor M ver. When the motor M operates, a noise pulse signal is generated. The shaping circuit 500 forms the noise pulses that are generated when the motor M is working into a correct square wave (cycle 503 ) and outputs it. The counter 501 applies a changeover _{signal P 1 to} the changeover switches 300 and 400 as a function of the clock 503 from the shaping circuit 500 . The _{toggle signal P 1} assumes the high level when the clock 503 has not been applied for a specific or fixed period of time and assumes the low level otherwise. The switches 300 and 400 change their switching positions depending on the level of the switch signal P ₁ . The other components in this embodiment are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 3A. First, zooming in outdoors will be explained using a specific example. Assume that a person wearing a red garment is standing on a green lawn or meadow. Zooming in on the person completely causes most of the video screen (90% or more) to be red. Furthermore, the zooming in causes the motor M to operate and the noise pulses to be generated. In response, shaping circuit 500 outputs clock 503 . As a result, the counter circuit 701 (FFs 721 to 730 ) is reset until the number of clocks 703 has risen to 1024 and the switchover signal P ₁ assumes a low level. In response to this low level, the order switches 300 and 400 are connected to the dividers 13 A and 14 A to select the color signal processing system and the white balance control signals H _1a and H _2a are the R gain control circuit 8 and the B- Gain control circuit 9 supplied so that a corresponding white balance regulation is carried out. More specifically, the white balance adjustment is performed not on the basis of the light 2 reflected from the object, but on the basis of the light from the light source illuminating the object. The following describes the zooming out in the open air. When recording a person wearing a red piece of clothing on a green lawn, zooming out causes most of the video screen (90% or more) to turn green. A complete zoom out causes the motor M to operate and a noise pulse to be generated. The procedure below corresponds to that for zooming in. Similar to the case of zooming in the white balance adjustment is then not result on the basis of light 2 from the object but on the basis of the light from the light source Runaway which beleuchtet.Wenn the object every single clock 703 from the circuit 702 all 0 , 3 seconds is generated, when zooming in or out, the state is maintained for a considerably long time (0.3 × 1024 (in seconds)) = 5 (minutes) until switches 300 and 400 change their positions so that In this way, the white balance regulation when zooming in or out is not carried out on the basis of the light 2 from the object, as in the case of the color signal processing system, but on the basis of the light from the Light source which illuminates the object, so that no error occurs in the white balance regulation. On the other hand, when there is no zoom operation, the motor M is not operated, so that no noise pulse se are generated. The waveform shaping circuit 500 thus does not output the clock 503 and the counter 501 is not reset. After this state has been maintained for a specified period of time, the switching signal P ₁ assumes the high level. In response to this high level of the switching signal P ₁ , the switches 300 and 400 are connected to the dividers 13 b and 14 b to select the color temperature sensor system. The white balance control signals H _1b and H _2b are supplied to the R gain control circuit 8 and the B gain control circuit 9. Without zooming in or out, there is no way that most of the scenery (say 90% or more) will be in a single color. Thus, even if the white balance adjustment is performed based on the white balance control signals H _1b and H _2b corresponding to the light 2 from the object, no error occurs in the white balance adjustment. The apparatus of FIG. 11A is different from FIG those emanating according to FIG. 10A to the effect that the counter 501 has been removed and is pre ent see a charging / discharging circuit 502nd The output from shaping circuit 500 is fed to charge / discharge circuit 502 and its output is in turn fed to the positive input of comparator 200 . A reference _{voltage V ref4 is} fed to the negative input of the comparator 200. The remaining components of the embodiment according to FIG. 11A are identical to those according to FIG. 10A. FIG. 11B schematically shows a possible realization of the charging / discharging circuit 502nd The charge / discharge circuit 502 includes, for example, an NPN transistor Q 1 , a capacitor C _3, and a constant current source 300 . The constant current source 300 and the capacitor C ₃ are connected in series between a power supply V _{CC and ground.} The transistor Q 1 has its base connected to the waveform shaping circuit 500 and the collector of the transistor Q 1 is connected to the common connection point between constant current source 300 and capacitor C ₃ ; the emitter of transistor Q 1 is connected to ground. The capacitor C ₃ is charged or discharged depending on the on / off switching operations of the transistor Q 1. The operation of this embodiment will now be described ben. In order to zoom in or out, the lens 100 must be moved by means of the motor M. When the motor M is running, a noise pulse is generated and the shaping circuit 500 converts this noise pulse into a square wave which is fed to the charge / discharge circuit (502). The charge / discharge circuit 502 is alternately charged and discharged depending on the level of the square wave. A charging voltage R of the charging / discharging circuit 502 is fed to the positive input of the comparator 200 . The comparator 200 supplies the switching signal P with a high level to the switches 300 and 400 when the charging voltage R is higher than the reference voltage V _ref4 , whereas the switching signal P with a low level is supplied to the switches 300 and 400 when the charging voltage R is reached is less than the reference voltage. Here, the reference _{voltage V ref4 corresponds to} the voltage in the case of zooming in or out of an object until a single color occupies the majority of the scenery (for example 90% or more). A full zoom in outdoors will now be described. When fully zooming in in a recording situation similar to that as it has been described with reference to FIG. 10A, the effect is that a large part of the scene is occupied by one color, for example the color red. A full zoom in causes the working time of the motor M to be longer, so that the noise pulses generated by the motor M increase. Accordingly, the shaping circuit 500 outputs a plurality of clocks CLK. These clocks are fed to the base of the transistor Q 1. The transistor Q 1 turns on for a period of time during which the respective take have a high logic level, as a result of which the capacitor C _{3 is} briefly discharged. The transistor Q 1 turns on for a period of time during which the respective clocks have a high logic level, whereby the capacitor C _{3 is} briefly discharged. When the motor M is not running, the Transi stor Q 1 is blocked, so that the capacitor C _{3 is} charged via the constant power source E _1. The capacitor C ₃ is discharged very often and thus the charge voltage R of the Kon densators C ₃ is smaller than the reference voltage V _ref4. Thus, the switching signal P from the comparator 200 is of a low level and in response to this low level, the switches 300 and 400 are verbun with the dividers 13 a and 14 a to select the color signal / processing system. The white balance control signal H _1a is fed to the R gain control circuit 8 , whereas the white balance control signal H _{2a is} fed to the B gain control circuit 9. In other words, the white balance adjustment is carried out on the basis of the light 2 coming from the light source with which the object is illuminated. The following describes the complete zoom out in the open air. A full zoom out in a recording situation similar to the one that has already been described with reference to FIG. 10A causes the majority of the screen image to be occupied by the color green. A full Wegzoo men causes the working time of the motor M to be longer and the noise pulses increase. This has the effect that the charging voltage R of the capacitor C _{3 is} reduced, as already described, so that the charging voltage R becomes smaller than the reference voltage V _ref4 . As a result, the switching signal P assumes a low level, so that the switches 300 and 400 are connected to the dividers 13 a and 14 a in order to select the color signal processing system. Thus, similar to what has already been explained, the white balance regulation is carried out on the basis of the light which comes from the light source with which the object is illuminated. Thus, with a complete zoom in or out, similar to the device according to FIG. 10A the same as obtained in the device according to FIG. 10a, since the white balance regulation is carried out on the basis of the light which comes from the light source with which the object is illuminated. The capacitance of the capacitor C _{3 is set} to 100 μF set, the constant _{current E 1} to one µA and the reference voltage V ref4 to 4V, the time t for the complete discharge of the capacitor C _{3 is} calculated as follows.
t = (100 × 10 ^-6 × 4) / (1 × 10 ^-6 ) =
400 seconds = 6 minutes, 40 seconds. Thus, zooming in or out of an object does not immediately have the disadvantage that the switches 300 and 400 change their switching positions and the color temperature sensor system is selected. This is followed by a slight zoom in or out or no zooming when taking pictures outdoors. A minor zoom operation causes a corresponding operation of the Mo sector M, noise pulses are generated and the charging voltage R is reduced. However, since a complete zooming process is not carried out up to the respective lens end position, the charging voltage R remains at a value which is higher than the reference _voltage V ref4. This causes the switching signal P from the comparator 200 to be high. On the other hand, if there is no zooming operation at all, the motor M is not operated at all and therefore no noise pulses are generated either. The charging voltage R of the capacitor C ₃ reaches a maximum and the switching signal P from the comparator 200 also assumes a high level. In response to the high level of the switching signal P, the switches 300 and 400 with the dividers 13 b and 14 b are connected to to select the color temperature sensor system. Then, the white balance regulation is performed in response to the white balance control signals H _1b and H _2b . Since there is no full zoom operation, there is also no likelihood that most of the scenery will be in a single color. Thus, there is not the error in the white balance adjustment, even if the white balance adjustment on the basis of the control signals H _1b and H the light 2 from the object performed wird.Wie described according _2b, according to the embodiments of FIGS. 10A and Fig. 11A obviates the disadvantage associated with zooming in or out. Figs. 12 and 13 are block diagrams showing seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments of automatic white balance regulators in accordance with the present invention. This avoids the disadvantages that occur when shooting a scene at sunset with a color video camera. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, a color temperature sensor system and a manual operating system are provided as a white balance control system and the automatic switching between these two systems takes place as a function of the respective recording situation. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, a color signal processing system and a manual operating system are provided and the automatic switching between these two systems also depends on the respective recording situation . According to FIG. 12, a divider 600 sets the red signal R ₂ and the blue signal B ₂ logarithmically and subtracts them from one another to output a signal corresponding to the ratio of these signals. The comparator 200 compares the output of the divider 600 with the green signal G ₂ , which was converted logarithmically by a logarithmic converter 800 and supplies the switchover signal P according to the comparison result to the switch 300 and 400. In Fig. 13, a subtracter 605 generates a difference between the red signal R ₁ and the blue signal B ₁ and applies a corresponding result to the comparator 200 . The Compa ator 200 compares the output of the subtractor 605 with the green signal G ₁ and provides a switching signal P accordingly the comparison result to the changeover switches 300 and 400 .Nachfolgend the operation will be described execution of these two forms. When shooting a scene at sunset, the red signals R ₁ and R _{2 are} greatly increased in their levels, whereas the blue signals B ₁ and B _{2 are} considerably weaker. The divider 600 in the embodiment according to FIG. 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the ratio of the red signal R ₂ to the blue signal B ₂ , whereas the subtractor 605 in the embodiment of FIG. 13 outputs a signal which is the difference between the red signal R ₁ and the blue signal B ₁ corresponds. Since the level of the red signals R ₁ and R _{2 are} significantly higher than those of the blue signals B ₁ and B ₂ (at sunset) the level of the ratio signal or the difference signal is also high. The levels of the signals corresponding to the ratios of the Rotsi signals to the blue signals and the signals corresponding to the differences between the former and the latter are higher than the levels of the green signal G ₁ or the green signal G ₂ ; the switching signal P from the comparator 200 thus assumes a high level. In response to this high level, changeover switches 300 and 400 are connected to variable resistors R ₁ and R ₂ to select the manual operating system. The variable Wi resistors R ₁ and R ₂ are manually adjusted to adjust the Pe gel of the white balance control signals H _4a and H _4b and thus the gain control circuits 8 and 9 to adjust. Thus, a scene at sunset can be recorded with a video camera with the same color setting and shading as it is perceived by the human eye by manually adjusting the white balance. When filming or recording, not at sunset but under normal conditions the level differences between the red signal R ₁ and the blue signal B ₁ and between the red signal R ₂ and the blue signal B _{2 are} not particularly high. Thus, the signals which the ratio between red signal R ₁ and blue signal B ₁ and the ratio of red signal R ₂ and blue signal B _{2 are} not particularly high. Thus, the signals, which are the ratio between red signal R ₁ and blue signal B ₁ and the ratio of red signal R _{2 and blue signal B 2} and the difference signals between them are lower in level than the green signals G ₁ and G ₂ and the switching signal P from the comparator 200 assumes a low level. In response to this low level, the changeover switches 300 and 400 are connected to the dividers 13 a and 14 a in the embodiment of FIG. 12 and to the dividers 13 b and 14 b in the embodiment of FIG. 13 and the white balance regulation takes place based on the white balance control signals H _1a and H _2a or H _1b and H _2b . As mentioned, in this embodiment, since the white balance adjustment is performed manually when recording a sunset scene, there is no possibility that the sunset scene will be recorded as if it were a scene under normal lighting conditions. Thus, in the embodiments of Figs. 12 and 13, shooting of a sunset scene can be improved. Figs. 14 and 15 are block diagrams of nineteenth and twentieth embodiments of automatic white balance regulating devices according to the present invention. These embodiments are constructed in such a way that problems with recording an outdoor scene from a building in daylight and disadvantages or problems with zooming in or out can be avoided. The embodiment of FIG. 14 is essentially a combination of the embodiment of FIG Fig. 5A with that of Fig. 10A with combined circuits and circuit elements. The switches 300 and 400 are modified in this imple mentation form as switches 300 a and 400 b. The switches 300 a and 400 b are connected to the dividers 13 b and 14 b only when the inputs from both the counter 501 and the comparator 200 assume a high level. In the following, in the embodiment of FIG. 14, recording an outdoor scene from a building or room at daylight through the window will be described without a zoom operation. As already explained in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the switchover _{signal P 1} from the counter 501 assumes a high level. In the above-mentioned recording situation, it is brighter outside than inside. Thus, the green signal G _{1 is} higher or stronger than the exposure signal Q. This has the effect that such a switching signal P ₂ from the comparator 200 assumes a high level. The switches 300 a and 400 b are connected to the dividers 13 b and 14 b. Thus, the white balance adjustment is performed based on the light 2 reflected from the object, and errors do not occur. The following describes the recording of an outdoor scene with a zoom-in or zoom-out process. A zooming in or out causes the switchover signal P ₁ from the counter 501 to assume a low level. As a result, the switches 300 a and 400 a are connected to the dividers 13 a and 14 a. The white balance regulation is carried out on the basis of the light which is present at the location of the video camera, so that there is no error in zooming in or out. Fig. 15 is essentially a combination of the embodiments of Figs. 5A and 11A with common circuits and circuit elements. The switches 300 a and 400 b operate in the same way as in the embodiment of Fig. 14. In the embodiment of Fig. 15, the sequence is the same when taking an outdoor scene from a building through a window in daylight without full zooming as in the embodiment of FIG. 5A, whereas the sequence when recording the scenery with full zoom process is the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 11A. More specifically, when shooting an outdoor scene from a room through a window in daylight without full zooming, the charge voltage R of the charge / discharge _circuit 502 is greater than the reference voltage V ref4 for the same reason as with reference to FIG. 11A described. A switching signal P _X from a comparator 200 X thus assumes a high level. Since it is usually brighter in the open air than inside a building, a switching signal P _Y from a comparator 200 Y will take a high level, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14 and the order switches 300 a and 400 b with the dividers 13 b and 14 b connected. Thus, the same operations as in the embodiment of FIG. 14 take place. During a complete zooming process, the charging voltage _{is lower than the reference voltage V ref4} , as already explained with reference to FIG. 11A, and the switchover _{signal P X} assumes a low level. Thus, the changeover switches 300 a and 400 b are connected to the dividers 13 a and 14 a, and the same effects as in the embodiment of Fig. 14 can be obtained . Figs. 16A and 16B show block diagrams of a twentieth embodiment of an automatic device according to the present invention table white balance adjustment device. Figs. 16A and 16B together constitute the automatic white balance Regu liervorrichtung. This embodiment is constructed in such a way that disadvantages in shooting an outdoor scenery from a room in daylight and problems in shooting a scenery at sunset can be avoided. Here, the embodiment of FIG. 3A is combined with that of FIG common circuits and circuit elements. In other words, a comparator 200 A, changeover switches 300 A and 400 A, variable resistors R ₁ and R ₂ , the divider 800 and the logarithmic converter 800 are provided in addition to the embodiment according to FIG. 3A. The changeover switch 300 A is provided in a conduction path between the changeover switch 300 and the R gain control circuit 8 . The changeover switch 400 A is provided between the changeover switch 400 and the B gain control circuit 9 in a similar manner. The logarithmic converter 800 logarithmically converts the green signal G ₂ and sends the resulting signal to the negative input of the comparator 200 A. The divider 600 converts the red signal R ₂ and the blue signal B ₂ logarithmically, subtracts them from each other and generates a signal, which indicates the ratio of these signals; this signal is supplied to the positive input of comparator 200 A. The comparator 200 A compares the signals at its two inputs and generates an order switching signal P ₃ , which the switches 300 A and 400 A is fed to. These changeover switches 300 A and 400 A change their switching positions depending on the level of the changeover signal P ₃ . The other components are the same as those of the embodiment of Fig. 3A. When recording an outdoor scene from outside a room and in daylight, the level difference between the red signal R ₂ and the blue signal B _{2 is} very small compared to the case in a scene is recorded at sunset. Thus, the signal which indicates the relationship between the red signal R ₂ and the blue signal B ₂ and is output by the divider 600 is less than the level of the green signal G ₂ and the switching _{signal P 3} assumes a low level. In response to this low level, the changeover switches 300 A and 400 A change their connection positions and apply the white balance control signals H _1a , H _1b , H _2a and H _2b to the gain control circuits 8 and 9 as shown in Fig. 16A. In the recording situation mentioned, since it is brighter in the open air than inside the building, the green signal G _{1 is} of a higher level than the green signal G ₂ , as has already been described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A and the switching signal P ₂ takes a high Pe gel on. The switches 300 and 400 are connected to the dividers 13 b and b connected 14 and the white balance adjustment is performed on the basis of light 2 reflected from the object, so that the same effects as in the embodiment of Fig. 3A obtained When shooting a scene at sunset, the proportion of the red signal R _{2 is} considerably large, whereas the rate or the proportion of the blue signal B _{2 is} very small. The signal indicating the ratio between the red signal R ₂ and the blue signal B ₂ is therefore quite large and the switching _{signal P 3} from the comparator 200 A assumes a high level. In response to this high level, the changeover switches 300A and 400A are connected to the variable resistors R ₁ and R ₂ . Thus, when shooting a scene at sunset, the gain levels of the R gain control circuit 8 and the B gain control circuit 9 are set by hand using the variable resistors R ₁ and R ₂ , regardless of the switching state of the switches 300 and 400 . In other words, problems in shooting a scene at sunset can preferably be solved in this embodiment . Figs. 17A and 17B are block diagrams showing a twenty-second embodiment of an automatic white balance adjusting device according to the present invention. Figures 17A and 17B together form the regulator. This imple mentation form is constructed so that problems or disadvantages in zooming in or out and problems in shooting a scene at sunset can be avoided. Here in the embodiments according to FIG. 10A and FIG. 12 combined with the same circuits and the same circuit elements. More precisely, for the embodiment according to FIG. 10A, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 17A and 17B there are also the comparator 200 A, the changeover switches 300 A and 400 A, the variable resistors R ₁ and R ₂ , the divider 600 and the logarithmic Converter 800 provided. These circuits and circuit elements are interconnected as in the devices shown in FIGS. 16A and 18B. The other circuit elements are the same as in the embodiment of Fig. 10A. Zooming in or out while recording an ordinary scene (i.e. not a sunset scene) is described below. When shooting or recording an ordinary scene or scenery, the level difference between the red signal R ₂ and the blue signal B ₂ is very small compared to the case in which a scene is recorded at sunset. The comparator 200 A outputs the switching signal P ₃ at a low level, as already mentioned. In response to this low signal, the order switches 300 A and 400 A change their switching positions to be able to supply the white balance control signals H _1a , H _1b , H _2a and H _{2b to} the gain control circuits 8 and 9 , as shown in FIG FIG. 15A. A full zoom in or zoom out be in this situation the same effects as in the embodiment of Fig. 10A. On the other hand, when recording a scene at sunset, the rate of the red signal R ₂ is considerably higher and the divider 600 shows at its output strongly decreasing Si signal, so that the switchover signal P ₃ assumes a high level. In response to this high level signal, the switches 300 A and 400 A with the variable resistors R ₁ and R _{2 are} connected. When recording a scene at sunset who thus the gain control circuits 8 and 9 manually by operating the variable resistors R ₁ and R ₂ independently or regardless of the switching positions of the switches 300 and 400 set. In other words, even in this embodiment, problems related to shooting or filming at sunset can be preferably solved . Figs. 18A and 18B are block diagrams of a twentieth embodiment of an automatic white balance regulating device according to the present invention. FIGS. 18A and 18B together form the regulating device. This embodiment is designed to avoid problems of shooting an outdoor scene from a room in daylight, problems of zooming in or out fully, and problems of shooting a scene at sunset. This embodiment is provided with a circuit to obviate the problems of shooting a sunset scene, this circuit being substantially added to the embodiment of FIG . Specifically, ge in the embodiment Mäss Fig. 18A and 18B, the embodiments of FIG. 14 and FIG. 12 are combined with each other, wherein the same circuitry and circuit elements of these embodiments ge jointly used werden.Die embodiment comprises according to Fig. 18A the comparator 200 A, the switches 300 A and 400 A, the variable resisting stands R ₁ and R _2, the divider 600 and the logarithm converter 800 in addition to the embodiment of Fig. 14. These circuits and circuit elements are connected to the imple mentation shapes shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B interconnected. The other components are the same as those in Fig. 14. When recording a scene, which recording does not take place at sunset, the rate of the red signal R _{2 changes} to that of the blue signal B ₂ only insignificantly and consequently the switching signal is P ₃ low level. In response to this signal, the switches 300 A and 400 A change their connection positions, so that the white balance control signals H _1a , H _1b , H _2a and H _2b are supplied to the R gain control circuit 8 and the B gain control circuit 9. The changeover switches 300 a and 400 b change their connection positions when completely zooming in or out or when recording an outdoor scene from a room in daylight in the same way as already explained below with reference to FIG. 14 and the same effects as in FIG Embodiments of Fig. 14 can be obtained. If, on the other hand, a scene is recorded at sunset, the rate of the red signal R _{2 increases} considerably and the divider 600 shows a significantly increasing signal at its output, so that the switching signal P _{3 is} high accepts. Therefore, the changeover switches 300 A and 300 B are connected to the variable resistors R ₁ and R ₂ . When recording the scene at sunset, the gain control circuits 8 and 9 are set by manually regulating the resistors R ₁ and R ₂ regardless of the switching of the switch 300 a and 400 b. Thus, in this embodiment, too, problems in shooting a scene at sunset can be preferably solved. Although the embodiment according to FIGS . 18A and 18B is constructed so that problems in shooting at sunset are preferably solved, the switches 300 a and 300 can A and 300 b and 300 B are used reversed in their switching sequence, so that problems when taking on an outdoor scene from a room in daylight or problems with zooming in or out can be preferably solved. The previous description of preferred embodiments on hand . Fig 3A to 18B is to be understood as a description of possible embodiments; Modifications and changes thereof are in the area of professional trading.

Claims (42)

1. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image pickup device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a color signal processing system, characterized by :
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system using the second color signals;
System selection means for selecting the first white balance control signal when it is brighter in the arrangement area of the image pickup device than around the object and for selecting the second white balance control signal when this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain or selected one of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control signal selected by the system selection devices. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that that the majority of color sensors are red, green and blue Sensors for receiving a light in the area of the image cradle are red, green and to output blue signals corresponding to the red, green and blue components in the light. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the level regulating devices have:
a gain control circuit for a red signal for receiving the red signal to regulate a level of the Rotsi signals depending on the first and second Weißab equal control signal and a gain control circuit for a blue signal for receiving the blue signal to a level of the blue signal depending on the first or second white balance control control signal. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the image recording device comprises:
a lens that receives light reflected from the object; an image pickup element for receiving the light incident through the lens to convert the light into a video signal; a chroma signal processing circuit for receiving the video signal to divide the video signal into blue, red and green signals; and a luminance signal processing circuit for receiving the video signal to generate a luminance signal from the video signal. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of first color signals to generate a brightness signal;
a comparator for receiving the luminance signal and the luminance signal to compare their magnitudes with each other to output a system switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switchover signal to output the first or second white balance control signal as a function of the switchover signal. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of first color signals to generate a brightness signal;
a comparator for receiving the luminance signal and the luminance signal to compare their magnitudes with each other to output a system switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the plurality of first and second color signals and the switching signal to selectively output the plurality of first or second color signals depending on the switching signal. 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first white balance control signal includes a first ratio signal which includes a ratio of first specified two color signals within the plurality of first color signals and a second ratio signal which includes a ratio of second specified two Color signals from the plurality of first color signals represents; and
that the first control signal generating devices have a first divider for logarithmically converting the first two specified color signals and for subtracting from each other to generate the first Ratnissi signal and a second divider for logarithmically converting the second specified color signals and subtracting each other to the generate second ratio signal. 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second white balance control signal includes a first ratio signal which includes a ratio of first specified two color signals within the plurality of second color signals and a second ratio signal which includes a ratio of specified two color signals represents the plurality of second color signals; and
that the second control signal generating devices have a first divider for logarithmic converting the first two specified color signals and for subtracting from each other to generate the first Ratnissi signal and a second divider for logarithmically converting the second specified color signals and subtracting from each other to the generate second ratio signal. 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
a comparator for receiving a specified color signal from the plurality of first color signals and a specified color signal from the plurality of second color signals for comparing their sizes and for outputting a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switching signal to selectively output the first or second white balance control signal depending on the switching signal. 10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
a comparator for receiving a specified color signal from the plurality of first color signals and a specified color signal from the plurality of second color signals for comparing their sizes and for outputting a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second color signals and the switching signal to selectively output the he ste or second white balance control signal depending on the switching signal. 11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the first white balance control signal includes a first ratio signal which includes a ratio of first specified two color signals within the plurality of first color signals and a second ratio signal which represents a ratio of second specified two color signals from the plurality of first color signals; and
that the second white balance control signal includes a third ratio signal which includes a ratio of two specified color signals from the plurality of second color signals and a fourth ratio signal which indicates a ratio of two specified color signals from the plurality of second color signals;
that the first control signal generating means have a first divider connected to the switch for logarithmically converting the first two specified color signals from the first color signals and subtracting these signals from each other to produce a first ratio signal when the plurality of first Color signals are output from the switch and have a second divider connected to the switch for logarithmically converting the second specified color signals from the first color signals and subtracting these signals from each other to produce a second ratio signal when the plurality of first color signals are output from the switch; and
that the second control signal generating means have a third divider connected to the switch for logarithmically converting the first two specified color signals from the second color signals and subtracting these signals from each other to produce a third ratio signal when the plurality of second Color signals are output from the switch and have a second divider connected to the switch for logarithmically converting the second specified color signals from the second color signals and subtracting these signals from each other to produce a second ratio signal when the plurality of second color signals are output from the switch. 12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
an optical sensor for exposure detection for detecting the brightness around the image pickup device;
a comparator for receiving an output from the optical sensor and a specific color signal from the plurality of second color signals to compare their magnitudes to output a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switchover signal to output the first or second white balance control signal as a function of the switchover signal. 13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
an optical sensor for exposure detection for detecting the brightness around the image pickup device;
a comparator for receiving an output from the optical sensor and a specific color signal from the plurality of second color signals to compare their magnitudes to output a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the plurality of first and second color signals and the switching signal to output the plurality of first or second color signals in response to the switching signal. 14. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a color signal processing system, characterized by:
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system using the second color signals;
System selection means for selecting the first white balance control signal when it is bright in the arrangement area of the image pickup device by a certain level or above and for selecting the second white balance control signal when this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain or selected one of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control signal selected by the system selection devices. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
a comparator for receiving a specific color signal from the plurality of first color signals and a specific level in order to compare their magnitudes with one another and to output a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switching signal to selectively output the first or second white balance control signal depending on the switching signal. 16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
a comparator for receiving a specific color signal from the plurality of first color signals and a specific level in order to compare their magnitudes with one another and to output a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the plurality of first and second color signals and the switching signal to optionally output the first or second white balance control signal depending on the switching signal. 17. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
an optical sensor for exposure detection for detecting the brightness around the image pickup device;
a comparator for receiving an output from the optical sensor and the determined level to compare their magnitudes to output a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switchover signal to output the first or second white balance control signal as a function of the switchover signal. 18. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
an optical sensor for exposure detection for detecting the brightness around the image pickup device;
a comparator for receiving an output from the optical sensor and a specific color signal from the plurality of second color signals to compare their magnitudes to output a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the plurality of first and second color signals and the switching signal to optionally output the plurality of first or second color signals depending on the switching signal. 19. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of first color signals to generate a brightness signal;
a comparator for receiving the brightness signal and the determined level in order to compare their magnitudes with one another in order to output a system switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switchover signal to output the first or second white balance control signal as a function of the switchover signal. 20. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of first color signals to generate a brightness signal;
a comparator for receiving the brightness signal and the determined level in order to compare their magnitudes with one another in order to output a system switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the plurality of first and second color signals and the switching signal to optionally output the plurality of first or second color signals depending on the switching signal. 21. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
a plurality of dividers for each pair of corresponding color signals from the first and second color signals for receiving a pair respectively to convert them logarithmically and subtract them from each other to produce a plurality of ratio signals which each indicate a ratio of each pair; Synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of ratio signals to generate a brightness signal;
a comparator for receiving the brightness signal and the specific level, in order to compare their sizes and to output a switching signal depending on the comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switchover signal to output the first or second white balance control signal as a function of the switchover signal. 22. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
a plurality of dividers for each pair of corresponding color signals from the first and second color signals for respectively receiving a pair to convert this logarithmically and subtract it from each other to produce a plurality of ratio signals, wel Ches each indicate a ratio of each pair;
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of ratio signals to generate a brightness signal;
a comparator for receiving the brightness signal and the specific level, in order to compare their sizes and to output a switching signal depending on the comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the plurality of first and second color signals and the switching signal to selectively output the plurality of first or second color signals depending on the switching signal. 23. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a color signal processing system, characterized by:
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system using the second color signals;
System selection means for selecting the first white balance control signal when zoomed in or out by a certain amount and for selecting the second white balance control signal when this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain or selected one of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control signal selected by the system selection devices. 24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that the image recording device comprises:
a lens which receives a light reflected from the object;
a motor for moving the lens for Her- and Wegzoo men;
an image pickup element for receiving the light which is incident through the lens to convert the light into a video signal; and
a chroma signal processing circuit for receiving the video signal to split the video signal into blue, red and green signals. 25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
Detection devices for the zoom amount to detect an amount of zooming in or out in order to output a switching signal depending on the amount; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switching signal to selectively output the first or second white balance control signal depending on the switching signal. 26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that the detection devices for the zoom amount have:
a waveform shaping circuit which is connected to the motor to shape a noise pulse generated when the motor is operated into a substantially per fect square wave;
a clock generation circuit for generating a clock; and
a counter circuit connected to the waveform shaping circuit and the clock generating circuit for counting the clock to be reset depending on the square wave to output the switching signal depending on whether a count value reaches a certain value or not. 27. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that the detection devices for the zoom amount have:
a waveform shaping circuit which is connected to the motor to convert a noise pulse generated during operation of the motor into a substantially per fect square wave;
a charge / discharge circuit connected to the waveform shaping circuit for performing charge or discharge depending on a level of the square wave; and
a comparator for receiving an output voltage from the charging / discharging circuit and a reference voltage to compare them and to output the switching signal from depending on the comparison result. 28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the charging / discharging circuit comprises:
an NPN transistor, the base of which is connected to the waveform shaping circuit and the emitter of which is connected to the ground, and which has a collector;
a capacitor, one electrode of which is connected to the collector of the NPN transistor and the other electrode to ground; and
a constant current source between Energieversorgungspo potential and a common connection point of the Kol lector of the NPN transistor and one electrode of the capacitor. 29. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a manual operating system, characterized by:
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system, which can be regulated by hand;
System selection means for selecting the second white balance control signal when the level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and for selecting the first white balance control signal when this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain or selected one of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control signal selected by the system selection devices. 30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that the system selection devices comprise:
a divider for receiving two specific color signals from the plurality of first color signals to convert them log arithmically and subtract them from each other to produce a ratio signal which indicates a ratio of the two specific color signals;
a logarithmic converter for logarithmic conversion of a specific color signal different from the specific two color signals from the plurality of first color signals;
a comparator for receiving the ratio signal and an output signal from the logarithmic converter in order to compare them with each other and to give an order switching signal depending on the comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switching signal to selectively output the first or second white balance control signal depending on the switching signal. 31. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that that the second control signal generating means a manually adjustable variable resistor and have a power supply, which via the Wi the status is switched. 32. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a manual operating system, characterized by:
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal which can be regulated manually;
System selection means for selecting the second white balance control signal when the level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and for selecting the first white balance control signal when this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain or selected one of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control signal selected by the system selection devices. 33. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a color signal processing system, characterized by:
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system using the second color signals;
Brightness detection devices for detecting whether it is brighter at the installation site of the image recording device or not than in the area of the object in order to output a first control signal depending on the detection result;
Zoom amount detection means for detecting a zoom in or zoom out amount and outputting a second control signal depending on the amount;
System selection means for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the first and second control signals to selectively output one of the first and second white balance control signals depending on a combination of the first and second control signals; and
Level regulating means for regulating a level of a certain one of the second color signals in response to the first or second white balance control signal selected by the system selection means. 34. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the brightness detection devices have:
an optical sensor for detecting the brightness in the area of the image recording device; and
a comparator for receiving an output from the optical sensor and a specific color signal from the plurality of second color signals in order to compare their magnitudes with one another in order to output the first control signal as a function of the comparison result. 35. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system and a manual operating system, characterized by:
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system using the second color signals;
first system selection means for selecting the first white balance control signal when it is brighter in the arrangement area of the image pickup device than around the object and for selecting the second white balance control signal when this is not the case;
third control signal generating devices for generating a third white balance control signal which is manually adjustable;
second system selection devices which are connected to an output side of the first system selection devices to select the third white balance control signal when a level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and to select the first or second white balance control signal from the first system selection devices if this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain one of the second color signals depending on the first, second or third white balance control signal which has been selected by the second system selection device. 36. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that the first system selection devices have:
a comparator for receiving a specified color signal from the plurality of first color signals and a specified color signal from the plurality of second color signals for comparing their sizes and for outputting a switching signal depending on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and the switching signal to selectively output the first or second white balance control signal depending on the switching signal. 37. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that the second system selection devices have:
a divider for receiving two particular color signals from the plurality of first color signals to convert them log arithmically and subtract them from one another to produce a ratio signal which is a ratio of the two particular color signals;
a logarithmic converter for logarithmic converting a specific color signal different from the two specific color signals from the plurality of first color signals;
a comparator for receiving the ratio signal and an output signal from the logarithmic converter to compare this to output a switching signal dependent on a comparison result; and
a switch for receiving the first or second white balance control signal from the first system selection devices, a third white balance control signal from the third control signal generating device and the switchover signal to selectively output the first, second or third white balance control signal depending on the switchover signal. 38. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that that the third control signal generating means a manually adjustable variable resistor and have a power supply, which via the Wi the status is switched. 39. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system, a color signal processing system and a manual operating system, characterized by:
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system using the second color signals;
first system selection means for selecting the first white balance control signal when zooming in or out by a certain amount and for selecting the second white balance control signal when this is not the case;
third control signal generating devices for generating a third white balance control signal which is manually adjustable;
second system selection devices which are connected to an output side of the first system selection devices to select the third white balance control signal when a level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and to select the first or second white balance control signal from the first system selection devices if this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain one of the second color signals depending on the first, second or third white balance control signal which has been selected by the second system selection devices. 40. Apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that that the first system selectors comprise: Detection devices for the amount of zoom to one To capture the amount of zooming in or out to one Um output switching signal depending on the amount; and a switch for receiving the first and second White balance control signals and the toggle signal to optionally the first or second white balance control gnal output depending on the switchover signal. 41. Apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that the detection devices for the zoom amount have:
a waveform shaping circuit which is connected to the motor to form a noise pulse generated when the motor is operated into a substantially per fect square wave;
a clock generation circuit for generating a clock; and
a counter circuit connected to the waveform forming circuit and the clock generating circuit to count the clock to be reset depending on the square wave to output the switching signal depending on whether a count reaches a certain value or not. 42. Automatic white balance regulating device in an image recording device for recording an object, equipped with a color temperature sensor system, a color signal processing system and a manual operating system, characterized by:
a plurality of color sensors for receiving the light from the area where the image pickup device is arranged to output a plurality of first color signals;
Image recording devices for recording the object for outputting a plurality of second color signals;
first control signal generating devices for generating a first white balance control signal of the color temperature sensor system using the first color signals;
second control signal generating devices for generating a second white balance control signal of the color signal processing system using the second color signals;
Brightness detection devices for detecting whether it is brighter at the installation site of the image pickup device or not than in the area of the object in order to output a first control signal depending on a detection result;
Zoom amount detection means for detecting a zoom in or zoom out amount to output a second control signal depending on that amount;
first system selection means for receiving the first and second white balance control signals and first and second control signals to selectively output the first or second white balance control signal depending on a combination of the first and second control signals;
third control signal generating devices for generating a third white balance control signal which is manually adjustable;
second system selection devices which are connected to an output side of the first system selection devices to select the third white balance control signal when a level of a certain color component in a light source is very high and to select the first or second white balance control signal from the first system selection devices if this is not the case; and
Level regulating devices for regulating a level of a certain one of the second color signals depending on the first, second or third white balance control signal which has been selected by the second system selection device.