CN1163060C - camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image pick-up device which at least has an image pick-up element for configuring a photoelectric transducer into a matrix-shaped photoelectric transducer and an image formation device which is used for leading an object to be imaged to form into an image on a light receiving surface of the image pick-up element. The present invention also has an image formation device for leading at least two similar images of objects to be imaged to form an image and a signal processing device for leading at least one image of the objectes to be imaged from two images of the object to be imaged to form an image on different zones of the light receiving surface of the image pick-up element. Because the present invention can form a plurality of images of the object to be imaged on the surface of the image pick-up element by a plurality of imaging lens, the image pick-up device can realize a thin type.

Description

camera system

technical field

The present invention relates to a photographing device system for photographing a still picture or a moving picture of a subject.

Background technique

An imaging device is used in devices such as ordinary cameras or video cameras, and the device uses a solid-state imaging device of a CCD, CMOS or artificial omentum chip as an imaging device. Recently, these devices are added to independent devices mainly for photography as described above, and it is also considered that they can be loaded or connected to imaging devices in so-called mobile information devices such as personal computers, portable information terminals, and cellular phones. These devices are extremely important factors in the miniaturization of image devices when considering the properties of these information devices.

14 is a configuration diagram of a conventional solid-state imaging device disclosed in, for example, JP-A-10-227962 or JP-A-10-293236. In Fig. 14, 101 is an object to be photographed, 102 is an imaging lens for imaging the object to be imaged on the surface of the imaging device, and 104 is an imaging device in which photoelectric conversion devices are arranged in a matrix shape, and the image of the object to be photographed is represented by 105. The imaging lens forms an image, and the photoelectric conversion device is used to convert the light intensity formed by the image of the object into an electrical signal, and 104 is a lens barrel for setting the lens. For simplicity, filter types such as low-pass filter and infrared filter are omitted here.

Next, the relevant actions are described. The light reflected by the subject 101 or generated from the subject passes through the imaging lens 102 to form an image 105 of the subject on the imaging device 103 . The photoelectric device 103 is equipped with a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices, and after detecting the light intensity of a photoelectric conversion device reaching a certain space part, it is converted into an electrical signal equivalent to the light intensity, and from these electrical signals and the configuration position information of the photoelectric conversion device, the The image 105 of the subject formed on the entire imaging device can be reproduced on a device such as a display device.

The characteristics of an optical system used in an imaging device are mainly expressed by brightness and a screen angle of view. Brightness represents a rough standard of the brightness of a subject that can be photographed when the aperture is opened, and is usually represented by an F (focal length) number. Now, assuming that the effective diameter of the lens is a, and the focal length of the lens is f, it is given by F number = f/a. In addition, the screen angle of view represents the area of the subject that can be photographed by the imaging device, that is, the area that can be imaged by the imaging device through the lens. For example, if the size of the surface of the imaging device assumes that the diagonal line b=1/2 inch (12.7mm), if the shape is assumed to be the same as that of an ordinary TV screen, and the vertical/horizontal length ratio is 3:4, if the imaging device is assumed The vertical length is (3/5) × b, the horizontal length is (4/5) × b, and the distance between the lens and the imaging device is L (approximately equal to f in the case of infinity focus), then the angle of view of the picture is equal to Mode

Vertical screen viewing angle = 2×tan-1(((3/5)×b/2)/L)…(1)

Horizontal picture viewing angle = 2×tan-1(((4/5)×b/2)/L)…(2)

give.

Now, as an imaging lens of a standard imaging device, it is assumed that the F number=2.8 and the horizontal screen angle of view is 40°, and f=13.96mm and a=4.98mm are obtained according to the above equation. Therefore, the distance between the lens and the imaging device, that is, the thickness of the imaging device is about 14 mm. On the other hand, the image resolution of the subject is determined by the pitch of picture elements (pixels) arranged in a matrix in the imaging device. In the case of the 1/2-inch imaging device, if one wants to obtain If the horizontal screen size is 10.16mm VGA (640 pixels x 480 pixels: the surface size of the imaging device shown in Fig. 3) image, then the pixel pitch is about 15.9 microns.

Now, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the resolution of a conventional imaging device. In FIG. 14, X is the position of the imaging lens, and Y is the optical axis of the imaging lens. Arrows indicate images, which are 200 pixels in size. For the sake of simplicity, if it is assumed that we only pay attention to the resolution in the horizontal direction, and there is a subject with a size of 159mm in the horizontal part at a position 698mm away from the lens, then, since the distance L=13.96mm from the lens to the surface of the imaging device , Therefore, the image of the subject is reduced to one-fiftieth of the size of the subject (13.96÷698), and is formed on the surface of the imaging device. Therefore, the image of the subject becomes 3.18 mm, and since the image of 3.18 mm is read by the imaging device with a pitch of 15.9 microns, it can be read with 200 pixels in the horizontal direction.

Because the prior imaging device is constituted as described, if want to obtain the image of standard brightness, screen angle of view, must increase the distance between the light-receiving surface of imaging lens and imaging device, for this reason, imaging device Thickness is thickened. In addition, when a conventional imaging device is incorporated into an electronic device, especially an electronic device called a cellular phone, a camcorder, a watch, and a portable information terminal, since the thickness of the imaging device increases, the In order to be incorporated into these portable electronic devices, it is necessary to increase the size and connect them, and it is necessary to carry a large imaging device.

Contents of the invention

The present invention is proposed to solve the above problems. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a thin imaging device system with a thin imaging device, and to provide a thin electronic device and a portable electronic device capable of loading the imaging device system. of electronic devices.

The imaging device system according to the present invention at least includes an imaging device in which photoelectric conversion devices are arranged in a matrix shape and an imaging device for imaging an image of an object on a light-receiving surface of the imaging device, wherein the imaging device Form at least two similar images of the subject on different areas of the light-receiving surface of the imaging device, and further include a signal processing device for forming one image of the subject from the at least two images of the subject .

In the above imaging device system of the present invention, the imaging device is composed of a plurality of lens series having the same shape or refractive index distribution, and arranged in a plane parallel to the light receiving surface of the imaging device.

Preferably, the imaging device system according to the present invention integrates the imaging lenses constituting each lens series in the above structure.

In the above structure of the imaging device system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the imaging lenses constituting the lens series are integrally formed of a material having a coefficient of linear expansion of 1 x 10 ^-5 /°C or less.

In the above structure of the imaging device system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the imaging lenses constituting the lens series are bonded to a substrate having a coefficient of linear expansion of 1 x 10 ^-5 /°C or less.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 (a) is the structural diagram of the imaging device of embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 1 (b) is the system diagram of imaging device;

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the composition of the surface of an imaging device whose size is 640 pixels * 480 pixels in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement position sequence of photoelectric conversion devices in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

5 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

6 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

7 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

9 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image pickup device according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention; and

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the resolution of a conventional imaging device.

Detailed ways

Example 1

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1(a) is a configuration diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 1(b) is a system diagram of the imaging device. In Fig. 1 (a), in order to make the image imaging of the subject on the surface of a single imaging device, 1 is a plurality of imaging lenses arranged in each lens barrel 4, each 2 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction , there are 2×2=4 in total. The four imaging lenses 1 constitute four lens systems individually.

Y1 and Y2 represent the optical axis of the imaging lens 1 . 101 is an object to be photographed, 103 is an imaging device having photoelectric conversion devices arranged in a matrix, and 2 is an image of four objects to be imaged on the light-receiving surface of a single imaging device 103. In the figure I can only see 2 in front of me. 61 is an imaging device.

The imaging lens 1 is formed of light-transmitting resins such as acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins, or non-crystalline poly(alkene) resins, or inorganic light-transmitting materials such as glass. Methods such as shaping or etching work by changing the shape of the surface so that it retains the lens effect.

Next, the operation will be described. The light rays reflected by the object 101 or generated by the object 101 respectively pass through the four imaging lenses 1 and form images on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103 . Here, the four imaging lenses 1 form similar images 2 of the subject on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103 . On the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103, for example, a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices such as CCD are disposed, and one photoelectric conversion device detects the light intensity reaching a certain space and converts it into an electrical signal corresponding to the light intensity. If these electrical signals are separated from the configuration position information of the photoelectric conversion device, the 4 images of the imaged object can be reproduced on a single entire imaging device, and then they are synthesized again to form an image of the object. .

In Fig. 1 (b), 61 is to have the imaging lens as shown in Fig. 1 (a), and forms the imaging device of 4 photographed objects like 2 on the light-receiving surface of imaging device 103, 62 It is a signal arrangement conversion part to reproduce the image of one subject from image 2 of four subjects. The signal configuration conversion section 62 is a well-known circuit composed of a memory device such as a frame memory, a control circuit for reading an electrical signal between an imaging device, and a control circuit for reading an electrical signal while controlling the order of reading from the memory device. and so on. In this configuration, the formation of an image of a subject is described. The electrical signal intensity of a photoelectric conversion device constituting the light-receiving surface of the imaging device is in accordance with the arrangement position sequence of its photoelectric conversion devices (for example, from the left end of the photoelectric conversion device arranged on the uppermost horizontal line according to Fig. 2 The pixels n _1,1 , . . . n _x,1 , n _1,2 , . _. . , n _x , ₂ , . The electrical signals of these photoelectric conversion devices should be written into the memory device once in the signal configuration conversion part, read from the memory device again, and displayed on the image display device 109 via the image processing device 108, but when writing and reading to the memory When outputting, the electrical signal data should be reconfigured according to the number and position of the images of the subject, that is, according to n _{1, 1} , n _{(x/2)+1, 1} , n _{1, (y/2)+} 1, n _{(x/2)+1, (y/2)+1} , n2, ₁ , n _(x/2)+2, 1, n _{2, (y/2)+1} , n _{(x/2)+2 ,(y/2)+1} ,...n _x/2,1 ,n _x,1 ,n _x/2,(y/2)+1 ,n _x,(y/2)+1 ,n _{1, 2} , n _(x/2)+2 , n _{1, (y/2)+2} , n _{(x/2)+1, (y/2)+2} , ... n _{x/2, y/2} , n _{x, y/2} , n _{x/2, y} , n _{x, y} sequentially rearrange each pixel, read out in this order, convert it into an image of the subject and send it to the image processing device 108, therefore On the image display device 109, an image of a subject is displayed. According to the above structure, even if the image pickup system uses a plurality of imaging lenses to form images of a plurality of objects on the light receiving surface of the image pickup device, it also has the feature of being able to synthesize images of one object through the signal configuration conversion part. .

The characteristics of the optical system used in the imaging device have been described, and they are mainly represented by the luminance and the viewing angle of the picture. When the aperture is open, it indicates the approximate standard of the brightness of the object that can be photographed. It is usually expressed by F number. If the size of the imaging device assuming the viewing angle of the screen is diagonal b, its shape is the same as that of an ordinary TV screen, vertical The ratio of the length to the horizontal is 3:4, then, the angle of view of the picture given by formula (1) and formula (2) has also been described.

Currently, an imaging device with F number = 2.8 and horizontal screen angle of view = 40° is realized by a plurality of imaging lenses. In the composition of Fig. 1, assume that the number of imaging lenses is set to 2 each in the vertical and horizontal directions, a total of 2*2=4, and 4 images of the subject are formed on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103 . That is, one image of the subject is formed on each light-receiving surface equally divided into two vertically and two horizontally. For this reason, since the image of an object to be photographed is formed on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device whose diagonal line is b/2, in order to obtain the horizontal picture angle of view of 40° from the formula, and in order to obtain L=6.98mm , F number=2.8, just require a=2.49mm. Therefore, the distance between the imaging lens and the imaging device, that is, the thickness of the imaging device is 7 mm, which is half that of a conventional imaging device constituted by a single imaging lens, enabling thinning.

On the other hand, as in the case of conventional imaging devices, if the resolution of the image of the object is considered, because the size of the horizontal frame of an image of the object is 5.08 mm, if the pixel pitch is about 15.9 microns, Then the resolution is 320×240, and the resolution of the subject image is 1/2 of VGA. For example, if it is assumed that there is an object with a horizontal portion size of 159 mm at a position 698 mm away from the imaging lens, then, because the distance L=6.98 from the imaging lens to the light-receiving surface of the imaging device, the object formed by an imaging lens The image of the photographed object is reduced to 1/100 of the size of the photographed object (6.98÷698), and is formed on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device. Therefore, since the image of the subject is 1.59 mm and the image of 1.59 mm is read by the imaging device with a pitch of 15.9 microns, the resolution can be read with 100 pixels in the horizontal direction. Similarly, even if an image of a subject is formed using another imaging lens, the same image of the subject is read with 100 pixels in the horizontal direction for each resolution.

The relationship between the four imaging lenses, the imaging device and the subject related to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4(a), (b). Fig. 3 shows the surface of an image pickup device with a pixel size of 640 pixels x 480 pixels. X ₁ to X ₄ are the positions of the imaging lenses, and Y ₁ to Y ₄ are the optical axes of the imaging lenses. FIG. 4( a ) shows a cross-sectional view taken along a horizontal plane (line AA in FIG. 3 ). If it is assumed that the distance between the optical axes of the two lenses on the same horizontal plane is 2P, the distance from the lens to the light-receiving surface is L, and the distance from the object to the lens is L _O , then the object imaged by the two lenses The center of the image of the subject is shifted from the optical axis Y ₁ , Y ₂ of each imaging lens by simply drawing by P×(L/L _O ). If it is assumed that the offset is δ, the distance δH of the image of the subject imaged by the two imaging lenses becomes δH=2δ+2P, that is

δH＝2P×(1+(L/L _O )) (3)

Only when δH is an integer multiple of the pitch of the imaging device, the images of the two photographed objects are exactly the same. It is known that, in other cases, the imaging devices of the two regions can accurately compare the image of the photographed object. A small number of different parts are sampled, and since they are synthesized by an electric device, even in the example, it is equivalent to reading the image of the subject with 200 pixels in the horizontal direction, so it can be achieved by a thin camera with a short focal length. Achieves the same resolution as conventional video cameras.

Example 2

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and the following embodiments show variations based on FIG. 1. In FIG. 5 , 21 is an imaging lens integrally formed and incorporated in the lens barrel 104 , and there are two imaging lenses on the vertical and horizontal planes, totaling 2×2=4. The four imaging lenses 21 constitute four lens series individually. Here, the four imaging lenses 21 integrally formed are formed of a light-transmitting resin such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or amorphous poly(alkene) resin as a material, and are formed by injection molding, thermosetting, photocuring, or etching. and other methods can make the surface shape easy to change, thereby maintaining the lens effect.

In addition, as the four imaging lenses 21 which are integrally formed, on a light-transmitting resin substrate such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or amorphous poly(alkene) resin, these are formed by ion implantation or ion exchange. The refractive index of the material is partially changed, and the lens effect is also maintained, which also enables the imaging function to be realized.

The related operations are described below. The light reflected or generated by the subject 101 forms an image on the light-receiving surface of the individual imaging device 103 through the four imaging lenses 21 integrally formed on the translucent resin. Here, each of the 4 imaging lenses 21 integrally formed forms 4 similar images 2 of the subject on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103 respectively, and by recombining them, they have the same brightness, the same picture angle and Compared with conventional imaging devices with the same resolution, it is possible to achieve thinner.

In addition, in the present embodiment, because as the composition of Fig. 1, needn't be provided with an imaging lens 1 in the independent lens barrel, can be provided with 4 imaging lenses 21 that one piece integrally forms in front of the light-receiving surface of imaging device 103, therefore The structure becomes simple and at the same time achieves light weight. In addition, it has the advantage that the necessary focus of each imaging lens can be solved by only adjusting the distance between the integrally formed four imaging lenses 21 and the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103, and the adjustment time can also be shortened.

Example 3

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 6 , 31 is an imaging lens built in the lens barrel, and two of them are integrally formed on the vertical and horizontal planes by using a material with a linear expansion coefficient of approximately 1×10 ^-5 /°C or less, so that there are four in total and each is individually Consists of 4 lens systems. Here, the four imaging lenses 31 integrally formed are made of, for example, a light-transmitting inorganic material such as glass, and the surface shape can be changed by methods such as press molding or etching, so that the lens effect can also be maintained.

In addition, the four imaging lenses 31 formed as a whole use methods such as ion implantation or ion exchange to partially change the refractive index of these materials on light-transmitting inorganic materials such as glass, so that the lens effect is also maintained, and the imaging function can also be realized.

The related operation will be described below. An image is formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 103 through the four imaging lenses 31 integrally formed by light rays reflected or generated by the subject 101 . The four imaging lenses 31 integrally formed form four similar images 2 of the subject on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103 respectively. The device can be relatively thinned.

In addition, in the present embodiment, because also needn't arrange each imaging lens 1 in independent lens barrel 104 like the structure of Fig. , therefore, the structure becomes simple and light weight can be achieved at the same time. In addition, there is an advantage that the focal alignment necessary for each imaging lens can be solved only by adjusting the distance between the four integrally formed imaging lenses 31 and the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103, and the adjustment time can be shortened.

Here, when the use of the imaging device is considered, stability against changes in the environment, especially changes in the environment temperature, is required. For example, it is desired to be stable against a change of 50°C in the operating guarantee range of -5 to 45°C for a commonly used imaging device. Related to the imaging device of the present invention, as shown in Figure 4 (b), when the deviation δ between the center of the image of the object and the optical axis of each lens is other than the integer multiple of the pitch of the imaging device, the distance between the two areas The imaging device can sample a few different parts of the image of the subject, and by combining them, it becomes equivalent to reading the image of the subject with 200 pixels in the horizontal direction in the above example. The factor δH that affects the resolution is determined by (3) formula. According to formula (3), δH has almost no influence on the distance L between the imaging lens and the light-receiving surface of the imaging device, but there is a proportional relationship to the distance 2P of the four imaging lenses. In some cases, the resolution of the same subject at the same distance will change.

In this embodiment, since the integrally formed four imaging lenses 31 are formed using light-transmitting inorganic materials such as glass, the coefficient of linear expansion thereof is approximately 1×10 ^-5 /°C or less. It is suppressed on the order of microns, so an image with a specified resolution can be obtained independently of the ambient temperature.

Example 4

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 7 , 41 is a substrate having a linear expansion coefficient of 1×10 ⁻⁵ /° C. or less. On the substrate 41, two are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, so that a total of 2×2=4 imaging lenses 1 a . The imaging lens 1a constitutes four lens systems individually, and is formed by using light-transmitting resins such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin or amorphous poly(alkene) resin, and inorganic light-transmitting materials such as glass as materials. Spray forming, thermal hardening, light hardening, pressure forming or etching can change the surface shape and maintain the lens effect.

In addition, as the imaging lens 1a, light-transmitting resins such as acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins, or amorphous poly(alkene) resins, or inorganic light-transmitting materials such as glass are used, and the imaging lens 1a is partially changed by methods such as ion implantation or ion exchange. The refractive index of these materials also maintains the lens effect and enables the imaging function.

On the other hand, the substrate 41 is made of a light-transmitting inorganic material such as glass, and the imaging lens 1a is bonded and molded in the substrate 41 by thermocompression bonding, bonding or two-color molding. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, four small holes for mounting the imaging lens 1 may be opened on a substrate having a linear expansion coefficient of 1×10 ^-5 /°C or less, and the lens 1 may be mounted thereon.

The related operation will be described below. The light reflected or generated by the subject 101 passes through a plurality of imaging lenses 1 a on the substrate 41 to form an image on the light-receiving surface of the individual imaging device 103 . The above imaging device can be thinner than conventional imaging devices having the same brightness, the same viewing angle, and the same resolution. In addition, since only one substrate 41 on which four imaging lenses 1a are bonded or one substrate 42 on which four imaging lenses 1 are mounted can be provided, so that the structure can be simplified and lightened, and the adjustment time for focusing can also be shortened. The advantages.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the substrate 41 to which the four imaging lenses 1a with appropriate precision are bonded is formed or mounted using a light-transmitting inorganic material such as glass with a linear expansion coefficient of approximately 1×10 ^-5 /°C or lower. A substrate 42 with four imaging lenses 1 is controlled at the micron level according to the center of the image of the subject as shown in Figure 4 (b) and the offset δH of the optical axis of each lens Therefore, in the guaranteed working range of the imaging device -5 to 45°C, images with a specified resolution can be stably obtained regardless of the ambient temperature varying around 50°C.

Example 5

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In Fig. 9, 51 is to change the surface shape by spray molding, thermosetting, photocuring, or etching of a light-transmitting resin such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or amorphous poly(alkene) resin. 41 has a thin plate in which two imaging lenses 52 in total are integrally formed in the vertical and horizontal directions. Compared with these thin plates, 41 is a substrate having a linear expansion coefficient of 1×10 ^-5 /°C or lower. piece. The thin plate 51 having these plural imaging lenses 52 and the substrate 41 having a coefficient of linear expansion of 1×10 ⁻⁵ /° C. or less are bonded, and housed in the lens barrel 104 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, using a light-transmitting resin such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or amorphous poly(alkene) resin, or an inorganic light-transmitting resin such as glass, using ion implantation, ion exchange, etc. The method is to make the thin plate 51a having two imaging lenses 52a in the vertical direction and horizontal direction respectively so that a total of four imaging lenses 52a partially changes the refractive index to maintain the lens effect, and the thin plate 51a is bonded to have stronger rigidity than the thin plate 51a and has 1 The same effect can be obtained also on the substrate 41 having a linear expansion coefficient of 10 ^-5 /°C or less.

The related operations are described below. The light reflected or generated by the subject 101 passes through the imaging lenses 52 and 52 a on the substrate 41 to form an image on the light-receiving surface of the individual imaging device 103 . Compared with conventional imaging devices having the same luminance, the same screen angle of view, and the same resolution, the imaging device can be thinned.

In this embodiment, since the four imaging lenses 52, 52a constitute a lens system individually, and these imaging lenses can be integrally formed, there is an advantage that it is easy to accurately form the pitch between the imaging lenses.

Furthermore, similar to the above-described embodiments, it is possible to achieve thinner thickness than conventional imaging devices having the same luminance, the same screen angle of view, and the same resolution. In addition, since it is possible to provide one substrate 41 in which the thin plates 51, 51a having four imaging lenses are bonded, there are also advantages in that the structure can be simplified, the weight can be reduced, and the time for adjusting focus can be shortened.

In addition, in the fifth embodiment, since the thin plates 51, 51a having the four imaging lenses 52, 52a integrally formed are bonded to the substrate 41 having a coefficient of linear expansion approximately below 1×10 ^-5 /°C, the The substrate is rigid, so within the guaranteed working range of the imaging device -5 to 45°C, even if the ambient temperature changes by about 50°C, the lens pitch does not change, and an image with a specified resolution can be stably obtained.

In the above embodiments, the case of four imaging lenses was described, but in the present invention, not limited to four, a plurality of imaging lenses can be applied.

Example 6

The lens systems in the above embodiments are composed of individual imaging lenses, but the lens systems in this embodiment are composed of 4 imaging lenses (group lenses) respectively. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an imaging device in the sixth embodiment, which corresponds to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. In Fig. 11, since the image of the subject is imaged on the light-receiving surface of a separate imaging device, 91 is a group lens composed of 4 imaging lenses arranged in respective lens barrels 104, and vertically and vertically In the horizontal direction, two lens systems are formed respectively so that a total of four lens systems are formed.

The related operations are described below. The light rays reflected by or generated from the subject 101 pass through the four imaging lenses 91 (group of lenses) and form images on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103 respectively. Here, each of the four imaging lenses (group lenses) forms four similar images 2 of the subject on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103 . On the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103, a plurality of fine photodetection devices such as CCD are disposed, and the light intensity of one photodetection device reaching a certain space is detected and converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the light intensity.

If know the positional information of these electrical signals and the disposition of photodetection device, just can use the method described in the described embodiment to regenerate image 2 of 4 photographed objects in the whole independent imaging device, and then they Combined again to form an image of the subject, it can be thinner than conventional imaging devices with the same brightness, the same screen angle of view, and the same resolution.

Example 7

FIG. 12 shows an image pickup device according to Embodiment 7, and corresponds to the configuration of FIGS. 5 and 6 . In FIG. 12, 91a is four imaging lenses (group lens) provided in the lens barrel 104, and constitutes a lens series. The group of lenses 91a is arranged in the direction of the optical axis, integrally formed with three imaging lenses 91, and is composed of two imaging lenses 92 in total on the vertical and horizontal planes. The integrally formed imaging lens 92 is formed of a light-transmitting resin such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or amorphous poly(alkene) resin as a material, and methods such as spray forming, thermosetting, photocuring, or etching can be used. It is easy to change the surface shape, and the lens effect is realized by such a change in the surface shape.

In addition, the four imaging lenses 92 formed as a whole are partially changed by using methods such as ion implantation or ion exchange on a light-transmitting resin substrate such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or amorphous poly(alkene) resin. The refractive index of these materials also maintains the lens effect and can achieve the same lens function.

The related operations are described below. The light reflected or generated by the subject 101 is imaged on the light-receiving surface of a separate imaging device 103 through four imaging lenses 92 integrally formed on a light-transmitting resin, for example, through a group lens having a zoom function, etc. . Here, the four imaging lenses 92 integrally formed form four similar images 2 of the subject on the light-receiving surface of the imaging device 103, and can be recombined using the same method as that described in the above-mentioned embodiment. .

According to this structure, since the imaging lens 92 in the group lens 91a is integrally formed, and four are formed, the structure of the group lens is simple, the weight is light, and an image pickup device that is easy to adjust can be realized.

In addition, for example, if the imaging lens 92 is formed of a light-transmitting inorganic material such as glass, then its coefficient of linear expansion is approximately 1×10 ⁻⁵ /° C. or less, and since the temperature variation of δH is controlled on the order of microns, Therefore, an image with a specified resolution can be obtained independently of the ambient temperature.

Example 8

Fig. 13 is a system diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, showing in detail that as the imaging device shown in Fig. The system of the imaging device of the computing device and the imaging device. In Fig. 13, 61 is an imaging device composed of an imaging device with an arithmetic device between a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices in the imaging device, and 72 is one of a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices in the imaging device. The imaging device of the computing device in the room. In the imaging device that uses the imaging device 72 that is equipped with the computing device between a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices in the imaging device, owing to possessing the function of the signal configuration conversion part 62 shown in Fig. 1 (a), Therefore, the electrical signal intensity of the photoelectric conversion device can be converted into an image of the object to be directly sent to the image processing device 108 through the computing device between multiple photoelectric conversion devices without depending on the configuration position of its photoelectric conversion device. , and can reflect an image of the object to be photographed in the image display device 109.

An imaging device using an imaging device provided with an arithmetic device between a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices in the above imaging device as an imaging device, that is, a plurality of objects to be photographed are formed on the imaging device using a plurality of imaging lenses Since the signal configuration conversion can be performed in the imaging device, it is not necessary to provide a signal configuration conversion part in another way, and a low-cost and simple-structured imaging device system can be realized.

In addition, by using an imaging device in which each photoelectric conversion device in the imaging device is equipped with an amplifier, it is not necessary to provide an amplifier for amplifying an electrical signal in the image processing device 108, and an imaging device with a low cost and a simple structure can be realized. system.

Next, a case where the imaging device shown in any one of the first to sixth embodiments is mounted on an electronic device will be described.

Next, a case where it is suitable for a notebook PC will be described. The imaging device has a well-known analog-digital interface circuit for image display. The circuit is arranged in the center around the top of the display device of the notebook PC, but it can also be arranged in any position around the display device, and the installation position is not limited.

In this case, as described above, since the imaging device is thin, the display device can be thinned, or the notebook PC can be thinned because it is not necessary to keep a part thick for installation. In addition, a thin notebook PC can be realized without sacrificing overall thinness when the configuration is detachable. Furthermore, since there is a signal processing device for forming a plurality of images of the subject into one image of the subject, only the same image processing circuit as that of the conventional imaging device is provided in the notebook PC, and it is possible to Displays the normal image.

Next, the case where the display device is mounted on the top of the display device of the mobile phone will be described. In this case, the position of the imaging device is not limited thereto.

As described above, since the imaging device is thin, the thickness of the mobile phone can be reduced, and since it is not necessary to partially maintain the thickness for installation, the thickness of the entire mobile phone can be reduced. In addition, a thin mobile phone can be realized without sacrificing the overall thickness when it is configured to be detachable. And because there is a signal processing device for forming a plurality of images of the subject into one image of the subject, the mobile phone only needs to be provided with the same image processing circuit as that of the conventional imaging device to display normal images. image of .

Next, a description will be given of the case where the imaging device is mounted in a camcorder. In this case, as mentioned earlier, because the imaging device is thin, the camcorder is also thinner, or because it is not necessary to partially maintain the thickness for installation, the entire camcorder can be thinned, or A camcorder that realizes the shape of a card. Moreover, because it is equipped with a signal circuit device for forming the images of four subjects into one image of the subject, only the same image processing circuit as that of a conventional imaging device is provided on the side of the camcorder, and it can be displayed. normal image.

Next, a case where the imaging device is applied to a portable information terminal will be described. Furthermore, in this case, the installation position of the imaging device is not limited.

As mentioned above, because the imaging device is thin, the portable information terminal can be thinned, or because it is not necessary to partially maintain the thickness for installation, the entire portable information terminal can be thinned, and of course it can be stored in the breast pocket. Moreover, because it is provided with a signal processing device for forming a plurality of images of the subject into one image of the subject, the portable information terminal only needs to install the same image processing device as the conventional imaging device to display normal images. image of .

Next, a description will be given of the case of mounting the imaging device in a wrist watch. Furthermore, in this case, the installation position of the imaging device is not limited.

As mentioned above, since the imaging device is thin, the wristwatch can be made thinner, or since it is not necessary to maintain the thickness partially for installation, the entire wristwatch can be made thinner and have a good wearing feeling. Furthermore, since the image of a plurality of subjects is formed into one image of the subject, a normal image can be displayed only by providing the same image processing circuit as that of a conventional imaging device.

According to the imaging device as the first configuration of the present invention, since a plurality of imaging lenses are used to form images of a plurality of objects on the surface of the imaging device, a thin imaging device can be realized.

In addition, if according to the imaging device as the second configuration of the present invention, because the imaging device of the first configuration is constituted by a plurality of lens series having the same shape or refractive index distribution, and are arranged on the side parallel to the light-receiving surface of the imaging device. In-plane, therefore, a thin imaging device can be realized.

In addition, according to the imaging device as the third configuration of the present invention, since the imaging lens constituting the lens series is integrally formed, an imaging device having a simple structure, light weight, and easy adjustment can be realized.

In addition, according to the imaging device according to the fourth configuration of the present invention, since the imaging lenses constituting the lens series are integrally formed using materials having a linear expansion coefficient of 1×10 ^-5 /°C or less, it is possible to achieve a simple structure and low weight. An imaging device that is light, easy to adjust and does not change the resolution of the ambient temperature change.

In addition, according to the imaging device according to the fifth configuration of the present invention, since the imaging lenses constituting the lens series are formed on the substrate having a linear expansion coefficient of 1×10 ^-5 /°C or less, it is possible to achieve a simple structure and light weight. , and easy to adjust, and does not change the resolution of the camera device for ambient temperature changes.

Claims (5)

1. imaging device system, it is characterized in that, at least possess the camera device that makes photoactor be configured to matrix shape and be used to make and be imaged on imaging device on the sensitive surface of camera device by the picture of photography thing, wherein, described imaging device forms the picture of 2 similar described things of being photographed at least on the zones of different of the sensitive surface of camera device, and also comprises the signal processing apparatus that constitutes the picture of the thing of being photographed from least 2 described pictures by the photography things.

2. imaging device according to claim 1 system is characterized in that described imaging device is made of a plurality of lens series with same shape or refraction index profile, and is configured in the plane parallel with the sensitive surface of camera device.

3. imaging device according to claim 2 system is characterized in that the imaging len that constitutes described each lens series is formed by integral body.

4. imaging device according to claim 2 system is characterized in that the imaging len that constitutes described lens series is by having 1 * 10 ^-5/ ℃ below the material monolithic of coefficient of linear expansion form.

5. imaging device according to claim 2 system is characterized in that the imaging len that constitutes described lens series is engaged with has 1 * 10 ^-5/ ℃ below the substrate of coefficient of linear expansion on.

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