JP2001136350A - Image input device, image input system and image input method, and recording medium for them - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire an image of an object with high image quality and high resolution by employing an image pickup element with low resolution. SOLUTION: An image input device is provided with a lighting device that emits light to an object to light up the object, an image pickup device that converts the optical image of the object into an electric signal, and a controller that controls the operations of the lighting device and the image pickup device. The image pickup device is provided with an image pickup element that has an image pickup face consisting of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix form, an image forming optical device that forms the optical image of the object onto the image pickup face, and an optical image shift device that two-dimensionally shifts on the image pickup face the position of the optical image of the object formed on the image pickup face. The controller controls the optical shift device to change the position of the optical image of the object into a plurality of image forming positions by using the optical shift device, adjusts the image pickup timing of the image pickup element at each of a plurality of the image forming positions and allows the lighting device to emit light synchronously with the image pickup timing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image input device,
The present invention relates to an image input system, an image input method, and a recording medium therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a presentation performed in a conference room or a hall, an image of a subject (document, drawing, three-dimensional object, etc.) to be displayed on the spot is captured and displayed on an image display device such as a projection display device. In order to do so, a "document camera"
An image input device referred to as an image input device is used. The document camera uses a camera (imaging device) using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as an image sensor for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal.

In order to increase the resolution of an image captured by a document camera, it is conceivable to use an image sensor having a larger number of pixels. However, it is not easy to increase the number of pixels of the CCD due to various problems such as performance problems and manufacturing cost problems.

[0004] As a technique for increasing the resolution of an obtained image without increasing the number of pixels of the CCD, a so-called "pixel shift" is known. In this pixel shift, light from a subject that cannot be obtained because it has reached between the light receiving units (non-light receiving unit) corresponding to each pixel of the image sensor is guided to the light receiving unit to obtain the information. This is a technique for realizing high resolution substantially equivalent to increasing the number of pixels of the image sensor.

[0005] Specific examples of the pixel shift include, for example, JP-A-59-15378 and JP-A-1-121.
No. 81, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 6-8937, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
Examples described in JP-A-260448 are cited.

[0006]

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the problem of increasing the resolution of an image by shifting pixels.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a part of an image sensor using a CCD. This imaging device includes a CCD unit 1010 and a microlens array 1020. CCD unit 1
Reference numeral 010 includes light receiving elements (light receiving portions) 1012 arranged in a matrix. A non-light receiving portion 1014 is provided between the light receiving elements 1012. The micro lens array 1020 has micro lenses 1022 having a size equal to the arrangement interval of the light receiving elements 1012. Each micro lens 1022 is arranged so as to condense the light incident thereon and to enter the corresponding light receiving element 1012. Each microlens 1022 is provided to increase the sensitivity of each light receiving element of the image sensor and improve the image quality of the image, and collects light reflected by a subject and incident on each microlens 1022. Glow,
It has a function to make as much light as possible incident on the corresponding 1012.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the pixel is shifted so that the light incident on the non-light receiving portion 1014 in the middle of the arrangement interval of the light receiving elements 1012 is incident on the light receiving element 1012, Depending on the function, light from the subject may be incident on the light receiving element 1012 before the pixel shift, and may also enter the light receiving element 1012 after the pixel shift (hereinafter, referred to as “light overlap”). There is. This light overlap is the MTF of the acquired image.
(Modulation Transfer Funciton)
There is a problem that image quality is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and has as its object to provide a technique for acquiring a high-quality and high-resolution subject image using a low-resolution image sensor. Aim.

[0009]

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, an image input apparatus according to the present invention includes a light-emitting device that emits light for illuminating the subject, and a light-emitting device for illuminating the subject. An imaging device that converts an optical image into an electric signal; and a control device that controls operations of the light emitting device and the imaging device. The imaging device includes an imaging device that includes photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix. An imaging element having a surface, an imaging optical device for forming an optical image of the subject on the imaging surface, and a position of the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface, the imaging surface An optical image shift device for two-dimensionally moving the optical device, and wherein the control device changes an image forming position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of image forming positions by the optical shifting device; Image of As well as adjusting the timing of imaging of the imaging device at each location, in synchronization with the timing of the imaging, characterized in that emit the light emitting device.

Here, the image pickup device is configured such that light emitted from the image forming optical device enters the image pickup surface without passing through a microlens array having a function of condensing light. Is preferred.

The image input device of the present invention can shift the effective position of the optical image formed on the imaging surface by the optical image shift device, so that the so-called pixel shift can be performed. Thereby, an image having a resolution substantially higher than the resolution of the image sensor can be obtained.

Further, the sensitivity of the image pickup device can be increased by illuminating the subject by emitting light from the light emitting device in synchronization with the timing of image pickup. Accordingly, the imaging device can be configured such that the light emitted from the imaging optical device is incident on the imaging surface without passing through the microlens array having a function of condensing the light. That is, the microlens array conventionally provided on the imaging surface of the imaging device can be omitted. As a result,
M caused by having a micro lens
It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality due to the deterioration of the TF.

Therefore, the image input device of the present invention can acquire a high-quality and high-resolution image of a subject by using a low-resolution image sensor.

Further, the image input device further includes an acquisition condition input section for allowing a user to input setting of the image data acquisition condition, and the control device controls the optical shift according to the set acquisition condition. By changing the imaging position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of imaging positions by the device, and adjusting the imaging timing of the imaging element at each of the plurality of imaging positions, in synchronization with the imaging timing Preferably, the light emitting device emits light.

With this configuration, the user can easily set the conditions for acquiring the image of the subject, so that the degree of freedom of setting is high and the usability is good.

Further, the image input device further includes a light amount detecting device for detecting a light amount near the object, and the control device is configured to stop the light emission of the light emitting device.
It is preferable that the light amount detecting device detects a light amount in the vicinity of the subject, and adjusts a light emitting condition of the light emitting device according to the detected light amount.

With this configuration, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting device can be adjusted to a preferable amount of light emitted according to the use environment of the image input device, and a high-quality image can be obtained.

Further, the image input device further includes a light amount detecting device for detecting a light amount near the subject, and the control device determines the amount of light emitted by the light emitting device in the vicinity of the subject. It is preferable that the light emitting condition is detected by a light amount detecting device and the light emitting condition of the light emitting device is adjusted according to the detected light emitting amount.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of light emitted from the light emitting device, adjust the amount of light emitted from the light emitting device to a preferable amount of emitted light, and obtain a high-quality image.

In the above image input device, the light emitting device may include a light emitting unit, a rotating color filter provided in an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a plurality of color filters formed rotatably. Is preferably provided.

With this configuration, by acquiring an image of a subject for each color light that has passed through a plurality of color filters, a plurality of color data representing a color image of the subject can be acquired. With this configuration, a color image can be easily obtained.

Here, the rotating color filter may have a transparent area.

In this way, when acquiring a monochrome image, instead of acquiring an image of the subject for each color light that has passed through the plurality of color filters, an image of the subject is acquired using the light that has passed through the transparent region. By acquiring, a monochrome image can be easily acquired at high speed with only a simple circuit or image processing.

In the image input device, the light emitting device may include a light emitting unit that emits light in an infrared wavelength region.

With this configuration, it is possible to improve the sensitivity of the image pickup device and capture an image of the subject without the user feeling whether light is emitted.

In the image input device, the light emitting device may include a light emitting unit and a light diffusing unit detachably provided in an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting unit. .

In this way, the light emitted from the light emitting section is diffused by the light diffusing section, so that the deterioration of the image quality caused by the specular reflection of the object can be suppressed. In addition, the light diffusion unit is detachable, and it is possible to select whether or not to allow the light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the light diffusion unit according to the subject, so that imaging according to the type of the subject is possible. is there.

In the above image input device, the light emitting device may include a light emitting unit, and light emitted from the light emitting unit.
A first lens array having a plurality of first small lenses for dividing into a plurality of partial light beams, and a second lens array having a plurality of second small lenses corresponding to the plurality of first small lenses; May be provided.

With this configuration, it is possible to more uniformly illuminate the subject as compared with a case where the first lens array and the second lens array are not provided.

Further, an image input system according to the present invention includes the image input device described above, and an image display device for displaying the acquired image of the subject.

Since the image input system of the present invention includes the above-described image input device, it is possible to acquire a high-quality and high-resolution image and easily display the acquired image.

Further, the method of the present invention includes a light emitting device that emits light for illuminating a subject, an image pickup device having an image pickup surface composed of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix, and An imaging optical device for forming an optical image of a subject; and an optical image shift for moving a position of the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface two-dimensionally on the imaging surface. An image input method for acquiring image data representing an image of a subject, using an image input device comprising: a device; and an imaging device that converts an optical image of the subject into an electric signal. Changing the imaging position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of imaging positions by an optical shift device, adjusting the imaging timing of the imaging device at each of the plurality of imaging positions, and adjusting the timing of the imaging; In synchronization with the characterized in that for light emitting the light emitting device.

According to the image input method of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described image input apparatus can be obtained.

Further, the recording medium of the present invention comprises a light emitting device for emitting light for illuminating a subject, an image pickup device having an image pickup surface composed of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix, and An imaging optical device for forming an optical image of the subject, and an optical image for moving the position of the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface two-dimensionally on the imaging surface A computer which records a computer program for acquiring image data representing an image of the subject using an image input device having a shift device; and an imaging device which converts an optical image of the subject into an electric signal. A recording medium capable of changing an image forming position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of image forming positions by the optical shift device; As well as adjusting the timing of imaging of the image pickup device, characterized by recording a computer program for implementing the function of emitting the light emitting device in synchronization with the timing of the imaging, to the computer.

When the computer program recorded on such a recording medium is executed by a computer, the above-described image input method is realized.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Configuration of image input device: FIG.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an image input system as an embodiment of the present invention. This image input system includes an image input device P
I, image display device MD, and CD-R as storage device
And a drive SD. Image display device MD and CD
The -R drive SD is connected to the image input device PI via interface cables IFC1 and IFC2, respectively.

The image input device PI and the image display device MD
"Constitutes an image input device in a broad sense.

In FIG. 1, the image display device MD or CD
Although the configuration in which the -R drive SD is provided outside the image input device PI is described as an example, a configuration in which these devices are provided in the image input device PI may be used.

As the image display device MD, a direct-view display device using a CRT, a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display panel, or the like, or a projection display device can be used.
FIG. 1 illustrates a direct-view display device as an example.

The image input device PI includes a base 10, an instruction unit 20, and an imaging camera 30. An indication unit 20 is provided on the upper surface of the base unit 10, and an imaging camera 30 is provided at the tip of the indication unit 20. In addition, an operation panel (operation unit) 120, a subject mounting unit 12, and an optical sensor 140 are provided on the upper surface of the base unit 10. further,
A processing unit 110 that executes processing of the image input device PI is provided inside the base unit 10.

The subject mounting section 12 indicates an area where a subject to be imaged by the imaging camera 30 is mounted. The optical sensor 140 is provided near the subject mounting section 12. In the example shown in the figure, four optical sensors 140 are provided near the center of four sides of the outline of the rectangular object mounting portion 12, respectively. In addition, only one optical sensor 140 may be provided at any position near the subject mounting portion 12. That is, the optical sensor 140 only needs to be provided so as to be able to measure the amount of light in the vicinity of the subject mounting section 12.

An imaging lens system (imaging optical device) 310 and a light emitting device 30B of the imaging device 30A are provided on the lower surface of the imaging camera 30 facing the subject mounting portion 12 side.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image input device PI. The image input device PI includes an imaging device 30A, a light emitting device 30B, and a light amount detection device 130.
And a processing unit 110 corresponding to the control device of the present invention. The imaging device 30A and the light emitting device 30B are provided in the imaging camera 30 (FIG. 1).

The imaging lens system 310 of the imaging device 30A is
It has a function of forming an optical image of a subject placed on the subject placement section 12 (FIG. 1) on the imaging surface of the imaging element 360. This imaging lens system 310 corresponds to the imaging optical device of the present invention. The adjustment of the imaging lens system 310 is controlled by the lens control unit 420.

The image pickup device 360 has a function of converting incident light from a subject formed on the image pickup surface into an electric signal. As the image pickup device 360, a CCD (Charge C
oupled Device) is used.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the image sensor 360. The image sensor 360 includes an optical sensor PD on an imaging surface on which an optical image of a subject is formed by the imaging lens system 310.
(Photoelectric conversion elements) are formed in a matrix. Each optical sensor (light receiving unit) PD corresponds to each pixel of the image sensor 360. A non-light receiving portion NPD that cannot receive light is formed between the optical sensors PD. The imaging element 360 captures an image of the subject under the control of the imaging control unit 440. Note that “imaging” means converting an optical image into an electric signal to obtain image data.

The pixel shift section 350 shown in FIG. 2 is provided in the optical path between the image pickup lens system 310 and the image pickup element 360. The pixel shift unit 350 has a function of effectively moving the position of the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 360 in the horizontal or vertical direction. The pixel shift timing in the pixel shift unit 350 is controlled by the pixel shift control 430. The function of the pixel shift unit 350 will be further described later.

The light emitting device 30B includes a light emitting section 320 and a light emitting drive section 340. The light emission drive unit 340 controls the light emission unit 32 according to a light emission control signal output from the light emission control unit 450 in synchronization with the timing of imaging by the image sensor 360.
0 light emission is controlled. Thereby, the light emitting device 30B
Light is emitted in synchronization with the timing of imaging by the imaging element 360, and illuminates the subject.

The light amount detecting device 130 includes an optical sensor 140 and a light amount detecting unit 150. The optical sensor 140 is
The light incident on the optical sensor 140 is photoelectrically converted, and an electric signal corresponding to the amount of incident light is output. As the optical sensor 140, for example, a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor is used. The light amount detection unit 150 includes the optical sensor 1
The amount of incident light is obtained from the electric signal output from 40 and output to emission control section 450.

The result obtained by light quantity detection section 150 is output to light emission control section 450. The light emission control unit 450 controls the light emitting device 30B according to the obtained result. The control of the light amount detection device 130 and the light emission control unit 450 will be further described later.

The electric signal (image signal) output from the image sensor 360 is written to the memory 470 as image data via the image processing unit 460. The image data read from the memory 470 is output to the display control unit 490 and the disk control unit 510. Also, the image processing unit 460
Performs various image processing in the process of writing or reading image data to or from the memory 470.

The display control unit 490 outputs the image data output from the image processing unit 460 via the image processing control unit 480 as a signal that can be displayed on the image display device MD.
Thereby, the image of the subject is displayed on the image display device MD.

The disk control unit 510 performs recording and reproduction of a connected internal storage device or external storage device.
FIG. 2 shows that the disk control unit 510 has a CD-R drive SD.
And an example in which a hard disk drive HD is connected. The disk control unit 510 includes a CD-R
Not only drive SD and hard disk drive HD,
Floppy disk drives and magneto-optical disk drives,
Various storage devices such as a DVD-RAM drive can be connected.

The image processing section 460 to the image processing control section 48
0 is output to the disk controller 5.
The data is output to a recording device connected by 10 and recorded on a corresponding recording medium.

Further, the input / output control unit 500 stores the operating conditions set by the user using the operation panel 120 in the processing unit 1.
It supplies to each of the 10 blocks.

The CPU 520 includes a lens control unit 420, a pixel shift control unit 430, an imaging control unit 440, a light emission control unit 450, and an image processing control unit 48, which are connected to each other.
0, the display control unit 490, the input / output control unit 500, and the operation of the disk control unit 510.

The lens controller 420, the pixel shift controller 430, the imaging controller 440, and the light emission controller 45
0, an image processing unit 460, an image processing control unit 480,
At least a part of each function of the display control unit 490, the input / output control unit 500, and the disk control unit 510 can be realized not only by hardware but also by a computer program. Computer programs for realizing the functions of these units include floppy disks and CD-ROMs.
Etc., in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer reads the computer program from the recording medium and transfers it to an internal storage device or an external storage device. Alternatively, a computer program may be supplied from a program supply device to a computer via a communication path. When implementing the functions of a computer, a computer program stored in an internal storage device or an external storage device is executed by a CPU (microprocessor) of the computer.
Further, the computer may directly execute a computer program recorded on a recording medium.

In this specification, a computer is
The concept includes a hardware device and an operation system, and means a hardware device that operates under the control of the operation system. In the case where an operation system is unnecessary and a hardware device is operated by an application program alone, the hardware device itself corresponds to a computer. The hardware device includes at least a microprocessor such as a CPU and means for reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. The computer program includes a program code that causes such a computer to realize the functions of the above-described units. Some of the functions described above may be realized by an operation system instead of the application program.

The "recording medium" in the present invention includes a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a bar code is printed, and an internal storage of a computer. Device (RAM, ROM, etc.)
And various computer-readable media such as an external storage device.

B. Pixel shift control: FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of pixel shift. In FIGS. 4A and 4B,
From the subject SB to the image sensor 360, the subject S
The distance from B to the image sensor 360 is reduced. Also, for ease of explanation, the imaging lens system 310
Is omitted, and it is assumed that the size of the subject SB and the size of the image sensor 360 are equal. Further, a flat object such as a document is shown as the subject SB.

Between the subject SB and the image sensor 360,
A parallel flat plate 352 is provided so as to be tiltable with respect to the optical axis 30ax of the optical system. The parallel flat plate 352 is formed of a light-transmitting substance such as glass or resin. The parallel flat plate 352 corresponds to the pixel shift unit 350, and corresponds to the image shift device of the present invention.

In FIG. 4A, the parallel flat plate 352 is
It is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis 30ax. At this time, light from a certain point P1 of the subject SB goes straight in parallel to the optical axis 30ax, enters the parallel plate 352 perpendicularly, and
2, the light passes straight through, and enters the light receiving unit PD formed on the imaging surface 362 of the imaging element 360. The light incident on the light receiving unit PD is photoelectrically converted and can be used as effective image data. On the other hand, the distance Tp /
The light from the point P2 separated by 2 travels straight parallel to the optical axis 30ax and enters the non-light receiving portion NPD existing between the light receiving portions PD. Here, Tp is an arrangement interval (pixel pitch) of the light receiving units PD. The light that has entered the non-light receiving portion NPD cannot be effectively used because it is not photoelectrically converted, and becomes invalid image data.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, the parallel flat plate 352 is disposed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis 30ax. At this time, the light from the points P1 and P2 is
Since the light is obliquely incident on the parallel flat plate 352 and refracted,
Their optical paths change before and after the parallel plate 352 enters.
Thus, the light from the point P2 can be made incident on the light receiving unit PD, so that the light from the point P2 can be photoelectrically converted and used as an effective image signal.

As described above, a method of using light that has become ineffective due to entering the non-light receiving portion NPD as effective light by guiding it to the light receiving portion is referred to as “pixel shifting”.

The image processing section 460 synthesizes one image data from the image data obtained under the state of FIG. 4A and the image data obtained under the state of FIG. 4B. At the time of this synthesis, the image processing unit 460 determines the position relationship between P1 and P2 based on the pixel shift amount (Tp / 2) so that the positional relationship between P1 and P2 is correctly reproduced on the display screen MD. And at least one of the image data from FIG. 4B and the image data from FIG. As a result, it is possible to obtain image data substantially equal to the resolution of the image sensor having twice the number of pixels of the image sensor 360.

As a method of shifting the pixels, not only a method of shifting the optical path of the light from the subject as shown in FIG. 4, but also a method of minutely moving the image pickup device 360 itself. Since a specific example of the pixel shift unit 350 is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260448, a detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an image obtained by performing pixel shifting. FIG. 5 shows a case where the optical path of the light is shifted in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction by half the pixel pitch Tp of the image sensor 360 (in this case, the pixel shift is “１ ／ pixel shifted” in order to facilitate the description). And the pixel shift amount is Tp / 2.). FIG. 5 shows the image sensor 3
60 is a diagram in which a part of the subject SB corresponding to each pixel (light receiving unit PD) and each pixel (non-light receiving unit NPD) of the image sensor 360 is partitioned in a matrix. . The symbols # 33, # 34, # 43, # 44 are
Effective positions of the four adjacent light receiving units PD with respect to the subject SB, that is, symbols # 33, # 34, # 43, # 4
The subject SB that can receive light in the light receiving unit PD represented by 4
Shows the effective position of. Also, the symbols (1),
(2), (3), and (4) indicate the numbers of the pixel shift.

First, in the pixel shift (1) of FIG. 5A, the four light receiving sections PD represented by the symbols # 33, # 34, # 43, and # 44 respectively have the coordinates (C
5, L5), (C7, L5), (C5, L7), (C
7, L7) can be received. Next, by performing a half pixel shift in the horizontal right direction from the state of FIG. 5A, the coordinates (C6, L5), (C8, L5), (C8, L5) and (C8) are obtained as shown in FIG. C6, L7),
Light from (C8, L7) can be received. Then, from the state of FIG. 5B, 1 /
By performing the two-pixel shift, as shown in FIG. 5C, the coordinates (C6, L6), (C8, L6),
Light from (C6, L8) and (C8, L8) can be received. Further, by shifting the pixel by 1/2 pixel in the horizontal left direction from the state of FIG. 5C, the coordinates (C5, L6), (C7, L) are respectively obtained as shown in FIG. 5D.
6) Light from (C5, L8) and (C7, L8) can be received.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5E, in FIG. 5A, the symbols # 33, # 34, # 43, # 4
The four coordinates (C5, L5), (C7, L5), (C5, L7),
Not only the light from (C7, L7) but also the twelve coordinates (C6, L5),
(C8, L5), (C6, L7), (C8, L7), C
6, L6), (C8, L6), (C6, L8), (C
8, L8), (C5, L6), (C7, L6), (C
5, L8) and (C7, L8). With this, when a half pixel shift is performed,
Image data having four times the number of pixels can be obtained. In addition,
When the pixel is shifted by 1/3 pixel, that is, when the pixel is shifted at intervals of 1/3 of the pixel pitch, image data having nine times the number of pixels can be obtained. That is, by performing 1 / n pixel shift, image data having (n × n) times the number of pixels can be obtained effectively. Thus, by performing the pixel shift, the same effect as increasing the number of pixels of the image sensor can be obtained effectively. Note that the pixel shift is not limited to the case where the 1 / n pixel shift is performed as described above, and the position of the optical image of the subject may be moved two-dimensionally on the imaging surface of the image sensor.

C. Light Emission Control: FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the light emission unit 320 and the light emission drive unit 340. The light emitting unit 320 includes a light emitting lamp 322 and a reflector 324.
It is composed of As the light emitting lamp 322, for example, a xenon lamp is used.

The light emission drive section 340 includes a power supply circuit 342,
Charge capacitor 344 and light emission control transistor 3
46. The power supply circuit 342 outputs power supplies V + 1 and V− applied to both ends of the light emitting lamp 322 and auxiliary power supplies V + 2 and V + 3 of the light emitting lamp 322. These power supply voltages can be adjusted by the voltage control signal VUP. Collector C of light emission control transistor 346
Is connected to a terminal opposite to the terminal to which the power supply V + 1 of the light emitting section 320 is connected, and the emitter E is connected to the power supply V−. The light emission control signal F supplied from the light emission control unit 450
SHT is input. The charge capacitor 344 is connected between the power supplies V + 1 and V−.

The light emission control transistor 346 functions as a light emission switch of the light emission lamp 322. While the light emission control signal FSHT is at the L level, the light emission control transistor 34
6 is turned off, and the charge is stored in the charge capacitor 344. While the light emission control signal FSHT is at the H level, the light emission control transistor 346 is turned on, and the electric charge accumulated in the charge capacitor 344 flows to the light emission lamp 322. The amount of light emitted from the light-emitting lamp 322 depends on the amount of charge supplied to the light-emitting lamp 322 during a period in which the light-emitting control transistor 346 is on (light-emitting period). Therefore, in order to adjust the light emission amount, the light emission control transistor 346 is turned on, that is, the H level of the light emission control signal FSHT.
It can be controlled by adjusting the level period. Also, the voltage can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to both ends of the charge capacitor 344, that is, the potential difference between the power supplies V + 1 and V−. Note that the light emission drive unit 3
40 is controlled by a light emission control signal FSHT and a voltage control signal VUP output from the light emission control unit 450.

D. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the timing of pixel shifting in the pixel shifting unit 350, the timing of imaging in the image sensor 360, and the timing of light emission in the light emitting device 30B. FIG. 7A shows the image sensor 3
60 is an imaging control signal SHT indicating an imaging timing of 60. FIG. 7B shows a pixel shift control signal PSFT indicating the timing of pixel shift of the pixel shift unit 350.
FIG. 7C shows a light emission control signal FSHT indicating the light emission timing of the light emitting device 30B. FIG. 7D shows image data OS output from the image sensor 360.

FIG. 7 shows the timing when 1/2 pixel shift is performed. When 1/2 pixel shift is performed, one image data can be obtained by four imagings as shown in FIG. The imaging 1, imaging 2, imaging 3, and imaging 4 in FIG. 7 indicate four imaging periods.

The imaging control signal SHT is transmitted to the imaging control unit 440
Generated in The imaging control unit 440 controls the imaging device 360 according to the imaging control signal SHT to execute imaging. In the high-level (H-level) period tsh (charge accumulation period) of the imaging control signal SHT, imaging is performed by the imaging element 360. Image data obtained by imaging in the charge accumulation period tsh is output from the fall of the imaging control signal SHT to the next fall. For example, image data (1) captured in imaging 1 is output from the falling timing Td1 of the imaging control signal SHT in imaging 1 to the falling timing Td2 in imaging 2.

The pixel shift control signal PSFT is generated in the pixel shift control section 430 in synchronization with the imaging control signal SHT. The pixel shift controller 430 outputs the control signal P
The pixel shift unit 350 is controlled according to the SFT to execute the pixel shift. The pixel shift control signal PSFT becomes H level during the low level (L level) period of the imaging control signal SHT. In the period tph in which the pixel shift control signal PSFT is at the H level, the pixel shift unit 350 executes the pixel shift. For example, in the H-level period tph of the control signal PSFT in imaging 1, pixel shifting for preparation for imaging in imaging 2 is performed.

The light emission control signal FSHT is output from the light emission control unit 45.
0, it is generated in synchronization with the imaging control signal SHT. The light emission control signal FSHT is supplied to the light emission control transistor 346 (FIG. 4) of the light emission drive unit 340. ON / OFF of the light emission control transistor 346 is controlled according to the light emission control signal FSHT. Light emission control signal FSHT
Rises at the rising timing of the imaging control signal SHT, and goes to the H level for a certain period tfh within the H level period of the imaging control signal SHT. When the light emission control signal FSHT is H
In the level period (light emission period) tfh, the light emission control transistor 346 is turned on, and the charge capacitor 3
Electric charges are supplied to the light emitting lamp 322 from 44, and the light emitting lamp 322 emits light.

The light emission control signal FSHT corresponds to the imaging control signal S
It is sufficient that the HT is at the H level for a certain period tfh within the period during which the HT is at the H level (imaging period tsh). If this relationship is satisfied, the rising timing of the light emission control signal FSHT is not limited to the timing shown in FIG. However, the rising timing of the light emission control signal FSHT is preferably closer to the rising timing of the imaging control signal SHT. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the light emitting device 30B emits light while satisfying this relationship.
It is described that the light emitting device 30B emits light in synchronization with the imaging timing of the imaging element 360.

As described above, the light emitting device 30 B
It is controlled by the light emission control unit 450, and emits light in synchronization with the image pickup timing of the image pickup device 360. Specifically, 1
Light emitting device 30 within a period for acquiring one sheet of image data.
B emits light intermittently. For this reason, compared to a lighting device that constantly illuminates, the power can be reduced, so that a relatively small light emitting device can be used. Further, the light emitting device 30B can be used at a position sufficiently close to the subject as compared with the room light or the auxiliary lighting arranged in the periphery, so that a light emitting device having a relatively small light emission intensity can be used, so that the light emitting device 30B can be further reduced in size. Light emitting device can be used.
For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to dispose the subject SB placed on the subject placement part 12 in the position facing the subject placement part 12 near the imaging lens system 310 of the imaging camera 30. , The subject can be illuminated with illumination having a uniform illuminance distribution.

The light emitting device 30B includes an image pickup element 360
It is possible to illuminate the subject with sufficient brightness and uniformly in accordance with the timing of imaging in. As a result, the sensitivity and S / N characteristics of the image sensor 360 can be improved. For this reason, the lens array conventionally provided for increasing the sensitivity of the image sensor can be omitted. As a result, it is possible to solve the problem of image quality deterioration due to “light overlap” which may occur when pixel shifting is performed as described in the conventional example. This allows
Using a low-resolution image sensor, a high-quality and high-resolution subject image can be obtained.

E. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing adjustment of the light emission period tfh. FIG. 8A is a graph showing the relationship between the indoor illuminance and the amount of emitted light, and FIG. 8B is a graph showing the relationship between the number of times of emission and the amount of emitted light. As shown in FIG.
The light emitting unit 3 is preferable for obtaining sufficient sensitivity of the image sensor 360 according to the illuminance in the room where the image input device PI is used.
20 have different emission light amounts. Therefore, it is preferable that the illuminance in the room is measured, and the light emitting unit 320 emits light with a preferable light emission amount (hereinafter, referred to as “reference light amount”) according to the measured illuminance. This control is performed by the light emission control unit 450. The light emission control unit 450 first measures the illuminance in the room with the light amount detection device 130, and determines the reference light amount.
This determination can be made, for example, by making a determination according to a preset table indicating the relationship between the indoor illuminance and the amount of emitted light. Then, the light emission control unit 450 sets a light emission period (pulse width) tfh according to the determined reference light amount.
Set. Thus, the light emitting device 3 emits light with a light amount suitable for the illuminance in the room where the image input device PI is used.
0B can be controlled.

The number of times the light emitting device 30B emits light varies according to the number of pixel shifts and the number of images to be obtained. As shown in FIG. 8B, the amount of emitted light changes according to the number of times of continuous light emission. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the amount of emitted light of the light emitting device 30B, compare the measured amount of emitted light with the reference amount of light, and adjust the actual amount of emitted light. This control is also performed by the light emission control unit 450. The light emission control unit 450 measures the light amount by the light amount detection device 130 in accordance with the light emission of the light emitting device 30B. Then, the measured light emission amount is compared with the reference light amount to adjust the light emission period tfh. For example, when the measured light emission amount is larger than the reference light amount, the light emission period tfh is not adjusted, and when the measured light emission amount is smaller than the reference light amount, the light emission period tfh may be adjusted according to the decrease amount. . Further, even when the light amount is larger than the reference light amount, the light amount may be adjusted according to the increase amount.
That is, the light emission control unit 450 may adjust the light emission amount so that the light emission amount is always equal to or larger than the reference light amount. This adjustment can be performed, for example, by preparing in advance a table indicating the correction amount of the light emission period tfh with respect to the difference between the reference light amount and the measured light emission amount, and using this table.

When the light emission period tfh is lengthened, the charge accumulation period of the charge capacitor 344 in FIG. 6 is reduced, so that the light emission amount may decrease. In this case, the adjustment can be performed by controlling the power supply circuit 342 with the voltage control signal VUP to control the voltage of the power supply V + 1.

F. Image input procedure: FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for obtaining an image of a subject using the image input device PI. When the image input device PI is activated to start the image input operation, first, in step S120, the subject SB is presented on the subject mounting portion 12 (FIG. 1),
In step S140, the position of the subject SB is determined. This positioning can be determined, for example, according to a position determination guide written on the subject mounting portion 12. As the position determination guide, for example, a frame line indicating the size of the document can be considered. Alternatively, the captured image may be displayed on another image display device separately provided in the image display device MD or the image input device PI, and the positioning may be performed while confirming the position of the subject SB.

Next, in step S160, the resolution of the imaging is set. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the resolution. Once you start setting the resolution,
First, in step S162, the user selects a resolution using the resolution switch of the operation panel 120.
In step S164, the amount of pixel shift and the number of pixel shifts are set according to the resolution set in step S162. In step S166, the number of times of light emission and the provisional reference pulse width are set, and the setting of the resolution ends.

Next, in step S180 of FIG.
Perform the initial setting of the amount of emitted light. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the initial setting of the light emission amount. Step S182
In the above, as described above, the illuminance at the periphery is measured by the light amount detection device 130, and the result is
Supplied to The light emission control unit 450 determines in step S184
, The peripheral illuminance is determined from the measurement result supplied from the light amount detection device 130, the reference pulse width is determined in step S186, and the emission light amount initial setting ends.

Then, in step S200 in FIG. 9, imaging is performed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of imaging. Imaging is performed in step S202.
The operation is actually started when the user turns on the imaging start switch of the operation panel 120. When the imaging is started, first, in step S204, the image shift control unit 430 controls the pixel shift unit 350 to set an initial shift position. Then, in step S206A, the light emitting device 30B emits light by the light emission control unit 450, and in step S206B, imaging is performed. Step S206 is performed according to the light emission of the light emitting device 30B.
At C, the light emission amount correction is performed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for correcting the amount of emitted light. In step S212, FIG.
The amount of light emitted from the light emitting device 30B in step S206A is measured by the light amount detection device 130. In step S214, the light emission control unit 450 controls the light emission pulse width (light emission period) tfh based on the measured result. The processing of steps S212 to S216 is performed by the light emitting device 3 in step S206A of FIG.
It is repeatedly executed until the light emission of 0B ends.

Next, in step S207 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not to perform pixel shifting. If pixel shifting is to be performed, the pixel shifting unit 350 is controlled by the pixel shifting control unit 430 in step S208, and the next pixel shifting is performed. A pixel shift position is set. Then, step S206
A, processing of S206B, S206C and S208
The processing is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S207 that the pixel shift is not performed. If it is determined in step S207 that pixel shifting is not to be performed, the imaging ends.

The timing of image pickup by the image pickup element 360, the pixel shift of the pixel shift unit 350, and the light emission timing of the light emitting device 30B are as described above with reference to FIG.

Returning to step S220 in FIG. 9, the image pickup controller 440 (FIG. 2) performs various image processing on image data representing the picked-up image. Then, in step S240, the user turns on the image display switch of the operation panel 120, and the display control unit 49
By 0, an image is displayed on the image display device MD. Also,
In step S260, the user operates the operation panel 120
Is turned on, image data is recorded on the CD-R drive SD by the disk control unit 510 (FIG. 2). Then, in step S280, it is determined whether to end the imaging. If the user selects continuation of imaging using the operation panel 120, the processing from steps S120 to S260 is executed again. When the user selects the end of imaging using the operation panel 120, the imaging ends.

F. Acquisition of a color image: An image input device for acquiring a color image can be realized by replacing the image sensor 360 of the monochrome image input device PI (FIG. 2) with a color image sensor 360C. FIG. 14 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a color image sensor 360C. The color image sensor 360C is a monochrome image sensor 360C.
Are provided with different color filters on the incident surface of each light receiving unit PD. In the example of FIG. 14, an R filter that transmits light in a red wavelength region (hereinafter, referred to as “red light R”) and reflects or absorbs light in another wavelength region, and light in a green wavelength region ( Hereinafter, this filter is referred to as “green light G”) and reflects or absorbs light in other wavelength ranges, and light in the blue wavelength range (hereinafter, referred to as “blue light B”). And a B filter that reflects or absorbs light in other wavelength ranges. Specifically, four adjacent pixels (light receiving portions PD) are grouped together, and the upper left has an R filter, the lower right has a B filter, and the lower left and upper right have a G filter.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an image obtained by performing pixel shift using the color image sensor 360C. FIG. 15 shows an example in which a half pixel shift is performed, as in the case of the monochrome image sensor 360 shown in FIG. FIG. 15 illustrates a part of the color image sensor 360C and a part of the subject SB corresponding to each pixel (light receiving unit PD) and between pixels (non-light receiving unit NPD) of the image sensor 360C. FIG. However, in FIG. 15, for convenience of explanation, the subject SB is partitioned in a matrix. Symbol R33, G34, G
Reference numerals 43 and B44 denote four adjacent light receiving units PD each including an R filter, a G filter, and a B filter. The symbols (1), (2), (3) and (4)
The numbers of the pixel shift are shown.

As in the case of using the monochrome image pickup device 360 (FIG. 5), first, in FIG. 15A, the four light receiving portions PD represented by symbols R33, G34, G43, and B44 are respectively coordinated. (C5, L5), (C7, L
5), (C5, L7) and (C7, L7) light can be received. Next, from the state shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), coordinates (C6, L5),
Light from (C8, L5), (C6, L7), and (C8, L7) can be received. Then, the pixel is further shifted vertically by に pixel from the state of FIG. 15B to obtain coordinates (C6, L6) and (C8, L6) as shown in FIG. 15C. , (C6, L8),
Light from (C8, L8) can be received. Further, by performing a 1/2 pixel shift in the horizontal left direction from the state of FIG. 15C, as shown in FIG.
Coordinates (C5, L6), (C7, L6), (C
5, L8) and (C7, L8).

As a result, as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 15A, symbols R33, G34, G43,
Four coordinates (C5, L5), (C7, L5), (C5, L) at which the four light receiving units PD represented by B44 can receive light
7), not only the light from (C7, L7) but also the non-light receiving portion N
Twelve coordinates (C6, L
5), (C8, L5), (C6, L7), (C8, L
7), C6, L6), (C8, L6), (C6, L6)
8), (C8, L8), (C5, L6), (C7, L
6), (C5, L8) and (C7, L8) light can be received. Thus, the same effect as increasing the number of pixels of the image sensor can be obtained effectively.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 15E, the image data obtained at each coordinate position is only the color data corresponding to the color filter provided in each light receiving unit PD (pixel). Therefore, if there is no color data for each pixel, a color image cannot be obtained.
In such a case, a color image can be obtained by the following two methods.

The first method is a method of interpolating the color data of a missing pixel for each acquired color data based on the color data of a non-missing pixel. In the case of this method, although the image quality is deteriorated due to the difference between the interpolation data and the acquired data in the case where there is no loss, it is possible to obtain a high-resolution color image similarly to the image obtained by effectively increasing the number of pixels. it can.

The second method is a method of acquiring color data of a missing pixel by further performing pixel shift. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of acquiring color data missing due to pixel shift. FIG.
15 is a diagram in which a part of the color image sensor 360C is extracted similarly to FIG. 15, and the subject corresponding to each pixel (light receiving unit PD) and each pixel (non-light receiving unit NPD) of the image sensor 360C. This shows a state where SBs are divided in a matrix. Also, symbols B22, G23, B24, G32, R
Reference numerals 33, G34, B42, G43, and B44 indicate the effective positions of the adjacent light receiving units PD with respect to the subject SB. FIG. 16 shows the coordinates (C5, L5), (C7, L5),
The method for acquiring the color data of (C5, L7) and (C7, L7) is shown.

In FIG. 16A, coordinates (C5, L
The light of 5) is received by the light receiving unit PD of symbol R33, and red color data is obtained. Other coordinates (C7, L5),
Lights (C5, L7) and (C7, L7) are also received by the light receiving units PD of symbols G34, G43, and B44, respectively, and color data corresponding to the respective colors is obtained. Here, by shifting one pixel in the horizontal right direction from the state of FIG. 16A, as shown in FIG.
The light of (5, L5) is received by the light receiving unit PD of symbol G32, and green color data is obtained. Other coordinates (C7, L
5), (C5, L7), and (C7, L7) are also received by the light receiving units PD of symbols R33, B42, and G43, respectively, and color data corresponding to the respective colors is obtained. Then, by further shifting one pixel in the vertical downward direction from the state of FIG. 16B, as shown in FIG. 16C, the light of coordinates (C5, L5) is The light is received by the PD, and blue color data is obtained. The light of the other coordinates (C7, L5), (C5, L7), (C7, L7) is also received by the light receiving portions P of symbols G23, G32, and R33, respectively.
D is received, and color data corresponding to each color is obtained. Further, by shifting one pixel in the horizontal left direction from the state of FIG. 16 (C), as shown in FIG. 16 (D), the light of coordinates (C5, L5) is Light is received and green color data is obtained. Other coordinates (C7, L5), (C5, L7), (C7, L7)
Are received by the light receiving units PD of symbols B24, R33, and G34, respectively, and color data corresponding to each color is obtained. As described above, each coordinate (C
5, L5), (C7, L5), (C5, L7), (C
7, L7), missing color data can be obtained by shifting pixels. The missing color data of the other coordinates can also be obtained by shifting the pixels by an appropriate amount.

FIG. 16 (E) is the same as FIG.
The light receiving unit PD that captures each coordinate on the subject SB during the process (D) is shown.

As described above, a color image can be obtained by using the color image sensor 360C as the image sensor of the image input device.

An image input device for acquiring a color image can also be realized by replacing the light emitting section 320 of the light emitting device 30B of the monochrome image input device PI (FIG. 2) with 320A. FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the light emitting unit 320A. As shown in FIG.
20A is in the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 320,
A color wheel 370 is provided. FIG. 17 (B)
FIG. 4 is a front view of the color wheel 370 as viewed from a side opposite to a light emitting unit 320. The color wheel 370 has three transmission-type color filters 370R, 370G, and 370B formed in three fan-shaped regions separated along the rotation direction. The first to third color filters 370R, 370G,
370B is an R filter, a G filter, and a B filter, respectively. These color filters are composed of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film, a filter plate formed using a dye, and the like.

The color wheel 370 is arranged such that the light beam SP emitted from the light emitting section 320 irradiates a predetermined peripheral position shifted from the central axis 370ax of the color wheel 370. And the color wheel 370
The motor 370M is connected so that the rotation axis thereof coincides with the center axis 370ax of the color wheel 370, and rotates around the center axis 370ax. At this time, the ray bundle SP
Irradiates each area of the color filters 370R, 370G, 370B according to the rotation of the color wheel 370. As a result, the light transmitted through the color wheel 370 changes the red light R, the green light G,
It changes to blue light B. That is, the light emitting unit 320C emits the red light R, the green light G, and the blue light B according to the rotation of the color wheel 370.

The red light R, emitted from the light emitting section 320A,
If the subject SB is imaged for each of the green light G and the blue light B, image data (color data) corresponding to each color can be obtained, so that image data of a color image can be obtained.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the color image sensor 360C is provided with different color filters for each pixel, and the sensitivity unevenness is larger than that of the monochrome image sensor 360. This is because the sensitivity of the light receiving unit PD differs depending on the color of light. The color image sensor 36
In the case of an image input device using 0C, as described above, it is necessary to interpolate missing color data with non-missing color data or obtain missing color data due to pixel shifting. . In the case of the interpolation, deterioration of the image quality is inevitable as described above. In addition, in the case of pixel shift, an increase in imaging time and an increase in image storage memory capacity occur.

On the other hand, when a color image is obtained by using the light emitting section 320A shown in FIG. 17, since the color data of the subject can be obtained for each color light, the difference in the sensitivity for each color can be easily corrected. can do. Accordingly, it is easy to suppress sensitivity unevenness caused by a difference in color. Further, since color data corresponding to light emission of each color can be obtained without loss, there is an advantage that image quality does not deteriorate due to loss of color data.

The color filters formed on the color wheel 370 are not three colors of red, green, and blue, but may be colors that can obtain a color image, for example, three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Good. Also, as shown in FIG. 17C, three transmission-type color filters of four fan-shaped regions separated along the rotation direction are provided as 370R, 370G, and 3R.
70B, and the other one is a colorless and transparent area 370W.
The color wheel 370 ′ may be used. If the light from the light-emitting unit 320 passes through the colorless and transparent area, not only a color image but also a monochrome image can be obtained. In the present invention, "color filter"
Include those having a function of transmitting light in a specific wavelength region and reflecting or absorbing light in other wavelength regions, as well as those having a function of a transparent region.

G. Another configuration of the light emitting unit 320: FIG.
FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another configuration of the light emitting unit 320. The light emitting unit 320B includes two lens arrays 332 and 334 in an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting unit 320. The first lens array 332 includes a plurality of small lenses 33.
2S, and has a function of dividing the light beam emitted from the light emitting unit 320 into a plurality of partial light beams corresponding to the plurality of small lenses 334S and condensing the light beam near the second lens array 334. are doing. The second lens array 334 includes a plurality of small lenses 332 of the first lens array.
And a plurality of small lenses 334S corresponding to S, and among the partial light beams incident on each of the
It has a function to make light rays that are not parallel to 0ax parallel. The plurality of partial light beams emitted from the first lens array 332 illuminate an illumination area including the subject SB. Therefore, the subject SB is illuminated by each partial light beam.

The intensity of light emitted from the light emitting section 320 is
Generally, there is a tendency that the vicinity of the optical axis 320ax is strong, and the periphery is weaker. For this reason, when the light from the light emitting unit 320 is directly used as the illumination light, the subject may not be uniformly illuminated. In order to uniformly illuminate the subject, the light from the light emitting unit 320 illuminates a wide area including the subject, and the light illuminating the subject portion is emitted from the light emitting unit 3.
The light emitted from the light source 20 may be a part of light whose light intensity can be considered to be substantially uniform. However, in this case, there is a problem that light use efficiency is poor.

The light emitting section 320B includes two lens arrays 332 and 334 in addition to the light emitting section 320, so that the light emitted from the light emitting section 320 is divided into a plurality of small partial light beam bundles in advance, and The bundle illuminates the subject. In this case, since the light intensities of the plurality of small partial light beams can be made substantially uniform in each of the partial light beams, the subject can be brightly and uniformly illuminated by these partial light beams.

In order to more efficiently illuminate the subject SB with uniform light, each small lens 332S of the first lens array 332 or each small lens 334S of the second lens array 334 should be an eccentric lens. It may be. Further, a lens having a superimposing function may be provided on the exit surface side of the second lens array 334.

The first and second lens arrays 332, 334
May be provided in the light emitting section 320A of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another configuration of the light emitting section 320. The light emitting section 320C is
A diffusing plate 338 is provided in the optical path of the light emitted from zero. The diffusion plate 338 has a fan shape, and is connected so that the central axis 338ax coincides with the rotation axis of the motor 338M. Diffusion plate 338 with motor 338M
, The position of the diffusion plate 338 can be selected in the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 320 and outside the optical path.

When the object is glossy paper, light exceeding the sensitivity level detectable by the image sensor may enter the image sensor due to the occurrence of specular reflection. In such a case, the occurrence of specular reflection can be suppressed by disposing the diffusion plate 338 in the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 320. This makes it possible to obtain a high-quality and high-resolution image of a subject such as glossy paper. The position of the diffusion plate 338 can be selected by the motor 338M in the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 320 or outside the optical path. Thereby, imaging according to the type of the subject is possible.

The light diffusing plate 338 is provided in the light emitting section 3 shown in FIG.
You may make it prepare for 20A. Also, the light emitting unit 320B of FIG. 18 may be provided.

Although the light emitting lamp 322 constituting the light emitting section 320 in the above embodiment has been described on the premise that the lamp emits visible light, a lamp emitting infrared light may be used. In this case, the image of the subject can be captured by improving the sensitivity of the imaging device without the user feeling the presence or absence of light emission.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above Examples and Embodiments, but can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the invention.
For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the image input device PI, the image display device MD, and the CD-
Although the image display system including the R drive SD is described as an example, the present invention is applicable to various other device configurations. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a configuration including an image input device PI and an image display device MD. Further, the image input device PI, the image display device MD, and the image input device P
The present invention is also applicable to a configuration including a personal computer connected to I. Further, the present invention is also applicable to a configuration including only the image input device PI.

(2) In the above embodiment, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. You may do so.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an image input system as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image input device PI.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image sensor 360.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle of pixel shifting.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image obtained by performing pixel shifting.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a light emitting unit 320 and a light emission driving unit 340.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the timing of pixel shifting in the pixel shifting unit 350, the timing of imaging in the image sensor 360, and the timing of light emission in the light emitting device 30B.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing adjustment of a light emission period tfh.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for acquiring an image of a subject using the image input device PI.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for setting a resolution.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of initial setting of a light emission amount.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of light emission amount correction.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a color image sensor 360C.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image obtained by performing pixel shifting using a color imaging element 360C.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of acquiring color data missing due to pixel shift.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a light emitting section 320A.

FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another configuration of the light emitting unit 320.

FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another configuration of the light emitting section 320.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a problem of increasing the resolution of an image by shifting pixels.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Stand part 12 ... Subject mounting part 20 ... Instruction part 30 ... Imaging device 30A ... Imaging part 30B ... Light emitting device 110 ... Processing part 120 ... Operation panel 130 ... Light amount detection device 140 ... Optical sensor 150 ... Light amount detection part 310 ... Imaging lens system 320 Light emitting unit 320A Light emitting unit 320B Light emitting unit 320C Light emitting unit 322 Light emitting lamp 324 Reflector 332 First lens array 332S Small lens 334 Second lens array 334S Small lens 338 Diffusion plate 338M Motor 340 Light emission drive unit 342 Power supply circuit 344 Charge capacitor 346 Light emission control transistor 350 Pixel shift unit 352 Parallel plate 360 Image sensor 360C Image sensor 362 Imaging surface 370 Color wheel 370 Diffusion plate 370M ... motor 370R, 3 0G, 370B Color filter 420 Lens control unit 430 Pixel shift control unit 440 Imaging control unit 450 Light emission control unit 460 Image processing unit 470 Memory 480 Image processing control unit 490 Display control unit 500 Input / output Control unit 510 Disk control unit 520 CPU 1010 CCD unit 1012 Light receiving element 1014 Non-light receiving unit 1020 Microlens array 1022 Microlens

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 5B047 AA01 AB04 BA02 BC05 BC07 BC12 CB04 CB15 EB03 5C022 AA15 AB15 AB45 AC42 AC54 AC55 AC78 CA07 5C065 AA03 AA06 AA07 BB41 BB48 CC08 DD02 EE03 EE12 FF02 CA03 CA023 DA09 EA08 FB23 LA12 QA07

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image input device for acquiring image data representing an image of a subject, comprising: a light emitting device that emits light for illuminating the subject; an imaging device that converts an optical image of the subject into an electric signal; A control device for controlling the operation of the light emitting device and the imaging device, wherein the imaging device has an imaging surface configured with photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix, and an imaging device on the imaging surface. An imaging optical device for forming an optical image of the subject; and an optical image for moving a position of the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface two-dimensionally on the imaging surface. A shift device, wherein the control device changes the imaging position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of imaging positions by the optical shifting device, and the imaging device of the imaging device at each of the plurality of imaging positions. As well as adjusting the timing of the image, in synchronization with the timing of the imaging emit the light emitting device, an image input device. 2. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup device is configured such that light emitted from the imaging optical device does not pass through a microlens array having a function of condensing light. Configured to be incident on the imaging surface,
Image input device. 3. The image input device according to claim 1, further comprising: an acquisition condition input unit configured to allow a user to input a setting of an acquisition condition of the image data. According to the set acquisition conditions, the optical shift device changes the imaging position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of imaging positions, and adjusts the imaging timing of the imaging device at each of the plurality of imaging positions. And an image input device that causes the light emitting device to emit light in synchronization with the timing of the imaging. 4. The image input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light amount detecting device that detects a light amount near the subject, wherein the control device includes the light emitting device. An image input device for detecting a light amount in the vicinity of the subject by the light amount detection device in a state where the light emission of the light emitting device is stopped, and adjusting a light emission condition of the light emitting device according to the detected light amount. 5. The image input device according to claim 1, further comprising a light amount detecting device that detects a light amount near the subject, wherein the control device is configured to control the light emitting device. An image input device for detecting an amount of light emitted by the light source in the vicinity of the subject by the light amount detection device and adjusting a light emission condition of the light emitting device according to the detected amount of light emission. 6. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device is provided in a light emitting unit, and in an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting unit. An image input device, comprising: a rotating color filter in which the color filter is rotatably formed. 7. The image input device according to claim 6, wherein the rotating color filter has a transparent area. 8. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device includes a light emitting unit that emits light in an infrared wavelength region. 9. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device is provided detachably in a light path of light emitted from the light emitting unit. An image input device, comprising: a light diffusion unit. 10. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device comprises: a light emitting unit; and the light emitted from the light emitting unit is converted into a plurality of partial light beams. An image input comprising: a first lens array having a plurality of first small lenses to be divided; and a second lens array having a plurality of second small lenses corresponding to the plurality of first small lenses. apparatus. 11. An image input system comprising: the image input device according to claim 1; and an image display device for displaying the acquired image of the subject. 12. A light emitting device which emits light for illuminating a subject, an image pickup device having an image pickup surface constituted by photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix, and an optical image of the object is formed on the image pickup surface. An imaging optical device for imaging, and an optical image shift device for moving the position of the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface two-dimensionally on the imaging surface. And an imaging device that converts an optical image of the subject into an electric signal. An image input method for acquiring image data representing an image of the subject, using the image input device, comprising: Changing the imaging position of the optical image to a plurality of imaging positions, adjusting the imaging timing of the imaging device at each of the plurality of imaging positions, and synchronizing the imaging timing with the imaging timing. Emit device, an image input method. 13. The image input method according to claim 12, wherein a user sets an image data acquisition condition by an acquisition condition input unit provided in the image input device, and according to the set acquisition condition, The optical shift device changes the imaging position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of imaging positions, and adjusts the imaging timing of the imaging device at each of the plurality of imaging positions, and adjusts the imaging timing. An image input method, wherein the light emitting device emits light in synchronization. 14. The image input method according to claim 12, wherein in a state where the light emission of the light emitting device is stopped, the light amount in the vicinity of the subject is detected by a light amount detection device provided in the image input device. An image input method, comprising: detecting and adjusting a light emitting condition of the light emitting device according to the detected light amount. 15. The image input method according to claim 12, wherein an amount of light emitted by the light emitting device in the vicinity of the subject is detected by a light amount detecting device provided in the image input device. And adjusting the light emission condition of the light emitting device according to the detected light emission amount. 16. A light emitting device that emits light for illuminating a subject, an image pickup device having an image pickup surface composed of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix, and forming an optical image of the object on the image pickup surface. An imaging optical device for imaging, and an optical image shift device for moving the position of the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface two-dimensionally on the imaging surface. A computer-readable recording medium that records a computer program for acquiring image data representing an image of a subject using an image input device that includes an imaging device that converts an optical image of the subject into an electric signal. A function of changing the imaging position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of imaging positions by the optical shift device; and a time lapse of imaging by the imaging device at each of the plurality of imaging positions. With adjusting ring, computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program for implementing the function of emitting the light emitting device in synchronization with the timing of the imaging, to the computer. 17. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the computer program further has a function of setting an acquisition condition of the image data by a user using an acquisition condition input unit provided in the image input device. A function of changing the imaging position of the optical image of the subject to a plurality of imaging positions by the optical shift device according to the set acquisition conditions; and a timing of imaging of the imaging element at each of the plurality of imaging positions. A computer-readable recording medium having: a function of adjusting light emission and causing the light emitting device to emit light in synchronization with the timing of the imaging. 18. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the computer program further includes a light amount detection device provided in the image input device in a state where light emission of the light emitting device is stopped. A computer-readable recording medium having a function of detecting a light amount in the vicinity of a subject and adjusting a light emitting condition of the light emitting device according to the detected light amount. 19. The image input device according to claim 16, wherein the computer program further outputs the amount of light emitted by the light emitting device near the subject to the image input device. A computer-readable recording medium having a function of being detected by a light amount detection device provided and adjusting a light emission condition of the light emitting device according to the detected light emission amount.