JP2001309213A - Imaging apparatus and information communications apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve problems such as difficulties in either adding more space for allowing the rotation of a camera unit mounted on a portable terminal or others, or downsizing it, a complicated connecting structure to ensure the electric connections, and the insufficient mechanical intensity in the rotation mechanism. SOLUTION: This apparatus, having a plurality of optical axes different from each other, is provided with an optic imaging system consisting of the independent optical paths for those optical axes, and an imaging device for converting a plurality of optic images projected on a imaging area through each independent optical path, into electrical signals, and thereby becoming compact and rugged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging device, and more particularly, to a small-sized imaging device used in combination with a portable information device such as a portable telephone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional imaging device shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 92-92, in which 6 is a sensor chip, 13 is a main body,
4 is a liquid crystal monitor display, 15 is a camera unit having an image pickup means, and 20 is a lens of a photographing optical system.

In such a conventional image pickup apparatus, the camera unit 15 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis so that a user can watch the liquid crystal monitor display 14 fixed to the main body 13. It is possible to take images in both front and rear directions.

[0004]

Since the conventional image pickup apparatus is configured as described above, a structural space for rotating the camera unit 15 is provided.
, And it is difficult to reduce the size.

Further, the camera unit 15 and the main body 13 are supported by a rotating shaft, and the camera unit 15 and the main body 1 are supported.
3 has to be made at the rotating shaft portion, and there is a disadvantage that the structure for obtaining the electrical connection becomes complicated.

Further, since the camera unit 15 and the main body 13 are supported by the rotating shaft, there is a problem that the mechanical strength of the rotating mechanism tends to be insufficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a first object of the present invention is to obtain an imaging device that can be built in a portable information device by reducing the size of the imaging device. .

A second object is to obtain a low-cost imaging device while simplifying the structure and improving the productivity.

It is another object of the present invention to obtain an imaging device suitable for portable information equipment by using a mechanically robust structure.

[0010]

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention has an image pickup optical system having a plurality of optical axes different from each other and comprising independent optical paths for each of the optical axes; An image sensor that converts a plurality of optical images formed on the effective pixel area surface from the independent optical paths from the optical system into electric signals.

A first imaging optical system for forming an image of a subject normal to the effective pixel area plane of the imaging element; and a first imaging optical system for forming an image parallel to the effective pixel area plane of the imaging element. A second imaging optical system that forms an image of a certain subject.

Further, images corresponding to the respective optical paths are formed in different areas of the effective pixel area surface of the image sensor.

In addition, a light shielding means is provided between the optical paths.

Further, the effective pixel area surface of the image sensor and the image regions cut out from the images corresponding to the respective optical paths formed in different regions of the effective pixel area surface of the image sensor are both rectangular. A plurality of the image regions correspond to the long side direction of the effective pixel area surface, and the short side direction of the image region corresponds to the short side direction of the effective pixel area surface. It is characterized by being distributed within.

Further, the optical path includes a reflecting means.

Further, a plurality of lenses included in the plurality of imaging optical systems are integrally formed.

Further, the above-described image pickup device is mounted on the information communication device.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a first lens system included in the first imaging optical system;
2 is a second lens system included in the second imaging optical system, 3 is a mirror as a reflection unit included in the second imaging optical system,
Reference numeral 4 denotes a holder, 5 denotes an effective pixel area, 6 denotes a sensor chip serving as an image sensor, 7 denotes an IC chip having processing means for performing video signal processing, 8 denotes peripheral circuit components such as resistors and capacitors, 9 denotes a substrate, and 10 denotes a substrate. This is an infrared cut filter. The operation of the imaging device configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment, and also shows the inside of the image pickup apparatus by an AA cross section (a cross section from the upper surface to the substrate 9) of the outline outline drawing. , FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 12, and 13).

The sensor chip 6 is an image pickup device for converting a light image of a subject formed by each of the above-described image pickup optical systems into an electric signal, and has an effective pixel area 5 for performing photoelectric conversion thereon. Only the light irradiated into the effective pixel area 5 is converted as an electric signal. The electric signal output from the sensor chip 6 is input to an IC chip 7 that performs video signal processing, and is output as a video signal. Reference numeral 8 denotes peripheral components of the sensor chip 6 and the IC chip 7. The sensor chip 6 is provided on a substrate 9, and an IC
A chip 7 is provided.

The first lens system 1 forms a first optical system, and forms an image of a subject normal to the light receiving surface of the sensor chip 6 on the effective pixel area 5. The second lens system 2 and the mirror 3 form a second optical system, and form an image of a subject parallel to the light receiving surface of the sensor chip 6 on the effective pixel area 5.

That is, the optical axis of the first lens system 1 and the second
Are arranged in directions orthogonal to each other (here, two optical axes will be described, but it is not necessarily limited to only two optical axes, but a plurality of different optical axes). And each optical axis is constituted by an independent optical path).

The light image incident from the second lens system 2 is reflected by the mirror 3 onto the effective pixel area 5 at a right angle or at a predetermined angle. The infrared cut filter 10 does not allow the wavelength of the incident light to pass through the infrared region.
This is a correction filter for making the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the sensor chip 6 close to human relative luminous efficiency.

The effective pixel area 5 is usually formed on a part of the sensor chip 6, and is formed above the chip as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows the first and second lens systems 1 and 2 and the effective pixel area of the imaging device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the normal direction to the light receiving surface of the sensor chip 6. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 5 denotes an effective pixel area 5, and light applied to this area is photoelectrically converted.

5a is an imaging circle formed on the effective pixel area 1 by the first optical system including the first lens system 1, and 5c is a second imaging circle including the second lens system 2 and the mirror 3. Is an imaging circle formed on the effective pixel area 1 by the optical system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of these image forming circles (here, the effective pixel area 5 from the two image pickup optical systems (including the first lens system 1 and the second lens system 2) through independent optical paths. Image on the surface).

Reference numeral 5b denotes an image area (cutout area) cut out corresponding to the imaging circle 5a in the effective pixel area 5, and 5d is cut out corresponding to the imaging circle 5c in the effective pixel area 5. This is an image area (cutout area).

In FIG. 3, reference numerals 5a and 5c denote imaging circles as described above. The optical image of the imaging circle in the effective pixel area 5 is photoelectrically converted and can be taken out as an electric signal. When displaying or recording a captured subject as an image, the image only needs to be a generally rectangular shape (for example, in the case of a TV or the like, the aspect ratio is 3: 4), and the first optical system (here, the A portion of the cutout area 5b from the imaging circle 5a formed by the first lens system 1) is used as an image.

Similarly, with respect to the image forming circle 5c formed by the second optical system (here, the second lens system 2 and the mirror 3), the cutout area 5d can be used as a picked-up image. . In FIG. 3, a part of the imaging circle 5a and a part of the imaging circle 5c overlap (the optical images of the portions corresponding to the cutout regions 5b and 5d are converted into electric signals).

However, since the cutout regions 5b and 5d are actually used for displaying an image, any image pickup optical system that sufficiently diminishes the area other than the image forming circle and forms an image of a subject can be used when viewing an image. The overlapping of the images does not appear and does not affect the image viewed as the captured image. By providing an image area such that a part of the imaging circle is overlapped and the images to be used are not overlapped as described above, the cutout areas 5b and 5d can be made larger than the effective pixel area 5.

Further, two optical images are formed on the effective pixel area 5 on the area surface, and two images are obtained at the same time. Obtainable.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, since the effective pixel area 5 is used as an image of the entire area, a rectangle having a longitudinal direction (long side direction) and a short direction (short side direction) is usually used. are doing.

On the other hand, the effective pixel area 5 is also rectangular, and an image is cut out (cut out) from the image formed on the effective pixel area 5, and the image used as the image is as shown in FIG. The longer side of the image is the shorter side of the effective pixel area 5, and the shorter side of the image is the effective pixel area 5.
When the image is cut out and used so as to be on the long side of the image, the image can be cut out even larger, and the effective pixel area 5 can be used effectively.

That is, the image areas 5b, 5d cut out in the short side direction of the cutout area areas 5b, 5d in the long side direction of the surface of the effective pixel area 5, and in the short side direction of the face of the effective pixel area 5
A plurality of the image areas are allocated in the effective pixel area plane corresponding to the long side directions respectively.

FIG. 4 shows another example of the configuration of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is different from FIG. 1 in FIG.
Is composed of the second lens system 2 and the reflection means 3, but in FIG.
And 1. The second configured as described above
In the optical system described above, the light image passing through the second lens system 2 is perpendicularly reflected by the triangular prism 11 to the sensor chip 6 or is reflected vertically. With the above configuration, the same effect as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained.

FIG. 5 is different from the configuration of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in that a light shielding means 4a is newly provided. The light-shielding means 4a is configured to form an optical path for forming an image of a subject by the first lens system 1 and an optical path for forming an image of the subject by the second lens system 2 and the reflecting means 3 on the surface of the sensor chip 6. The light is shielded immediately before the pixel area 5.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an optical image shielded by the light shielding means. The imaging circle 5a and the imaging circle 5c are completely separated by the light-shielding plate 4a, and there is no place where the images overlap each other.

As a result, even when a lens system in which the peripheral light amount of the optical image is not completely reduced is used, the imaging circle 5a and the imaging circle 5c do not interfere with each other. The configuration of the imaging device shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the configuration of the imaging device shown in FIG. 4, except that the light shielding means 4a is provided, and the effect is the same as that of the imaging device shown in FIG. is there.

FIG. 8 is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 (the description will be made with reference to FIG. 1 as an example, but the same applies to the configuration of any of the imaging devices in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration when the imaging device is attached to a mobile phone as an example of an information communication terminal.

In the figure, 12 is a mobile phone, 13 is display means, and 14 is a first optical system provided on the optical path of the first optical system 1.
The optical protection means 15 is a second optical protection means provided on the optical path of the second optical system 2.

FIG. 9 shows a front view and a side view of the internal configuration of the mobile phone 12 shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 16 denotes a connector for connecting the circuit board 9 and the electric circuit of the mobile phone 12 in the imaging device shown in FIG. 1, and 17 denotes an electric board on which the circuit of the mobile phone is mounted. Reference numeral 4 denotes a holder of the imaging device shown in FIG. The connector 16 is constituted by a flexible connector or the like, but the type thereof is not particularly limited here.

When the image pickup device is arranged on the electric board as described above, the first lens system 1 picks up an image of the subject through the first optical protection means 14 shown in FIG. The system 2 captures an image of a subject via the second optical protection unit 15 shown in FIG. The captured image is displayed on the display unit 13.

In the portable telephone 12 configured as described above, the first optical system including the first lens system 1 can be used when the user 18 takes an image of himself as shown in FIG. The second optical system including the second lens system 2 and the mirror 3 can capture a subject 19 in the front direction of the user 18 as shown in FIG. By using in this way, the user can always check the imaged subject on the display unit 13 and can perform appropriate image capturing.

Since the display means 13 used in the mobile phone often uses a reflection type liquid crystal display in order to reduce power consumption, a sufficient illuminance is always secured on the display surface by using the display means 13 as described above. Therefore, it is possible to expect an effect of increasing visibility.

Further, the configuration of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the configuration shown in FIG. 12 can be adopted. In FIG. 12, the sensor chip 6 is mounted under the substrate 9 with its effective pixel area 5 facing upward (flip chip mounting). Therefore, the portion corresponding to the optical path to the effective pixel area 5 has the substrate 9 cut out. With this configuration, the height of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

Further, the position of the infrared cut filter 10 may be anywhere on the normal to the optical axis of the optical system as shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a top view of another configuration example and a BB section of this top view. Reference numeral 4 shown in FIG. 14 denotes holding means for holding each optical component, and is a holder for preventing external light to the sensor chip 6. Holder 4 is P
The holder 4 is formed of a plastic such as MMA (acrylic) or polycarbonate, an ABS resin, or the like.
The first lens 1 and the second lens system 2 forming the second optical system are integrally formed.

First lens system 1 and second lens system 2
Must be transparent, the holder 4 itself is formed of a transparent material. However, since light other than the optical image to be formed on the sensor chip 6 is not required, portions other than the lens system are painted to shield light. Is painted black or is made of a light shielding material except for the lens system.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 12 denotes a supporting means for supporting and fixing the reflecting means 3 constituting a part of the second optical system or the prism 11 as the reflecting means. The support means 12
When preparing the holder 4, in order to prepare a space for removing a mold that forms a curved surface facing the inside of the holder 4 of the second lens system 2, a triangular shape as shown in the top view of FIG. It has two wings, and between them is a space for removing the mold from the holder. Thus, a plurality of lenses are integrally formed.

The mirror or the triangular prism 11, which is the reflecting means 3 of the second optical system, is adhered and fixed to the supporting means 12. With the above configuration, the holder 4
Therefore, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus excellent in mass productivity without requiring the trouble of attaching separate lens systems.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. In the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, an image pickup optical system having a plurality of mutually different optical axes and configured with independent optical paths for each of the optical axes, and the independent optical path from the image pickup optical system. An image sensor that converts a plurality of optical images formed on the imaging area surface from a path into an electric signal is provided, so that the apparatus can be downsized, and a plurality of objects can be imaged by one image sensor. it can.

Further, a first imaging optical system for forming an image of a subject normal to the area plane of the image sensor, and an image of the subject parallel to the area plane of the image sensor are formed. It is characterized by including a second imaging optical system that forms an image, so that it is possible to easily shoot a subject in a 90 ° direction without changing the direction of the main body, and to switch the shooting direction. Since no rotating mechanism is required, a simple and robust structure can be realized.

Further, since images corresponding to the respective optical paths are formed on different areas of the area surface of the image pickup device, a plurality of subject images can be formed while satisfying the miniaturization of the apparatus.

Further, since the light shielding means is provided between the optical paths, no interference occurs between the images formed by the plurality of image pickup optical systems.

Further, the area surface of the image sensor and the image regions cut out from the images corresponding to the respective optical paths formed in different regions of the area surface of the image sensor are both rectangular, and the length of the area surface is long. A plurality of image areas are distributed in the area plane, with a short side direction of the image area corresponding to a side direction and a long side direction of the image area corresponding to a short side direction of the area plane. Therefore, the area of the image sensor can be effectively used, and the size of the apparatus can be reduced.

Further, since the optical path includes the reflection means, the plurality of imaging optical systems can be made compact and small.

Further, since a plurality of lenses included in a plurality of imaging optical systems are integrally formed, it is easy to secure the arrangement accuracy between the respective optical elements, and mass production without assembling is required. A device having excellent properties can be obtained.

Further, since the above-described image pickup device is mounted on the information communication device, the entire information communication device can be made compact.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a relationship between an optical system and an image forming surface according to the first embodiment from a top direction in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an imaging circle and a cutout area.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of another imaging device.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a light shielding unit provided between optical paths.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a relationship between a light shielding unit provided between optical paths and an imaging circle.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a relationship between a light shielding unit provided between optical paths and an imaging circle.

FIG. 8 is a diagram in which an imaging device is built in a mobile phone.

FIG. 9 is a diagram in which an imaging device is arranged on an electric board of a mobile phone.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a user takes an image of himself / herself.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user captures an image of a facing subject.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another imaging device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another imaging device.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a holding unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a conventional imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 first lens system, 2 second lens system, 3 mirror, 4 holder, 4a light shielding means, 5 effective pixel area,
6 sensor chip, 11 triangular prism, 12 mobile phone, 13 display means.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Nobuo Ueda 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Mitsui Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tadashi Tadashi 2-3-2 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 3 (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Miyake 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 5C022 AA12 AB62 AC03 AC42 AC55 AC70 AC77 5C024 AX01 BX07 CY15 CY41 CY50 EX48 GY01 GZ39 HX60

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An imaging optical system having a plurality of mutually different optical axes, each of which comprises an independent optical path, and an effective optical path from said independent optical paths from said imaging optical system. An image pickup device that converts a plurality of optical images formed on a pixel area surface into electric signals. 2. A first imaging optical system for forming an image of a subject in a direction normal to an effective pixel area plane of an imaging element, and a first imaging optical system parallel to the effective pixel area plane of the imaging element. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second imaging optical system that forms an image of a certain subject. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image corresponding to each optical path is formed in a different area of an effective pixel area surface of the imaging element. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light shielding means between the optical paths.
An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. An effective pixel area surface of an image sensor, and image regions cut out from images corresponding to respective optical paths formed in different regions of the effective pixel area surface of the image sensor are both rectangular. A plurality of the image regions correspond to the long side direction of the effective pixel area surface, and the short side direction of the image region corresponds to the short side direction of the effective pixel area surface. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the imaging device is distributed within the device. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflection unit in an optical path. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of lenses included in the plurality of imaging optical systems are integrally formed. 8. An information communication device equipped with the imaging device according to claim 1.