JP2002218508A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device that can display a photographed or photographing stereoscopic image on display means as their proper images and reduce the power consumption of a compound eye image pickup system. SOLUTION: In the image pickup device having image pickup systems and an output means that outputs an image photographed by the image pickup system on a display means, the output means outputs a photographed image so as to suitably be displayed on both display elements of the display means with a slow response and display elements of the display means with a fast response. The image pickup device is also provided with a means that supplies a clock signal only to the image pickup system photographing the displayed image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereoscopic camera for capturing a stereoscopic image and a system for observing the stereoscopic image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stereoscopic imaging display method using a compound-eye imaging device has been known. This involves two imaging optics,
Images are taken from two viewpoints by arranging them on the left and right at intervals given by the base line length.

[0003] It is assumed that the left and right eyes of a human have a distance of about 65 mm on average, and the base length of two imaging optical systems is set to 65 mm in stereoscopic imaging display. As described above, when an image of a subject of interest is captured from two viewpoints on the left and right, the positions of the subjects in images captured by the respective imaging systems are different from each other. That is, this is the parallax, and the observer can view an image having a stereoscopic effect by stereoscopically viewing the parallax.

There are various methods for stereoscopically viewing an image obtained from two viewpoints on the left and right sides. One of the methods is to output left and right images alternately on the display to the left and right.
There is a method in which an observer can view stereoscopically by using liquid crystal shutter glasses that switch left and right shutters in synchronization with switching of display of the left and right images.

As another method, a lenticular method as shown in FIG. 12 is known. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view from above the observer. Reference numeral 1200 denotes a display pixel of a liquid crystal display, in which a glass substrate, a color filter, an electrode, a polarizing plate, a backlight, and the like are omitted. The display pixel unit 1200 includes an opening 1201 in which a color filter forming a pixel is arranged, and a black matrix 1202 for separating pixels. The opening is shown in FIG.
Are arranged as shown in FIG. On the surface of the liquid crystal display, there is provided a lenticular lens 1203 composed of a cylindrical lens having a semicircular cross section as shown in the figure and extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper, and the display pixel portion 1200 of the liquid crystal display is located on the focal plane. It has become. As shown in the drawing, a right image (R) and a left image (L) are alternately arranged in the display pixel portion 1200 so as to form a pair in a stripe shape corresponding to one pitch of the lenticular lens 1203. 120
According to 3, the image is optically separated and formed into an image for the right eye Er and the left eye El of the observer, thereby enabling a stereoscopic view. The figure shows a spatial area where the right image and the left image can be observed by the lenticular lens at the center of the display.Similarly, for each of the other lenticular lenses, the spatial area separated to the left and right is the observer's spatial area. The left and right images overlap at the positions of the left and right eyes, and the left and right images are uniformly separated over the entire screen, thereby enabling stereoscopic viewing. Therefore, if a stereoscopic image in which the left and right images are alternately arranged in the vertical direction is created, it is possible to observe stereoscopic vision on a display using such a lenticular.

Further, there has been a conventional digital camera having a configuration shown in FIG. In the figure, 1001 is an imaging system, 10
A / D conversion means 02 converts an analog image signal obtained by the imaging system 1001 to digital, and 1003 a color signal processing means for creating a luminance signal and a color signal from the digital image signal obtained by the A / D conversion means. , 1004 is an image memory for holding an image, 1005 is an image memory control means for controlling the image memory 1004, 1006 is an image memory 1004
A compression / expansion means 1008 for compressing the image stored in the memory and expanding the compressed image signal, and a recording means 1008 for storing the compressed image, for example, a compact flash (C)
F). 1007 is an interface means of the recording means, for example, a compact flash interface (CFI /
F). A video signal generating means 1009 converts an image signal into a video signal and outputs the video signal.
Reference numeral 011 denotes a video memory control unit for controlling the video memory 1010, and 1013, a display unit for displaying an image, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). Reference numeral 1012 denotes an interface of a display unit, for example, a liquid crystal display interface (LCD I / F).

The operation of such a digital camera is as follows. An analog image signal obtained by the imaging system 1001 is converted into a digital image signal by A / D conversion means 1002, and further converted into a luminance signal and a color signal by 1003. When these signals are recorded in the CF serving as recording means, they are once held in the image memory 1004, read out from the image memory 1004 by the image memory control means 1005 in accordance with the input form of the compression / decompression means 1006, and compressed by the compression / decompression means 1006. Through the CFI / F 1007,
Recorded in CF1008. When an image obtained by the imaging unit 1001 is observed on a CRT (not shown) via a video output, the luminance signal and the chrominance signal obtained by the color signal processing unit 1003 are converted into a video signal by the video signal generation unit 1009. Is converted and output. Also, the LCD 1013
When the image is observed by the, it is once held in the video memory 1010 and displayed on the LCD 1013 via the LCD I / F 1012. When observing the image recorded in the CF 1008, the image is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 1006 via the CFI / F 1007, and the expanded image signal is stored in the image memory 1
004. The held image signal is input to the video signal generation means 1009 when observed on a CRT via a video output, and output as a video signal. When observed on the LCD 1013, the image signal is once held in a video memory 1010. After that, it can be observed on the LCD 1013 via the LCD I / F 1O12.

As described above, it is possible to observe an image photographed by the image pickup system and an image held in the recording means on the CRT via the display means and the video-out of the digital camera.

[0009]

When performing stereoscopic viewing with liquid crystal shutter glasses, it is necessary to switch between left and right images at high speed. It is generally said that switching between left and right images at 120 Hz eliminates flicker and facilitates stereoscopic viewing. However, switching between left and right images at a field frequency of 60 Hz of the NTSC signal enables stereoscopic viewing. At this time, if a CRT is used as a display, stereoscopic viewing is possible by switching between left and right images at 60 Hz. However, using an LCD makes it difficult to perform stereoscopic viewing. This is because the LCD does not switch to the left image immediately after displaying the right image and then displaying the left image, so that the liquid crystal shutter glasses insert only the right image into the right eye and only the left image into the left eye. This is because an image in which the left and right images are mixed is input to both the right eye and the left eye even when the shutter is opened and closed. Thus, it is difficult to stereoscopically view the left and right images displayed on the LCD using liquid crystal shutter glasses.

Also, it has been difficult to produce a small lenticular display as used in a digital camera.

In addition, the compound-eye camera has a problem that it consumes a large amount of power due to a plurality of imaging systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to convert a photographed or photographed stereoscopic image into an image suitable for each of a plurality of display means, and to enable display.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of a compound-eye imaging system.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus of the present invention outputs a stereoscopic image, a display unit for displaying an image, and an image signal to an external display unit. Output means for outputting an image that cannot be viewed stereoscopically to the display means, and the output means outputs an image that can be viewed stereoscopically.

Further, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention has a selecting means for selecting a stereoscopic display method of the external display means.

Further, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention determines whether or not to output an image to external display means based on the presence or absence of a video output terminal pin jack.

Further, the image pickup apparatus of the present invention does not display an image on the display means when outputting an image to the external display means.

In the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, when an image is simultaneously displayed on both the display means and the external display means, an image output to the external display means and an image display on the display means are different.

The image pickup apparatus of the present invention outputs a one-sided image to the display means and outputs a stereoscopic image to the external display means.

The image pickup apparatus of the present invention has a plurality of memories, and when displaying an image only on the display means, only one of the plurality of memories is operated.

Further, in the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, when displaying an image on the display means, one image pickup system is operated and the other image pickup systems are not operated.

Further, the imaging apparatus of the present invention does not supply power to the imaging system which is not operated.

The image pickup apparatus of the present invention does not supply a clock to an image pickup system that is not operated.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a compound eye camera according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes a right imaging system, which is an imaging system that captures a right image. Although the right side imaging system 101 is not shown, an optical system, a CCD, a CDS / A
It comprises a GC circuit, a clamp circuit, and a driving means for driving the CCD, and an image captured by the optical system is formed on an image sensor of the CCD.

The image is photoelectrically converted by the CCD and the next stage CD
An analog image signal is output via the S / AGC circuit and the clamp circuit. Reference numeral 102 denotes right-side A / D conversion means, and the output analog image signal is converted into a digital signal here. Reference numeral 103 denotes a color signal processing unit that creates a luminance signal and a color signal from the digital image signal obtained by the right A / D conversion unit 102. Reference numeral 121 denotes a left imaging system; 122, a left A / D conversion unit; and 123, a left color signal processing unit, which are the same as those on the right.

A right image memory 104 holds the right image, a right image memory control means 105 controls the right image memory 104, a left image memory 124 holds the left image, and a left 125 controls the left image memory 124. Image memory control means. 131 is the right image memory 1
04 and an image memory selecting means for selecting the left image memory 124. Reference numeral 106 denotes the right image memory 104 or the left image memory 1 selected by the image memory selecting means 131.
Compression / expansion means for compressing the image held in 24 or expanding the compressed image signal; recording means for holding the compressed image; for example, CompactFlash (CF) (CF); , For example, a compact flash interface (CFI / F).

Reference numeral 113 denotes display means for displaying an image, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and 112 denotes display means 1.
Thirteen interfaces, for example, a liquid crystal display interface (LCD I / F). 132 is an image output means for displaying an image to be displayed on the LCD 113 on the LCD I / F1.
12 and, if necessary, an image to be displayed on the CRT via a video output.

As described above, it is difficult to switch and display the left and right images at high speed on the LCD so that stereoscopic viewing is possible with liquid crystal shutter glasses. Therefore, in this embodiment, one side (here, obtained by the left side imaging system) is displayed on the LCD 113, and when displaying a stereoscopic image on the CRT via video out, the left and right images are alternately output. . When a lenticular display is used, the left and right images are output alternately in the vertical direction.
Further, at this time, image display is stopped on the LCD to reduce power consumption. As described above, the image output unit 1 switches the image signal to be output according to the display unit that displays the image.
32. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the image output unit 132.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 109 denotes a video signal generating means for converting an image signal into a video signal and outputting the video signal. If necessary, a synchronizing signal to be input to liquid crystal shutter glasses for stereoscopic viewing is also generated and output. Reference numeral 110 denotes a video memory, and 111 denotes a video memory control means for controlling the video memory 110. Reference numeral 133 denotes left and right image selection means, and the right imaging system 101
And one of the signals of the image captured by the left imaging system 121 is selected. Reference numeral 134 denotes an output determination unit which determines whether to output the currently captured image to the LCD 113, to the video signal generation unit 109 to output as a video out, or not to output the image.

At the same time, when outputting as video out, a method using liquid crystal shutter glasses or a lenticular method is selected. First, a method of determining whether or not to output as video out will be described. For example, L
There is a method using a switch or a GUI for setting whether to output to a CD or video output. Also, unlike a switch or a GUI, there is a method for automatically determining whether or not there is a video output pin jack. Specifically, the determination is made by looking at the current value and the impedance value at the pin jack. If the current flows and the impedance is not infinite, it is determined that the pin jack is connected and the video signal is output, and if not, it is determined that the image is output to the LCD. Also, after determining that a video signal is to be output, a setting switch or GUI is used to select which stereoscopic method (liquid crystal shutter glasses or lenticular method). The output determination unit 134 notifies the left and right image selection unit 133, the video memory control unit 111, the LCD I / F 112, and the video signal creation unit 109 of the result.

The operation in the compound eye camera having the above-described configuration will be described.

The left and right analog image signals obtained by the right imaging system 101 and the left imaging system 121 are respectively converted into right A / D signals.
The conversion unit 102 converts the digital image signal into a digital image signal by the left A / D conversion unit 122, and further, the right color signal processing unit 103.
And a left color signal processing unit 123 converts the color signal into a luminance signal and a color signal.

These signals are used as recording means CF 108
Is stored in the right image memory 10 once.
4. It is held in the left image memory 124. The image memory selected by the image memory selection unit 131 is the right image memory control unit 105 or the left image memory control unit 12.
5 is read out. Then, the read image signal is compressed by the compression / expansion means 106 and recorded on the CF 108 via the CFI / F 107.

Next, when outputting an image to the LCD 113,
That is, from the output determination means 134 to the left and right image selection means 133
, The left and right image selection means 133 selects only one side, for example, only the luminance signal and color signal obtained by the left color signal processing means 123, and these are once held in the video memory 110, and the video memory control means 111 Control the video memory 110 to output the image to
It operates to be displayed on the LCD 113 via the LCD I / F 112. Since it is difficult to observe a stereoscopic image on the LCD 113 using liquid crystal shutter glasses, in the present embodiment, an image obtained on one side of the left and right imaging systems is represented by L
It operates to display on a CD.

When outputting to a CRT (not shown) via a video output, an operation is performed so that an image obtained by the right imaging system 101 and an image obtained by the left imaging system 121 are alternately output for each field. . That is, the respective luminance signals and color signals obtained by the right color signal processing means 103 and the left color signal processing means 123 are
3, the video signal is input to the video signal generation means 109, where it is converted into a video signal and output. The video signal creation means 109 also creates a synchronization signal to be input to the liquid crystal shutter glasses at the same time. At this time, the left and right image selecting means 1
The switching of 33 is performed alternately for each field. Accordingly, when the shutters of the liquid crystal shutter glasses open and close the shutters of the glasses based on the input synchronization signal, the right eye can observe only the right image, and the left eye can observe only the left image, and can stereoscopically view.

When displaying on a lenticular type display via a video out, the left and right image switching means 1
33 is switched for each pixel, and the video signal generation means 10
9 outputs only a video signal.

The determination result of the output determination means 134 is also notified to the video memory control means 111, LCD I / F 112, and video signal creation means 109.
When an image is displayed on the screen, the video signal generation means 109 does not operate. When a video signal is generated and an image is output to a CRT or a lenticular display via video out, the video memory control means 111 controls the video memory. No control is performed, and the LCD I / F 112 turns off the power of the LCD 113.

When observing an image recorded in the CF 108, the compression / decompression circuit 10
The expanded right and left image signals are stored in the right image memory 104 and the left image memory 124, respectively. When observing the held image signal on the LCD 113, the left and right image selecting means 133 outputs only one-sided image, holds it once in the video memory 110,
Observation is performed on the LCD 113 via the CDI / F 112. When viewing on a CRT via video out, the left and right image selection means 133 are switched for each field, the left and right images are alternately input to the video signal creation means 109, output as video signals, and liquid crystal shutter glasses are used. Then, stereoscopic vision becomes possible. In the case of a lenticular display, the left and right image selection means 133 are alternately switched one pixel at a time to output a video signal.

FIG. 3 shows the compound eye camera described above. FIG. 3A shows a one-sided image displayed on the LCD 113, and FIG. 3B shows a video signal output from the compound-eye camera, displays a stereoscopic image on a CRT, and synchronizes with liquid crystal shutter glasses. Indicates that a signal is being input. At this time, no image is displayed on LCD 113. FIG.
Although only one image is shown on the CRT in (B),
The left and right images are output alternately, and the liquid crystal shutter glasses alternately open and close the shutter in synchronism therewith. Here, the lenticular display is omitted.

As described above, according to the compound eye camera having such a configuration, there is an effect that a display suitable for each display means can be performed. To create more video signals, use LC
When the image output to the D113 is stopped and the image is output to the LCD 113, the power consumption can be reduced by stopping the generation of the video signal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another configuration. In this configuration, what differs from FIGS.
4. Right image memory control means 105, left image memory 1
24, the position of the left image memory control means 125 and the left and right image selection means 433 in the image output means 432.

Hereinafter, the points different from the operations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be mainly described. The images obtained by the left and right imaging systems 101 and 121 are respectively converted into a right A / D converter 102 and a left A / D converter 102.
Once via the D conversion means 122, the right color signal processing means 103 and the left color signal processing means 123, the right image memory 1
04, held in the left image memory 124. Here, by holding the image once in the right and left image memory,
It is possible to correct the synchronization deviation between the left and right imaging systems.

The stored image is controlled by the right image memory control means 105 and the left image memory control means 125,
It is recorded on the CF 108, displayed on the LCD 113, or displayed on the CRT via video out.
At this time, the left / right image selection unit 433 notifies the right image memory control unit 105 and the left image memory control unit 125 of which image has been selected, and reads out and outputs the image only from the selected image memory. By this,
In particular, when outputting only one image to the LCD 113,
There is no need to drive an image memory that does not display, which has the effect of reducing power consumption.

(Second Embodiment) In a second embodiment, the image output means in the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 is changed.
In the first embodiment, when a video signal is created and an image is output to a CRT and a lenticular display via a video out, no image is displayed on the LCD. The left and right images are alternately output in chronological order to the CRT so that they can be stereoscopically viewed with liquid crystal shutter glasses, and only one image can be output to the LCD at the same time. Also, it is possible to output a stereoscopic image at the time of a lenticular display and to output only one side image to the LCD at the same time.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the image output means 532 of the second embodiment.

In FIG. 5, the same means as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same numbers. Reference numeral 109 denotes a video signal generation unit that converts an image signal into a video signal and outputs the video signal. If necessary, a synchronization signal to be input to liquid crystal shutter glasses for stereoscopic viewing is also generated and output at the same time. 110 is a video memory, 511
Is a video memory control means for controlling the video memory 110. Reference numeral 533 denotes left and right image selection means.
One is selected from the signals of the images captured by the left and right imaging systems 121. The left and right image selection unit 533 notifies the video memory control unit 511 whether the image currently being output is a right image or a left image. Reference numeral 534 denotes an output discriminating means.
As in the embodiment of the first embodiment, it is determined whether to create a video signal based on the presence or absence of a switch, a GUI, and a pin jack.
Select a stereoscopic display on the UI. In the present embodiment, when a video signal is not created, the currently shot image is output only to the LCD 113, and when a video signal is created, the currently shot image and the image being shot are output as video out. Video signal creation means 10 for output
9 and is also displayed on the LCD 113. The output determination means 534 outputs the determination result to the left and right image selection means 5.
33 and the video signal creation means 109 are notified.

The operation of the compound-eye camera according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on the image output means 532. Similarly to the first embodiment, left and right analog image signals obtained by the right imaging system 101 and the left imaging system 121 are converted into digital image signals by the right A / D conversion unit 102 and the left A / D conversion unit 122, respectively. The signal is further converted by the right color signal processing means 103 and the left color signal processing means 123 into a luminance signal and a color signal.

These signals are used as recording means for the CF 108
Is recorded in the same manner as in the first embodiment. LC
When an image is output only to D113, the present embodiment operates to display an image obtained on one side of the left and right imaging systems as in the first embodiment. First, the output determination means 53
4 is notified to the left and right image selection means 533,
The left and right image selecting means 533 selects only one side, for example, only the luminance signal and the color signal obtained by the left color signal processing means 123, and these are once held in the video memory 110, and the video memory control means 511 outputs the image to the LCD 113. To control the video memory 110 so that the LCD I / F
It operates to be displayed on the LCD 113 via the 112. The left and right image selection means 533 determines which one of the left and right images is currently selected by the video memory control means 511.
The video memory control unit 511 sees the selection notification signal from the left and right image selection unit 533, and holds the image in the video memory 110 only when outputting a predetermined one side, for example, the left side image. It operates so as not to hold anything other than. As a result, it is possible to display only one image, for example, the left image, on the LCD 113.

When outputting to the CRT (not shown) via the video out and also to the LCD 113, the image obtained by the right side imaging system 101 and the image obtained by the left side imaging system 121 are alternately arranged for each field. It works to output to. That is, the respective luminance signals and color signals obtained by the right color signal processing means 103 and the left color signal processing means 123 are input to the video signal creation means 109 via the left and right image selection output means 533, where the video signal Is converted and output. The video signal creation means 109 also creates a synchronization signal to be input to the liquid crystal shutter glasses at the same time.
At this time, the switching of the left and right image selection means 533 is performed alternately for each field. Accordingly, when the shutters of the liquid crystal shutter glasses open and close the shutters of the glasses based on the input synchronization signal, the right eye can observe only the right image, and the left eye can observe only the left image, and can stereoscopically view. LCD11
The following operation is performed to output a one-sided image, for example, a left-sided image to 3. In other words, the left and right image selection unit 533 determines which of the current left and right images among the alternately output images obtained by the right imaging system 101 and the left imaging system 121 for each field is selected by the video memory control. Means 5
11 and the video memory control unit 511 sees the selection notification signal from the left and right image selection unit 533, and holds the image in the video memory 110 only when outputting a fixed one side, for example, the left image. It operates so as not to hold the others. This allows the LCD 113 to display only one image, for example, only the left image.

When outputting to the lenticular display via the video out and also to the LCD 113, the image obtained by the right side imaging system 101 and the left side imaging system 12
It operates to alternately output the image obtained in 1 for each pixel. Also at this time, the video memory control means 511 sees the selection notification signal from the left and right image selection means 533, holds the image in the video memory 110 only when outputting a predetermined one side, for example, the left side image, and Works so that it does not hold. Then, the image size is reduced by half in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the video memory control unit 511 holds the pixel values in the video memory 110 in the horizontal direction by two pixels at a time. This allows the LCD 113 to display only one image, for example, only the left image.

The result of the judgment by the output judgment means 534 is the first
In the same manner as in the embodiment, the video signal generating means 109 is also notified, and when displaying an image on the LCD 113, the video signal generating means 109 does not operate.

When observing the image recorded in the CF 108, the image data is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 106 through the CFI / F 107 and the expanded left and right image signals are respectively converted to the right image as in the first embodiment. The data is stored in the memory 104 and the left image memory 124. The held image is displayed on the LCD 113,
The method of creating a video signal and viewing it on a CRT or lenticular display is the same as the method described above in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a compound-eye camera according to the second embodiment described above. FIG. 6A shows a one-sided image displayed on the LCD 113, and FIG. 6B shows a video signal output from the compound-eye camera, displays a stereoscopic image on a CRT, and synchronizes with liquid crystal shutter glasses. Indicates that a signal is being input. Although only one image is shown on the CRT in FIG. 6B, left and right images are output alternately, and the liquid crystal shutter glasses alternately open and close the shutter in synchronization with the left and right images. At this time, only one-sided image is displayed on LCD 113.

As described above, according to the compound eye camera having such a configuration, there is an effect that a display suitable for each display means can be performed. When creating a video signal,
By outputting an image on one side to D113, an image without discomfort to the observer is displayed, so that there is an effect that framing or the like can be performed while viewing the image on LCD 113. Also L
When outputting an image to the CD 113, stopping the creation of a video signal has the effect of reducing power consumption.

(Third Embodiment) The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except that the image output means in the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is changed. Unlike the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment, the left and right images are alternately output in chronological order on the CRT so that the liquid crystal shutter glasses can perform stereoscopic viewing, and the left and right images are displayed on the lenticular display in the vertical direction. In this case, the left and right images were thinned out to 1/2 on the LCD horizontally and vertically, and it was possible to output the images side by side in the horizontal direction at the same time.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of the image output means 732 of the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 711 denotes a video memory control unit for controlling the video memory 110. Reference numeral 733 denotes left and right image selecting means as in the second embodiment. The video memory control means 711 determines whether the image currently being output is a right image or a left image.
Notify. 735 is an image thinning means for thinning out the input image horizontally and vertically by 、, or outputting the image as it is. Reference numeral 734 denotes an output determination unit which determines whether or not to create a video signal, and selects a stereoscopic display, as in the second embodiment. The output determination unit 734 notifies the determination result to the left and right image selection unit 733, the video memory control unit 711, the image thinning unit 735, and the video signal creation unit 109. Others are the same as the first and second embodiments.

In the operation of the compound-eye camera of the third embodiment, a case where an image is displayed on the LCD 113 and a case where a video signal is created, which are different from the first and second embodiments, will be described.

When outputting an image only to the LCD 113,
Also in the present embodiment, the operation is performed to display an image obtained on one side of the left and right imaging systems. First, the result of the determination by the output determination unit 734 is notified to the left and right image selection unit 733, and the left and right image selection unit 733 selects only one side, for example, only the luminance signal and the color signal obtained by the left color signal processing unit 123,
They are temporarily stored in the video memory 110 through the thinning means 735, and the video memory control means 711
The video memory 110 is controlled to output an image to the D 113, and the LCD 113 is controlled via the LCD I / F 112.
It works as displayed in. Left and right image selection means 733
Notifies the video memory control unit 711 which of the left and right images is currently selected, and the video memory control unit 711 looks at the selection notification signal from the left and right image selection unit 733 and determines a certain one side, for example, the left side. Only when the image is being output, the operation is performed such that the image is held in the video memory 110 and not held otherwise. Further, the output determination unit 734 notifies the thinning unit 735 and the video memory control unit 711 whether or not to display only on the LCD 133,
In that case, the thinning means 735 does not perform processing on the input signal, and outputs it to the video memory 110. The video memory control unit 711 performs control assuming that the image size has not changed. As a result, it is possible to display only one image, for example, only the left image on the LCD 113 in the left and right image sizes.

When outputting to a CRT (not shown) via the video out and also to the LCD 113, the video signal is the same as in the second embodiment. Further L
The following operation is performed to output the left and right images to the CD 113. In other words, the image selected by the left and right image selection means 733 is thinned out in the horizontal and vertical directions by the notification of the output determination means 734 by the thinning means 735 and sent to the video memory 110. The video memory control means 711
In response to the notification from the output determination unit 734, control is performed to arrange the left and right images as shown in FIG. Video memory control means 71
Reference numeral 1 denotes a notification from the left and right image selection means 733. The left and right images are controlled so that they are arranged on the left side when the image is a left image, and are arranged on the right side when the image is a right image.
An image is output to LCD 113 via DI / F 112. As a result, the left and right images can be displayed on the LCD 113.

When outputting to the lenticular display via the video out and also to the LCD 113, the thinning means 735 has the same number of pixels in the horizontal direction as it originally has, so that it is halved in the vertical direction. It works to thin out. In this way, the left and right images can be displayed on the LCD 113.

Note that the determination result of the output determination means 734 is also notified to the video signal creation means 109 as in the first and second embodiments. When displaying an image on the LCD 113, the video signal creation means 109 operates. do not do.

The same applies when observing an image recorded on the CF 108. FIG. 8 shows the compound eye camera of the third embodiment described above. FIG. 8A shows a one-sided image displayed on the LCD 113, and FIG. 8B shows a video signal output from the compound-eye camera, displays a stereoscopic image on a CRT, and synchronizes with liquid crystal shutter glasses. Indicates that a signal is being input. Although only one image is shown on the CRT in FIG. 8B, left and right images are alternately output, and the liquid crystal shutter glasses alternately open and close the shutter in synchronism therewith. At this time, the left and right images are displayed on the LCD 113 with being thinned out by 水平 in the horizontal and vertical directions.

As described above, according to the compound eye camera having such a configuration, there is an effect that a display suitable for each display means can be performed. When creating a video signal,
By outputting the left and right images to the D113 at the same time, an image without discomfort to the observer is displayed, so that framing and the like can be performed by looking at the image on the LCD 113, and that both the images being photographed can be confirmed at the same time. effective. Also L
When outputting an image to the CD 113, stopping the creation of a video signal has the effect of reducing power consumption.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment. This configuration is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. 1 and 2 showing the configuration of the first embodiment are different from the image output unit 1132, the output determination unit 1134, the right clock supply unit 1136, the left clock supply unit 1137, and the release button recognition unit 11.
38.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, the right imaging system 1
01, left imaging system 121, right A / D conversion means 102,
Left A / D conversion means 122, right color signal processing means 10
3. Since the clocks that serve as references for the operation of the left color signal processing means 123 are supplied simultaneously to each of them, there is no need to bother to show them. However, in this embodiment, the clock supply is controlled by the right clock supply unit 1136 and the left clock supply unit 1137.

That is, when the right clock supply unit 1136 generates a video signal from the output discriminating unit 1134 and obtains information that an image is to be output to the CRT via the video output, the right clock system 101 and the right A / D conversion unit 102, a clock is supplied to the right color signal processing means 103, and conversely, when information indicating that an image is output to the LCD 113 is obtained,
Since only the image obtained by the left imaging system 121 is displayed on the LCD 113, the supply of the clock to the right imaging system 101, the right A / D conversion means 102, and the right color signal processing means 103 is interrupted. During this interruption, if the photographer presses a release button (not shown) to record an image,
The release button recognizing unit 1138 recognizes this, and the right clock supply unit 1136 starts supplying a clock to the right imaging system 101, the right A / D conversion unit 102, and the right color signal processing unit 103 again.

Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First,
The output determination unit 1134 determines whether to output an image to the LCD 113 or create a video signal based on the presence or absence of a switch or pin jack as described in the first embodiment, and selects a stereoscopic display.

When outputting an image to the stereoscopic display, both the right clock supply unit 1136 and the left clock supply unit 1137 respectively include the right imaging system 101, the right A / D conversion unit 102, the right color signal processing unit 103, and the left imaging system. The clock is supplied to 121, left A / D conversion means 122, and left color signal processing means 123. Then, the left and right imaging system 1
01 and 121 are converted into digital signals by a right A / D conversion means 102 and a left A / D conversion means 122, respectively, and a right color signal processing means 103 and a left color signal processing means 123 output a luminance signal, It is converted to a color signal. These signals are alternately selected on the left and right by the left and right image selection means 133, and become video signals by the video signal creation means 109.
Displayed on the stereoscopic display from the video out. If necessary, the synchronizing signal from the video creating means 109 is simultaneously input to the liquid crystal shutter glasses, and the left and right shutters are opened and closed based on the signal to perform stereoscopic vision.

The result of the judgment by the output judgment means 1134 is
When outputting an image to the 113, the right clock supply unit 1136
Interrupts the clock supply. Left clock supply unit 11
37, left imaging system 121, left A / D converter 12
2. The clock is supplied to the left color signal processing means 123.
Then, the image obtained by the left imaging system 121 is converted into a digital signal by the left A / D conversion means 122, and is converted into a luminance signal and a color signal by the left color signal processing means 123. Then, the left image is selected by the left and right image selection means 133, and the LCD image is transmitted through the video memory 110 and the LCD I / F 112.
The left image is displayed at 113.

When recording a stereoscopic image on the CF 108, if the image is displayed on the stereoscopic display,
Since both the left and right imaging systems 101 and 121 are operating, it is the same as the first embodiment. However, when an image is displayed on the LCD 113, the release button recognition means 1138 recognizes that the photographer has pressed the release button for image recording, and notifies the right clock supply unit 1136. The right clock supply unit 1136 starts supplying clocks to the right imaging system 101, the right A / D conversion unit 102, and the right color signal processing unit 103 again, and enables recording of right and left images. When the operation is started, it is necessary to perform initial settings for the imaging system, the color signal processing means, and the like. However, in this embodiment, power is supplied only when no clock is supplied. The set value is valid. Therefore,
In restarting the operation, little time loss occurs.

As described above, according to the compound eye camera having such a configuration, there is an effect that a display suitable for each display means can be performed. Further, there is an effect that power consumption can be reduced.

Although the supply of the clock is interrupted in this embodiment, the supply of the power can be interrupted. In this case, it is necessary to make settings in the imaging system, the color signal processing means, and the like, but it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to display a stereoscopic image as an image suitable for both the display means of the imaging system and the external display means. In addition, power consumption can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a system according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a system according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an image in the video memory of the LCD according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a conventional example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view from above the observer's head.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Right imaging system 102 Right A / D conversion means 103 Right color signal conversion means 104 Right image memory 105 Right image memory control means 106 Compression / expansion means 107 Recording means interface 108 Recording means 109 Video signal creation means 110 Video memory 111 Video memory control Means 112 Display means interface 113 Display means 121 Left imaging system 122 Left A / D conversion means 123 Left color signal processing means 124 Left image memory 125 Left image memory control means 131 Image memory selection means 132 Image output means 133 Left / right image selection means 134 Output determination means

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takeo Sakimura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 5C061 AA03 AA07 AB04 AB12 AB17 AB18 AB21 5C082 AA27 BA20 BA26 BA35 BA41 BA46 BB02 BB15 BB25 BB26 BD01 BD02 CB05 DA53 DA63 DA73 DA76 DA89 MM06 MM10

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: means for photographing a stereoscopic image; 2D display means for displaying a 2D image; and output means for outputting an image signal to an external stereoscopic display means. 2. An image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means in the image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 supports a plurality of stereoscopic display methods and outputs a stereoscopic image of one of the display methods. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit that selects a stereoscopic display method of the external display unit. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein
An imaging apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines whether to output an image to an external display unit based on the presence or absence of a pin jack of a video-out terminal. 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein
An image pickup apparatus characterized in that when outputting an image to an external display means, no image is displayed on the display means. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein
An image pickup apparatus characterized in that, when an image is simultaneously displayed on both display means and external display means, an image output to the display means and an image display on the external display means are different. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a one-sided image is output to the display means, and a stereoscopic image is output to the external display means. 8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein
An image pickup apparatus comprising a plurality of memories, wherein when displaying an image only on the display means, only one of the plurality of memories is operated. 9. An imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging apparatus is a compound-eye imaging system having two imaging systems. 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when displaying an image on the display means, one imaging system is operated and the remaining imaging systems are not operated. 11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein
An imaging apparatus characterized in that power is not supplied to an imaging system that is not operated. 12. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein
An imaging apparatus, wherein a clock is not supplied to an imaging system that is not operated.