JP2002268120A - Optically functional filter member and image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optically functional filter member in which the miniaturization of an entire device is attained and labor for assembly is reduced while completely shortening a lens back, and to provide an image pickup device. SOLUTION: In this image pickup device 11, a filter housing 34 (optical function filter member) forming nearly cup shape is installed around an image sensor 31 having an imaging device such as a CCD or a CMOS where a plurality of pixels are arranged, for instance, in an array state, and a lens 35 is arranged between the sensor 31 and the housing 34. The housing 34 is obtained by covering the open end of a cylindrical side wall trunk part 32 being a light shielding body with a plate type back wall 33 having translucency and various kinds of filter characteristics and integrating them. Thus, the conventional optical filter need not be installed between the sensor 31 and the lens 35 and the device is miniaturized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical function filter member and an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly, to an optical function filter member used in an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup section on which light from a subject or a light source enters. The present invention relates to an imaging device including the optical function filter member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, imaging devices such as cameras, especially CC
In an image pickup apparatus using a solid-state image pickup device such as a D or CMOS image sensor, visibility correction by a near-infrared light absorbing filter or the like is widely performed in order to reproduce the actual color tone well and obtain a clear image. Have been done. In addition, depending on the number of pixels of an image sensor or the like, by using an optical low-pass filter to limit high spatial frequency components of incident light,
It is also performed to remove a color light component different from light from a subject due to generation of a pseudo signal (aliasing). Further, depending on the application, various optical function filters for performing color tone correction, light amount adjustment, and the like are often used.

As a conventional image pickup apparatus, there is provided an image pickup apparatus in which the above-mentioned various functional filters are arranged between a lens system having a lens, an aperture and the like and an image pickup element, and housed in a light-shielding housing having a lid and the like. Are known. Further, a lens surface coated with an extremely thin functional filter has been proposed, but it may be difficult to coat or attach the lens surface, and it may be difficult to exhibit good characteristics.

[0004]

In recent years, as the number of pixels of an image sensor has been increased and the size of the image sensor has been reduced, a small camera using the same, an image pickup device using an image sensor, and the like have been increasingly used in electronic devices, especially small information terminals. It has been installed in devices, portable devices, wearable devices, and the like, and further spread is expected in the future. In addition, miniaturization of these devices themselves is also rapidly progressing, and further miniaturization (reduction in size) of optical systems including an image sensor, cameras, sensors, and the like is desired. Further, in order to increase the added value of the imaging device / equipment, it is expected that an imaging system including an optical system has high functionality. As an example of miniaturization, there is a demand in the market where the distance between the lens system and the image sensor is about 2 mm or less. In addition, if it is possible to arrange in such a narrow space, it is considered that it is very advantageous in optical design and can contribute to high functionality.

However, in the image pickup apparatus having the above-described conventional function filter arrangement, the distance (interval) between the lens system and the image pickup element can be reduced to the required minimum thickness of the function filter, that is, the function can be significantly expressed, or The thickness cannot be shortened to such a degree that the mechanical strength is secured. When the refractive index of the functional filter is larger than the refractive index of air, it is necessary to secure a distance for adjusting the depth of focus. In this case, it becomes more difficult to reduce the distance between the lens system and the image sensor (so-called lens back).

On the other hand, it is conceivable to dispose the functional filter in front of the lens system (on the subject side). In this case, the lens back is shortened, but the lens system integrated in the light-shielding housing is provided. There is also a need to handle the image pickup device and the like and the functional filter independently, which may cause the assembling work of the image pickup apparatus to become complicated. Further, in the case of simply arranging in front of the lens system, the overall dimensions do not change drastically, and a sufficient improvement cannot be expected from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the apparatus, equipment and system as a whole.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has solved the above-mentioned problems, that is, has achieved a reduction in the size of the entire apparatus while sufficiently reducing the lens back in the imaging apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optically functional filter member and an imaging device that can be performed and that can reduce the time and labor required for assembling.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an optical function filter member according to the present invention is used for an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup section on which light from a subject or a light source enters. (1) a light-shielding portion that blocks a part of light incident on the imaging unit; and (2) a light-shielding unit that is provided integrally with the light-shielding unit, has transparency to the incident light, and has a function of transmitting light to the imaging unit. Or a filter unit disposed between the light source and the light source.

The optically functional filter member having such a configuration has a filter portion having transparency to incident light, and can impart various optical filter functions to the filter portion. Further, the filter unit is provided integrally with the light shielding unit, and for example, a part of the above-described conventional light shielding housing can be replaced with the filter unit. If such an optically functional filter member is installed around the imaging unit and the lens system arranged to face the imaging unit, the space for disposing the conventional filter unit is reduced.

[0010] Further, the filter unit includes at least one of a near-infrared light absorbing filter, an optical low-pass filter, an ND filter, a color filter, an optical amplification filter, and the like, or has a filter function thereof. Then, these various optical functions are given to the filter unit. Conventionally, these various functional filters tend to be arranged as individual filters in front of the imaging unit or the lens (system). Also,
Some of these originally had a relatively small minimum thickness required to achieve their function, and also had a thickness as they also served as supports or holders for other thin-layer (thin-film) filters. Some things could not be thin enough. On the other hand, if at least one of these various filters is integrated in the filter unit used in the present invention, the space occupied by these various functional filters can also be deleted.

Further, the optical function filter member of the present invention is, in other words, a light-shielding housing having an optical filter function. More specifically, the optical function filter member is provided at one end. Is formed in a substantially cup shape with an open end, at least a part of the bottom wall or the lid wall is made of a filter part, and the side wall is made of a light shielding part. In this case, the entire bottom wall or lid wall may be used as the filter section. Further, if the imaging unit is covered (covered) with the optical function filter unit, the filter unit is arranged to face the imaging unit, light from a subject or the like enters from that portion, and stray light from the side wall direction. Is surely prevented.

Alternatively, at least a part of the light shielding part may be formed on a part of the filter part.
With this configuration, the optical function filter member is formed mainly of a material that functions as a filter portion, and the light shielding portion may be provided at a desired portion where light shielding is to be performed. There is no need to integrate them.

[0013] More specifically, it is preferable that the light-shielding portion includes a light-shielding member coated, adhered or applied on the filter portion. The light-shielding portion only needs to block at least light in the visible region and furthermore in the wavelength region around the light-shielding portion. It can be easily obtained by coating, sticking or applying on the filter part. In this way, even if the light-shielding part is made thin, the filter part becomes the holder for it,
It is not necessary to use another member having such a thickness as to be able to be self-supporting in terms of mechanical strength as the light shielding portion, and the optical function filter member can be further reduced in thickness.

Further, the filter unit comprises: (a) a first light-transmitting region provided coaxially with the image pickup unit; and (b) a first light-transmitting region provided when the filter unit is disposed opposite to the image pickup unit.
A second light-transmitting region that is located closer to the imaging unit than the light-transmitting region and is provided coaxially with the first light-transmitting region and has an area smaller than the area of the first light-transmitting region. It is preferable to have one.

When a spherical lens is used as a lens (system) used for imaging or projecting incident light onto an image pickup unit of an image pickup apparatus, the distance between the lens and the image pickup unit (lens back)
In some cases, there is a difference in the depth of focus between light passing through the center of the lens and light passing through the periphery of the lens. In this case, it is preferable that the light incident on the peripheral portion of the lens does not reach the imaging unit.

On the other hand, in the optical function filter member of the present invention provided with the filter portion having the first and second light transmitting regions, the subject light and the like are coaxially located in the first position.
And the second light transmitting region in this order. At this time, since the area of the second light-transmitting region is smaller than that of the first light-transmitting region, the light path of the light passing through both regions is regulated in a cone shape connecting the peripheral edges of both regions. Therefore, when a lens (system) is arranged at the subsequent stage, it is possible to prevent light from entering the peripheral portion of the lens.

Alternatively, instead of providing the first and second light-transmitting regions, the light-shielding portion has an opening that opens in a substantially cone shape or a substantially funnel shape facing the imaging portion. It is also preferable that the filter part is fitted in the opening. In this case, since the light-transmitting filter portion has a shape fitting into the opening, that is, a substantially cone-shaped or substantially funnel-shaped, light incident on the optically functional filter member is
When passing through the filter section, the optical path is regulated along its shape.

Further, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus effectively constituted by using the optical function filter member of the present invention, and has an image pickup section on which light from a subject or a light source is incident. And an optical function filter member of the present invention provided around the imaging unit, and a lens system disposed between the imaging unit and the optical function filter member.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationship such as up, down, left, and right is based on the positional relationship shown in the drawings. Further, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to the illustrated ratios.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention using an optically functional filter member according to the present invention. The imaging device 11 includes a substantially cup-shaped filter housing 34 (optical function filter) around an image sensor 31 (imaging unit) having an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in an array, for example. ), And a lens 35 (lens system) is arranged between the image sensor 31 and the filter housing 34.

The filter housing 34 has an open end in contact with a support base on which the image sensor 31 is mounted, and the image sensor 31 and the lens 35 are arranged along the optical axis.
And are provided coaxially. This filter housing 34
One of the open ends of the substantially cylindrical side wall body portion 32 (light shielding portion) that is not in contact with the support table has a substantially plate-shaped lid wall 33.
(The filter unit). Side wall trunk 3
2 is made of a light-shielding material, while the lid wall 33 is
It is formed of a light-transmitting material.

Further, on the outer and inner peripheral edges of the lid wall 33, coating regions 33a and 33b made of black paint are provided, respectively.
(Light-shielding body), and a region 33c (first light-transmitting region) and a region 33d where the material surface is exposed at the center.
(A second light-transmitting region) is formed. These areas 3
Reference numerals 3c and 33d denote substantially circular shapes, which are provided coaxially with the image sensor 31 and the lens 35. in this way,
A lid wall 33 surrounds the image sensor 31 and the lens 35.
The light is blocked by the support base on which the covering regions 33a and 33b, the side wall body 32, and the image sensor 31 are installed.
That is, it is optically sealed. That is, the coating regions 33a, 3a provided on the lid wall 33 as a filter portion
3b also functions as a light shielding unit.

Further, the portion where the covering regions 33a and 33b are formed is not particularly limited. For example, the area of the region 33c formed on the outer surface of the lid wall 33 is
It is configured to be larger than the area of the region 33d formed on the inner surface. More specifically, the covering regions 33a,
It may be preferable that the cone formed by the virtual plane connecting the inner edges of 33b is formed so that the apex angle θ is about 90 °. Thus, from a different viewpoint, the portion between the covering regions 33a and 33b in the lid wall 33 (the covering regions 33a and 33b).
b) and the side wall body portion 32 constitutes a light shielding portion. On the other hand, regions 33c, 3
The portion between 3d functions as a substantial optical filter.

The image sensor 31 is connected to a signal processing circuit system (not shown), a display, a storage device, and the like.
The light from the subject or the like incident on the image sensor 31 through the lens 33d and the lens 35 is converted into an electric intensity signal, and after the signal processing, the image is obtained.

Here, the lid wall 33 includes a near-infrared light absorbing filter, an optical low-pass filter, an ND filter,
It preferably has at least one of a color tone filter and a light amplification filter. Further, among these, it is more preferable to provide a near-infrared light absorbing filter function in that unnecessary near-infrared light components can be significantly absorbed and the visibility can be appropriately corrected. In addition, when an image pickup device such as a CCD is used, it is more preferable to have an optical low-pass filter function in that high spatial frequency components can be significantly removed to prevent occurrence of moire caused by a pseudo signal.

The material forming the near-infrared light-absorbing filter is not particularly limited. For example, JP-A-6-118228 and WO9926952 by the present applicant, etc. And a metal ion such as a copper ion described in JP-A-9-208 by the present applicant.
No. 775, etc., comprising a phosphonic acid monoester compound and a metal ion such as a copper ion, and a phosphinic acid compound described in JP-A No. 2000-98130, etc., and a copper ion. And those containing a phosphonic acid compound and a copper ion described in JP-A-2000-7687 and the like.

Alternatively, a transparent substrate made of glass or resin, in which silicon dioxide layers and titanium oxide layers are alternately formed, or a substrate obtained by introducing metal ions such as copper ions into phosphate glass, etc. May be used.

Examples of the optical low-pass filter include those having a phase grating. For example, the methods and materials described in JP-A-2000-66142 and JP-A-6-118228 by the present applicant can be used. Can be exemplified. In particular, when the transparent resin plate described in the latter publication is used, a resin having both near-infrared light absorption characteristics and optical low-pass filter characteristics can be obtained.
In addition, other than those made of resin, for example, a glass plate can also be used. In this case, for example, the glass plate is formed by a lift-off method, an etching method, a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-263939, and the like. Are preferred.

Alternatively, an optical low-pass filter utilizing birefringence of a material, that is, an optical low-pass filter made of quartz, or an optical low-pass filter mainly containing an optically anisotropic resin inherently having a liquid crystal-specific alignment characteristic. It is also preferable to use As such an optically anisotropic resin, for example, it is preferable to use various resins described in JP-A-8-122708 and the like obtained by the present applicant by the method described in the same publication. It is.

Further, as the ND filter, an absorbance characteristic that makes the optical density substantially uniform over substantially the entire wavelength range of the light from the object to be imaged, ie, ND (Neutral Density)
ity) It is preferable to use a combination of various coloring dyes for synthetic resin (yellow, orange, red, blue, purple, etc.) added to a transparent resin so that the function is exhibited.

Further, as the color tone correction filter, a photochromic dye having coloring properties, specifically, a resin containing a spirooxazine compound, a chromene compound, a fulgide compound, etc. having excellent durability is used in appropriate combination. it can. Further, as the light amplification filter, a transparent member containing rare earth metal ions such as europium and neodymium may be mentioned. It is useful to use the one added in (1).

According to the imaging device 11 configured as described above, a part of the light from the subject, the light source and the like to be imaged is blocked by the covering regions 33a and 33b, and the light reaching the region 33c is Then, the light passes through the portion having a light-transmitting property in the region 33d, and is emitted from the region 33d to the inside of the filter housing 34. That is, part of the light that has entered the filter housing 34 enters the lens 35 in a state where the optical path is regulated. The light transmitted through the lens 35 is condensed, imaged, or projected on the image sensor 31, and these optical signals are appropriately processed by a signal processing circuit or the like (not shown) and displayed on a display device such as a display.

At this time, the surroundings of the image sensor 31 and the lens 35 are covered with the covering regions 33 a and 33 in the lid wall 33.
b, since the light is shielded by the side wall body 32 and the like, unnecessary light (so-called stray light) that may enter the image sensor 31 from the surrounding environment is reliably blocked. Also,
When the lid wall 33 has various filter functions as described above, for example, near-infrared light is absorbed and luminosity correction is performed, or high spatial frequency components are removed to suppress generation of a pseudo signal. As a result, a clear image in which the true color tone of the subject or the like is reproduced can be obtained.

Further, a portion between the regions 33c and 33d in the lid wall 33 functioning as a filter portion is provided integrally with a portion between the covering regions 33a and 33b functioning as a light shielding portion and the side wall body portion 32. That is, in the filter housing 34, the light shielding housing has an optical filter function, and therefore, the installation space for the optical filter that has conventionally tended to be disposed between the image sensor 31 and the lens 35. Can be reduced. Therefore, the distance (lens back) between the image sensor 31 and the lens 35 can be reduced, and as a result, the size of the imaging device 11 can be reduced.

In addition, compared to a case where an optical filter as conventionally conceived is simply arranged in front of the lens 35 to reduce the lens back, there is an advantage that the entire image pickup apparatus 11 can be remarkably reduced in size. . Further, since the number of parts and the number of assembling steps can be reduced, productivity can be improved. Further, the light path of the incident light is regulated in a cone shape by the regions 33c and 33d (in other words, the covering regions 33a and 33b function as a collimator), so that light is prevented from entering the peripheral portion of the lens 35. You. Therefore, for example, when a spherical lens or the like is used, light passing through the center of the lens,
It is possible to suppress the difference in the depth of focus between the light passing through the peripheral portion of the lens and the light. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in image quality that may occur due to such a difference in the depth of focus.

The above-mentioned various functional filters are:
Conventionally, as an individual filter, it is often arranged in front of the image sensor 31 or the lens 35. In addition, some of these functional filters originally have a relatively large minimum thickness required to exhibit their functions, and also serve as a support or holder for other thin-layer (thin-film) filters. In some cases, the thickness could not be reduced sufficiently. On the other hand, if the characteristics of these functional filters are imparted to the lid wall 33 or if various functional filters are laminated as the lid wall 33, the space occupied by these various functional filters can be eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the length of the lens back, which can further reduce the size of the imaging device 11 and the time and labor required for assembly.

Further, a part (peripheral portion) of the lid wall 33 is made to function as a light shielding portion by the covering regions 33a and 33b. Therefore, when the light path of the incident light as described above is regulated, the light shielding portion has a complicated bent shape. Alternatively, the filter housing 34 can be configured by combining the cylindrical side wall body 32 having a simple shape and the plate-shaped lid wall 33 without processing into a collimator shape. Therefore, the moldability of the housing and thus the imaging device can be improved. Further, conventionally, in order to hold the lens 35 in a housing having a lid or the like, a claw for holding the lens (which may also serve as a collimator for regulating the optical path of incident light) is provided at an end of the housing. Had been provided. On the other hand, in the imaging device 11, if the cover wall 33 has a constant thickness, the lens 35 can be held by the cover wall 33.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a second embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention. The imaging device 12 is configured similarly to the imaging device 11 shown in FIG. 1 except that a filter housing 38 (an optically functional filter member) is provided instead of the filter housing 34. The filter housing 38 has a substantially cup shape, and covers a part of the inner and outer surfaces of the side walls and the upper and lower walls of the main body part 37 (filter part) made of a translucent material with black paint. Area 3
7a and 37b (light shields, light shields) are provided. Further, the main body 37 is formed of a laminate or a joint of the various types of functional filters described above, or a single-layer or multilayer having such functions.

In the image pickup apparatus 12 having such a configuration, a part of the incident light is blocked by the covering regions 37a and 37b, and a portion of the main body that is not covered with the incident light is
Acts substantially as an optical functional filter. Therefore, similarly to the imaging device 11, it is not necessary to arrange a conventional optical filter or a filter group between the lens 35 and the image sensor 31, and the installation space can be reduced. Therefore, the distance between the image sensor 31 and the lens 35 can be shortened, and as a result,
Can be downsized.

Further, since the filter housing 38 can be formed integrally with the main body 37, the number of assembly steps and the number of parts can be further reduced. Therefore, productivity can be further improved. Further, since the entire light-shielding portion is constituted by the covering regions 37a and 37b which can be easily formed by black coating or the like, the light-shielding member having a thickness capable of being self-supporting in mechanical strength is not used. Can be further improved.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a third embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention. The imaging device 13 is configured similarly to the imaging device 11 shown in FIG. 1 except that a filter housing 53 (an optically functional filter member) is provided instead of the filter housing 34. The filter housing 53 has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes the image sensor 31.
A light-shielding housing 51 (light-shielding portion) having a cone-shaped (inverted cone-shaped) or funnel-shaped opening in a portion opposed to the above, and fitted and installed in the opening, formed of a translucent material and described above. An optical filter 52 composed of a laminate of various functional filters and the like.

According to the image pickup device 13, the optical filter 52 has a shape fitting into the opening of the light shielding casing 51, that is, a cone or a funnel.
The light incident on the optical filter 52 is collimated when passing through the optical filter 52, and the optical path is regulated. Therefore, the lens 35
Is focused so as to be focused on the center of the lens 35. As described above, depending on the shape of the lens 35, when it is inconvenient to form light or the like on the image sensor 31 on the periphery of the lens 35, it can be solved. . Further, since various filter functions can be collected in the optical filter 52, the imaging device 13
In this case, the lens back can be sufficiently reduced.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a fourth embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention. The imaging device 14 has the same configuration as the imaging device 11 shown in FIG. 1 except that a filter housing 57 (an optically functional filter member) is provided instead of the filter housing 34. The filter housing 57 includes an optically opaque, substantially cylindrical side wall body 54.
The upper end of the (light-shielding portion) in the figure is sealed with a transparent plate 55, on which an optical filter 56 is integrally provided.

The transparent plate 55 does not need to have an optical filter function, and the optical filter 56 is composed of a laminate of various functional filters. Further, the thickness of the transparent plate 55 and the optical filter 56, which is the sum of the thicknesses of the two, is, for example, a dimension capable of holding the lens 35. As a result, the mechanical strength is ensured while the cover thickness of the filter housing 57 is minimized as much as possible,
Compared with the related art in which a filter and a filter group are arranged in front of the lens 35, the entire imaging device 14 can be further reduced in size.

The filter housing 57 is a combination of members having such a simple shape, and has an advantage that the forming process is simple. Further, in the imaging device 14,
Although the light path is not regulated by collimating the incident light by the light shielding unit as in the imaging device 11 or the like, the lens 3
In the case where the lens 5 does not need to block the incidence of light on the periphery thereof (for example, an aspherical lens having such an optical design), no particularly significant inconvenience can occur. . The same applies to the imaging devices 15 and 16 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described below, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a fifth embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention. The imaging apparatus 15 is different from the filter housing 34 in that a filter housing 59 (optically functional filter member) including a lid wall 33 having no covering regions 33a and 33b and a side wall body 32 is provided instead of the filter housing 34. 1 has the same configuration as the imaging device 11 shown in FIG. In this imaging device 15, stray light that may enter from the side of the lens 35 and the image sensor 31 is effectively blocked by the side wall body 32.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a sixth embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention. The imaging device 16
Instead of the filter housing 38, a filter housing 61 (optically functional filter member) composed of a main body 37 provided with a black covering region 37c (light shield) on the outer surface of the side wall.
It is configured similarly to the imaging device 12 shown in FIG. In this imaging device 16,
Stray light that may enter from the sides of the lens 35 and the image sensor 31 is effectively blocked by the covering region 37c.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a seventh embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention. The imaging device 17 includes the image sensor 31, a lens 36 (lens system) disposed in front of the image sensor 31, and a filter housing 73 installed so as to cover them. Filter housing 73
Is a side wall body 7 having a substantially cylindrical shape and having a step in cross section.
A light-transmissive lid wall 72 (filter portion) having a substantially plate-like shape and provided with a black covering region 72a (light shield) is screwed to the upper end of 1 (light shield portion). This lid wall 72
Has the characteristics of the various functional filters described above.

The side wall body 71 is provided with the image sensor 3.
1 is provided with a lens barrel 71b protruding from a support body 71a located on the side of the body 1. A female screw 71c is continuous with a part of the inner wall surface of the support body 71a and the inner wall surface of the lens barrel 71b. It is provided. The lid wall 72 has an annular protrusion protruding from the lens 36 side, and has a male screw portion 72c that can be screwed with the female screw portion 71c on the outer peripheral surface.
Further, the covering area 72a of the lid wall 72 is formed on the periphery of the plate surface of the lid wall 72, that is, in the same manner as the covering area 33a of the imaging device 11 shown in FIG.

Also in the imaging device 17 thus configured, since the lid wall 72 is provided with an optical filter function, the lens back can be shortened and the size can be reduced. Further, since the lens barrel 71b and the like and the cover wall 72 are screwed together, the side wall body 71 and the cover wall 72 can be attached and detached, and the flexibility at the time of assembly including component supply is enhanced. When they are made detachable, the replacement of the lid wall 72 is simplified, and different lid walls 72 having various filter functions are installed on the common side wall body 71 to be easily used. Performance can also be improved.

Here, an example of a method for manufacturing the lid wall 33 provided in the imaging device 11 will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lid wall 33 as the filter unit and the partial light shielding unit shown in FIG. 1 is being manufactured, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the lid wall 33. .

First, a monomer composition containing a material of the lid wall 33, for example, a phosphorus-containing compound containing a metal ion such as the above-mentioned copper ion which is a material for forming a near-infrared light absorbing filter is prepared. . This is cast-polymerized under appropriate polymerization conditions using, for example, a flat glass mold, and then the mold is removed to obtain a plate-like body 90. Next, the plate 9
0 so that a plurality of circular regions having the same shape and the same size as the previously described region 33c (see FIG. 1) are provided at equal intervals on one surface.
Print black paint or the like (see FIG. 8). This printed portion finally becomes the covered area 33a shown in FIG.

As a printing method at this time, various methods such as a transfer method using a commonly used mask pattern, an ink jet method, a stamp method, and a method of applying a photosensitive paint to a plate surface and exposing the plate can be used. . Alternatively, instead of printing, a method of attaching a light-shielding film provided with a plurality of holes shown in FIG. 8 to a plate surface, a method of vapor-depositing metal or the like, and the like can be used. Next, similarly, the above-described region 33d (FIG.
Black paint or the like is printed or the like so that a plurality of circular regions having the same shape and the same size as those described in FIG. In this case, area 3
It is desirable that the circular regions of 3c and 33d be as coaxial as possible.

Next, a plate-like body 9 having both sides printed or the like is applied.
0 is cut into rectangles (along the broken lines shown in FIG. 8) in units of circular regions corresponding to the regions 33c and 33d to obtain the lid wall 33 shown in FIG. Then, by joining the lid wall 33 so as to close one end of the side wall body 32 shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 11 can be easily obtained. In addition, the manufacturing method and the assembling method of the lid wall 33 and the imaging device using the same are not limited thereto.

FIG. 10A is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of a communication device provided with an imaging device according to the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the communication device. The mobile phone terminal 2 as a communication device has a configuration in which operation character buttons and the like are stored in a foldable structure except during operation.
(A) and (B) show a state where the folding structure is opened. In addition, the mobile phone terminal 2 includes, within the housing 7, a transmitting / receiving unit 21 for transmitting / receiving a radio wave, and an electric signal for processing an electric signal corresponding to the radio wave received by the transmitting / receiving unit 21 and converting the signal into a sound. It has a voice conversion unit 22 and a voice / electric signal conversion unit 23 that converts a voice uttered by a speaker into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the transmission / reception unit 21.

An operation unit 24 is provided on the surface of the housing 7 for transmitting and receiving radio waves and performing input operations necessary for receiving or transmitting. Further, in the housing 7, a storage unit 25 for storing operation contents and various information data according to the input from the operation unit 24, and a transmission / reception unit 21
When a radio wave is received, a reception transmission unit 26 for transmitting the reception is provided.

Further, the portable telephone terminal 2 has a liquid crystal display screen 6 provided on the surface of the housing 7 so as to be visible from the outside, and an imaging device of the present invention provided on the back of the liquid crystal display screen 6. The light receiving sensor 10 is installed outward on the surface of the housing 7 near the liquid crystal display screen 6.

The image pickup device 11 is connected to the liquid crystal display screen 6 via a signal processing circuit (not shown) installed in the housing 7. Thereby, the captured image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6. Further, the storage unit 25 described above
The image acquired by the imaging device 11 is also stored. The light receiving sensor 10 has a near-infrared light absorbing filter 61 and a photodiode 62, and processes a light signal output from the photodiode 62 to process an electric signal corresponding to the amount of current urged by the light intensity. 3a (see FIG. 10B).

The lighting control circuit 3a is adapted to control the intensity of the light incident on the photodiode 62, that is, the intensity of the visible light component having a spectral component substantially equivalent to the luminosity factor, when the intensity is equal to or lower than a predetermined intensity (when a person feels dark). Then, the backlight 4 connected to the lighting control circuit is turned on. On the other hand, when the intensity of light incident on the photodiode 62 exceeds the predetermined intensity (when a person feels bright), the backlight 4 is turned off. Also, the backlight 4, the light receiving sensor 10,
Portions requiring power supply, such as various circuits, are connected to a power supply 5.

According to the portable telephone terminal 2 configured as described above, by controlling the brightness of the liquid crystal display screen 6 by the light receiving sensor 10, it is possible to control the screen display according to the degree of lightness and darkness felt by human eyes. The visibility of displayed characters, images, and the like is improved. Therefore, even if the brightness of the place where the mobile phone terminal 2 is used changes, the displayed information such as characters or images can be clearly recognized.

Further, an image pickup function of the image pickup device 11 can be used to pick up an image of a subject and record an obtained image. And since the imaging device 11 is small compared with the past, the installation space in the housing 7 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to significantly contribute to downsizing of the mobile phone terminal 2. Further, the image pickup apparatus 1 according to the amount of light received by the light receiving sensor 10
It is also possible to appropriately adjust the sensitivity or exposure of No. 1. In addition, the added value of the mobile phone terminal 2 can be improved with the sophistication of the imaging device 11.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of an information processing apparatus provided with the imaging device of the present invention. The computer 8 as an information processing apparatus has a structure in which a housing 81 is divided into two parts and can be folded. A display screen 9 is provided in one of the divided bodies, and a keyboard or the like is provided in the other divided body. Is provided.
An arithmetic processing unit 83 such as a CPU or MPU for processing information or the like input from the input unit 82 is provided in the housing 81.
And a storage unit 84 such as a hard disk or a CD-ROM for storing input information from the input unit 82, processing results by the arithmetic processing unit 83, processing programs and the like.

Further, near the center of the upper edge of the surface on which the display screen 9 is provided, an image pickup device 11 of the present invention is provided, and a picked-up image is displayed on the display screen 9. I have. In addition, two light receiving sensors 10 are installed on the side edge of the surface on which the display screen 9 is provided, and a backlight (not shown) on the back of the display screen 9 according to the illuminance on the display screen 9. Is adjusted, and the brightness of the display screen 9 is adjusted.

In such a computer 8 as well,
Since the image obtained by the imaging device 11 is extremely clear, and the size of the image itself has been reduced, there is an advantage that the installation area can be reduced and the display area of the display screen 9 can be enlarged. Also, the light receiving sensor 1
It is also possible to appropriately adjust the sensitivity or exposure of the imaging device 11 according to the amount of light received by 0.

Further, the brightness of the display section of the display screen 9 is adjusted in accordance with the degree of light and shade perceived by human eyes, and the visibility of characters, images, etc. displayed on the display screen 9 is improved. Even if the brightness (luminous intensity or illuminance) of the place where 8 is used changes variously, it is possible to clearly recognize information such as displayed characters or images. In addition, the added value of the computer 8 can be improved with the enhancement of the functions of the imaging device 11.

In each of the embodiments described above, the filter section such as the lid wall 33 does not have to have a plurality of functional filter characteristics. Among these, it is particularly preferable to provide near-infrared light absorption from the viewpoint of improving visibility and color tone reproducibility by improving visibility correction, and particularly low-end using a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD as an image sensor. When using a fixed stop type, it is preferable to provide an optical low-pass function. Further, instead of the single lenses 35 and 36, a lens system having a lens group including a variable power lens, a focus lens, an imaging lens, and the like may be arranged. Further, although a diaphragm mechanism such as a mechanical diaphragm is omitted in each drawing, it may be arranged before the lens system, in the lens system, or the like. In addition,
The vertex angle θ shown in FIG. 1 is not limited to about 90 °.

Further, the application example of the imaging apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone terminal 2 and the computer 8,
Television cameras, digital video cameras, etc., capable of continuous or intermittent shooting of subjects, or board cameras,
Digital still cameras and the like, and other mobile-type or wearable-type devices for which further miniaturization is particularly desired,
Other mobile electronic devices, mobile terminal devices, mobile communication devices, and the like can be exemplified, and they are extremely suitable for applications such as digital cameras, digital eye, and other imaging devices and photographing devices mounted on these devices.

[0068]

As described above, according to the optical function filter member and the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced while the lens back is sufficiently shortened, and the time and labor required for assembling are reduced. Can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a first embodiment according to an imaging apparatus of the present invention using an optically functional filter member according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a second embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a third embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a fourth embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a fifth embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a sixth embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a seventh embodiment according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention using the optically functional filter member according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a cover part as a filter part and a partial light shielding part shown in FIG. 1 is being manufactured.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a lid wall shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10A is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of a communication device including an imaging device according to the present invention,
FIG. 10B is a side view of the same.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of an information processing apparatus including the imaging device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2: Mobile phone terminal, 8: Computer, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17: imaging device, 31: image sensor (imaging unit), 32, 54, 71: side wall body (light shielding unit), 33, 72: lid wall (filter unit), 33
a, 33b, 37c, 72a ... covered area (light shield), 3
3c ... region (first light transmitting region), 33d ... (second light transmitting region), 34, 38, 53, 57, 59, 61, 73 ...
Filter housing (optical function filter member), 35,
36: lens (lens system), 37: body part (filter part), 51: light shielding housing (light shielding part), 52, 56: optical filter (filter part).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G02B 5/22 G02B 5/22 5C022 5/30 5/30 5C024 7/00 7/00 G 7/02 7 / 02 DC H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 D 5/335 5/335 VF term (reference) 2H042 AA06 AA08 AA09 AA11 AA22 2H044 AC01 AD01 AG01 2H048 CA04 CA05 CA12 CA14 CA17 CA23 CA24 CA25 CA29 2H049 AA02AAA A43A AA64 BA01 BA42 BB61 BC21 2H083 AA02 AA03 AA04 AA05 AA06 AA09 AA32 AA41 5C022 AB13 AC42 AC55 AC78 5C024 AX01 CY48 DX04 EX21 EX51 GY01 GY31

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An optical function filter member used in an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup unit to which light from a subject or a light source enters, a light shielding unit that blocks a part of light incident on the image pickup unit, A filter unit is provided integrally with the light-shielding unit, has transparency to the incident light, and has a filter unit disposed between the imaging unit and the subject or the light source. Optical function filter member. 2. The optically functional filter member according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding portion is formed at least partially on the filter portion. 3. The optical function filter member has a substantially cup shape with one end opened, at least a part of a bottom wall or a lid wall is formed of the filter part, and a side wall is provided. The optically functional filter member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical function filter member comprises the light shielding portion. 4. The optical function according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding portion includes a light-shielding member coated, adhered, or applied on the filter portion. Filter member. 5. The first light-transmitting region provided coaxially with the imaging unit, and the first light-transmitting region when the filter unit is arranged to face the imaging unit. A second light-transmitting region, which is located closer to the imaging unit than the region and is provided coaxially with the first light-transmitting region, and has an area smaller than the area of the first light-transmitting region; The optical function filter member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: 6. The light-shielding portion has an opening that opens in a substantially cone-shaped or substantially funnel-like shape facing the imaging portion, and the filter portion is fitted into the opening. The optically functional filter member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit has a filter function of at least one of a near-infrared light absorbing filter, an optical low-pass filter, an ND filter, a color tone filter, and a light amplification filter. The optically functional filter member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: 8. An optical device according to claim 1, further comprising an image pickup unit to which light from a subject or a light source is incident, wherein the optical function is provided around the image pickup unit. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a filter member; and a lens system disposed between the image pickup section and the optical function filter member.