JP2002290805A - Higher-resolution solid image pickup device camera device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a higher-resolution solid image pickup device camera, using a mirror, which can have its resolution made higher and can be made low-cost and small-sized without sacrificing sensitivity by shifting an image by an optical method. SOLUTION: This device is equipped with a mirror arranged halfway in the optical path connecting the image formation surface and image pickup lens of the image pickup optical system of a camera, a mirror driving means which varies the angle of the mirror, a solid image pickup device driving means equipped with a plurality of memories, and a control means which controls both the driving means; and the control means drives the mirror by an angle of every integral submultiple corresponding to the distances between many horizontal pixels of the solid image pickup device arranged on the image formation surface and spatial positions divided into an integral submultiple between pixels and the solid image pickup device driving means stores readout signal of pixel arrays by driving positions of the mirror in other memories and sums up their memory output signals.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a camera,
In particular, the present invention relates to a video camera device having a function of increasing the resolution of a still image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, camera devices such as digital cameras and video cameras that capture images with a solid-state imaging device and record the images in a semiconductor memory or the like have been developed with the development of high-density mounting technology. The downsizing of the solid-state imaging device for photoelectric conversion and the reduction in the size of the imaging screen of the solid-state imaging device and the increase in the number of pixels of the solid-state imaging device are remarkable. The application range also tends to be widened in the field of measurement using fine images.

However, miniaturization of the imaging screen size of a solid-state imaging device and increasing the number of pixels are contradictory subjects. Attempting to increase the number of pixels sacrifices miniaturization and sensitivity, and also causes difficulties in cost.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above situation, according to the present invention, a high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera capable of achieving high resolution and cost reduction without sacrificing sensitivity by image shifting by an optical method. The device has solved this problem.

(1) In a camera device using a solid-state image pickup device, an angle of the mirror is changed in an imaging plane of an image pickup optical system of the camera, an image pickup lens, and a mirror provided in an optical path connecting them. A mirror driving unit, a solid-state imaging device driving unit having a plurality of memories, and a control unit for controlling both driving units, wherein the control unit controls a horizontal position of the solid-state imaging device disposed on the imaging plane. The mirror is driven at an angle corresponding to a whole number corresponding to a distance between a large number of pixels in the direction and a spatial position obtained by dividing the pixels by a whole number, and the solid-state imaging device driving unit drives the mirror. A high-resolution solid-state imaging device, wherein readout signals of a pixel column for each mirror drive position are stored in separate memories, and the plurality of memory output signals are added. Camera equipment.

(2) The distance between a large number of pixels in the vertical direction of the solid-state imaging device provided on the imaging plane and a spatial position divided by an integral number of pixels between the pixels. The mirror is driven at an angle corresponding to an integer corresponding to the following, and the solid-state imaging device driving means accumulates a readout signal of a pixel column for each driving position of the mirror in a separate memory. The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to (1), wherein the memory output signal is added.

(3) The control means determines the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the solid-state imaging device provided on the image plane and the spatial position of each pixel divided by an integer. After driving the mirror at an angle corresponding to an integer corresponding to the distance, subsequently, the mirror corresponds to a distance between a number of pixels in the vertical direction and a spatial position divided into integers between the pixels. The mirror is sequentially driven in the vertical direction while performing the above-described driving at an angle of a fraction of an integer, and the solid-state imaging device driving unit outputs a read signal of a pixel row for each mirror driving position to a different one. The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to (1), wherein the camera device accumulates the plurality of memory output signals in the memory and adds the plurality of memory output signals.

(4) The mirror according to the above paragraphs (1) to (3), wherein the mirror is arranged at an angle of reflection at an incident angle or a reflection angle of 35 to 55 degrees with respect to a normal line of the mirror. The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to any one of the above. (5) The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to any one of the above items (1) to (4), wherein the mirror is rotated around a reflection surface of the mirror as a rotation axis.

(6) The mirror is a half mirror or a beam splitter.
The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to any one of (5) and (5). (7) The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the mirror is an infrared reflection mirror. (8) The mirror according to (1) to (7), wherein the mirror is a mirror-finished metal material or a light metal material such as an aluminum alloy, or a glass material or a resin material on which a metal thin film is adhered.
The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to any one of the above.

[0010]

According to the present invention, in a camera apparatus using a solid-state imaging device, a mirror-finished metal disposed on an imaging plane of an imaging optical system of a camera, an imaging lens, and an optical path connecting them is provided. Materials or light metal materials such as aluminum alloys,
Alternatively, a solid mirror including a reflecting mirror, a half mirror or a beam splitter, or an infrared reflecting mirror using a glass material or a resin material coated with a metal thin film, mirror driving means for changing the angle of the mirror, and a plurality of memories Imaging device driving means, and control means for controlling both driving means, the control means comprising a plurality of pixels in the horizontal direction of the solid-state imaging device disposed on the imaging surface, and The mirror can be driven at an angle corresponding to an integer corresponding to a distance from a spatial position divided into integers.

The control means may determine a distance between a large number of pixels in the vertical direction of the solid-state imaging device provided on the imaging plane and a spatial position divided by an integer between pixels. The mirror can be driven at an angle corresponding to a corresponding integer.

Further, the control means may control a distance between a large number of pixels in a horizontal direction and a spatial position divided by an integral number of pixels between the pixels in the solid-state imaging device provided on the image plane. After driving the mirror at an angle that is a fraction of an integer that corresponds to the distance between a number of pixels in the vertical direction and the spatial position of the pixel that is divided by an integer. The angle of the mirror can be sequentially driven in the vertical direction while performing the above-described control at an angle corresponding to an integral number. In addition to the driving of the mirror, the solid-state imaging device driving unit accumulates the readout signal of the pixel array for each mirror driving position in a separate memory, and adds the plurality of memory output signals to each other in the horizontal direction. Only in the vertical direction, or in both the horizontal and vertical directions, a solid-state imaging device with higher resolution constitutes a camera device.

[0013]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a video camera equipped with an image shifting mechanism using a mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a driving unit of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an increase in resolution by image shifting according to the embodiment. In the figure, 1 is a lens, 1a is a relay lens system, 2 is a mirror, 3 is a prism, 4 is a solid-state imaging device (CCD), 5 is a camera, 7
Is a control means, 8 is a drive means, 8a is an X-axis drive unit,
8b is a Y-axis drive unit, 9a and 9b are position detection units, 10 is a frame, 13 is a horizontal control switch, 14 is a vertical control switch, 15 is a horizontal / vertical control switch, 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes CCD driving means.

In FIG. 1, a reflecting mirror 2 is disposed in a relay lens system 1a constituting a part of a lens 1 at an angle at which an incident angle or a reflecting angle with respect to a normal line of the mirror 2 is reflected at, for example, 45 degrees. Then, a subject image taken by the lens 1 is passed through a prism 3 to a solid-state imaging device 4 (hereinafter referred to as a CCD).
Is imaged on the pixel array surface.

First Embodiment As a first embodiment of the present invention, a camera device of a solid-state imaging device with a high resolution in the horizontal direction by a mirror 2 will be described. In FIG. 1, by turning on the horizontal control switch 13, it is possible to improve the horizontal resolution when capturing a still image. When the horizontal control switch 13 is turned on, the control means 7 including the CPU controls a spatially divided pixel, for example, by ３, between pixels in the horizontal direction of the CCD 4 disposed on the image plane and pixels. By outputting a control signal for driving the mirror 2 at each angle corresponding to the distance from the position and driving the X-axis driving unit 8a of the driving means 8, the subject image on the image forming surface is CCD.
4 has been moved by a distance corresponding to the distance between the horizontal pixel of FIG. 4 and the spatial position divided into 1/3 between the pixels, and the control means 7 synchronizes with the control of the mirror 2 by CC.
By controlling the D driving means 16, the CCD 4 reads out the pixels before driving the mirror 2 and temporarily stores them in the memory 1 (FIG. 3) of the CCD driving means 16, and the mirror is driven by 1/3 pixel. In the same manner as above, the pixels are read out and stored temporarily in the memory 2 (FIG. 3). Further, the pixels at the final driving position of the mirror 2 are read out and stored in the memory 3 (FIG. 3). The horizontal resolution can be improved (in this case, three times higher) in the same manner as the well-known pixel shifting method used in the 3CCD system by reading and adding the signals stored in the memory (details will be described later).

In FIG. 2, a driving means 8 is a driving device based on the principle of a gyro compass,
An X-axis drive unit 8a having a mirror fixed to the inside of the frame 10, an X-axis drive unit 8a for driving the frame 10 together with the mirror 2 in the X-axis (left / right) direction, and the Y-axis (upward) , Downward) Y-axis drive unit 8b fixed to frame 10
An X-axis position detection unit 9a having an outer case fixed to the camera 5 main body and having its axis connected to the frame 10,
Y fixed to the frame 10 and connected to the axis of the mirror 2
And the shaft position detecting unit 9b. In addition,
The axes of the X and Y position detection units have the reflection surface of the mirror 2 as the rotation axis center.

The driving method of the X-axis driving unit 8a is as follows. A plate-shaped (or bar-shaped) magnetic material (not shown) fixed to the frame 10 is supplied to a coil (not shown) provided in the X-axis driving unit 8a. Driven by As described above, by turning on the horizontal control switch 13, C
A control signal output from the control means 7 having a PU is input to the X-axis drive unit 8a, and drives the magnetic body fixed to the frame by a drive current that flows through a coil disposed therein. As a result, since the mirror 2 is mounted on the frame 10, the mirror 2 is driven in the X-axis direction according to a mirror angle corresponding to a predetermined distance for spatial image shift.

Here, the displacement angle of the mirror 2 is determined by a position detecting unit 9a using a rotary encoder or the like.
The mirror 2 is detected at 9b and fed back to the control means 7 to stop the mirror 2 at an appropriate position.

Next, a description will be given of how to increase the resolution by shifting the image in the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the symbol □ indicates the pixel of the CCD, the symbol 〜 indicates the image captured on the imaging surface of the CCD, the symbol A indicates the positional relationship between the image captured before the mirror driving and the image captured on the imaging surface of the CCD, and the symbol C indicates the mirror. Is a positional relationship diagram between the image and the pixel shifted by 1/3 pixel in the horizontal direction, E is a positional relationship diagram between the image and the pixel shifted by 1/3 × 2 pixel by the mirror, and A ′ is Readout video signal of state, B
Is the memory state of the A 'video signal, C' is the read video signal in the state of C, D is the memory state of the C 'video signal, and E' is E
, F indicates the memory state of the E ′ video signal, and B + D + F indicates the video signal obtained by adding the output signals read from B, D, and F stored in the memory.

In FIG. 3A, only the image formed on the pixels of the CCD is read out, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a video signal in which images,... Are missing is obtained and stored in the memory 1. In FIG. 3A, in the case of C which is shifted by 1/3 pixel by the mirror, only the image formed on the pixels of the CCD is read out, and FIG.
(B) As shown at C ′, a video signal from which images,... Are missing is obtained and stored in the memory 2. Also, in FIG. 3A, if the image is further shifted by 1/3 pixel by the mirror, the image formed on the pixels of the CCD
, Are read out, and a video signal in which images,...,... Are missing is obtained and stored in the memory 3 as shown in FIG. Here, if the output signals of B, D and F read from the memory are added, a high-definition image by image shift by a mirror as shown by B + D + F is obtained.
Is obtained.

In the present embodiment, the output signals of the memories 1 to 3 are added. However, the video signals B and D read from the memories 1 and 2 and E, which is the final driving position of the mirror 2, are added.
And the video signal E 'read out from the state (1) may be added to obtain a continuous high-resolution video signal of high-definition images. In this embodiment, the mirror drive for 1/3 pixel has been described. However, in consideration of the size of the pixel and the spatial distance between the pixels, the mirror drive corresponding to 1/2 pixel or an integer pixel shift is performed. May go.

In this embodiment, the mirror driving means 8 is described in the moving magnet system, but may be in the moving coil system. Alternatively, a mirror control method using a micro motor may be used. In the case where the mirror 2 is driven only by 画素 pixel, the X-axis and Y-axis driving units can be driving means using piezoelectric elements. In this case, the position detecting means such as a rotary encoder can be omitted. it can.

The mirror 2 is made of a thin metal plate, a lightweight metal material such as an aluminum alloy, or a glass material or a resin material, and the mirror surface of which is mirror-finished or coated with a metal film is used. Is preferred. In addition, the auto focus function device is equipped with a mirror 2
A half mirror or a beam splitter with high light use efficiency may be provided at the rear. Furthermore, mirror 2
If an infrared reflecting mirror is used, a high-resolution infrared camera can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, 3CC
Although the description has been made with reference to the D method, a multi-plate or single-plate CCD method may be used.

Embodiment 2 As Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a vertical resolution improving device using a mirror 2 will be described. In FIG. 1, by turning on the vertical control switch 14, the vertical resolution at the time of capturing a still image can be improved. When the vertical control switch 14 is turned on, the control means 7 including the CPU causes the vertical pixels of the CCD 4 disposed on the image plane to be moved between the pixels and the pixels.
For example, a control signal for driving the mirror 2 is output at each angle corresponding to a distance from a spatial position divided into 1/3,
If the Y-axis drive unit 8b of the drive means 8 is driven,
The subject image on the image forming plane has moved by a distance corresponding to the distance between the vertical pixel of the CCD 4 and the spatial position divided into 1/3 of the distance between the pixels, and the control means 7 controls the mirror 2 By controlling the CCD driving means 16 in synchronization with the control, the CCD 4 reads out the pixels before driving the mirror 2 and temporarily stores them in the memory 1 of the CCD driving means 16 (FIG. 3). The same pixel is read out at the position where the minute mirror is driven and is temporarily stored in the memory 2, and the pixel at the final driving position of the mirror 2 is read out and stored in the memory 3, and the signals stored in the memories 1 to 3 are stored. , The vertical resolution can be improved (in this case, three times higher resolution) in the same manner as described above.

The driving method of the Y-axis drive unit 8b is as follows. The plate-shaped (or rod-shaped) magnetic material (not shown) fixed to the mirror 2 is supplied to a coil (not shown) provided in the Y-axis drive unit 8b by a current. Driven by Similarly to the above, when the vertical control switch 14 is turned on, the control signal output from the control means 7 including the CPU is input to the Y-axis drive unit 8b, and the drive current supplied to the coil disposed therein is supplied to the Y-axis drive unit 8b. Drives the magnetic body fixed to the mirror. As a result, the mirror 2 is moved by the Y-axis drive unit 8b according to a mirror angle corresponding to a predetermined distance for spatial image shift.
Driven in the axial direction.

The vertical resolution of the image by reading the image from the CCD by driving the mirror angle in the Y-axis direction is as follows.
The description can be made by replacing the pixel rows arranged in the horizontal direction described in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment with the pixel rows arranged in the vertical direction.

Third Embodiment As a third embodiment of the present invention, a description will be given of an apparatus for increasing the resolution in both the horizontal and vertical directions by using the mirror 2. In FIG. 1, the horizontal / vertical control switch 15
By turning on, the horizontal / vertical resolution at the time of capturing a still image can be improved. When the horizontal / vertical control switch 15 is turned on, the control means 7 including the CPU divides the CCD 4 disposed on the image plane into, for example, 1/3 of pixels in the horizontal direction and between pixels. The mirror 2 at each angle corresponding to the distance from the spatial position
After that, at the angle corresponding to the distance between the pixel in the vertical direction and the spatial position, for example, divided into 1/3 between the pixels, the vertical direction is sequentially performed while performing the above control. When a control signal for driving the mirror 2 is output to drive the two driving units of the driving means 8, the subject image on the image forming plane is displayed in the horizontal and vertical pixels of the CCD 4, and between the pixels. Is moved by the distance corresponding to the spatial position divided into 1/3 of the distance, and the control means 7 controls the CCD driving means 16 in synchronization with the control of the mirror 2, so that the CCD 4 The pixels before driving are read out and stored in the memory 1 of the CCD driving means 16.
(FIG. 3), and the same pixel is read out at the position where the mirror is driven by 1/3 pixel and the memory 2 is read out.
(FIG. 3), the pixels at the final drive position of the mirror 2 are read out and stored in the memory 3 (FIG. 3).
By reading and adding the signals stored in the memories 1 to 3, the resolution in both the horizontal and vertical directions can be improved (in this case, three times higher resolution) as described above. Other configurations and means of the second and third embodiments are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0028]

According to the present invention, the following effects are exhibited. (1) A mirror is provided so as to reflect at an incident angle or a reflection angle of 35 to 55 degrees, and to rotate around the reflection surface of the mirror as a rotation axis, and to move the mirror in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. Driving is performed at an angle corresponding to an integer corresponding to the distance between a pixel of the solid-state imaging device provided on the imaging plane of the imaging optical system and a spatial position obtained by dividing the pixel by an integer. And the solid-state imaging device driving means accumulates a readout signal of a pixel row for each mirror driving position in a separate one of the memories, and adds up the plurality of memory output signals so that only in the horizontal direction of a still image, It is possible to increase the resolution only in the vertical direction or in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and to use video signals read from the memory as needed.

(2) The application can be expanded by properly using a mirror as a reflection mirror, a half mirror, a beam splitter having good light use efficiency, or an infrared reflection mirror.

(3) By using a light metal material such as a metal material or an aluminum alloy, or a glass material or a resin material as a material of the mirror, it is light in weight and can be driven at high speed easily. A resolution-improved solid-state imaging device camera device can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a video camera equipped with an image shifting mechanism using a mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a driving unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of high resolution by image shifting according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Lens 1a: Relay lens system 2: Mirror 3: Prism 4: Solid-state imaging device (CCD) 5: Camera 7: Control means 8a: X-axis drive unit 8b: Y-axis drive unit 9: Position detection unit 10: Frame 13 : Horizontal control switch 14: Vertical control switch 15: Horizontal / vertical control switch 16: CCD driving means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A camera apparatus using a solid-state imaging device, wherein an imaging plane of an imaging optical system of the camera, an imaging lens, a mirror disposed in the middle of an optical path connecting them, and a mirror for changing an angle of the mirror A driving unit, a solid-state imaging device driving unit having a plurality of memories, and a control unit for controlling both the driving units, wherein the control unit is arranged in a horizontal direction of the solid-state imaging device disposed on the imaging plane. Drive the mirror at an angle of every integral number corresponding to the distance between a large number of pixels and a spatial position divided by an integer between the pixels, and by the solid-state imaging device driving means, A high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera, wherein readout signals of a pixel column for each mirror drive position are stored in separate memories, and these plurality of memory output signals are added. apparatus. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a distance between a large number of pixels in a vertical direction of the solid-state imaging device provided on the imaging plane and a spatial position divided by an integer between the pixels. The mirror is driven at an angle corresponding to a corresponding integer, and the solid-state imaging device driving means accumulates a readout signal of a pixel row for each mirror driving position in a separate memory. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the output signals are added. 3. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control a distance between a large number of pixels in a horizontal direction and a spatial position obtained by dividing the pixels by an integer. After driving the mirror at an angle that is a fraction of an integer that corresponds to the distance between a number of pixels in the vertical direction and the spatial position of the pixel that is divided by an integer. The mirror is sequentially driven in the vertical direction while performing the driving at an angle of a fraction of an integer, and the solid-state imaging device driving unit outputs a readout signal of a pixel row for each mirror driving position to a different one of the above-mentioned pixels. The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of memory output signals are accumulated in a memory, and the plurality of memory output signals are added. 4. The mirror according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is disposed at an angle of reflection at an incident angle or a reflection angle of 35 to 55 degrees with respect to a normal line of the mirror. Item 14. A high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to Item 6. 5. The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is rotated about its reflection surface as a rotation axis. 6. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is a half mirror or a beam splitter. 7. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is an infrared reflecting mirror. 8. The mirror according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is made of a mirror-finished metal material, a light metal material such as an aluminum alloy, or a glass material or a resin material on which a metal thin film is adhered.
8. The high-resolution solid-state imaging device camera device according to any one of items 7 to 7.