JP2004015492A - Imaging apparatus and portable terminal equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an equivalent imaging apparatus provided substantially with a plurality of imaging apparatuses, and to provide a portable terminal incorporating the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 20 comprises a substrate PC, a plurality of imaging elements 2 arranged on the substrate PC, and a plurality of optical parts 1 provided corresponding to the imaging element 2 for condensing light on each imaging element 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device and a mobile terminal including the imaging device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, small, high-performance imaging devices that can be mounted on mobile phones, personal computers, and the like have been developed. Such an imaging device includes an imaging device provided on a substrate and an optical member having a lens and the like for condensing light on the imaging device.
For example, in a mobile phone in which an imaging device is incorporated, an optical member of the imaging device is provided so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the mobile phone, and an image of a person, a landscape, or the like is displayed on a display screen of a display unit. It is supposed to be.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the use of such an imaging device is widened, there is a need to provide a plurality of imaging devices and use the imaging device in various situations.
However, providing a plurality of imaging devices has a problem in terms of cost or space.
[0004]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device substantially equivalent to having a plurality of imaging devices, which has fewer problems in terms of cost and space, and a portable terminal incorporating the imaging device. It is to provide.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an invention according to claim 1 is provided with a substrate, a plurality of imaging devices provided on the substrate, and the plurality of imaging devices provided corresponding to the plurality of imaging devices. And a plurality of optical members for condensing the light.
[0006]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of image sensors share a substrate, it does not require the same number of substrates as the number of image sensors or optical members. In this case, the area occupied by the imaging device can be reduced. In addition, it is obvious that the substrate can be saved by sharing the substrate, and a plurality of image sensors can be controlled using the same substrate. For example, it is necessary to separately provide a switching mechanism for switching an image sensor to be used. Disappears.
Therefore, there is less problem in terms of cost and space restriction, and an image pickup apparatus substantially equivalent to a plurality of image pickup apparatuses can be provided.
[0007]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
At least one of the plurality of imaging elements is provided on the substrate so as to be able to image an imaging target in a different direction from the other imaging elements.
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of imaging elements is provided on the substrate so as to be able to image an imaging target in a direction different from other imaging elements. By directing the image sensor toward another person or the like and the other image sensor toward the photographer himself, images in different directions can be taken without changing the device.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
At least one of the plurality of optical members has a different focal length from other optical members.
[0010]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the distance from the optical member to the imaging target changes depending on the imaging conditions and the imaging environment, an optical member that can cope with the distance is appropriately selected and used, thereby reducing the imaging distance. Restrictions can be relaxed, and versatile use becomes possible.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
At least one of the plurality of imaging devices has a different resolution from other imaging devices.
[0012]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to capture an image according to a situation by appropriately selecting and properly using an image sensor capable of coping with the resolution of an image required according to a use purpose of a device including an image capturing device. And the range of applications can be expanded.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
At least one of the plurality of optical members has a different aperture value from other optical members.
[0014]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to expand the environmental conditions in which an image can be captured by appropriately selecting and using an optical member capable of coping with an aperture value required according to an environment in which an image is captured. Range can be expanded.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image sensor includes a first image sensor arranged on one surface of the substrate, and a second image sensor arranged on the other surface of the substrate, wherein the second image sensor is the first image sensor. It is characterized by being located on the back surface of the image sensor.
[0016]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the second image sensor is located on the back surface of the first image sensor, it is possible to image an object to be imaged in different directions. Therefore, for example, when this imaging device is incorporated in a portable terminal, it is possible to take an image of an object to be imaged facing the portable terminal without holding the portable terminal.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image sensor includes a first image sensor arranged at one end of one surface of the substrate and a second image sensor arranged at the other end of the other surface of the substrate. It is characterized by the following.
[0018]
According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to having the same operation and effect as in claim 6, the first image pickup device is provided at one end of one surface of the substrate and the first image pickup device is provided at the other end of the other surface. Since the two image sensors are provided, for example, when this imaging device is incorporated in a mobile terminal, even if there is another device such as a display screen on one surface of the mobile terminal, the image sensor is displaced from one image sensor. The other image sensor can be attached to the position, and the range of available mobile terminal models can be expanded.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The substrate is a flexible substrate.
[0020]
According to the invention described in claim 8, by using a flexible substrate as the substrate, the substrate can be freely deformed, so that the degree of freedom in the layout of the imaging element and the optical member can be increased.
[0021]
The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8,
The image sensor includes a first image sensor arranged at one end of one surface of the flexible substrate, and a second image sensor arranged at the other end of one surface of the flexible substrate, The flexible substrate is bent at a predetermined angle toward the other surface.
[0022]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the first imaging device and the second imaging device are disposed on one surface, and the flexible substrate is bent at a predetermined angle, so that imaging objects in two different directions are imaged. be able to. In addition, since each image sensor may be provided on one surface, assembly on a production line is facilitated.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8,
The image sensor includes a first image sensor disposed at one end of one surface of the flexible substrate, and a second image sensor disposed at the other end of the other surface of the flexible substrate, The flexible substrate, between the first image sensor and the second image sensor, a first bent portion bent at a substantially right angle toward the one surface side, the second than the first bent portion A second bent portion bent at a substantially right angle toward the other surface side from the imaging element.
[0024]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 10, in addition to the same operation and effect as in claim 7, the flexible substrate is bent at two places, and the first bent portion is bent at a substantially right angle toward one surface side, Since the second bent portion is bent at a substantially right angle toward the other surface side by the second imaging element rather than the first bent portion, the height of the imaging device can be reduced. Therefore, the arrangement space of the imaging device can be reduced.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8,
The image sensor includes a first image sensor disposed at one end of one surface of the flexible substrate, and a second image sensor disposed at the other end of the other surface of the flexible substrate, The flexible substrate is characterized in that one surface is twisted at a predetermined angle with respect to the other surface.
[0026]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the second imaging device is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the first imaging device, the imaging device is arranged in two directions as in claim 9. There is no need to secure an area for installation, but only an area in one direction. Therefore, the arrangement space of the imaging device can be reduced.
[0027]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in a mobile terminal including an imaging device,
It is characterized in that the plurality of image sensors and the plurality of optical members are built-in.
[0028]
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of imaging devices and the plurality of optical members are built in the portable terminal, so that the plurality of imaging devices can be substantially reduced in terms of cost and space. As a result, it is possible to provide a portable terminal that is more convenient and has higher added value than before. Further, the convenience of image communication in the mobile terminal can be improved.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an imaging device and a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the imaging device 20 includes a first imaging device 21 serving as a sensor that senses light on one surface of a single substrate PC, and an optical device for condensing light on the first imaging device 21. A member 1, an aperture plate 3 for adjusting the amount of light incident on the optical member 1, a mirror frame 4 for covering and covering the first imaging element 21, a light shielding plate 5 having a light shielding property, a filter 6 supported by the light shielding plate 5, A first imaging unit 25 including a pressing member 7 for pressing the optical member, a positioning electric component 8 for positioning the optical member, and other electric components 9 disposed on the substrate PC is provided. On the other hand, on the other surface of the substrate PC, a second imaging unit 26 is disposed at a position that is a back surface of the first imaging unit 25. In the second imaging section 26, the second imaging element 22, the optical member 1, the aperture plate 3, the lens frame 4, the light shielding plate 5, the filter 6, the pressing member 7, and the positioning electric component 8 are arranged. That is, the first imaging unit 25 and the second imaging unit 26 are separately provided on one substrate PC. Further, since the second imaging unit 26 is attached to the imaging device 20 at a position that is the rear surface of the first imaging unit 25, the lens units 1a and 1b (described later) of the optical members 1 are opposite to each other. The optical axes are oriented in the same direction.
[0030]
Next, each component of the imaging device 20 will be described.
The optical member 1 is made of a transparent plastic material. As shown in FIG. 3, a tubular leg 1c and a convex lens-shaped lens 1a supported by the leg 1c are integrally formed. . The leg portion 1c includes an upper leg portion 1e formed around the upper end, a plate-like upper surface portion 1d for closing the upper end, and a lower leg portion 1f formed between the upper leg portion 1e, and a center of the upper surface portion 1d. Is formed with a lens portion 1a.
[0031]
The lower leg 1f has a substantially D-shape cut out by a line (string) connecting two points on the outer circumference of the circle in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the optical axis.
In addition, on the upper surface of the upper surface portion 1d, around the lens portion 1a, there is an opening 3a as a first diaphragm which is made of a material having a light shielding property and defines a diaphragm value (F value) of the convex lens portion 1a. The aperture plate 3 is fixed by the adhesive B.
[0032]
Outside the optical member 1, a lens frame 4 as an outer frame member made of a light-shielding material is disposed.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lens frame 4 is provided with a prismatic lower part 4a and a cylindrical upper part 4b. The lower end of the lower portion 4a is a portion serving as an adhesion portion when the lens frame 4 is mounted on the substrate PC, and as shown in FIG. Notches are formed at a predetermined angle toward 4aa to form notches 4ab and 4ab having inclined surfaces. When the lower part 4a of the lens frame 4 is abutted on the substrate PC and attached, the adhesive B is applied between the substrate PC and the bottom surface 4aa that has been cut away and the inclined surfaces of the notches 4ab and 4ab. Is fixed.
[0033]
On the other hand, a light shielding plate 5 is attached to the upper end of the upper part 4b of the lens frame 4 with an adhesive B. The light shielding plate 5 has an opening 5a as a second stop at the center thereof. A filter 6 made of a material having an infrared absorption characteristic is joined to the lower part of the central opening 5a of the light shielding plate 5 with an adhesive B.
The light shielding plate 5 and the filter 6 constitute a cover member. As described above, since the substrate PC, the lens frame 4 and the cover member are in close contact and joined, the imaging device 20 has a dustproof and moistureproof structure.
[0034]
In FIG. 2, between the optical member 1 and the light shielding plate 5, for example, a pressing member 7 formed of an elastic member such as a coil spring is disposed. When the light shielding plate 5 is attached to the lens frame 4, the light shielding plate 5 presses the pressing member 7, and the pressing member 7 is elastically deformed. The pressing member 7 presses the optical member 1 downward with a predetermined pressing force in FIG. 2 to urge the optical member 1 toward the image sensor 2. Here, when a force is applied from the light-shielding plate 5 to the lower image sensor 2, the pressing member 7 is elastically deformed, so that a buffering action is performed to absorb the force. There is an effect of preventing the image sensor 2 from being damaged without being transmitted.
[0035]
The imaging device 2 is formed of a CMOS image sensor. The lower surface of the rectangular thin plate-shaped imaging element 2 is attached to the upper surface of the substrate PC. In the center of the upper surface of the imaging element 2, a photoelectric conversion unit 2a in which pixels are two-dimensionally arranged is formed. A processing section (not shown) is formed outside the processing section, and a plurality of pads (not shown) are arranged near the outer edge of the processing section. The pads serving as connection terminals are connected to the substrate PC via wires W as shown in FIG. The wire W is connected to a predetermined circuit on the board PC.
[0036]
Next, imaging devices 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 of modified examples of the imaging device 20 will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, components having the same names as those of the components of the imaging device 20 described above are the same as those of the imaging device 20 except for those particularly described.
(Modification 1)
As shown in FIG. 4, in the imaging device 30 of the first modification, the first imaging unit 35 is disposed at one end E1 on one surface of one substrate PC, and the other end on the other surface of the substrate PC. The second imaging unit 36 is arranged in the unit E2. In this imaging device 30 as well, the lens portions 1a and 1b of the optical member 1 face diametrically opposite directions, but are different from the imaging device 20 in a state where their optical axes are at different positions. .
Accordingly, when the imaging device 30 is built in the portable terminal, even if there is another device such as a display screen on one surface of the portable terminal, the other imaging device 2 is shifted from the one imaging device 2. Can be attached, and the range of available mobile terminal models can be expanded.
[0037]
(Modification 2)
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the imaging device 40 of the second modification includes a first imaging unit 45 disposed at one end E1 of one surface of one flexible substrate FPC, and the other end of one surface of the flexible substrate FPC. The second imaging unit 46 is disposed in the unit E2. Further, the flexible substrate FPC is bent at a predetermined angle (for example, a substantially right angle) toward the other surface substantially at the center of the long side. That is, the optical axis of the lens 1a of the optical member 1 provided in the first imaging unit 45 and the optical axis of the lens 1b provided in the second imaging unit 46 intersect each other at a substantially right angle.
Thereby, the degree of freedom of the layout of the imaging device 40 can be increased, and since the imaging units 45 and 46 may be provided on one surface, assembly on the production line is facilitated.
[0038]
(Modification 3)
As shown in FIG. 6, in the imaging device 50 of the third modification, the first imaging unit 55 is disposed at one end E1 of one surface of one flexible substrate FPC, and the other end of the other surface of the flexible substrate FPC is provided. The second imaging unit 56 is arranged in the unit E2. The flexible substrate FPC is bent at two positions that divide the long side thereof into approximately three equal parts. M2 is bent at a substantially right angle toward the other surface by the second imaging unit 56 rather than the first imaging unit 55. As in FIG. 4, the lenses 1a and 1b provided in each of the imaging units 55 and 56 are oriented in exactly opposite directions, and their optical axes are also different.
Accordingly, the degree of freedom of the layout of the imaging device 50 can be increased, the height of the imaging device 50 can be reduced, and the installation space can be reduced. It is not necessary to bend the flexible substrate FPC at a position where the long side thereof is substantially divided into three, and it is sufficient that the flexible substrate FPC is slightly bent.
[0039]
(Modification 4)
As shown in FIG. 7, in the imaging device 60 of the modification example 4, the first imaging unit 65 is disposed at one end E1 of one surface of one flexible substrate FPC, and the other end of one surface of the flexible substrate FPC is provided. The second imaging unit 66 is arranged in the unit E2. The flexible substrate FPC is twisted such that one surface is at a predetermined angle (for example, substantially a right angle) with respect to the other surface. The optical axis of the lens 1a of the optical member 1 provided in the first imaging unit 65 and the optical axis of the lens 1b provided in the second imaging unit 66 are substantially perpendicular to each other.
Thereby, the degree of freedom of the layout of the imaging device 60 can be increased, and it is not necessary to secure an area for disposing the imaging device 60 in two directions, but only an area in one direction. Therefore, the installation space can be reduced.
[0040]
(Modification 5)
As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging device 70 of the fifth modification includes a first imaging unit 75 disposed on a first surface F1 extending in one direction of a single substantially L-shaped flexible substrate FPC. The second imaging unit 76 is disposed on the second surface F2 extending in the other direction from the end of the first surface F1. The third imaging unit 77 is provided on the intersection F3 where the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 intersect. Is arranged.
Thus, by forming the flexible substrate FPC in a substantially L-shape, the three imaging units 75, 76, and 77 need not be arranged in a straight line, and the three imaging units 75, 76 and 77 can be provided.
The flexible substrate FPC may be used in a substantially L-shaped state, or may be bent or twisted to capture images in three different directions. Further, in the fifth modification, the flexible substrate FPC is used as the substrate of the imaging device 70, but the hard substrate PC used in the first modification may be used. Further, as in the first modification, the imaging units 75, 76, and 77 may be arranged on both surfaces of the flexible printed circuit board FPC.
[0041]
(Modification 6)
As shown in FIG. 9, the imaging device 80 of Modification 6 includes a first imaging unit 85 disposed on a first surface F1 extending in one direction of a single substantially L-shaped flexible substrate FPC. The second imaging unit 86 is arranged on the second surface F2 extending in the other direction from the end of the first surface F1, and the third imaging unit 87 is provided on the intersection F3 where the first surface F1 intersects with the second surface F2. Is arranged. In the flexible printed circuit FPC, the width of the flexible printed circuit FPC at a portion where the imaging units 85, 86, 87 are arranged is formed to be larger than the width of each imaging unit 85, 86, 87, and a space is provided on the side thereof. Is formed.
Further, wirings C1, C2, and C3 that are guided from one end of the second surface portion F2 of the flexible substrate FPC to the imaging units 85, 86, and 87 are laid, and the wirings C1 and C3 are on the side of the second imaging unit 86. It is guided to the first imaging unit 85 and the third imaging unit 87 through the other side.
[0042]
As a result, since a part of the flexible printed circuit FPC is widened, a space is formed around each of the imaging units 85, 86, and 87, and wiring of the other imaging units 85, 86, and 87 is provided in the empty space. Can be performed, so that wiring work to each of the imaging units 85, 86, 87 can be facilitated.
[0043]
Note that, similarly to the fifth modification, the flexible substrate FPC may be used in a substantially L-shaped state, or may be bent or twisted to capture images in three different directions. Further, in the sixth modification, the flexible substrate FPC is used as the substrate of the imaging device 80, but the hard substrate PC used in the first modification may be used. Further, as in the first modification, the imaging units 85, 86, and 87 may be arranged on both surfaces of the flexible board FPC. Further, the wirings C1, C2, and C3 may be laid on either side of the flexible board FPC.
[0044]
(Modification 7)
As illustrated in FIG. 10, in an imaging device 90 of Modification 7, a first imaging unit 95 is arranged at one end of a first surface F1 extending in one direction of a single substantially T-shaped flexible substrate FPC, The second imaging unit 96 is arranged at the other end of the first surface F1, and the third imaging unit 97 is arranged at one end of the second surface F2 extending in the other direction from the middle of the first surface F1.
Thus, by forming the flexible substrate FPC in a substantially T-shape, the three imaging units 95, 96, and 97 need not be arranged in a straight line, and the three imaging units 95, 96 and 97 can be provided.
The flexible substrate FPC may be used in a substantially T-shaped state, or may be bent or twisted to capture images in three different directions. Further, in the seventh modification, the flexible substrate FPC is used as the substrate of the imaging device 90, but the hard substrate PC used in the first modification may be used. Further, as in the first modification, the imaging units 95, 96, and 97 may be arranged on both surfaces of the flexible board FPC.
[0045]
(Modification 8)
As shown in FIG. 11, in the imaging device 100 of the modification 8, the first imaging unit 105 is arranged at one end E1 of one substantially arc-shaped flexible substrate FPC, and the first imaging unit 105 is arranged at the other end E2 of the flexible substrate FPC. The second imaging unit 106 is arranged, and the third imaging unit 107 is arranged between one end E1 and the other end E2 of the flexible board FPC.
Thus, by forming the flexible substrate FPC in a substantially arc shape, the three imaging units 105, 106, and 107 need not be arranged in a straight line, and the three imaging units 105, 106 can be mounted on one flexible substrate FPC. , 107 can be provided.
The flexible substrate FPC may be used in a substantially arcuate state, or may be bent or twisted to capture images in three different directions. Further, in the eighth modification, the flexible substrate FPC is used as the substrate of the imaging device 100, but the hard substrate PC used in the first modification may be used. Further, as in the first modification, the imaging units 105, 106, and 107 may be arranged on both surfaces of the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0046]
In the imaging devices 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100, the lenses 1a and 1b of the optical member 1 do not need to use the same lens. By using a lens having an aperture value (F value), both lenses 1a and 1b can be selectively used according to an imaging environment. For example, if the lens 1a is a normal lens and the lens 1b is a telephoto lens, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the imaging environment. Further, if the first image sensor 21 is a low-resolution image sensor and the second image sensor 22 is a high-resolution image sensor, when capturing an image of a person or a scene for wallpaper of a display screen, the first image sensor 21 of a low resolution is used. If the imaging device 21 is used, the capacity can be suppressed, and if it is used as a videophone, it is possible to achieve high resolution and smooth communication using the second imaging device 22. Further, by using one of the lenses 1a and 1b as a lens having a small aperture value (F value), it is possible to take an image indoors without using a flash.
[0047]
Next, a mobile terminal including the imaging device 20 will be described using the above-described imaging device 20 as an example.
As shown in FIG. 12, the mobile terminal is, for example, a foldable mobile phone T (hereinafter, referred to as a mobile phone T), and an upper housing 71 having a display screen D and a lower housing having an operation button P. 72 are connected via a hinge 73. The imaging device 20 is incorporated below the display screen D on the inner surface side (the side having the display screen) of the upper housing 71, and the first imaging unit 25 is mounted on the outer surface side of the upper housing 71, The imaging section 26 is exposed on the inner surface side of the upper housing 71. Thereby, the first imaging unit 25 can image an imaging target such as another person facing the user of the mobile phone T, and the second imaging unit 26 can image the user himself. Note that the other components of the mobile phone T are known, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0048]
According to the present embodiment, since the imaging device 20 includes the plurality of imaging devices 21 and 22 and the plurality of lenses 1a and 1b on one substrate PC, the plurality of imaging devices 21 and 22 use the same substrate PC. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a switching mechanism for switching between the imaging elements 21 and 22 to be used, for example. Further, since the plurality of imaging elements 21 and 22 share the substrate PC, the imaging elements 21 and 22 or the same number of substrates PC as the number of lenses 1a and 1b are not required. , The area occupied by the imaging device 20 can be reduced. Further, one of the imaging elements 21 (22) of the imaging elements 2 is disposed on one substrate PC so as to be able to image an imaging target in a different direction from the other imaging elements 22 (21). If the image sensor 21 (22) is directed toward another person and the other image sensor (22) 21 is directed toward the photographer himself, it is possible to take an image without having to change the device.
Therefore, there is less problem in cost and space restriction, and the imaging device 20 substantially equivalent to having the plurality of imaging devices 21 and 22 can be provided.
[0049]
Further, even if the distance from the lens 1a, 1b to the imaging target changes depending on the imaging conditions and the imaging environment, the restriction on the imaging distance is relaxed by appropriately selecting and using the lenses 1a, 1b that can cope with the distance. Can be. In addition, by appropriately selecting and properly using the imaging device 2 that can cope with the resolution of the image required according to the purpose of use, the range of use of the captured image can be expanded. Further, by appropriately selecting and using the lenses 1a and 1b which can correspond to the aperture value (F-number) required depending on the environment in which the image is taken, it is possible to expand the environmental conditions in which the image can be taken depending on the environment in which the image is taken.
[0050]
Further, by using the flexible substrate FPC as the substrate PC, the substrate FPC can be freely deformed, so that the degree of freedom of the layout of the imaging elements 21 and 22 and the lenses 1a and 1b can be increased.
Further, since the imaging device 20 is provided, the imaging target can be imaged without changing the mobile phone T, so that the mobile phone T which is more convenient and has higher added value than the conventional one can be provided.
[0051]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a shutter button used when capturing an image may be provided separately from the operation button P, or may use an existing operation button.
The installation location of the imaging device 20 is arbitrary, and may be provided anywhere on the mobile phone T.
Further, the number of the imaging elements 2 is not limited to two and may be more. At this time, at least one of the lenses provided corresponding to the imaging element 2 may have different performances (focal length, aperture value). In addition, at least one of the imaging elements 2 may have different performance (resolution). Of course, all the lenses 1a and 1b and the image sensor 2 may have different performances.
In addition, although the imaging device 20 has been described as an example of the imaging device provided in the mobile phone T, the imaging devices 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 of the other modified examples described above are the same. Can be built in the mobile phone T, and the same function can be exhibited.
The imaging device 20 is not limited to the mobile phone T, but may be provided in a portable mobile terminal such as a personal computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
Alternatively, the imaging device 20 may be provided on a grill on the front of the automobile, and used as a tool for confirming safety at intersections where visibility is poor.
Further, a barcode reading function may be added to one image pickup unit of the image pickup device 20 to serve as a shopping settlement tool.
In addition, the present invention can be freely modified and improved without departing from the gist of the invention.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of imaging elements share a substrate, the same number of substrates as the number of imaging elements or optical members is not required, and the area occupied by the imaging device can be reduced. it can. In addition, it is a matter of course that the substrate can be saved by sharing the substrate, and it is not necessary to separately provide a switching mechanism for switching an image sensor to be used.
Therefore, there is less problem in terms of cost and space restriction, and an image pickup apparatus substantially equivalent to a plurality of image pickup apparatuses can be provided.
[0053]
According to the invention described in claim 2, at least one of the plurality of image sensors is disposed on one substrate so as to be able to collect light in a direction different from that of the other image sensors. If one image sensor is directed toward another person and the other image sensor is directed toward the photographer himself, images in different directions can be captured without changing the device.
[0054]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the distance from the optical member to the imaging target changes depending on the imaging conditions and the imaging environment, an optical member that can cope with the distance is appropriately selected and used, thereby reducing the imaging distance. Restrictions can be relaxed, and versatile use becomes possible.
[0055]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to capture an image according to a situation by appropriately selecting and properly using an image sensor capable of coping with the resolution of an image required according to a use purpose of a device including an image capturing device. And the range of applications can be expanded.
[0056]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to expand the environmental conditions in which an image can be captured by appropriately selecting and using an optical member capable of coping with an aperture value required according to an environment in which an image is captured. Range can be expanded.
[0057]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the second image sensor is located on the back surface of the first image sensor, it is possible to image an object to be imaged in different directions. Therefore, for example, when this imaging device is incorporated in a portable terminal, it is possible to take an image of an object to be imaged facing the portable terminal without holding the portable terminal.
[0058]
According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to having the same operation and effect as in claim 6, the first image pickup device is provided at one end of one surface of the substrate and the first image pickup device is provided at the other end of the other surface. Since the two image sensors are provided, for example, when this imaging device is incorporated in a mobile terminal, even if there is another device such as a display screen on one surface of the mobile terminal, the image sensor is displaced from one image sensor. The other image sensor can be attached to the position, and the range of available mobile terminal models can be expanded.
[0059]
According to the invention described in claim 8, by using a flexible substrate as the substrate, the substrate can be freely deformed, so that the degree of freedom in the layout of the imaging element and the optical member can be increased.
[0060]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the first imaging device and the second imaging device are disposed on one surface, and the flexible substrate is bent at a predetermined angle, so that imaging objects in two different directions are imaged. be able to. In addition, since each image sensor may be provided on one surface, assembly on a production line is facilitated.
[0061]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 10, in addition to the same operation and effect as in claim 7, the flexible substrate is bent at two places, and the first bent portion is bent at a substantially right angle toward one surface side, Since the second bent portion is bent at a substantially right angle toward the other surface side by the second imaging element rather than the first bent portion, the height of the imaging device can be reduced. Therefore, the arrangement space of the imaging device can be reduced.
[0062]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the second imaging device is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the first imaging device, the imaging device is arranged in two directions as in claim 9. There is no need to secure an area for installation, but only an area in one direction. Therefore, the arrangement space of the imaging device can be reduced.
[0063]
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of imaging devices and the plurality of optical members are built in the portable terminal, so that the plurality of imaging devices can be substantially reduced in terms of cost and space. As a result, it is possible to provide a portable terminal that is more convenient and has higher added value than before. Further, the convenience of image communication in the mobile terminal can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an optical member according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device using a flexible substrate in the above embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device using a flexible substrate in the above embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device using a flexible substrate in the above embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device using a flexible substrate in the above embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device using a flexible substrate in the above embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device using a flexible substrate in the above embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an imaging device using a flexible substrate in the above embodiment.
12A and 12B are a front view and a rear view illustrating a foldable mobile phone including the imaging device according to the above embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Optical member
2 Image sensor
21 First image sensor
22 Second image sensor
20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 imaging device
M1 First bending part
M2 Second bent part
PC board
FPC flexible board

Claims (12)

Board and
A plurality of image sensors arranged on the substrate,
A plurality of optical members provided corresponding to the plurality of image sensors, for condensing light on each image sensor,
An imaging device comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of imaging elements is provided on the substrate so as to be able to image an imaging target in a direction different from other imaging elements. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical members has a different focal length from other optical members. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of imaging devices has a resolution different from that of another imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical members has a different aperture value from other optical members. The image sensor includes a first image sensor disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a second image sensor disposed on the other surface of the substrate,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second imaging device is located on a back surface of the first imaging device. The image sensor, a first image sensor disposed at one end of one surface of the substrate, and a second image sensor disposed at the other end of the other surface of the substrate,
The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a flexible substrate. The image sensor includes a first image sensor arranged at one end of one surface of the flexible substrate, and a second image sensor arranged at the other end of one surface of the flexible substrate,
The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the flexible substrate is bent at a predetermined angle toward the other surface. The image sensor includes a first image sensor disposed at one end of one surface of the flexible substrate, and a second image sensor disposed at the other end of the other surface of the flexible substrate,
The flexible substrate, between the first image sensor and the second image sensor, a first bent portion bent at a substantially right angle toward the one surface side,
A second bent portion bent at a substantially right angle toward the other surface side, rather than the first bent portion than the second imaging element,
The imaging device according to claim 8, further comprising: The image sensor includes a first image sensor disposed at one end of one surface of the flexible substrate, and a second image sensor disposed at the other end of the other surface of the flexible substrate,
The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the flexible substrate is twisted such that one surface is at a predetermined angle with respect to the other surface. A mobile terminal comprising the imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes the plurality of imaging elements and the plurality of optical members.

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