JP2005051505A - Stereoscopic photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stereoscopic photographing device capable of saving its power consumption and protecting a photo-optical system. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 2 is equipped with a first and a second imaging sections containing a first and a second lens barrels 5, 6 respectively, and a stereoscopic photographing mode by the use of these first and second imaging sections and a usual photographing mode by the use of only the first imaging section can be switched over. In the usual photographing mode, the first imaging section is changed into a starting state, and the second imaging section is changed into a function stop state. Then the first barrel 5 is driven out to a photographing position, a first photographing lens barrier moves to an open position, and a first photographing lens 8 is exposed. Moreover, the second barrel 6 is kept collapsed at the housing position of the camera body, and at a closing position a second lens barrier 11 screens a second photographing lens. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a stereoscopic imaging apparatus that has a pair of imaging units and can selectively execute two-dimensional imaging and three-dimensional imaging.

  In recent years, digital cameras have become popular. Such a digital camera is provided with imaging means such as a CCD image sensor, and this imaging means obtains the subject image formed by the taking lens as image data, and this image data is stored in a memory card or the like. It is stored in a storage medium.

  Among the above-mentioned digital cameras, there is a digital camera provided with two image pickup units including first and second image pickup means and a shooting lens corresponding to each image pickup means. In this digital camera, the first and second imaging units simultaneously photograph the same subject from different angles, and acquire right-eye image data and left-eye image data. Then, three-dimensional image data is generated from these image data, and binocular parallax is utilized by displaying the right eye image for the right eye and the left eye image for the left eye. A stereoscopic image is obtained.

  This digital camera has a stereoscopic imaging mode in which three-dimensional imaging (hereinafter referred to as stereoscopic imaging) is performed by the first and second imaging means, and two-dimensional imaging by any one of the first and second imaging means. A normal shooting mode for performing shooting (hereinafter referred to as normal shooting), and switching between the stereoscopic shooting mode and the normal shooting mode is possible by the mode switching means. When performing normal shooting, power is supplied only to one imaging unit that performs shooting, and power supply is stopped for the other imaging unit (for example, Patent Document 1).

In the digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, when normal shooting is performed, power supply to either one of the first and second imaging means (CCD image sensor) is stopped to contribute to power saving. However, even if the power supply to one imaging unit is stopped, power is supplied to a processing circuit that processes image data acquired from the imaging unit. Therefore, it is not effective power saving. In addition, a three-dimensional imaging system that includes a lens barrier provided in front of the photographing lens to expose and shield the photographing lens and a lens barrel that incorporates a photographing optical system and extends and retracts between the photographing position and the storage position. Nothing is stated about the device.
JP-A-8-317425

  Problems to be solved are power saving of a stereoscopic imaging apparatus including a lens barrier and a lens barrel and protection of a photographing lens.

  The stereoscopic photographing apparatus of the present invention has a stereoscopic photographing mode in which photographing is performed using a pair of imaging units and a normal photographing mode in which photographing is performed using only one of the pair of imaging units. In the stereoscopic imaging apparatus capable of switching between the stereoscopic imaging mode and the normal imaging mode, the stereoscopic imaging apparatus includes a lens barrier that shields or exposes the front surface of the imaging lens provided in each imaging unit, and one imaging is performed in the normal imaging mode. The imaging unit is activated and the other imaging unit is deactivated. In the one imaging unit, the lens barrier exposes the photographing lens, and in the other imaging unit, the lens barrier shields the photographing lens. To do.

  The photographing lens is incorporated, and includes a lens barrel that extends and retracts between a photographing position protruding from the apparatus main body in the optical axis direction and a storage position accommodated in the apparatus main body. In the activated imaging unit, the lens barrel may protrude to the imaging position, and in the imaging unit in the function stopped state, the lens barrel may be stored in the storage position.

  The stereoscopic imaging device of the present invention includes a lens barrier that shields or exposes the front surface of the imaging lens provided in each imaging unit, and in the normal imaging mode, one imaging unit is activated and the other imaging unit functions. In the stop state, in one imaging unit, the lens barrier exposes the photographic lens, and in the other imaging unit, the lens barrier shields the photographic lens, so that effective power saving can be performed. It is possible to increase the number of images that can be shot or the shooting time. Furthermore, since the lens barrier that is not used during normal photographing is shielded, the photographing lens can be protected from dust and scratches.

  In addition, each imaging unit is provided with a lens barrel incorporating a photographic lens. When in normal shooting mode, the lens barrel protrudes to the shooting position in the activated imaging unit, and the lens barrel in the imaging unit in the disabled state. Is stored in the storage position, so that it is possible to protect the imaging lens of the imaging unit that is not used during normal imaging, and the stereoscopic imaging apparatus is compact, which improves convenience.

  A case where the stereoscopic imaging apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera. The digital camera 2 has two image capturing units including a CCD image sensor, a photographing lens, and the like. On the front surface of the digital camera 2, first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 and a strobe light emitting unit 7 are provided. The first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 constitute a part of first and second imaging units described later, and the first and second imaging lenses 8 and 9 and the first and second lens barriers 10. , 11 are incorporated. The first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction of the camera body, and when the power is turned off or the recorded image is reproduced, as shown by the dotted line in the figure, And retracted to the shooting position as shown by the solid line in the figure. The strobe light emitting unit 7 emits strobe light toward the subject. Further, a shutter button 15 used for a shutter release operation is provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the back of the digital camera 2, a power switch 16, a mode switching knob 17, a shooting mode switching knob 18, a moving image selection button 19, a zoom button 20, a menu button 21, a cursor operation button 22, and an eyepiece view. A finder 23 and an LCD panel 24 are provided. The power switch 16 switches on / off the power of the digital camera 2. The mode switching knob 17 switches between the recording mode and the reproduction mode. The shooting mode switching knob 18 switches between the stereoscopic shooting mode and the normal shooting mode in the recording mode. When the moving image selection button 19 is pressed in the recording mode, a moving image is shot by stereoscopic shooting or normal shooting. Further, the zoom button 20 is operated by the photographer during zooming, and moves the zoom lenses of the first and second photographing lenses 8 and 9 forward and backward in the optical axis direction between the wide end and the tele end. As a result, the zoom magnification changes. The menu button 21 is pressed by the photographer, and a menu screen is displayed on the LCD panel 24. The cursor operation button 22 is operated by the photographer when moving the cursor in the menu screen.

  The LCD panel 24 displays an image recorded in the playback mode. In the recording mode, it is used as an electronic viewfinder. When the LCD panel 24 is not used as an electronic viewfinder in the recording mode, the eyepiece viewfinder 23 displays a subject image captured through the first and second photographing lenses 8 and 9 in real time.

  When performing normal shooting with the digital camera 2, as shown in FIG. 3, the first lens barrel 5 is extended to the shooting position, and the second lens barrel 6 is retracted to the storage position. As a result, in normal shooting, the first imaging unit including the first lens barrel 5 is activated, the second imaging unit including the second lens barrel 6 is deactivated, and only the first imaging unit is captured. Done. At this time, when the first lens barrel 5 is extended to the photographing position, the first lens barrier 10 moves to the open position where the first photographing lens 8 is exposed as shown in FIG. The second lens barrier 11 provided in the second lens barrel 6 retracted in the storage position shields the second photographing lens 9 at the closed position. As described above, the first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 are provided so as to be movable between an open position where the photographing lens is exposed and a closed position where the photographing lens is shielded. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, when performing stereoscopic shooting with the digital camera 2, the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are both extended to the shooting position, so that the first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 are The first and second photographing lenses 8 and 9 are exposed by moving to the open position. In the case of reproduction, both the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are retracted to the storage position, so that the first and second lens lenses 10 and 11 are both in the closed position. , 9 is shielded.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 2. The first imaging unit 30 includes a first lens barrel 5, a first photographing lens 8, a first lens barrier 10, a feeding motor 31, a zoom motor 32, a first motor driver 33, a first CCD 35, a first timing generator 36, a first 1 CDS 37, first AMP 38, and first A / D converter 39.

  The first photographing lens 8 includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, a diaphragm, and the like. Both the first photographing lens 8 and the first lens barrier 10 are incorporated in the first lens barrel 5. . The first lens barrel 5 is extended to the photographing position, retracted to the storage position, and the first lens barrier 10 is moved to the open position and the closed position by driving the first extension motor 31. Further, the forward and backward movement of the zoom lens and the focus lens of the first photographing lens 8 in the optical axis direction is performed by driving the first zoom motor 32. Both the first feeding motor 31 and the first zoom motor 32 are connected to a first motor driver 33, and the first motor driver 33 is connected to a CPU 40 that controls the entire digital camera 2. The CPU 40 drives the first feeding motor 31 and the first zoom motor 32 by controlling the first motor driver 33.

  Behind the first photographic lens 8, a first CCD 35 as an imaging means is arranged. The first photographing lens 8 forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the first CCD 35. The first CCD 35 is connected to the CPU 40 via the first timing generator 36, and the CPU 40 controls the first timing generator 36 to generate a timing signal (clock pulse). The first CCD 35 is driven when this timing signal is input.

  The first CCD 35 converts the subject image into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion, and transmits this image signal to the first CDS 37 which is a correlated double sampling circuit. The first CDS 37 obtains an image signal from the first CCD 35 and outputs it as R, G, B image data that accurately corresponds to the accumulated charge amount of each cell of the first CCD 35. The image data output from the first CDS 37 is amplified by an amplifier (AMP) 38 and further converted into digital data by an A / D converter 39. The digitized image data is output from the first A / D converter 39 to the image input controller 60 as image data for the right eye.

  The second imaging unit 50 has the same configuration as the first imaging unit 30, and includes a second lens barrel 6, a second imaging lens 9, a second lens barrier 11, a second feeding motor 51, a second zoom motor 52, The second motor driver 53, the second CCD 55, the second timing generator 56, the second CDS 57, the second AMP 58, and the second A / D converter 59 are included. The second A / D converter 59 outputs image data for the left eye to the image input controller 60 in the same manner as the first A / D converter 39.

  The image input controller 60 is connected to the CPU 40 via the data bus 61. The CPU 40 controls the image input controller 60 to store the image data in the video memory 63 or the buffer memory 64.

  The video memory 63 temporarily stores low-resolution image data when the LCD panel 24 is used as an electronic viewfinder. The image data recorded in the video memory 63 is transmitted to the LCD driver 65 via the data bus 62. The LCD driver 65 performs signal processing on the image data so that an image can be displayed on the LCD panel 24 and causes the LCD panel 24 to display the image.

  The buffer memory 64 temporarily stores captured high-resolution image data. In addition, an image signal processing circuit 66 and a stereoscopic image processing circuit 67 are connected to the CPU 40 via a data bus 62. The image signal processing circuit 66 performs various image processing, for example, gradation conversion, color conversion, hypertone processing, hyper sharpness processing, and the like while the captured high-resolution image data is stored in the buffer memory 64. Apply. The stereoscopic image processing circuit 67 performs predetermined processing such as synthesis processing on the image data for the right eye and the left eye acquired by the first CCD 35 and the second CCD 55 when recording an image by stereoscopic shooting. To convert to stereoscopic image data.

  In addition, a compression / decompression circuit 68 and a media controller 69 are connected to the CPU 40 via a data bus 62. The CPU 40 controls the compression / expansion circuit 68 to compress the image data stored in the buffer memory 64 in a compression format such as the JPEG method. Thereafter, the CPU 40 controls the media controller 69 to record the compressed image data on a recording medium 70 such as a memory card. When reproducing the image data recorded on the recording medium 70, the CPU 40 controls the media controller 69 to read out the image data from the recording medium 70, and further controls the compression / expansion circuit 68 to compress the image data. Performs image data expansion processing. The CPU 40 controls the LCD driver 65 to display this image data on the LCD panel 24.

  The CPU 40 is connected to an AF detection circuit 72 and an AE / AWB detection circuit 73 via a data bus 62. The CPU 40 controls the AF detection circuit 72 so that the focus adjustment of the focus lenses of the first photographing lens 8 and the second photographing lens 9 is performed based on the image data acquired by the first and second imaging units 30 and 50. The optimal AF detection value is detected, and the first and second motor drivers 33 and 53 are controlled based on the AF detection value to move the respective focus lenses to the optimal positions. Further, the CPU 40 controls the AE / AWB detection circuit 73 so that the exposure adjustment and the white balance correction are optimized for shooting based on the image data acquired by the first and second shootings 30 and 50. A value is detected, and based on this AE / AWB detection value, the aperture, the first and second CCDs 35, 55, etc. are controlled so that the exposure amount and the white balance correction are optimized.

  In addition, an audio input processing circuit 75 is connected to the CPU 40 via a data bus 62. When the moving image selection button 19 is pressed in the recording mode, the CPU 40 controls the audio input processing circuit 75 to acquire the audio data acquired by the microphone 77 via the stereo microphone AMP76. This audio data is stored in the recording medium 70 in the same manner as the image data.

  Further, a speaker 81 is connected to the data bus 62 via an audio output processing circuit 80, and the CPU 40 controls the audio output processing circuit 80 when reproducing audio data recorded on the recording medium 70. Then, sound is output from the speaker 81.

  A clock generator 85 is connected to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 controls the operation block by generating a timing signal (clock pulse) by controlling the clock generator 85 and supplying the timing signal to each operation block. Further, a power supply unit 86 is connected to the CPU 40, and the CPU 40 controls power supply to each operation block by controlling the power supply unit 86.

  The shutter button 15 is a two-stage push switch. When the photographer performs framing using the LCD panel 24 or the eyepiece viewfinder 23 and then lightly presses (half-presses) the shutter button 15, exposure adjustment and focus adjustment of the first and second photographing lenses 8 and 9 are performed. Various photographing preparation processes such as exposure adjustment are performed. In this half-pressed state, the AF detection value and AE / AWB detection value data are fixed until the shutter button 15 is released. In this state, when the shutter button 15 is strongly pressed once again (fully pressed), image data for one image is recorded on the recording medium 70. In the case of moving image shooting, moving image shooting is performed for a predetermined time when the shutter button 15 is fully pressed.

  Next, the function stop state in each mode will be described with reference to the tables of FIGS. When the mode switching knob 17 is set to the recording mode and the shooting mode switching knob 18 is set to the stereoscopic shooting mode, the CPU 40 has a function that is not required at the time of stereoscopic shooting, as shown in FIG. The functions of the operation blocks that are included, that is, the operation blocks of the audio output processing circuit 80 and the speaker 81 are stopped, and the operation blocks having functions necessary for stereoscopic shooting are made operable. That is, since all of the operation blocks constituting the first and second imaging units 30 and 50 are in the activated state, the first and second feeding motors 31 and 51 are set in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are extended to the photographing position, and the first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 are moved to the open position so that the first and second photographing lenses 8 and 9 are moved. Is exposed. Then, the CPU 40 performs stereoscopic shooting by controlling the activated operation block based on the AF detection value detected by half-pressing the shutter button 15 and the AE / AWB detection value.

  When the mode switching knob 17 is set to the shooting mode and the shooting mode switching knob 18 is set to the normal shooting mode, the CPU 40 has a function that is not required during normal shooting as shown in FIG. Operation block having, that is, second feeding motor 51, second zoom motor 52, second motor driver 53, second CCD 55, second timing generator 56, second CDS 57, second AMP 58, second A / D converter 59, stereoscopic image signal The functions of the operation blocks of the processing unit 67, the audio output processing circuit 80, and the speaker 81 are stopped. Further, the CPU 40 activates an operation block having functions necessary for normal photographing. That is, since the first image pickup unit 30 is in the activated state and the second image pickup unit 50 is in the operation stopped state, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7E, the first feeding motor is in response to a command from the CPU 40. 31 extends the first lens barrel 5 to the photographing position, and moves the first lens barrier 10 to the open position to expose the first photographing lens 8. The second lens barrel 6 is housed in the housing position, and the second lens barrier 11 shields the second photographing lens 9 in the closed position. The CPU 40 performs normal shooting by controlling the activated operation block based on various detection values obtained by half-pressing the shutter button 15.

  When the mode switching knob 17 is set to the reproduction mode, the CPU 40 has an operation block having a function not required for the reproduction operation, that is, the first feeding motor as shown in FIG. 6C. 31, a first zoom motor 32, a first motor driver 33, a first CCD 35, a first timing generator 36, a first CDS 37, a first AMP 38, a first A / D converter 39, a second feeding motor 51, a second zoom motor 52, Second motor driver 53, second CCD 55, second timing generator 56, second CDS 57, second AMP 58, second A / D converter 59, image input controller 60, stereoscopic image signal processing unit 67, AF detection circuit 72, AE / AWB detection The operation blocks of the circuit 73, the audio input processing circuit 75, the stereo microphone AMP76, and the microphone 77 Tsu to stop the click of a function. As a result, all the blocks constituting the first and second imaging units 30 and 50 are stopped, and the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are stopped as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7F. Both are stored in the storage position, and the first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 shield the first and second photographing lenses 8 and 9 in the closed position. Further, the CPU 40 controls the activated operation block to reproduce the image on the LCD panel 24.

  As described above, since the CPU 40 activates only necessary operation blocks and deactivates unnecessary operation blocks based on each photographing mode, the power consumption can be reduced. When stopping the function of the operation block, the CPU 40 controls the power supply unit 86 to stop the power supply to the operation block whose function is to be stopped. Further, the CPU 40 may control the first and second timing generators 36 and 56 and the clock generator 85 to stop the supply of the clock pulse to the operation block whose function is stopped. Further, both power supply and clock pulse supply to the operation block whose function is to be stopped may be stopped. Alternatively, either the power supply or the clock pulse may be stopped.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera 2 configured as described above will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 40 determines whether or not the recording mode is set. When it is determined that the recording mode is set, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the stereoscopic shooting mode is set. When it is determined that the stereoscopic shooting mode is set, the CPU 40 stops the function of the operation block (the operation block shown in FIG. 6A) that is not required at the time of recording the stereoscopic shooting. As a result, both the first and second imaging units 30 and 50 are activated, so that the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are extended to the photographing position, and the first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 are opened. It moves to a position and exposes each taking lens 8 and 9 (see FIG. 7D). The CPU 40 performs stereoscopic shooting by controlling the operation block in the activated state.

  If it is determined that the stereoscopic shooting mode is not set (the normal shooting mode), the CPU 40 is an operation block (the operation block shown in FIG. 6B) that is not required during the normal shooting recording. Stop function. As a result, the first imaging unit 30 is activated and the second imaging unit 50 is deactivated, so the first lens barrier 10 is moved to the open position, the first lens barrel 5 is extended to the imaging position, and the second The lens barrier 11 shields the second photographing lens 9 at the closed position, and the second lens barrel 6 is retracted to the storage position (see FIG. 7E). The CPU 40 performs normal shooting with an operation block necessary for recording activated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording mode is not set (reproduction mode), the CPU 40 stops the function of the operation block (operation block shown in FIG. 6C) that is not necessary for reproduction. At this time, since all the blocks constituting the first and second imaging units 30 and 50 are in a function stop state, the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are retracted to the storage positions, and the first and second lens barriers 10 are retracted. , 11 are in a state where the first and second photographing lenses 8, 9 are shielded at the closed position (see FIG. 7F). The CPU 40 activates an operation block necessary for reproduction. The CPU 40 controls the activated operation block to reproduce and display the image data recorded on the recording medium 70 on the LCD panel 24. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to power saving of the battery, and it is possible to protect the photographing optical system that is in a function stop state from dust and damage.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first imaging unit 30 is used for shooting during normal shooting. However, even if normal shooting is performed with the first imaging unit 30 in the function stop state and the second imaging unit 50 in the activated state. Good. In addition, a digital camera provided with first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 that are movable between an open position and a closed position, and first and second lens barrels 6 and 7 that extend and retract is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to a digital camera provided with only one of a pair of lens barriers or a pair of lens barrels.

  In addition, the first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 shield only the photographing lenses 8 and 9, but the first and second photographing barriers 8 and 9 are not only the first and second photographing lenses 8 and 9, but are retracted in the storage position. The first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 are provided in the camera body so as to shield the front surfaces of the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6, and the first and second lens barriers 10 and 11 are opened to the open position at the time of shooting. The present invention may be applied to a digital camera of a type in which the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 extend to the photographing position as the lens moves. Further, when the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are retracted to the storage position, the front surfaces of the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are shielded by a single lens barrier so that the normal shooting can be performed. At this time, the lens barrier is moved so that only one of the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 is exposed, and both the first and second lens barrels 5 and 6 are exposed during stereoscopic shooting. It may be.

It is an external appearance perspective view of a digital camera. It is an external appearance perspective view from the back of a digital camera. It is an external appearance perspective view of the digital camera at the time of normal imaging | photography. It is explanatory drawing which shows the open position and closed position of a lens barrier. It is explanatory drawing which showed the electrical structure of the digital camera. It is explanatory drawing which showed the operation block which stops function for every mode. It is explanatory drawing which showed the operation | movement of a lens barrier and a lens-barrel for every mode. It is a flowchart explaining the imaging | photography process of a digital camera.

Explanation of symbols

2 digital camera 5 first lens barrel 6 second lens barrel 10 first lens barrier 11 second lens barrier 17 mode switching knob 18 shooting mode switching knob 30 first imaging unit 40 CPU
50 Second imaging unit

Claims (2)

A stereoscopic shooting mode in which shooting is performed using a pair of imaging units; and a normal shooting mode in which shooting is performed using only one of the pair of imaging units. In a stereoscopic camera that can be switched between modes,
Provided with a lens barrier that shields or exposes the front surface of the imaging lens provided in each imaging unit, and in the normal imaging mode, one imaging unit is activated and the other imaging unit is deactivated, The stereoscopic imaging apparatus, wherein the lens barrier exposes the imaging lens in the one imaging unit, and the lens barrier shields the imaging lens in the other imaging unit.   The photographing lens is incorporated, and includes a lens barrel that extends and retracts between a photographing position protruding from the apparatus main body in the optical axis direction and a storage position accommodated in the apparatus main body. The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens barrel protrudes to a shooting position in the imaging unit in the state, and the lens barrel is stored in the storage position in the imaging unit in the function stop state. .