JP2007134999A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of displaying accurate video free of disorder of picture quality by electronically adjusting an optical axis. <P>SOLUTION: A camera module 100 is equipped with a CCD 4 which photoelectrically converts incident light from a lens 3 and an optical axis adjusting unit 6 which adjusts misalignment of the optical axis of the CCD 4 based upon a video signal output from the CCD 4; and the CCD 4 has an effective imaging plane which is extra pixels larger than an effective imaging plane of a standardized video system, and the optical axis adjusting unit 6 implements an optical axis adjustment mode wherein all video signals of the effective imaging plane are read out and video signals equal to the effective imaging plane are cut out of all the video signals of the effective imaging plane. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of electronically adjusting an optical axis and displaying an image accurately.

  In a camera module (imaging device) having a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, the optical axis of the solid-state imaging device is adjusted by various methods.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram in the case of performing conventional optical axis adjustment. In this configuration, the optical axis adjustment is performed mechanically. The camera module 123 is fixed so as to take an image of the optical axis chart 115 arranged at a specific distance a and direction. The video signal output from the camera module 123 is displayed on the TV monitor screen 109 via the electronic line generator 116. In the electronic line generator 116, vertical and horizontal electronic lines indicating an optical axis adjustment range (optical axis allowable range) are superimposed on the video signal. Thereby, on the TV monitor screen 109, the image of the optical axis chart 109 imaged by the camera module 123 and the images of the electronic lines 109b and 109c added by the electronic line generator 116 are simultaneously displayed.

  At this time, if the imaging position of the optical axis chart 109a displayed on the TV monitor screen 109 is within the optical axis adjustment range (that is, between the electronic lines 109b and 109c), the product is non-defective. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the optical axis chart 109a deviates from the optical axis adjustment range, the optical axis adjustment is performed so as to be within the adjustment range. The optical axis adjustment is performed by adjusting the positional relationship between the lens of the camera module 123 and an image sensor such as a CCD mounted on the substrate by the camera setting device 117.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, imaging is performed using a solid-state imaging device having an effective imaging surface larger than an effective imaging surface from which a video signal is extracted during a regular video period, and readout timing of an imaging output signal from the effective imaging surface is disclosed. An image pickup apparatus is disclosed in which the spatial position of the effective image pickup surface is variably adjusted by electrical signal processing.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of always imaging a marker indicating a standard position as a subject and adjusting the optical axis based on the marker position in order to automatically adjust the optical axis.
JP 58-85678 A JP-A-8-16999 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-68995

  However, the optical axis adjustment of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the image quality of the displayed video is deteriorated because there is a region that is not read out on the effective imaging surface.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, the readout timing is corrected, and the video signal on the imaging surface in the area corresponding to the effective imaging surface is read out from the effective imaging surface. That is, in Patent Document 1, there are pixels (regions that are not read out) that are not read out on the effective imaging surface. For this reason, charges continue to be accumulated in pixels that are not read out. As a result, the accumulated charge may move from the pixel that is not read out to a pixel near the pixel. For this reason, there is a problem in that the charge moved to the adjacent pixel causes malfunction, noise, image distortion, and the like, and the image quality of the displayed video is disturbed.

  Here, even if a process for discharging the charges accumulated in the pixels that are not read out is performed at the same time, the charges move during the process, and the same problem occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of electronically adjusting an optical axis and displaying an accurate image without image quality disturbance. There is.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is based on a solid-state image pickup device that photoelectrically converts incident light incident from an optical element, and an image signal output from the solid-state image pickup element. And an optical axis adjustment unit that adjusts the optical axis deviation between the solid-state imaging device and the solid-state imaging device has an effective imaging surface that is larger than the effective imaging surface of the standardized video system by an amount of surplus pixels. The optical axis adjustment unit reads out the entire video signal of the effective imaging surface, and from the entire video signal of the effective imaging surface, the video signal equal to the effective imaging surface so that the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range. It is characterized in that an optical axis adjustment mode for cutting out is performed.

  According to the above configuration, the optical axis adjustment unit reads the entire image signal of the effective imaging surface, and from the entire image signal of the effective imaging surface that has been read, the optical axis adjustment portion is within an allowable range so that the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range. The optical axis adjustment mode for cutting out the video signal for the area is executed. In other words, in the optical axis adjustment mode, the entire effective imaging plane is read, and the imaging plane (corrected imaging plane) equal to the area of the effective imaging plane is extracted from the entire effective imaging plane so that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range. It is processing. This makes it possible to adjust the optical axis using surplus pixels. Further, the optical axis adjustment mode by the optical axis adjustment unit can be automatically executed.

  In addition, in the optical axis adjustment mode, all video signals on the effective imaging surface are read out, so that no charge is accumulated on the effective imaging surface. For this reason, malfunction, noise, image distortion, and the like do not occur due to the accumulated charge. Therefore, it is possible to display an accurate image with the optical axis adjusted and without any disturbance in image quality. In addition, the tolerance | permissible_range of an optical axis offset can be set arbitrarily.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the optical axis adjustment unit executes the optical axis adjustment mode when the subject imaged by the solid-state imaging device is an optical axis chart for executing the optical axis adjustment mode. It is preferable that

  According to the above configuration, the optical axis adjustment unit is obtained when the solid-state imaging device images the optical axis chart (for example, the video signal output from the solid-state imaging device is derived from the optical axis chart on which a specific subject is drawn. The optical axis adjustment mode is executed only when the signal is a signal to be transmitted or when the solid-state imaging device recognizes an optical axis chart for executing the optical axis adjustment mode. Thereby, the imaging device does not always need to execute the optical axis adjustment mode. Accordingly, the processing and configuration of the imaging apparatus can be simplified, and downsizing and power saving can be achieved.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the optical axis adjustment unit stores a signal for specifying the optical axis chart, and specifies the video signal output from the solid-state imaging device and the optical axis chart. It is preferable to have an optical axis adjustment mode determination unit that determines execution of the optical axis adjustment mode by comparison with the above signal.

  According to the above configuration, the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit determines execution of the optical axis adjustment mode by comparing the video signal of the subject imaged by the solid-state imaging device with the signal for specifying the optical axis chart. To do. Thereby, it is possible to accurately and easily determine whether or not to execute the optical axis adjustment mode.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a storage unit that stores the cut-out position of the effective imaging surface adjusted by the optical axis adjustment unit.

  According to the above configuration, the cut-out position of the effective imaging surface adjusted by the optical axis adjustment unit (that is, the optical axis adjustment value obtained by executing the optical axis adjustment mode) is stored in the storage unit. Thus, once the optical axis adjustment mode is executed, a video signal can be output at the cut-out position (optical axis adjustment position) stored in the storage unit even when the imaging apparatus is subsequently activated. The storage unit may be provided in the optical axis adjustment unit or may be provided separately from the optical axis adjustment unit.

  In the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the pixels on the effective image pickup plane including the surplus pixels are vertically transferred in a shorter time than the blanking period determined from the standardized video system, and the vertical transfer time (t) It is preferable that the vertical transfer rate is set to be the same.

  For example, when the standardized video format is the NTSC format, the surplus pixels on the effective imaging plane are set to be large within 20 pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions of the effective imaging plane, respectively. It is preferred that

  According to these, even if an effective imaging surface having surplus pixels is set, an increase in the chip size of the solid-state imaging device, a deviation from the vertical transfer period of the standardized video system, and a reduction in the vertical transfer rate are prevented. Is possible.

  The imaging device of the present invention may include a display unit that displays the optical axis adjustment state in the optical axis adjustment unit.

  According to said structure, an optical axis adjustment part displays the image which makes it visually recognize that an optical axis shift | offset | difference exists in a tolerance | permissible_range on the said display part. Thereby, the user can visually confirm the optical axis adjustment state (for example, whether the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range, whether the optical axis deviation is adjusted, or the like).

In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the optical axis adjustment unit may execute the optical axis adjustment mode when a drive voltage for executing the optical axis adjustment mode is applied.
In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the optical axis adjustment unit may execute the optical axis adjustment mode when a voltage having a drive waveform for executing the optical axis adjustment mode is applied. .

  In other words, in the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the activation mode may be controlled by the magnitude (value) or waveform of the voltage applied to the optical axis adjustment unit.

  According to each of the above configurations, the optical axis adjustment mode is executed based on the voltage value or the waveform, so that a specific subject for executing the optical axis adjustment mode becomes unnecessary. That is, the optical axis adjustment mode can be executed without recognizing a specific subject. Furthermore, it is possible to control the start-up mode by voltage control from the outside without adding a new signal line to the case that accommodates the members of the imaging apparatus such as the optical axis adjustment unit.

  The imaging device of the present invention may be used for mounting on a vehicle.

  When the imaging device is mounted on a vehicle, an attachment error occurs when the imaging device is attached to the vehicle in addition to the optical axis shift of the imaging device itself. According to the above configuration, it is possible to adjust the optical axis deviation in consideration of attachment errors and the like.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention reads out all the image signals on the effective imaging surface, and images equal to the effective imaging surface from all the image signals on the effective imaging surface so that the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range. An optical axis adjustment unit that executes an optical axis adjustment mode for cutting out a signal is provided.

  Therefore, the optical axis is adjusted, and there is an effect that it is possible to display an accurate image with no disturbance in image quality.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 as follows. For convenience of explanation, in each drawing, members having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention can electronically adjust the optical axis and display an image accurately. The image pickup apparatus of the present invention is a digital still camera, a video camera, a security camera, a camera for mobile phone, a vehicle, an interphone, or the like.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the camera module of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a camera module (imaging device) 100 of this embodiment includes a lens (optical element) 3, a CCD sensor (solid-state imaging element; hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 4, an analog front end (AFE) 5, and light. An axis adjustment unit 6 and a video amplifier 7 are provided. The lens 3 is provided in the camera case 2, and the CCD 4, the AFE 5, the optical axis adjustment unit 6, and the video amplifier 7 are built in the camera case 2. An image captured by the camera module 100 is displayed on a monitor (display unit) 9.

  The lens 3 is an optical element for forming an image of light from the subject on the CCD 4. The lens 3 also has a focus function and the like. FIG. 1 shows one of the actual optical elements (optical systems).

  The CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 4 has an imaging surface (effective imaging surface) in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix. An optical image formed on the imaging surface when subject light is incident is converted into an electrical signal and output as an analog image signal.

  In the present embodiment, the CCD 4 is used as the solid-state imaging device, but a C-MOS image sensor may be used. The CCD 4 is mounted on a camera substrate (not shown). The CCD 4 will be described later.

  The AFE 5 converts an analog signal obtained from the CCD 4 into a digital signal. The AFE 5 performs amplification of an analog signal obtained from the CCD 4, noise removal, and the like.

  The optical axis adjustment unit 6 is for adjusting the optical axis of the CCD 4 on the basis of the video signal (imaging signal) output from the CCD 4, and includes, for example, an LSI (large-scale integration). DSP (digital signal processor). Although not shown, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes according to a program, a ROM that stores a program, a RAM that stores data of each process, and the like. Thereby, in addition to the optical axis adjustment, the camera module 100 has a function of controlling the whole. Details of the optical axis adjustment unit 6 will be described later.

  The video amplifier 7 performs a process of converting the signal output from the optical axis adjustment unit 6 into a video signal to be displayed on the monitor 9 as a video. That is, the video amplifier 7 generates a video signal based on the video signal standard. For example, in Japan, the NTSC (National Television System Committee) system is standardized as a television broadcast signal. Therefore, the video amplifier 7 converts the signal output from the optical axis adjustment unit 6 into an NTSC video signal.

In the camera module 100, incident light that has passed through the lens 3 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 4. The analog image signal output from the CCD 4 is converted into a digital signal by the AFE 5. The necessary band data is extracted from the digital signal output from the AFE 5 by a video signal processing circuit (described later) of the optical axis adjustment unit 6. By converting again into an analog signal, when the converted video signal is output to the monitor 9 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) via the video signal line 8, the video is displayed on the monitor 9.

  Here, in the camera module 100, if the optical axis of the lens 3 and the optical axis of the CCD 4 do not coincide with each other (that is, “optical axis deviation” occurs), the subject imaged by the CCD 4 is accurately determined. It cannot be projected. For this reason, it is necessary to correct the optical axis deviation within an allowable range.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the camera module 100 recognizes the optical axis chart 1, an optical axis adjustment mode for correcting such an optical axis shift is executed.

  The optical axis chart 1 is a specific subject for causing the camera module 100 to execute the optical axis adjustment mode. In FIG. 1, the optical axis chart 1 has a center line 1a indicating the center in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction) of the optical axis chart 1, and at least one of the shape and color component of each other. It has four different illustrations 1b. The center line 1 a is an optical axis line for optical axis adjustment, and the illustration 1 b characterizes the optical axis chart 1. That is, since the illustration 1b is drawn on the optical axis chart 1, the optical axis chart 1 becomes a specific subject for executing the optical axis adjustment mode.

  When the optical axis chart 1 is arranged at a predetermined position and the subject imaged by the CCD 4 is recognized as the optical chart 1, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 executes the optical axis adjustment mode.

  For example, the optical axis chart 1 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the camera module 100 so that the optical axis chart 1 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module module 100. As will be described later, when data for specifying the optical axis chart 1 is stored (stored) in the optical axis adjustment unit 6 in advance, the optical axis is set so as to satisfy the same conditions as the acquisition conditions for the stored data. What is necessary is just to arrange | position the chart 1 and acquire the data of the optical axis chart 1. FIG. In the present embodiment, the data for specifying the optical axis chart 1 is data for specifying the illustration 1b.

  Here, in order to acquire the data of the optical axis chart 1, first, the camera module 100 is centered on the optical axis center (in other words, the optical axis center before the optical axis adjustment) where the ideal optical axis is obtained. The optical axis chart 1 is arranged.

  Here, when the optical axis chart 1 is recognized, the camera module 100 performs optical axis adjustment. Examples of the method for shifting to the optical axis adjustment mode include the following three methods.

  1) Whether or not the optical axis chart 1 is always arranged is monitored, and the data captured by the camera module 100 matches the data for specifying the optical axis chart 1 stored in the camera module 100 in advance. Sometimes, it shifts to the optical axis adjustment mode. In this case, the optical axis chart 1 is desirably a specific chart in order to prevent erroneous recognition.

  2) It is confirmed whether or not the optical axis chart 1 is arranged only within an arbitrary time after the power of the camera module 100 is turned on, and data captured by the camera module 100 and an optical axis chart stored in advance in the camera module 100 When the data for specifying 1 matches, the optical axis adjustment mode is entered.

  3) First, the camera module 100 is caused to capture a peculiar image (for example, a subject of a specific color (such as a bright red chart)). Next, the optical axis chart 1 is imaged by the camera module 100, and these imaged data are calculated by the DSP. When the calculated data matches the data for specifying the optical axis chart 1 stored in advance in the camera module 100, the mode shifts to the optical axis adjustment mode. In this case, it is desirable that the light flickering pattern (for example, light / dark / light / dark...) And the optical axis chart 1 are imaged by the camera module 100 and the image data is combined. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult to cause a malfunction (an operation that erroneously brings the optical axis adjustment mode to the effective imaging plane).

  Here, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the optical axis adjustment unit 6. In the present embodiment, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 includes an optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19, a subject recognition unit 20, an electronic line generation unit 21, an optical axis tolerance determination unit 22, and a video processing circuit 23.

  The optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19 determines whether the subject imaged by the CCD 4 is the optical axis chart 1 based on the input signal input to the optical axis adjustment unit 6. As described above, the illustration 1 b of the optical axis chart 1 characterizes the optical axis chart 1. That is, the illustration 1b has a specific component (for example, a luminance component, a color component, or a shape). The optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19 determines to execute the optical axis adjustment mode if the subject includes a specific component of the illustration 1b.

  In the present embodiment, the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19 stores arbitrary data for specifying the illustration 1b. For this reason, the video signal output from the CCD 4 is compared with the stored data, and if the stored data is included in the video signal, it is determined that the optical axis adjustment mode is executed. The optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19 may store the minimum data necessary for specifying the optical axis chart 1 (at least data that can specify the illustration 1b). It is not necessary to store all data.

  The subject recognition unit 20 recognizes the center line 1a of the optical axis chart 1 when the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19 determines that the optical axis adjustment mode is to be executed. As described above, the center line 1 a is an optical axis line indicating the center of the optical axis chart 1. The subject recognition unit 20 recognizes a signal component (for example, a luminance component, a color component, etc.) of the center line 1a.

  When the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19 determines that the optical axis adjustment mode is to be executed, the electronic line generation unit 21 generates an electronic line indicating an allowable range of optical axis deviation. An electronic line indicating the allowable range is set (stored) in the electronic line generator 21 in advance. A signal for generating an electronic line indicating the allowable range is superimposed on the video signal.

  The optical axis tolerance determining unit 22 determines whether or not the signal component of the center line 1a recognized by the subject recognizing unit 20 is within the allowable range of the electronic line generated by the electronic line generating unit 21. In this determination, for example, the signal component of the center line 1 a recognized by the subject recognition unit 20 is compared with the signal component of the electronic line generated by the electronic line generation unit 21. If the signal component of the center line 1a is within the allowable range as a result of the comparison, it is determined that there is no optical axis deviation (or there is no need to correct the optical axis deviation). On the other hand, if it is outside the allowable range, it is determined that there is an optical axis deviation, and the optical axis deviation is adjusted (corrected) so that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range. The adjustment of the optical axis deviation will be described later.

  The video signal processing circuit 23 extracts a signal for video signal processing used in each part of the optical axis adjustment unit 6 from the signal input to the optical axis adjustment unit 6, and performs normal signal processing such as luminance signal processing and color signal processing. Perform video signal processing. That is, the data (video signal) generated by the video signal processing circuit 23 is used by the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19, the subject recognition unit 20, the electronic line generation unit 21, and the optical axis tolerance determination unit 22. The video signal processing circuit 23 also performs processing such as contour correction and gamma correction for luminance signals, gain adjustment for matching white balance to color signals, gamma correction, and matrix correction, for example. Then, the video signal processing circuit 23 finally converts the analog signal input to the optical axis adjustment unit 6 into a digital signal. The converted digital signal is output to the video amplifier 7 as an output signal of the video signal processing circuit 23.

Thus, the processing of the optical axis adjustment unit 6 is as follows.
(A) Determination of the optical axis adjustment state by the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19;
(B) Recognition of the signal component of the center line 1b by the subject recognition unit 20;
(C) generation of an electron line indicating an optical axis allowable range by the electron line generator 21 and (d) determination of optical axis deviation by the optical axis allowance determination unit 22.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the monitor 9 can check the processing of the optical axis adjustment mode 6. Further, the processing in the optical axis adjustment mode 6 is automatically performed.

  More specifically, first, in the above (a), the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 19 receives input signal components (luminance component, color component (chromaticity component)) input to the optical axis adjustment unit 6 in a certain period, Alternatively, the image shape or the like) and the components (luminance component, color component (chromaticity component)) of the illustration 1b for specifying the optical axis chart 1b included in the optical axis chart 1 stored in the optical axis adjustment unit 19 in advance, Or the image shape) is compared. As a result of the comparison, if the respective components match, it is determined that the input signal component is the optical axis chart 1 (that is, the optical axis chart 1 has been imaged), and subsequent optical axis adjustment processing is performed. The imaged optical axis chart 1 is displayed on the monitor 9 as the imaged center line 9a and the imaged illustration 9b.

  Next, in (b) above, the subject recognition unit 20 detects the signal component (luminance signal component or color signal) of the center line 1b included in the optical axis chart 1 from the video signal input to the optical axis adjustment unit 6. Component).

  Next, in the above (c), the electron line generator 20 generates an electron line indicating a preset allowable range of optical axis deviation. The signal for generating the electronic line is superimposed on the video signal and displayed on the monitor 9 as the optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, two optical axis allowable lines 9c are displayed in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the monitor 9, and two optical axis allowable lines 9d are displayed in the vertical direction (Y direction). Each of the optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d is configured such that the horizontal and vertical centers of the monitor 9 enter between the two lines.

  Next, in (d) above, the optical axis tolerance determining unit 22 detects the signal component of the center line 1b recognized by the subject recognizing unit 19 in (b) and the electron line generating unit 20 in (c). Compare the signal component of the line. As described above, this electron line shows an allowable range of optical axis deviation. Therefore, as a result of the comparison, if the signal component of the center line 1a is within the allowable range indicated by the electronic line, it is determined that there is no optical axis deviation (or there is no need to correct the optical axis deviation). On the other hand, if it is outside the allowable range, it is determined that there is an optical axis deviation, and the optical axis deviation is adjusted (corrected) so that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range.

  Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the determination by the optical axis allowance determination unit 22 can be confirmed on the monitor 9. The monitor 9 in FIG. 1 indicates that the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range. That is, in FIG. 1, the center line 9a displayed on the monitor 9 is between the optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Therefore, the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range. When the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range, the optical axis tolerance determining unit 22 displays an image (“OK” in FIG. 1) 9e indicating that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range on the monitor 9.

  On the other hand, if the center line 9a displayed on the monitor 9 deviates from between the optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d in either the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, the optical axis deviation exceeds the allowable range. Yes. In this case, the optical axis tolerance determining unit 22 displays an image (for example, “NG”) indicating that the optical axis deviation is outside the allowable range on the monitor 9. If the optical axis deviation is outside the allowable range, the optical axis deviation is adjusted (corrected) so that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range. That is, the optical axis is adjusted so that the center line 9a is between the optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d.

  Here, a method for adjusting the optical axis deviation when it is determined that the optical axis deviation is outside the allowable range will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an effective imaging surface and an effective imaging surface. In the present embodiment, the CCD 4 has an image pickup surface (effective image pickup surface) that is larger than the image pickup surface (effective image pickup surface) along the standardized video system by an excess number of pixels. That is, if the surplus pixels are subtracted from the effective imaging surface, it becomes equal to the effective imaging surface. The present invention is characterized by adjusting the optical axis deviation by using surplus pixels.

  More specifically, for example, in Japan, the NTSC system is standardized as a television broadcast signal. Then, an image captured in an area corresponding to the imaging surface (effective imaging surface) along the NTSC system is displayed on the monitor 9. For this reason, in order to display an image, the CCD 4 needs to have at least an imaging surface (effective imaging surface) conforming to the NTSC system. In the present embodiment, the CCD 4 can image an effective imaging surface that is larger by the surplus pixels than the effective imaging surface.

  For example, in this embodiment, the horizontal pixels on the effective imaging surface are 512 pixels, the vertical pixels are 492 pixels, the horizontal pixels on the effective imaging surface are 532 pixels, and the vertical pixels are 512 pixels. That is, in the present embodiment, the effective imaging plane is 20 pixels in the horizontal direction (10 pixels in the left and right directions) and 20 pixels in the vertical direction (10 pixels in the up and down directions) with respect to the effective imaging plane. ) Surplus pixels.

  Then, according to the present invention, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 (more specifically, the optical axis tolerance determination unit 22) performs an image of the effective imaging plane from the effective imaging plane so that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range (effective (Image equivalent to imaging surface).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, even if the CCD 4 has an effective imaging surface that is larger than the effective imaging surface by the number of surplus pixels, the effective imaging surface of the effective imaging surface can actually be used for an image. The area of minutes. Therefore, the optical axis adjusting unit 6 is arranged so that the center line 9a is located between the optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction when the optical axis deviation is outside the allowable range. Then, an area for the effective imaging surface is cut out. Thereby, the optical axis deviation which was outside the allowable range is adjusted within the allowable range.

  Here, in Patent Document 1, the readout timing is corrected, and a video signal on the imaging surface corresponding to the effective imaging surface is read out from the effective imaging surface. That is, in Patent Document 1, there are pixels (regions that are not read out) that are not read out on the effective imaging surface. Charges continue to be accumulated in pixels that are not read out. For this reason, the accumulated charge may move from the pixel that is not read out to a pixel near the pixel. As a result, there is a problem that the electric charge moved to the adjacent pixel or the like causes malfunction, noise, image distortion, and the like, and the image quality of the displayed video is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 reads out the entire image signal of the effective imaging surface, and the effective imaging surface area is set so that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range from the read out all image signals of the effective imaging surface. The video signal for the area is cut out. Thereby, it is possible to adjust the optical axis deviation by using the surplus pixels. In addition, since all the video signals on the effective imaging surface are read, no charge is accumulated on the effective imaging surface. For this reason, malfunction, noise, image distortion, and the like do not occur due to the accumulated charge. Therefore, it is possible to display an accurate image with the optical axis adjusted and without any disturbance in image quality.

  The cutout range (cutout position) of the effective imaging surface by such optical axis adjustment is preferably stored in a memory such as the setting storage element (EEPROM) 18. Thus, even when the camera module 100 is subsequently activated, the video signal can be output at the stored optical axis adjustment position. Accordingly, it is possible to display an image in which the optical axis deviation is adjusted. Since the setting storage element 18 has a control communication function with the optical axis adjustment unit 6, a signal processed by the optical axis adjustment unit 6 may be stored. Thereby, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 can store and rewrite setting values required for optical axis adjustment such as the optical axis adjustment position and the optical axis allowable range position.

  In addition, since the size of the effective imaging plane is determined by the standardized video system, the setting storage element 18 may store only the center of the cutout range of the effective imaging plane, for example. Thereby, it becomes possible to cut out the effective image pickup surface from the stored center so as to be equal to the size of the effective image pickup surface. Accordingly, the storage capacity of the setting storage element 18 can be reduced. Of course, the entire cutout range of the effective imaging surface may be stored in the setting storage element 18.

  In the present embodiment, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 executes the optical axis adjustment mode only when the optical axis chart 1 is recognized. Thereby, the camera module 100 does not always need to execute the optical axis adjustment mode, and can execute the optical axis adjustment mode only when it is desired to execute the optical axis adjustment. Accordingly, the processing and configuration of the camera module 100 can be simplified, and downsizing and power saving can be achieved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the effective imaging surface sets 20 extra pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the effective imaging surface. Here, if a surplus pixel is set large, an effective imaging surface will become large and an optical axis adjustment range will increase. However, if the excess pixels are increased too much, the chip size of the CCD 4 increases.

Further, for example, if all video signals (signals of all pixels) on the effective imaging plane including the surplus pixels are read out within the blanking period (signal period) defined by the NTSC video signal system, the effective imaging plane If the total video signal becomes more than an appropriate pixel, the vertical transfer period may not be within the specified range of the NTSC video signal system. Usually, the vertical transfer period is controlled by a vertical transfer pulse. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the vertical transfer time and the vertical transfer rate. As shown in this graph, when reading the video signal in t ₁ less than the time, the vertical transfer rate is low, the imaging characteristics may deteriorate. For this reason, the normal vertical transfer time is set to a time (t) sufficiently longer than t ₁ hours so that a sufficient vertical transfer rate can be obtained.

  In the present invention, the pixels on the effective imaging surface including the surplus pixels are vertically transferred in a shorter time than the blanking period determined from the standardized video system as shown in FIG. It is preferable that it is set to be the same as the vertical transfer rate in t). For example, it is preferable that the height is set so as to increase within a range of 20 pixels or less in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the effective imaging surface. The surplus pixels (20 pixels) set in the present embodiment are particularly preferable because they are set so that the vertical transfer time is minimized. That is, the surplus pixels of the present embodiment are set so that the effective imaging surface is maximized.

  As a result, even if an effective imaging surface having surplus pixels is set, it is possible to prevent an increase in the chip size of the CCD 4, a deviation from the vertical transfer period of the standardized video system, and a decrease in the vertical transfer rate. .

  Here, the imaging method of the camera module 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram comparing the CCD readout range in one frame period between the conventional camera module and the camera module of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for comparing CCD horizontal readout ranges in one horizontal period (1H period) in FIG. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the CCD pixel area and the NTSC signal are uniquely considered, so that they are handled as frame specifications. In the figure, H is a pixel unit, and V is the number of TVs and pixels.

  The left figure of FIG. 7 shows the readout range for one frame in the conventional camera module, and the right figure also shows the camera module 100 of this embodiment. In the standardized video system, one frame is determined in advance. In FIG. 7, this frame is composed of 606 pixels in the horizontal direction (per 1 TV) and 525 pixels (H606 × V525 pixels) in the vertical direction. Further, a blanking period (vertical synchronizing signal period (vertical blanking period) and horizontal synchronizing signal period (horizontal blanking period)) for a return line is provided in one frame. In the camera module 100 of the present embodiment, the blanking period is shorter than that of the conventional camera module. In other words, in the present embodiment, vertical transfer is performed in a shorter time than the blanking period of the standardized video system. Then, the pixel corresponding to the shortened blanking period is set as a surplus pixel.

  More specifically, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7, in the conventional camera module, the vertical blanking period is set to 33 TV lines and the horizontal blanking period is set to 94 pixels. On the other hand, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 7, in the camera module 100 of this embodiment, the vertical blanking period is set to 13 TV lines, and the horizontal blanking period is set to 74 pixels. Ranking period is narrowing. And in the camera module 100 of this embodiment, the pixel of difference with the conventional blanking period is utilized as a surplus pixel.

  Here, as described above, in the standardized video system, one frame is predetermined. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of horizontal readout clocks in the 1H period is the same as that in the past even if an extra pixel is provided (606 CLK = 606 pixels). Therefore, in the camera module 100 of the present embodiment, in order to generate surplus pixels, the dummy pixels are reduced by 4 pixels, the vertical transfer period (V transfer period) is reduced by 16 pixels, and a total of 20 pixels is surplus. It is said.

  In the camera module 100 of the present embodiment, the CCD 4 reads all the surplus pixels and the imaging pixels as imaging pixels (video signals). Then, the optical axis adjustment is performed by cutting out the DSP output pixel (DSP output pixel) from the imaging pixel including the surplus pixel.

  Here, the optical axis adjustment of the camera module 100 of the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the conventional case.

  In FIG. 7, an area excluding the blanking period from one frame (H606 × V525) is an area readable by the CCD. This area is composed of a plurality of imaging pixels, and serves as an effective imaging surface that can be read by the CCD. That is, in FIG. 7, the conventional effective imaging surface is an area of H512 × V492, whereas the effective imaging surface of the present embodiment is H532 × V512. In the present embodiment, the effective image pickup surface is wider than the conventional one by 20 extra pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  Then, an area (pixel area for DSP output) necessary for actually displaying an image on the screen is cut out from the effective imaging surface. This area is an effective imaging surface defined by a standardized video system. In FIG. 7, this effective imaging surface is an area of H502 × V487.

  In the conventional optical axis adjustment of the camera module, pixels corresponding to the effective imaging plane (H502 × V487) are read from the effective imaging plane (H512 × V492) by correcting the readout timing of the CCD.

  On the other hand, in the optical axis adjustment of the camera module 100 of the present embodiment, all the pixels on the effective imaging surface (H532 × V512) including the surplus pixels are read out. Then, the cut-out position of the effective image pickup surface (H502 × V487) is adjusted from the effective image pickup surface so that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range.

  As described above, in the conventional optical axis adjustment mode, not all effective imaging surfaces are read out, but in the optical axis adjustment mode of the present embodiment, all effective imaging surfaces are read out. Then, pixels in the area corresponding to the effective imaging surface are cut out from all the effective imaging surfaces that have been read out. Thereby, in the camera module 100 of this embodiment, the output selection range of an effective imaging surface becomes wide by an excess pixel.

  The surplus pixels and the pixels (regions) to be reduced for setting the surplus pixels are not limited to the above example, and even if the surplus pixels are set, the video is displayed in a standardized video format. What is necessary is just to set in the possible range. For example, as described above, the pixels on the effective imaging surface of the present embodiment may be set to be the same as the vertical transfer rate in the vertical transfer time (t), for example.

  In the present embodiment, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 displays an image 9e on the monitor 9 so that the user can visually recognize whether or not the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range. Thereby, the user can visually confirm that the optical axis is adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the electron line generator 20 displays the optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d on the monitor 9. In addition to this, the electronic line generator 20 may display an ideal optical axis line at the center of the monitor 9 in the horizontal and vertical directions. Thereby, if the optical axis deviation is adjusted so as to coincide with the ideal optical axis line, the optimum optical axis adjustment can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the electron line generator 20 displays the optical axis adjustment lines 9 c and 9 d on the monitor 9. However, since the optical axis adjustment is automatically performed in the present embodiment, the optical axis adjustment lines 9c and 9d are not displayed on the monitor 9, and only an image for visually confirming whether or not the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range. May be displayed. In this case, the configuration of the electron line generator 20 can be omitted.

  In the camera module 100, when the optical axis chart 1 is recognized, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 can automatically adjust the optical axis. This optical axis adjustment can be performed in a state where the camera module 100 is completed (a state in which the CCD 4 is accommodated in the camera case 2), or in the same manner, even in the production line of the camera module 100. it can.

  In the above description, the optical axis adjustment mode in which the optical axis deviation outside the allowable range is adjusted within the allowable range has been described, but the process of adjusting the optical axis deviation within the allowable range may not be performed. The processing in this case is an optical axis inspection mode (optical axis determination mode) for determining only whether or not the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range. When it is desired to execute the optical axis inspection mode, a chart for the optical axis inspection mode may be prepared separately from the optical axis chart 1 and the same processing as in the optical axis adjustment mode may be performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the optical axis adjustment unit 6 reads out all the video signals of the effective imaging surface including the surplus pixels, no charge is accumulated on the effective imaging surface. Therefore, it is possible to display an accurate image with the optical axis adjusted without causing malfunction, noise, image distortion, or the like.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the camera module 100 of Embodiment 1 is mounted on a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the camera module 100 is mounted on the vehicle 14 via the angle 13. The camera module 100 is fixed to the vehicle 14 with screws 11 and 12 at both ends of the angle 13. In the configuration of FIG. 3, the camera module 100 is fixed to the vehicle 14 in a slightly inclined state. The camera module 100 is connected via a video signal wiring 8 to a monitor 9 such as a car navigation system or a liquid crystal display mounted on the vehicle 14.

  The camera module 100 has an optical axis as a camera due to the positional relationship between the lens 3 and the CCD 4 provided on the substrate (see FIG. 1). When the camera module 100 is mounted on the vehicle 14, eccentricity is accumulated in the optical axis as a camera due to the mounting position of the angle 13 and the mounting error of the screws 11 and 12. This eccentricity causes an optical axis error (optical axis deviation). As a result, the image picked up by the camera module 100 becomes an image in which the optical axis error is accumulated, and a video having an optical axis shift is displayed on the monitor 9.

  In the present embodiment, such an optical axis shift is adjusted, and an image in which the optical axis is shifted is accurately displayed on the monitor 9.

  Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical axis chart 1 is arranged at a distance a determined with respect to the vehicle 14. Here, since the camera module 100 is installed in the inclined vehicle 14, the camera module 100 is arranged so that the optical axis chart 1 is perpendicular to the optical axis that is considered to be correct in the camera module 100.

  Here, as described above, since the camera module 100 includes an attachment error to the vehicle 14, an optical axis shift occurs. Even in such a case, the optical axis can be adjusted as described in the first embodiment. That is, it is possible to adjust the optical axis in consideration of the mounting error.

  More specifically, when the camera module 100 images the optical axis chart 1, the optical axis adjustment unit 6 executes the optical axis adjustment mode as described above. The optical axis determined by the positional relationship among the optical axis chart 1, the lens 3, and the CCD 4 disposed at a predetermined position, the optical axis determined by the mounting direction of the camera case 2, and the optical axis shift due to mounting errors on the vehicle 14. The accumulated video is displayed on the screen of the monitor 9. That is, the center line 9a and the illustration 9b displayed on the monitor 9 are images having an optical axis shift. The monitor 9 also displays optical axis allowable lines 9c and 9d. If the center line 9a is within the allowable range, an image (symbol or character indicating acceptance) 9e indicating that the optical axis deviation is within the allowable range is displayed on the monitor 9. On the other hand, when the center line 9a is out of the allowable range, the optical axis deviation is adjusted, and the adjusted setting position is recorded in the optical axis adjustment unit 6 or the setting storage element 18.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the optical axis deviation of the camera module 100 itself, it is possible to adjust the optical axis deviation in consideration of the attachment error that occurs when the camera module 100 is attached to the vehicle 14 or the like.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first and second embodiments, the optical axis adjustment mode is executed by recognizing the illustration 1 b that characterizes the optical axis chart 1.

  In the present embodiment, execution of the optical axis adjustment mode by a voltage applied to the camera module will be described. In the present embodiment, the illustration 1b as in the previous embodiment is not necessary.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the camera module of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the camera module 200 of this embodiment includes a power / signal separation circuit 25 instead of the optical axis adjustment mode determination unit 18 of the camera module 100, and is further provided outside the camera case 2. A power source 24 is provided.

  The power / signal separation circuit 25 determines whether or not to execute the optical axis adjustment mode based on the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply 24. The power source / signal separation circuit 25 determines the execution of the optical axis adjustment mode based on the voltage value supplied from the power source 24 or the voltage waveform. That is, in the present embodiment, a voltage value or a voltage waveform for determining the optical axis adjustment mode is provided.

  More specifically, the camera module 200 of the present embodiment operates by determining the shift to the optical axis adjustment mode based on the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply 24 or a signal superimposed on the power supply voltage.

  Here, a description will be given of an example of determination of transition to the optical axis adjustment mode based on a voltage value. In the normal mode in which optical axis adjustment is not performed, the camera module 200 is activated when a voltage of 5 V is supplied from the power supply 24 and outputs a video signal. When it is desired to start the camera module 200 in the optical axis adjustment mode state, a voltage value higher than the voltage (5 V) at the time of starting the normal mode is supplied from the power source 24. At this time, the power supply / signal separation circuit 25 recognizes that a voltage higher than that in the normal mode is input. Then, the power source / signal separation circuit 25 outputs a signal for executing the optical axis adjustment mode to the optical axis adjustment unit 6. Thereby, as in the first embodiment, the optical axis adjustment mode is executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, switching to the optical axis adjustment mode is performed using the specific subject optical axis chart 1 for implementing the optical axis adjustment mode.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, switching to the optical axis adjustment mode is performed according to the voltage value applied to the camera module. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the optical axis chart 10 having the center line 10a representing the center line or the center of the optical axis adjustment is used without having the illustration 1b as in the above-described embodiment. For this reason, the optical axis chart 1 having the specific illustration 1b for executing the optical axis adjustment mode used in the above-described embodiment becomes unnecessary. That is, in this embodiment, the optical axis adjustment mode can be executed without recognizing the specific optical axis chart 1. Further, the start mode can be controlled by voltage control from outside without adding a new signal line to the camera case 2.

  In the above description, the optical axis adjustment mode determination signal is a voltage value supplied from the power supply 24. However, in order to execute the optical axis adjustment mode, a signal having a specific waveform may be superimposed on the power supply voltage. The same operational effects as in the determination of the optical axis adjustment mode based on the voltage value are obtained.

It can be said that the imaging apparatus of the present invention has the following characteristics.
(1) The function of determining whether the optical axis is good or bad by the optical axis adjustment mode is executed by imaging a specific subject (optical axis chart).
(2) The optical axis is adjusted by an optical axis adjustment unit provided in the imaging apparatus so that the optical axis is determined to be good in the optical axis adjustment mode (that is, the optical axis deviation is within an allowable range).
(3) Temporarily store (hold) the position or setting at which the optical axis is judged good, and apply it to the subsequent activation.

  In addition to performing optical axis adjustment using a specific subject (optical axis chart), the imaging apparatus of the present invention can also implement an optical axis adjustment mode using, for example, a voltage value or a voltage waveform.

  That is, the imaging device of the present invention starts the imaging device with a specific voltage value for executing the optical axis adjustment mode, and executes the optical axis adjustment mode, instead of imaging a specific subject (optical axis chart). May be. Further, instead of the specific subject (optical axis chart), a specific signal wave for executing the optical axis adjustment mode may be superimposed on the power supply voltage, the imaging apparatus may be activated, and the optical axis adjustment mode may be executed. .

  According to these configurations, when a camera module is completed in a camera case, a specific imaging subject is captured in a state where the product (camera module) is mounted on a device in which the product (camera module) is used, for example, in a state where it is mounted on a vehicle Thus, the optical axis adjustment state can be entered, the optical axis adjustment can be performed without requiring external control, and the adjustment result can be saved. Similarly, as to whether the mounting position and the optical axis are correctly installed, an external device such as an electronic line generator is not required, the wiring connection is not changed, and the optical axis is correct using a vehicle-mounted monitoring device. Judgment can be made.

  These configurations can also be said to solve the following problems. That is, the optical axis adjustment as a conventional camera module is performed in the state of the lens and the substrate before entering the case. The reason is that when the optical axis center of the lens and the optical axis center of the image sensor are mechanically aligned, it is difficult to work without a case. In particular, since a camera mounted on a vehicle is put in a waterproof case, it is difficult to adjust mechanically from the outside of the case. Also, a method of electronically adjusting the optical axis is conceivable, but in that case, it is disadvantageous in terms of cost because it is necessary to arrange a connection connector in consideration of waterproofness in the waterproof case. In the inspection of whether the camera optical axis is in the correct orientation after being attached to the vehicle, an optical line chart is imaged and an electronic line generator indicating whether the position of the chart is in the correct range is attached and fixed to the vehicle The installation between the camera and the TV monitor mounted on the vehicle is limited in labor and time for changing the wiring and the mounting position. The present invention takes an image of a subject at a predetermined position and a specific subject and shifts to an optical axis adjustment state without requiring a new connection from the outside, thereby adjusting the optical axis in a vehicle-mounted state. It is possible to provide a device that can easily determine whether the optical axis is good or bad.

  In addition, the object of the present invention is not to mechanically adjust and absorb the optical axis deviation (error) allowed for the entire product of the imaging device, but only by the relationship between the lens and the substrate on which the lens is provided, It can be said that the optical axis adjustment in the final product state can be easily performed and the optical axis adjustment work process is simplified.

  A configuration for achieving this object is, for example, a monitor system in which a specific optical axis chart 1, an imaging apparatus having an optical axis adjustment mode determination function and an optical axis adjustment function, and a monitor are combined.

  With this configuration, regardless of whether the camera module is installed on the board or stored in the camera case, the optical axis can be accurately adjusted or optical axis misalignment can be determined even when the camera module is in use. You can. That is, in this configuration, when a specific subject is imaged, the optical axis adjustment mode is shifted by electrical processing. In the optical axis adjustment mode, the optical axis is automatically adjusted so that the imaging line is within the allowable range. For this reason, even when the camera module is alone or attached to a vehicle or the like, it is possible to adjust the optical axis and determine whether the optical axis is acceptable without external communication.

  In other words, in the conventional technology, the optical axis adjustment and the optical axis inspection of the camera module image the reference optical axis chart at the reference position. Then, the positional relationship between the lens and the substrate was mechanically (mechanically) adjusted so that the imaging line can be within the allowable range of the electronic line on the TV monitor via the electronic line generator. . However, in this case, in order to adjust the optical axis according to the positional relationship between the lens and the substrate, it is necessary to absorb variations in camera case, angle, and vehicle mounting accuracy only by the accuracy of the camera module; In such a state, there is a problem that the optical axis inspection (pass / fail judgment of the optical axis) cannot be performed; since the camera module is put in a case in a finished product state and attached to an angle, an electronic line generator cannot be connected.

  In order to solve this problem, in the present invention, an optical axis chart having a peculiar pattern as a subject for adjusting the optical axis, and a DSP that processes an image obtained through a lens are used. By providing the function of recognizing, the optical axis can be adjusted without any special operation from the outside. Further, the imaging apparatus of the present invention may have the following functions. The CCD is provided with a predetermined number of pixels (excess pixels) in order to adjust the optical axis. The DSP has a function for calculating the difference between the optical axis center position of the subject and the determined optical axis allowable range, a function for adjusting (adjusting) the optical axis, and imaging up to a pixel position necessary for adjusting the optical axis. It has a function to change the surface. In addition, a display function is provided that can visually determine that the center of the optical axis is within the optical axis allowable range. By storing the obtained adjustment result in a predetermined storage device, an image can be output at a predetermined optical axis adjustment position from the next activation.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention relates to a camera module having a two-dimensional solid-state image pickup device, and in particular, a vehicle without wiring a signal line for adjustment for an in-vehicle camera used in a state of being attached to the vehicle. It can be said that the optical axis error for each is adjusted or determined.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Since the present invention can display an accurate image with the optical axis adjusted without causing malfunction, noise, image distortion, or the like even in a finished product state, the digital still camera, video camera, crime prevention The present invention can be applied to various cameras that require optical axis correction, such as cameras or cameras for mobile phones, vehicles, and intercoms.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the camera module concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the optical axis adjustment part in the camera module of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the structure which mounted the camera module of FIG. 1 in the vehicle. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the camera module concerning another embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the effective imaging surface and effective imaging surface concerning this embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the vertical transfer time and the vertical transfer rate in the standardized video system. It is a figure which compares the imaging system in the imaging device of this invention, and the conventional imaging device. In FIG. 7, it is a figure which compares the read-out range of CCD of 1H period. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the conventional camera module.

Explanation of symbols

1 Optical axis chart 3 Lens (optical element)
4 CCD (solid-state image sensor)
6 Optical axis adjustment section 9 Monitor (display section)
10 Optical axis chart 14 Vehicle 18 Setting storage element (storage unit)
100/200 Camera module (imaging device)

Claims (10)

A solid-state image sensor that photoelectrically converts incident light incident from the optical element;
An optical axis adjustment unit that adjusts an optical axis shift of the solid-state image sensor based on a video signal output from the solid-state image sensor;
The solid-state imaging device has an effective imaging surface that is larger than the effective imaging surface of the standardized video system by an excess pixel,
The optical axis adjustment unit reads out the entire video signal of the effective imaging surface, and outputs an image signal equal to the effective imaging surface from the entire video signal of the effective imaging surface so that the optical axis shift is within an allowable range. An image pickup apparatus configured to execute a cut-out optical axis adjustment mode.   The optical axis adjustment unit is configured to execute the optical axis adjustment mode when the subject imaged by the solid-state imaging device is an optical axis chart for executing the optical axis adjustment mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The optical axis adjustment unit is
Stores the signal for specifying the optical axis chart,
An optical axis adjustment mode determination unit that determines execution of an optical axis adjustment mode by comparing a video signal output from the solid-state imaging device with a signal for specifying the optical axis chart. Item 3. The imaging device according to Item 2.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores a cut-out position of the effective imaging surface adjusted by the optical axis adjustment unit.   The pixels on the effective imaging surface including the surplus pixels are vertically transferred in a time shorter than the blanking period determined from the standardized video system, and are the same as the vertical transfer rate in the vertical transfer time (t). The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is set as follows. The standardized video system is the NTSC system,
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surplus pixels on the effective imaging surface are set within a range of 20 pixels or less in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the effective imaging surface.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays an optical axis adjustment state in the optical axis adjustment unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis adjustment unit executes the optical axis adjustment mode when a drive voltage for executing the optical axis adjustment mode is applied. .   2. The optical axis adjustment unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis adjustment unit is configured to execute the optical axis adjustment mode when a voltage having a drive waveform for executing the optical axis adjustment mode is applied. 3. Imaging device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is for mounting on a vehicle.

Images