JP2008046652A - Photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus capable of photographing a stereoscopic image or high quality panorama image as necessary while retaining portability to a degree equal to or higher than a conventional camera in the case of using it as a single-eye camera that captures a regular two-dimensional image. <P>SOLUTION: Using a joint 32 or connector 30, a second photographing unit 14 having a photographing optical system is freely detachably attached to a first photographing unit 12 functioning as a photographing apparatus alone. The second photographing unit 14 is capable of sequentially extensively connecting other units having the same connection structures. As a means for transferring information between the units, the slot 22 of the external storage device 26 is used. In addition, a means is provided for adjusting the positions of the photographic images obtained by the second and subsequent photographing units relative to a photographic image obtained by the first photographing unit 12. In synchronization with the release signal of the first photographing unit 12, other units are driven and simultaneous photographing or consecutive photographing is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, and more particularly to a photographing apparatus that is capable of photographing a stereoscopic video or a panoramic image and that is suitable for carrying.

Many devices that provide two optical systems in one camera and take a stereoscopic image have been proposed (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.). In addition, a method has been proposed in which a single camera switches and captures a stereoscopic image and a normal two-dimensional image according to selection (Patent Document 3).
JP-A-6-273172 JP-A-8-317424 JP-A-8-317425

  However, since the devices proposed in the past are premised on that the camera body is equipped with two photographing optical systems, the form of the camera is large, and only ordinary two-dimensional images are to be photographed. In this case, portability is impaired and it is very difficult to handle.

  Also, an adapter that guides both the left-eye image and the right-eye image to one optical path has been proposed. However, this method divides the effective pixels of the image sensor into two regions, and the image quality is sufficient. There is a disadvantage that it cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when used as a camera for obtaining a normal two-dimensional image, a three-dimensional image is obtained as necessary while maintaining portability equivalent to or higher than that of a conventional camera. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing device that can photograph images and high-quality panoramic images.

  In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to the present invention is capable of directly attaching and detaching a second photographing unit having a second photographing optical system to a first photographing unit having a first photographing optical system. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, the second photographing unit can be directly connected to the main body of the first photographing unit that functions as a photographing device by itself as required. When general shooting (normal shooting) is performed, the first shooting unit is used alone, and a second shooting is performed on the first shooting unit as necessary when shooting a stereoscopic image or a panoramic image. Connect the units to configure a multi-lens camera.

  In this way, the photographing unit is modularized, and the form of the optical system can be freely changed to monocular / multiple according to the purpose of use and conditions, so that portability is impaired when used as a normal monocular camera. In addition, even when used as a multi-lens camera, it is possible to easily connect the photographing units to expand the functions, and there is no waste in the construction of the photographing apparatus.

  As described above, according to the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the photographing unit including the photographing optical system is modularized, and a plurality of photographing units are provided as necessary in the first photographing unit that can function as the photographing apparatus independently. Since it is connected, it does not impair portability when used as a normal monocular camera. Also, when used as a multi-lens camera, it can be easily connected to expand the function. Therefore, there is no waste in the configuration of the photographing apparatus.

  In particular, a series of related images can be easily acquired by operating a plurality of photographing units in synchronization (or in conjunction). Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a stereoscopic image or a panoramic image, and to use a plurality of image data to detect depth information and to give a special effect such as blurring the background.

  Furthermore, by providing a means for adjusting the shift of the optical system between the connected photographing units, a high-quality stereoscopic image or panoramic image can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This photographing apparatus 10 includes a first photographing unit (main camera) 12 that functions as a single camera and a first photographing unit 12. And a second photographing unit 14 that is detachably connectable. The first photographing unit 12 is provided with a photographing lens 16, a finder window 17 and a strobe 18 on the front surface of the main body, and a release button 20 on the upper part of the main body. A solid-state imaging device (CCD) (not shown) is disposed behind the photographing lens 16, and image light imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD through the photographing lens 16 has an amount corresponding to the amount of light. It is converted into a signal charge and read out as an image signal based on a drive pulse applied from a CCD drive circuit (not shown). Although it is necessary to select an appropriate number of pixels of the CCD in relation to the desired image quality, those having 350,000 pixels or more are preferable. Note that the image pickup means is not limited to the CCD, but may be an image pickup element of a MOS type, a CID type or the like.

  In addition, a slot 22 (corresponding to an information transmission means and an information transmission / reception unit) for an external storage device is formed on the right side surface of the first photographing unit 12 in FIG. Joint holes 24 and 24 (corresponding to connecting portions) for connecting the second photographing unit 14 are formed. The external storage device 26 can take various forms such as a PC card, smart media (image memory card), flash memory card, and IC card.

  The second photographing unit 14 is provided with a photographing lens 28 having the same specifications as that of the first photographing unit 12, and a solid-state image sensor (CCD) is disposed behind the lens similarly to the first photographing unit 12. On the left side surface of the second imaging unit 14, a connector 30 (information transmission means, corresponding to the second information transmission / reception unit) having a shape suitable for the slot 22 of the first imaging unit 12 is sandwiched. The upper and lower joints (corresponding to the engaging means) 32 and 32 are provided, and the second photographing unit 14 can be attached to and detached from the first photographing unit 12 via the connector 30 and the joints 32 and 32.

  When performing normal photographing, the first photographing unit 12 is used alone, and an external storage device 26 is attached to the slot 22 to be used as a monocular camera. When performing stereoscopic shooting or panoramic shooting, a second camera unit 14 is connected to form a multi-lens camera. That is, the engaging members 32 and 32 of the second photographing unit 14 are fitted into the joint holes 24 and 24 of the first photographing unit 12 and the connector 30 is connected to the slot 22 of the first photographing unit 12. The two are coupled together, and the two photographing optical systems are arranged horizontally. Then, a signal (data) is exchanged between the two photographing units using the slot 22 for the external storage device.

  Further, on the right side surface of the second photographing unit 14, as in the first photographing unit 12, a slot 34 for external storage (corresponding to a third information transmitting / receiving unit) and joint holes 36, 36 (second Corresponding to the connecting portion). Therefore, another unit having the same connection structure as the connector 30 and the joint 32 described above can be connected to the second photographing unit 14, and a plurality of units can be sequentially connected in an expanded manner. .

  FIG. 2 is a view of the state in which the second photographing unit 14 is connected to the first photographing unit 12 as viewed from the back side. On the back surface of the first photographing unit 12, a liquid crystal monitor (LCD) 40, a mode dial 42, a power switch 43, a viewfinder eyepiece (view window) 44, and the like are provided.

  The liquid crystal monitor 40 is a means for displaying an image photographed through the photographing optical system, image information read from the external storage device 26 (not shown in FIG. 2), and the like. Used. Although the detailed structure of the liquid crystal monitor 40 is not shown, a parallax barrier display layer is provided on the surface of the liquid crystal monitor 40. In the stereo display mode, the parallax barrier display layer has a light transmission portion and a light transmission portion. A slit-shaped (strip-shaped) pattern that generates a parallax barrier composed of a pattern in which light shielding portions are alternately arranged at a predetermined pitch, and shows left and right images (or a plurality of display images) on the lower image display surface. The image fragments are alternately arranged and displayed to enable stereoscopic viewing. Further, by using the same principle, a picture change display whose display contents change depending on the viewing direction is also possible. For example, when creating three types of picture change display bodies, the image fragment A for the first display image, An image pattern is formed in which the image fragment B for the second display image and the image fragment C for the third display image are arranged in a circular manner such as ABCABCABC.

  The mode dial 42 is provided in the upper right corner of the first photographing unit 12, that is, the place where the thumb of the right hand holding the right part of the camera (grip part) in FIG. The mode dial 42 is an operation means for changing the function (mode) of the camera. For example, for each click stop position along the circumferential direction, “SETUP”, “Self-timer”, “Manual shooting”, “ Symbols or characters indicating modes such as “auto shooting”, “playback”, “erase”, “image protection (protect)”, “PC (PC) connection” are formed in order.

  The mode setting is performed by rotating the mode dial 42 clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG.

  A cross key 48 is provided on the back surface of the second photographing unit 14. This cross key 48 is an operation key that can be tilted in four directions that are perpendicular to the top, bottom, left, and right, and has a dish-like shape with a recessed central part, and is vertically movable on an inclined surface from the outer peripheral edge toward the central flat part. Marks indicating the operation directions of the left and right four directions are formed.

  The cross key 48 is tilted by pressing the vicinity of one of the marks indicating the four directions (up, down, left, and right), and instructions for the corresponding four directions (up, down, right, left) can be input. Yes. The cross key 48 corresponds to means for correcting a deviation between an image acquired by the imaging optical system of the first imaging unit 12 and an image acquired by the imaging optical system of the second imaging unit 14. By operating the cross key 48, the direction and displacement amount for finely adjusting the position and angle of the image acquired by the imaging optical system of the second imaging unit 14 are input.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the upper part shows the first photographing unit 12, and the lower part shows the second photographing unit 14. The first imaging unit 12 includes an imaging lens 16, an imaging circuit 50, a lens driving device 52, an auto system detection unit 53 (corresponding to an AE detection unit, an AWB detection unit, and an AF detection unit), a synchronization signal generation circuit 54, and a memory 56. , An image reproducing device 57, a connection detecting means 58, a control CPU (central processing unit) 60, etc., and each circuit is connected via a bus 62.

  Similarly to the first photographing unit 12, the second photographing unit 14 includes a photographing lens 28, an image pickup circuit 64, a lens driving device 66, and a memory 66, and a gain adjustment circuit 70 that adjusts the gain of the video signal. A display position adjusting device 72 for adjusting the position of images obtained from the two imaging systems is provided.

  The imaging circuits 50 and 64 each include a CCD, a CDS circuit, a gain adjustment circuit, an A / D converter, and the like. The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD via the photographing lenses 16 and 28 is photoelectrically converted in the CCD and sequentially read out as a video signal. The video signal read from the CCD is sampled and held for each pixel by a CDS circuit, amplified by a gain control amplifier (not shown), and then converted into dot-sequential digital signals of R, G, and B by an A / D converter. It is converted and output.

  The auto system detection unit 53 includes an AE integration circuit, an auto white balance (AWB) gain detection circuit, and an autofocus (AF) value detection circuit. The auto system detection unit 53 detects a photometric value (AE value) based on an imaging output signal (R, G, B digital signal) for one frame received from the imaging circuit 50, and sets each RGB signal level. Then, the gain value (AWB value) of the RGB signal is calculated so as to match each signal level. The auto system detection unit 53 detects a focus evaluation value indicating the sharpness of the subject image based on the image signal received from the imaging circuit 50, and uses the focus evaluation value to determine a focus position (AF value). To detect. Thus, the obtained AE value, AWB value, and AF value are notified to the control CPU 60, and are used for controlling AE, AWB, and AF.

  The control CPU 60 comprehensively controls each circuit and controls the corresponding circuit based on various input signals input from the release switch 20, the mode dial 42, and other operation units. That is, the control CPU 60 performs exposure control by setting the image pickup system aperture device and the electronic shutter value of the CCD according to the AE value notified from the auto system detection member 53, and according to the AWB value notified from the auto system detection unit 53. Control the gain control amplifier to set the white balance. Further, the lens driving device 52 is controlled according to the AF value detected by the auto system detection unit 53, and the focus position of the photographing lens 16 is set.

  The control CPU 60 is also used as an image processing CPU. The image signal output from the imaging circuit 50 is used to generate a luminance (Y) signal, a color difference (C) signal, and compress / Perform decompression and other image signal processing.

  The image reproducing device 57 decodes image data processed based on the image signals read from the imaging circuits 50 and 64, image data read from the external storage device 26, and the like, and a liquid crystal monitor serving as an image display means. 40. In this way, the image captured by the CCD is displayed on the screen of the monitor 40, and the image data stored in the external storage device 26 can be reproduced and displayed.

  Before receiving a release signal (shooting start signal) generated by pressing the release button 20 or the like, a preview image (a moving image for confirmation or an intermittent image monitored before actual imaging) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 40. When the shooting start signal is received, the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 40 is frozen. In response to the reception of the imaging start signal, the image signal read from the imaging circuits 50 and 64 is subjected to a predetermined process, and then subjected to a compression process as necessary, and is recorded in the external storage device 26. The form of the recording medium is not limited to the detachable external storage device 26, and may be an internal memory built in each of the photographing units 12 and 14. Further, the photographing start signal may be applied from outside the photographing apparatus 10 such as a remote controller or an externally connected device. When the recording process described above is completed, the screen freeze is released and the display returns to the moving image or intermittent image display.

  The image data stored in the external storage device 26 can be read out under the control of the control CPU 60. The read image data is decompressed and then output to the liquid crystal monitor 40 via the image reproduction device 57. Is done.

  The first photographing unit 12 has connection detecting means 58 for detecting that the second photographing unit 14 is connected, and detects that the second photographing unit 14 is connected at the joint point. The control CPU 60 is notified of the detection signal.

  The synchronization signal generation circuit 54 provides timing signals for the imaging circuit 50, the auto system detection unit 53, the image processing circuit, and the like, and also provides a synchronization signal for signal processing to the second photographing unit 14.

  The second imaging unit 14 controls the imaging circuit 64 and the lens driving device 66 by the control CPU 74 based on the AE, AWB, and AF information obtained by the auto system detection unit 53 of the first imaging unit 12. Further, the control CPU 74 controls the gain adjustment circuit 70 so as to match the video signal of the second imaging unit 14 with the video signal level of the first imaging block based on the information received from the first imaging unit 12. . Note that the control CPU 74 of the second photographing unit 14 may be omitted, and the control CPU 60 of the first photographing unit 12 may also be used.

  Further, the second imaging unit 14 is also provided with an auto system detection unit 75, and the second imaging unit 14 can detect AE, AWB, and AF based on the image signal output from the imaging circuit 64. Good. In addition, when such a detection unit is provided, the detection unit (53) of the first imaging unit 12 detects AE and AWB, and the detection unit (75) of the second imaging unit 14 detects AF. For example, it is possible to share the detection target and mutually use the detection information.

  The display position adjustment device 72 is another means for correcting a shift between the imaging region of the imaging system of the first imaging unit 12 and the imaging region of the imaging system of the second imaging unit 14, and the CCD of the imaging circuit 64. And the output position of the second photographing unit 14 (the output output position of the CCD) so that the closest subject overlaps on the screen acquired from the two optical systems directed to the same subject. ).

  This is because when the photographic optical system of the first photographic unit 12 and the photographic optical system of the second photographic unit 14 are combined, the images of both are completely matched due to an error in the mounting position of each CCD. In view of the fact that this is difficult, means for adjusting the shift between the two images is provided on the second photographing unit 14 side.

  Specifically, the cross key 48 is displayed while displaying an image captured by the imaging system of the first imaging unit 12 and an image captured by the imaging system of the second imaging unit 14 on the liquid crystal monitor 40 in an overlapping manner. By operating, the image cutting position (area) and angle of the imaging system of the second photographing unit 14 are adjusted. The adjustment amount adjusted by the display position adjusting device 72 is stored in the memory 56 (or the internal memory of the control CPU 60) so that the adjusted state can be maintained once.

  Regarding the power source, the first photographing unit 12 and the second photographing unit 14 may be provided with individual power sources 77 and 78, respectively, but the power source 77 provided in the first photographing unit 12 is used as the second photographing unit. If the power supply 77 is shared and power is supplied from the power supply 77 to the second photographing unit 14, the power supply 78 of the second photographing unit 14 can be omitted.

  Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which two photographing units (12, 14) are connected, the number of units that can be connected is not limited as described above. In the photographing apparatus 10 formed by connecting a plurality of photographing units, in synchronization with the release signal of the first photographing unit 12, the second and subsequent other photographing units simultaneously capture images. In the continuous shooting mode, the image capturing timing of each photographing unit is shifted by a predetermined time with reference to the image capturing timing of the first photographing unit, and continuous shooting is performed with a time difference between the units.

  As described above, when a plurality of photographing units cooperate to execute photographing, the circuits of the other photographing units are driven by the synchronization signal issued from the synchronization signal generation circuit 54 of the first photographing unit 12. Alternatively, the second and subsequent photographing units may be provided with the synchronization signal generation circuit 80 and the synchronization signal generation circuit 80 of each photographing unit may be synchronized with the synchronization signal from the first photographing unit 12.

  When zoom lenses are used for the photographing lenses 16 and 28, the zoom magnifications of the photographing units (12, 14) coincide when the zoom operation unit (not shown) provided in the first photographing unit 12 is operated. As described above, it is preferable to supply the zoom operation signal of the first photographing unit 12 to other photographing units to drive and control the zoom mechanism.

  Further, when a plurality of shooting units are connected, the amount of image data acquired in one shooting differs depending on the number of connected units. It is preferable to provide means for automatically changing the display of the number of shots that can be taken based on the remaining memory capacity.

  As a modification of the imaging apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the lens unit (imaging unit) 82 of the second imaging unit 14 can be rotated within a horizontal plane (also in the vertical direction as necessary). It is preferable to provide means for automatically setting the rotation angle according to the angle of view of the lens (corresponding to the optical axis angle varying means). According to this aspect, the panorama image can be obtained by synthesizing the images obtained by the first and second photographing units 12 and 14 by the image processing means inside the camera or the external image processing means.

  Further, the lens unit 82 of the second photographing unit 14 is configured to be slidable in the horizontal direction, and means for setting the lens spacing of the first and second photographing units 12 and 14 according to the distance to the subject (variable lens spacing). (Corresponding to the means) is preferably provided.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, since the joint holes 36 and 36 are also formed on the side surface of the second photographing unit 14, the third photographing unit 84 can be further connected as shown in FIG. 5. Of course, by forming similar joint holes 85 and 85 and a slot 86 for an external storage device in the third photographing unit 84, a fourth photographing unit (not shown) can be connected. A plurality of photographing units can be freely connected without limitation.

  In addition to a mode in which photographing units having imaging means are connected, as shown in FIG. 6, a strobe unit 88 not including imaging means can be connected instead of the photographing unit. The strobe unit 88 includes a light emitting unit 89, joints 90 and 90, and a connector 91, and can be directly connected to the second photographing unit 14 or the first photographing unit 12. The strobe unit 88 also has joint holes 92 and 92 and a slot 93 for an external storage device so that other units can be connected in an expanded manner.

  According to such a configuration, there may be a mode in which the strobe 18 is omitted in the first photographing unit 12 and the strobe unit 88 is connected as necessary, or the strobe is disposed in the second and subsequent photographing units.

  Next, the operation of the photographing apparatus configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows a list of modes in the photographing apparatus of this example. The function of the imaging device 10 will be described with reference to this chart. The first photographing unit 12 can be separated from the second photographing unit 14 and used alone as a normal camera. In this case, the external storage device 26 is mounted in the external storage device slot 22 and used, and the captured image data is stored in the external storage device 26.

  When a plurality of photographing units such as the second photographing unit 14 are connected to the first photographing unit 12, it can be used for various uses such as a stereoscopic mode and a panoramic mode. That is, in the stereoscopic mode, two images with different viewpoints can be obtained by simultaneously capturing a left-eye image and a right-eye image with two imaging units.

  The panorama mode is set by tilting the optical axis of the second photographing unit 14 outward, and the first photographing unit 12 and the second photographing unit 14 are photographed simultaneously. Then, by joining the two images through image processing, a panoramic image that is long in the horizontal direction is obtained.

  In the pan focus mode, images at different focus positions are simultaneously acquired by a plurality of photographing units, and respective in-focus areas are combined to obtain an image in focus throughout the entire screen. In the dynamic range expansion mode, a plurality of photographing units are simultaneously photographed while changing exposure conditions, and by combining these data, one image having a wide dynamic range is synthesized. In the special effect mode, depth distribution information is extracted from images obtained by simultaneous photographing with a plurality of photographing units, and a portion other than a specific distance (for example, a portion corresponding to the background) is blurred based on the depth value. To obtain an image that emphasizes the main subject.

  In the multi-zoom mode, simultaneous photographing is performed by changing the focal length (angle of view) of each lens of a plurality of photographing units (lenses). When photographing in this mode, the main subject is photographed at a high magnification (telephoto), and each image data is associated, so that the main subject can be enlarged and displayed with high image quality during reproduction. Note that the image processing method in each mode of the pan focus mode, the dynamic range expansion mode, the special effect mode, and the multi-zoom mode is not limited to the imaging apparatus 10 of this example, and is widely used as an image processing technique that handles a plurality of image data. It is possible to apply. In the continuous shooting mode, as described above, continuous shooting is performed by driving a plurality of photographing units at predetermined time intervals.

  When recording the image data acquired in each of the shooting modes described above, two recording modes are prepared: a file composition mode and a single file mode. The file composition mode is a mode in which a series of related files (image data files) obtained by a plurality of photographing units simultaneously or by a linked operation having a certain continuity are recorded as one image file.

  The single file mode is a mode in which related files obtained in each photographing unit are individually recorded as files, and a file name (name) related to the related files is automatically given. For example, “L” is added to the file name of the data file for the left eye image, and “R” is added to the file name of the right eye image.

  Note that it is preferable to assign different series names so that the file name automatically given in the file composition mode and the file name automatically given in the single file mode can be distinguished at a glance. Such file management is performed by the control CPU 60.

  When reproducing and displaying an image, four modes of a single mode, a multi mode, an overlay mode, and a parallax barrier mode can be selected. In the single mode, one image file data is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 40 alone. In the multi mode, a plurality of image files are arranged and displayed on a monitor screen. In the overlay mode, a plurality of images processed in a semi-transparent state are displayed on the monitor screen in an overlapping manner. The image position can be adjusted by the display position adjusting device 72 while watching the overlapping images.

  In the parallax barrier mode, a parallax barrier is formed on the parallax barrier display layer of the liquid crystal monitor 40, and strip-like image fragments of the left eye image and the right eye image are alternately arranged corresponding to the pitch of the parallax barrier. A three-dimensional display is carried out by forming an image pattern arranged in the same manner.

  There are two types of strobes, a single-shot mode and a simultaneous emission mode. The single-shot mode is a mode in which only a single strobe is emitted, and the consent emission mode is a mode in which a plurality of strobes are simultaneously emitted.

  In addition to the modes shown in the chart of FIG. 7, the photographing apparatus 10 has the following functions.

  It is also possible to selectively use only an arbitrary photographing unit by adding means for prohibiting an arbitrary photographing unit photographing operation or recording operation in a state where a plurality of photographing units are connected. In this case, it is preferable to suppress useless power consumption by turning off the power for the unused unit.

  A file management unit is provided that combines a plurality of image data photographed with a time difference in the monocular mode into one image file. Alternatively, a plurality of image data photographed with a time difference in these monocular modes are converted into a plurality of image files and associated with file names.

  In the photographing apparatus 10 described above, non-contact communication means (wireless communication means) using infrared rays, radio waves, or other electromagnetic waves is used as data transfer means between the first photographing unit 12 and the second and subsequent photographing units. Thus, it is possible to photograph at the same time even when the units are separated.

  In the above embodiment, a liquid crystal monitor is used as the image display means. However, the form of the image display means is not limited to the liquid crystal, and various other devices such as an EL (electro luminescence) display, an LED (light emitting diode) display, and a plasma display. Forms are possible.

  In the above description, the image light indicating the subject is converted into an electrical signal by using an imaging means such as a CCD, and an apparatus (electronic camera) that acquires an electronic image is described as an example. However, in the present invention, the image light is converted into a photographic film. The present invention can also be applied to a photographing apparatus using a camera (silver salt camera) that records on other photosensitive materials, and can be applied not only to a device that captures still images but also to a device that captures moving images such as a video camera.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention The rear side perspective view of the imaging device of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device of FIG. The perspective view which shows other embodiment of this invention The perspective view which shows the form example which connected 3 imaging | photography units. The perspective view which shows a mode that it replaces with an imaging | photography unit and connects a flash unit The chart which shows the mode list of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device 12 ... 1st imaging | photography unit 14 ... 2nd imaging | photography unit 16, 28 ... Shooting lens 22, 34 ... Slot 24, 36 ... Joint hole 30 ... Connector 32 ... Joint 40 ... Liquid crystal monitor 53 ... Auto system detection Unit 58 ... Connection detection means 60 ... Control CPU

Claims (6)

  A second photographing unit having a second photographing optical system is detachably provided to the first photographing unit having the first photographing optical system, and the second photographing unit is provided with respect to the first photographing unit. Connection detection means for detecting that a photographing unit is connected, information transmission means for transferring information between a plurality of photographing units, and control for synchronizing or interlocking photographing operations of a plurality of photographing units with a synchronization signal An imaging apparatus comprising: means; and means for adjusting a position of an image captured by the second imaging unit with respect to an image captured by the first imaging unit.   The second photographing unit further has a structure in which a third photographing unit having a third photographing optical system can be directly attached and detached, and is configured such that a plurality of photographing units can be sequentially connected. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1.   2. An electronic camera used as the first photographing unit according to claim 1, wherein the second photographing unit is connected to the side surface of the main body via the connecting portion and the connecting portion connected to the second photographing unit. And an information transmission / reception unit for transferring data to and from the electronic camera.   4. An imaging unit detachable from the electronic camera according to claim 3, comprising imaging means for converting light from a subject into an electrical signal, and having an arrangement equivalent to that of an imaging optical system mounted on the electronic camera. And a second information transmitting / receiving unit connectable to the information transmitting / receiving unit.   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photographing unit between the second connecting portion to which the other third photographing unit is connected and the third photographing unit connected through the second connecting portion. And a third information transmission / reception unit for transferring data.   A strobe unit having a structure that is detachable from the electronic camera according to claim 3 or the photographing unit according to claim 5, and that emits light based on a photographing start signal of the first photographing unit.

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