JP2011250022A - Camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system capable of: varying a baseline length and correcting a deviation of an image according to a distance from a subject; and easily taking a stereoscopic image without blur or image separation.SOLUTION: The camera system of this invention includes a first camera and a second camera capable of being coupled with the first camera through a coupling part. The first camera is capable of generating a cut-out image from the optical image formed in a first image generation area which is movable and has a prescribed size. The second camera is capable of generating a cut-out image from the optical image formed in a second image generation area which is movable and has a prescribed size. A stereoscopically visible stereoscopic image is generated from a pair of cut-out images generated by the first camera and the second camera.

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera system that generates a stereoscopic image by photographing a subject from different viewpoints using a plurality of cameras.

  2. Description of the Related Art A technique for capturing a stereoscopically visible still image or a stereoscopically viewable moving image (hereinafter simply referred to as a stereoscopic image) by capturing the same subject from different viewpoints having parallax is known. The stereoscopic image is also referred to as a stereo image, a 3D image, a stereoscopic image, or the like.

  As a method for photographing a stereoscopic image, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-27702, a method of photographing using a camera including two photographing lenses, or for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-33395 is disclosed. As disclosed in the official gazette, a method is known in which two cameras are placed apart and photographed.

JP-A-11-27702 JP 2006-33395 A

  When shooting stereoscopic images, if multiple images of the same subject captured by multiple cameras cause a field of view shift or a tilt of the field of view with respect to the baseline, the image becomes blurred when viewing the stereoscopic image. It can be seen as a double image. Further, in capturing a stereoscopic image, it is preferable that the base line length and the convergence angle can be changed according to the distance between the camera and the subject in order to give the viewer a clear stereoscopic effect.

  For example, in the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-27702, since the baseline length and the convergence angle are fixed, if the image misalignment other than the baseline axis direction is initially set as a camera, the image misalignment is corrected. It is easy to lose. However, since the baseline length and the convergence angle cannot be changed according to the subject distance, stereoscopic images cannot be taken for various subjects.

  Moreover, in the method of disposing and photographing two cameras as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-33395, the baseline length and the convergence angle can be changed to appropriate values according to the subject distance. it can. However, it is difficult to accurately arrange two cameras arranged separately so that a stereoscopic image can be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the baseline length can be changed according to the distance from the subject and the shift of the image can be corrected, so that a stereoscopic image without blur or image separation can be easily obtained. A camera system capable of photographing is provided.

  The camera system of the present invention includes a first imaging lens that forms an optical image of a subject, and a first imaging unit having a first light-receiving area disposed at the imaging position of the first imaging lens. A first camera, a second photographing lens that can be coupled to the first camera via a coupling unit, and forms an optical image of the subject in a state coupled to the first camera, and the second photographing A second camera having a second imaging unit having a second light-receiving area disposed at an image forming position of the lens, wherein the first camera is movable within the first light-receiving area A cut-out image of the optical image formed in the first image generation area having a predetermined size can be generated, and the second camera has a predetermined size movable in the second light-receiving area. Before being imaged in the second image generation area It is capable of generating a clipped image of the optical image, and generating a stereoscopic image stereoscopically viewable from a pair of cut-out images of the first camera and the second camera is generated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily capture a stereoscopic image without blurring or image separation while the base line length can be changed according to the distance to the subject.

It is a perspective view which shows the front side of a camera system. It is a perspective view which shows the back side of a camera system. It is a figure explaining the structure of a 1st camera. It is a figure explaining the structure of a 2nd camera. It is a figure explaining the 1st and 2nd light receivable range and the 1st and 2nd image generation area. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of a to-be-photographed object and a camera system. It is a figure explaining the state which the visual field of the 1st camera and the 2nd camera has shifted | deviated. It is a figure explaining a visual field adjustment process. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of a to-be-photographed object and a camera system. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a to-be-photographed object distance and a parallax angle when a human sees with both eyes. FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the parallax amount in the case of a subject distance of 3 m is converted into a parallax amount on the image field side at each subject distance by a nodal distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the image pick-up element space | interval of a camera system, and the amount of parallax. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a camera system. It is a figure explaining the 1st and 2nd light receivable range and 1st and 2nd image generation area in 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing used for the following description, the scale is different for each component in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of the component described in the figure, the shape of the component, the ratio of the size of the component, and the relative positional relationship of each component.

(First embodiment)
The camera system 1 of the present embodiment is an apparatus that can capture at least one of a stereoscopically viewable still image and a stereoscopically viewable moving image (hereinafter simply referred to as a stereoscopic image). A stereoscopic image is generally referred to as a stereo image, a 3D image, or a stereoscopic image. The camera system 1 includes two cameras for photographing the same subject from two viewpoints at different positions.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the camera system 1 includes a first camera 10 and a second camera 300 that can be separated from each other via a coupling portion described in detail later. The first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are for photographing a subject from different viewpoints, and are a photographing lens for forming an optical image of the subject, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS sensor. And an image pickup unit including an image pickup device called “etc.”. Although described later in detail, the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are configured to be capable of wired communication or wireless communication by a communication unit.

  The coupling unit has a configuration in which the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are positioned and coupled by, for example, fitting, screwing, electromagnetic force, or the like. 1 and 2, the coupling unit couples the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 with the intermediate member 400 disposed between the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. You can also. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are mechanically coupled via the intermediate member 400.

  In the following description, the direction from the body unit 100 toward the subject is referred to as the front, and the opposite is referred to as the rear. In addition, an axis parallel to the optical axis O1 of the first camera 10 is defined as a Z axis, and two axes orthogonal to each other on a plane orthogonal to the Z axis are defined as an X axis and a Y axis.

  When the camera system 1 is viewed from the subject side (front side) in a state where the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are coupled, the viewpoint (node) of the first camera 10 and the viewpoint (node) of the second camera 300 ) And the Y axis are parallel to each other.

  Therefore, when a stereoscopic image is taken with the camera system 1 in a state where the baseline is horizontal, the Y axis is substantially horizontal as shown in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the second camera 300 is located on the left side of the first camera 10 when viewed from the subject side as an example of the shooting posture of the camera system 1, the shooting posture of the camera system 1 is shown. The state where the second camera 300 is located on the right side of the first camera 10 can also be selected.

  First, the detailed configuration of the first camera 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the first camera 10 of the present embodiment includes a first photographing lens 202 that forms an optical image of a subject, and, for example, a charge coupled device disposed at the imaging position of the first photographing lens 202. And a first image pickup unit 117 having a form called an image pickup device such as a (CCD) or a CMOS sensor. The first camera 10 includes a body unit 100 having a first imaging unit 117 and a lens unit 200 that is detachably attached to the body unit 100 and has a first imaging lens 202.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of the lens unit 200 is controlled by a lens control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “Lucom”) 201 disposed in the lens unit 200. The operation of the body unit 100 is controlled by a body control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “Bucom”) 101 disposed in the body unit 100.

  In a state where the lens unit 200 is attached to the body unit 100, the Lucom 201 and the Bucom 101 are electrically connected to each other via the communication connector 102 so as to communicate with each other. The Lucom 201 is configured to operate in cooperation with the Bucom 101 in a dependent manner.

  The lens unit 200 may be configured integrally with the body unit 100. The operation of the lens unit 200 may be configured to be controlled only by the Bucom 101.

  The first imaging lens 202 is held in the lens unit 200. The lens unit 200 is detachable through a lens mount (not shown) provided on the side of the body unit 100 facing the subject. With this configuration, the first camera 10 can be mounted and photographed by replacing the first photographing lens 202 with a lens having a different focal length, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the first photographing lens 202 includes a focus lens 202a and a variable power lens 202b. The focus lens 202a is driven by an actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the lens driving mechanism 204. The variable magnification lens 202b is driven by an actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the zoom drive mechanism 206.

  The lens unit 200 is provided with a diaphragm 203. The diaphragm 203 is driven by an actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the diaphragm drive mechanism 205. Information on the focusing distance, focal length, and aperture value of the first photographic lens 202 is detected by a position encoder (not shown) and the like, and is input to the Bucom 101 via the Lucom 201 and the communication connector 102.

  The first imaging unit 117 is held in the body unit 100 via an imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159 described later. As shown in FIG. 5, the first imaging unit 117 includes a rectangular first light-receiving area 117 a.

  The first imaging unit 117 includes a first light receiving area 117a which is a light receiving surface in the body unit 100 so that the first light receiving area 117a is substantially orthogonal to the Z axis and the long side L1 of the first light receiving area 117a is parallel to the X axis. It is arranged. That is, when the camera system 1 in a state in which the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are combined is viewed from the subject side, the long side L1 of the first light receiving area 117a is the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. Is substantially orthogonal to the base line formed by For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the camera system 1 is held so that the base line is horizontal, the long side L1 of the first light receiving area 117a of the first imaging unit 117 is along a vertical plane.

  In the present embodiment, an optical filter 118 such as a low-pass filter and a dustproof filter 119 are disposed on the front side of the first imaging unit 117. A piezoelectric element 120 is attached to the periphery of the dust filter 119. The piezoelectric element 120 is configured to vibrate the dust filter 119 at a predetermined frequency determined by the size and material by the dust filter control circuit 121. Due to the vibration of the piezoelectric element 120, dust attached to the dustproof filter 119 can be removed.

  A shutter 108 having a form generally referred to as a focal plane shutter is disposed on the front side of the dust filter 119. The body unit 100 also includes a shutter charge mechanism 112 that charges a spring that drives the front curtain and rear curtain of the shutter 108, and a shutter control circuit 113 that controls the movement of the front curtain and rear curtain. . Note that the optical filter 118, the dustproof filter 119, and the shutter 108 are appropriately disposed as necessary, and the first camera 10 may be configured not to include them.

  The first imaging unit 117 is electrically connected to the image processing unit 126 via an imaging unit interface circuit 122 that controls the operation of the first imaging unit 117. The image processing unit 126 has a configuration for generating an image based on a signal output from the first imaging unit 117.

  Specifically, the image processing unit 126 generates an image corresponding to the optical image formed on the entire first light-receivable region 117a of the first imaging unit 117. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the image processing unit 126 converts the optical image formed in the first image generation region 117 b which is a predetermined region in the first light receiving area 117 a of the first imaging unit 117. A corresponding image (hereinafter referred to as a cutout image) can be generated. This cut-out image is an image taken from the viewpoint of the first camera 10 in the stereoscopic image taken by the camera system 1.

  Here, the first image generation area 117b has a rectangular shape, and the long side of the first image generation area 117b is substantially parallel to the Y axis. In other words, when the camera system 1 in a state where the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are combined is viewed from the subject side, the long side of the first image generation region 117b is the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. Is substantially parallel to the baseline formed by. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the long side of the first image generation region 117b is substantially orthogonal to the long side of the first light receiving region 117a.

  The first image generation region 117b is movable in the first light receivable region 117a at least in a direction parallel to the long side of the first light receivable region 117a (X-axis direction).

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the long side of the first image generation region 117b is shorter than the short side of the first light receiving region 117a. For this reason, the first image generation region 117b can move in two directions orthogonal to each other in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the first light-receivable region 117a, and can rotate around an axis parallel to the Z-axis. It is. The rectangular first image generation region 117b may be changeable in size and aspect ratio.

  In addition, the structure which produces | generates a cut-out image in the 1st camera 10 is not specifically limited. For example, the first camera 10 drives only a part of the light receiving elements arranged in the first light receivable area 117a of the first image pickup unit 117 that is an image pickup element, and thereby in the first image generation area 117b. The structure which produces | generates a cut-out image may be sufficient. Further, for example, after generating an image in the entire first light receiving area 117a of the first imaging unit 117, an area corresponding to the first image generation area 117b may be extracted to generate a cutout image.

  The image processing unit 126 has a configuration for performing predetermined image processing on an image using a storage area such as the SDRAM 124 or the Flash ROM 125. The image processing unit 126 can calculate a contrast value in a predetermined region (focus area) for the generated image in order to perform autofocus by a so-called contrast detection method.

  Further, the image processing unit 126 can calculate a correlation coefficient between a plurality of images by comparing the plurality of images. For example, the degree of coincidence with a pre-registered image in a certain image can be calculated. It is possible to perform so-called pattern matching that detects a high region.

  The image processing unit 126 is electrically connected to an image display device 123 disposed behind the body unit 100 and can display an image on the image display device 123. The image display device 123 also functions as a so-called electronic viewfinder that displays in real time the composition taken by the first camera 10. Note that the image display device 123 preferably has a configuration that allows a person to view a stereoscopic image with the naked eye.

  The recording medium 127 is a recording medium such as a flash memory or an HDD, and is detachably provided in the body unit 100. The recording medium 127 records data such as a stereoscopic image captured by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300.

  The nonvolatile memory 128 is a storage unit made of, for example, an EEPROM that stores predetermined control parameters necessary for controlling the camera system 1. The nonvolatile memory 128 is provided so as to be accessible from the Bucom 101. As will be described in detail later, the nonvolatile memory 128 stores shape information of the first camera 10 and the like necessary for obtaining the baseline length of the stereoscopic image.

  The Bucom 101 is connected to an operation display LED 130 for notifying the user of the operation state of the first camera 10 by display output, a camera operation SW 131, and a strobe control circuit 133 that drives the external strobe 1. The camera operation SW 131 is a switch group including operation buttons necessary for operating the first camera 10 such as a release SW, a mode change SW, and a power SW.

  Further, in the body unit 100, a battery 134 as a power source, and a power supply circuit 135 that converts the voltage of the battery 134 into a voltage required by each circuit unit constituting the first camera 10 and supplies the converted voltage. There is also provided a voltage detection circuit (not shown) for detecting a voltage change when current is supplied from an external power source via a jack (not shown).

  The first camera 10 of the present embodiment includes an imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159 configured to be able to move the first imaging unit 117 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. By holding the first imaging unit 117 via the imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159, the first camera 10 of the present embodiment moves the first image generation region 117 b of the first imaging unit 117 in the X-axis direction and It can be moved mechanically in the Y-axis direction.

  Specifically, the imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159 includes an X-axis gyro 160, a Y-axis gyro 161, an image stabilization control circuit 162, an X-axis actuator 163, a Y-axis actuator 164, an X frame 165, a Y frame 166, a frame 167, and position detection. A sensor 168 and an actuator drive circuit 169 are provided.

  The frame 167 is fixed to the body unit 100, and the X frame 165 is supported by the frame 167 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. In addition, the Y frame 166 holding the first imaging unit 117 is supported by the X frame 165 so as to be movable in the Y axis direction. The X-axis actuator 163 and the Y-axis actuator 164 are configured to drive the X frame 165 and the Y frame 166 in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction, respectively. The position control of the X frame 165 and the Y frame 166 is performed by a position detection sensor 168 that detects the positions of the X frame 165 and the Y frame 166 and an actuator drive circuit 169 that controls the operations of the X axis actuator 163 and the Y axis actuator 164. Is called.

  The X-axis gyro 160 detects the angular velocity of rotation (blur) around the X axis of the first camera 10, and the Y-axis gyro 161 detects the angular velocity of rotation of the first camera 10 around the Y axis. The image stabilization control circuit 162 calculates a camera shake compensation amount from the detected angular velocity of the first camera 10, and displaces and moves the first imaging unit 117 so as to compensate for the shake. In the imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159, the configuration of the actuator that moves the first imaging unit 117 is not particularly limited, such as a rotary motor, a linear motor, or an ultrasonic motor.

  The imaging element moving mechanism unit 159 having the above-described configuration moves the first imaging unit 117 according to the movement of the first camera 10, thereby causing the first imaging unit 117 caused by the movement of the first camera 10. It has a function of suppressing blurring of the subject image with respect to the light receiving area 117a, that is, a so-called image sensor shift type camera shake correction function.

  The body unit 100 of the first camera 10 is provided with a coupling portion 180. The coupling unit 180 has a shape generally referred to as an accessory shoe or a hot shoe that can fix the intermediate member 400, the second camera 300, an external strobe device (not shown), an electronic viewfinder (not shown), or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the coupling unit 180 is provided with a strobe contact 136 for electrically connecting an external strobe device and a strobe control circuit 133 disposed in the body unit 100.

  In addition, the coupling unit 180 is provided with a communication connector 181 for electrically connecting the first camera 10, the second camera 300, and the intermediate member 400. The communication connector 181 constitutes a communication unit for performing communication between the first camera 10, the second camera 300, and the intermediate member 400. In the present embodiment, the communication connector 181 supplies power from the first camera 10 to the second camera 300 and the intermediate member 400 in addition to the communication terminal between the first camera 10, the second camera 300, and the intermediate member 400. A terminal for supplying is also provided.

  The communication unit may be configured to perform communication between the first camera 10, the second camera 300, and the intermediate member 400 by radio. The power supply from the first camera 10 to the second camera 200 and the intermediate member 400 may be performed in a non-contact manner such as electromagnetic induction. Needless to say, when the second camera 300 and the intermediate member 400 have independent power supplies, it is not necessary to supply power from the first camera 10 to the second camera 200 and the intermediate member 400.

  Next, the configuration of the second camera 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the second camera 300 includes a second photographic lens 302 that forms an optical image of a subject, and a second camera 300 that includes a CCD, a CMOS sensor, and the like that are disposed at the imaging position of the second photographic lens 302. 2 imaging unit 317. In the present embodiment, in the second camera 300, a body part that holds the second imaging unit 317 and a lens barrel part that holds the second photographing lens 302 are integrally configured.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of the second photographic lens 302 is controlled by the Lucom 301. The overall operation of the second camera 300 is controlled by the Bucom 321.

  Similar to the first camera 10 described above, the lens barrel of the second camera 300 includes a Lucom 301, a second photographing lens 302, and a diaphragm 303. The second photographic lens 302 includes a focus lens 302a and a variable power lens 302b. The focus lens 302 a is driven by an actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the lens driving mechanism 304. The variable power lens 302b is driven by an actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the zoom drive mechanism 306. The diaphragm 303 is driven by an actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the diaphragm driving mechanism 305.

  Further, unlike the first camera 10, the second camera 300 of the present embodiment includes a so-called lens shutter type shutter 308. That is, the shutter 308 is disposed in the lens barrel portion. The shutter 308 is a known type in which a light shielding blade biased by a spring is driven by a plunger, and the shutter charge mechanism 112 of the first camera 10 is unnecessary. Note that the shutter 308 may be of a so-called focal plane shutter type, similar to the first camera 10.

  The in-focus distance, focal length, and aperture value of the second photographic lens 302 are detected by a position encoder (not shown) or the like, and input to the Bucom 321 via the Lucom 301.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second imaging unit 317 includes a rectangular second light-receiving area 317 a. When the camera system 1 in a state where the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are combined is viewed from the subject side, the long side L2 of the second light receivable region 317a is formed by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. It is substantially parallel to the baseline. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the camera system 1 is held so that the base line is horizontal, the long side L2 of the second light-receivable region 317a of the second imaging unit 317 is along a horizontal plane.

  In other words, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, when the state where the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are combined is viewed from the subject side, the long side L1 of the first light receiving area 117a and the second light receiving are possible. The first imaging unit 117 and the second imaging unit 317 are arranged so that the long side L2 of the region 317a is substantially orthogonal.

  That is, in the camera system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the state in which the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are combined is viewed from the subject side, the long side L1 of the first light receiving area 117a is substantially orthogonal to the base line. The long side L2 of the second light receivable region 317a is substantially parallel to the base line.

  In the present embodiment, an optical filter 318 such as a low-pass filter is disposed on the front side of the second imaging unit 317.

  The second imaging unit 317 is electrically connected to the image processing unit 326 via an imaging unit interface circuit 322 that controls the operation of the second imaging unit 317. The image processing unit 326 has a configuration for generating an image based on a signal output from the second imaging unit 317.

  Specifically, the image processing unit 326 generates an image corresponding to the optical image formed on the entire second light receivable region 317a of the second imaging unit 317. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the image processing unit 326 forms an optical image formed in the second image generation region 317 b that is a predetermined region in the second light receiving area 317 a of the second imaging unit 317. A corresponding cutout image can be generated. This cut-out image is an image taken from the viewpoint of the second camera 300 in the stereoscopic image taken by the camera system 1.

  Here, the second image generation region 317b has a rectangular shape, and the long side of the second image generation region 317b is substantially parallel to the Y axis. In other words, when the camera system 1 in a state where the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are combined is viewed from the subject side, the long side of the second image generation region 317b is the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. Is substantially parallel to the baseline formed by.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the camera system 1 in a state where the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are combined is viewed from the subject side, the long side of the first image generation region 117b of the first camera 10; The long side of the second image generation area 317b of the second camera 300 is substantially parallel.

  In other words, in the camera system 1, the long sides of the cut-out images generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are substantially parallel to the base line when viewed from the subject side. In the present embodiment, a pair of cut-out images whose long sides are along the base line constitute a stereoscopic image.

  The second image generation area 317b is movable in a direction parallel to at least the long side of the second light receiving area 317a in the second light receiving area 317a.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the long side of the second image generation region 317b is shorter than the long side of the second light receiving region 317a. For this reason, the second image generation region 317b is movable in two directions orthogonal to each other in the long side direction and the short side direction of the second light receiving region 317a in the second light receiving region 317a. It can rotate around an axis orthogonal to the possible region 317a. The rectangular second image generation region 317b may be changeable in size and aspect ratio.

  Similar to the first camera 10, the configuration for generating a cut-out image in the second camera 300 is not particularly limited. For example, the second camera 300 drives only a part of the light receiving elements arranged in the second light receiving area 317a of the second imaging unit 317, which is an imaging element, in the second image generation area 317b. The structure which produces | generates a cut-out image may be sufficient. Further, for example, after generating an image in the entire second light receivable region 317a of the second imaging unit 317, a configuration may be used in which a region corresponding to the second image generation region 317b is extracted to generate a cutout image.

  The image generated by the image processing unit 326 is transmitted to the first camera 10 via the communication unit and stored in the SDRAM 124 and the recording medium 127.

  The image processing unit 326 has a configuration for performing predetermined image processing on an image using a storage area such as the SDRAM 324 or the Flash ROM 325. The image processing unit 326 can calculate a contrast value in a predetermined region (focus area) for the generated image in order to perform autofocus using a so-called contrast detection method.

  Here, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the first photographic lens 202 is set so that the field of view of the clipped image generated by the first camera 10 and the field of view of the clipped image generated by the second camera 300 substantially match. The focal length of the second photographic lens 302 and the shapes and sizes of the first image generation area 117b and the second image generation area 317b are determined. Here, since the first image generation region 117b and the second image generation region 317b are rectangular, the shapes of the first image generation region 117b and the second image generation region 317b are the long side and the short side, respectively. Refers to the ratio of.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first photographing lens 202 and the second photographing lens 302 have substantially the same focal length, and the first image generation region 117b and the second image generation region 317b have substantially the same shape and size. Have Further, in the present embodiment, the first imaging unit 117 and the second imaging are performed so that the number of pixels of the cutout image generated by the first camera 10 and the number of pixels of the cutout image generated by the second camera 300 substantially match. The arrangement pitch of the light receiving elements constituting the portion 317 is determined.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the field of view and the number of pixels of the pair of cut-out images generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are substantially the same, the stereoscopic view is not added without post-processing such as image processing. The image quality of both the right viewpoint and the left viewpoint constituting the image can be made substantially the same. In the present embodiment, the first photographing lens 202 and the second photographing lens 302 have substantially the same focal length, and the arrangement pitch of the light receiving elements constituting the first imaging unit 117 and the second imaging unit 317 is approximately. Since they are the same, the depth of field of the pair of cut-out images generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 can be made substantially the same.

  As described above, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the image quality of the pair of clipped images is substantially the same, and thus a stereoscopic image is generated without performing correction such as image processing on the pair of clipped images. be able to. For example, when at least one of the angle of view, the number of pixels, and the depth of field of the right viewpoint image and the left viewpoint image constituting the stereoscopic image is different, it is necessary to reduce this difference by image processing. In the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, such a difference between the right viewpoint image and the left viewpoint image can be made very small, so that it is not necessary to perform image processing or image processing is temporarily required. However, simple image processing can be used, and a high-quality stereoscopic image can be obtained at high speed.

  In the present embodiment, since the lens unit 200 of the first camera 10 can be exchanged, the photographing lens 302 of the second camera 300 is a so-called zoom lens, and has a focal length associated with the exchange of the lens unit 200. It is preferable to have a variable range of focal length that can cope with a change (change in viewing angle).

  The nonvolatile memory 328 is a storage unit made of, for example, an EEPROM that stores predetermined control parameters necessary for controlling the camera system 1. The nonvolatile memory 328 is provided so as to be accessible from the Bucom 321. As will be described in detail later, the nonvolatile memory 328 stores shape information and the like of the second camera 300 necessary for obtaining the baseline length of the stereoscopic image.

  An operation display LED 329 for notifying the user of the operation state of the second camera 300 by display output is connected to the Bucom 321. Further, the second camera 300 is provided with a power supply circuit 335 that distributes the power supplied from the first camera 10 to the circuit units constituting the second camera 300 via a communication connector 381 described later. .

  Note that the second camera 300 does not include a member for displaying an image as the first camera 10 has, or a member such as a switch for a user to input an operation instruction. In the present embodiment, these functions are realized on the first camera 10 side by communication via the communication connector 381. That is, the operation of the second camera 300 in a state where the second camera 300 and the first camera 10 are coupled is performed via the camera operation SW 131 and the image display device 123 provided in the first camera 10.

  In the present embodiment, the second camera 300 does not include a battery and a recording medium, but the second camera 300 may be configured to include these independently of the first camera 10. On the other hand, the configuration in which the functions of the first camera 10 such as the Bucom 321, the Lucom 301, and the image processing unit 326 overlap with each other is a configuration that is aggregated on the first camera 10 side and not disposed in the second camera 300. There may be.

  The coupling unit 380 has a configuration that mechanically couples with the coupling unit 180 provided in the first camera 10. Specifically, the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are mechanically coupled by engaging with the accessory shoe.

  The coupling unit 380 is provided with a communication connector 381 that forms a communication unit for performing communication between the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. The communication connector 381 is configured to engage with a communication connector 181 provided on the first camera 10 and to electrically connect the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. By electrically connecting the first camera 10 and the second camera 300, communication between the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 and power supply from the first camera 10 to the second camera 300 are possible. It becomes.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in the state where the second camera 300 is coupled to the first camera 10, the second camera 300 has the second light receiving area of the second imaging unit 317. It is supported so as to be rotatable around an R axis passing through the center position of 317a and parallel to the X axis.

  Specifically, the second camera 300 is supported by a pair of support arms 383 extending from the coupling portion 380 in a fork shape so as to be rotatable around the R axis. The rotation of the second camera 300 around the R axis can be positioned and fixed at an arbitrary position by tightening a screw 381 provided at the end of the rotation shaft. The second camera 300 may be configured to be driven around the R axis by an actuator such as an electric motor.

  The second camera 300 is provided with an angle detection mechanism 353 that detects an angle around the R axis of the second camera 300. The configuration of the angle detection mechanism 353 is not particularly limited as long as the rotation position around the R axis of the second camera 300 can be detected, but a magnetic scale, a rotary encoder used, an optical rotary encoder, It is possible to use a rotary potentiometer using a variable resistor.

  The intermediate member 400 is provided at one end with a coupling portion 401 that can be mechanically coupled with the coupling portion 180 provided on the first camera 10, and at the other end with the coupling portion 380 of the second camera 300. This is a member provided with a coupling portion 403 that can be coupled to the. That is, one end of the intermediate member 400 has a shape equivalent to that of the coupling portion 380 of the second camera 300, and the other end of the intermediate member 400 has a shape equivalent to that of the coupling portion 180 of the first camera 10. Accordingly, the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 can be mechanically coupled with the intermediate member 400 disposed therebetween.

  The connecting portion 401 of the intermediate member 400 is provided with a communication connector 402 that engages with the communication connector 181 of the first camera 10. The connecting portion 403 is engaged with the communication connector 381 of the second camera 300. A communication connector 404 is provided. The communication connectors 402 and 404 of the intermediate member 400 are electrically connected. Thus, when the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are mechanically coupled with the intermediate member 400 disposed therebetween, the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 can be electrically connected. it can.

  As described above, the intermediate member 400 has a role as a so-called spacer that is disposed between the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 to change the distance between the two.

  Further, the intermediate member 400 is provided with a nonvolatile memory 405 that is a storage unit made of, for example, an EEPROM. The nonvolatile memory 405 is provided so as to be able to communicate with the Bucom 101 of the first camera 10 in a state where the intermediate member 400 is mechanically coupled to the first camera 10. The nonvolatile memory 405 stores shape information of the intermediate member 400, which will be described in detail later. Further, the Bucom 101 recognizes that the intermediate member 400 is coupled to the coupling unit 180 of the first camera 10 when communication with the nonvolatile memory 405 is possible.

  In the camera system 1 having the above-described configuration, when the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are coupled, the second imaging unit 317 is a predetermined distance D in the Y-axis direction with respect to the first imaging unit 117. It is arrange | positioned in the position only spaced apart. Specifically, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the second imaging unit 317 has a second center with respect to the center C1 of the first light receiving area 117a of the first imaging unit 117 of the first camera 10. The second camera 300 is fixed with respect to the first camera 10 so that the center C2 of the two light-receiving areas 317a is separated by a predetermined distance D only in the Y-axis direction.

  The non-volatile memory 128 of the first camera 10 stores a Y-direction interval D1 between the coupling unit 180 and the center C1 of the first light receiving area 117a of the first imaging unit 117. In addition, the non-volatile memory 328 of the second camera 300 stores a Y-direction interval D2 between the coupling unit 380 and the center C2 of the second light receiving area 317a of the second imaging unit 317. Further, the non-volatile memory 405 of the intermediate member 400 stores the Y-direction interval D3 between the coupling portion 401 and the coupling portion 403.

  In this embodiment, Bucom 101 acquires the values of D1, D2, and D3 via the communication unit, and calculates the distance D based on these values. For example, when the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are mechanically coupled without the intermediate member 400, D = D1 + D2. Further, for example, when the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are mechanically coupled via the intermediate member 400, D = D1 + D2 + D3.

  As described above, the coupling unit in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment enables the distance D between the second imaging unit 317 and the first imaging unit 117 while enabling communication between the first camera 10 and the second camera 300. It is configured so that it can be changed. In the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, information for calculating the distance D between the second imaging unit 317 and the first imaging unit 117 is stored in the storage unit.

  In the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the Bucom 101 that is the control unit of the first camera 10 acquires information on the focal length and the focusing distance of the first photographing lens 202 and the value of D1 stored in the nonvolatile memory 128. To do. The Bucom 101 is detected by the information of the focal length and the focusing distance of the second photographing lens 302 of the second camera 30, the value of D2 stored in the nonvolatile memory 328, and the angle detection mechanism 353 via the communication unit. Obtain the value of the convergence angle α. When the Bucom 101 determines that the intermediate member 400 is coupled to the first camera 10, the Bucom 101 acquires the value of D3 stored in the nonvolatile memory 405 of the intermediate member 400 via the communication unit.

  Based on these pieces of information, the Bucom 101 calculates a baseline length BL. As shown in FIG. 6, the base line length BL is obtained from the equation BL = DN · sin α using, for example, the nodal distance N from the elephant surface of the second photographing lens 302 to the nodal point. That is, the center position interval D between the second imaging unit 317 and the first imaging unit 117 is a value for calculating the baseline length BL. The value of the baseline length BL is used when capturing a stereoscopic image (details will be described later).

  Next, a configuration for automatically adjusting the convergence angle α in the camera system 1 will be described. The camera system 1 having the above-described configuration is configured so that the convergence angle α of the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 can be automatically adjusted.

  Here, as described above, the stereoscopic image in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment is the cut-out image in the first image generation region 117b of the first imaging unit 117 and the second image generation region 317b of the second imaging unit 317. It is composed of cut-out images. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the convergence angle α of the camera system 1 is the axis O1 connecting the center C1 of the first image generation region 117b and the node of the first photographing lens 202, and the center of the second image generation region 317a. This is an angle formed by C2 and an axis O2 connecting the nodes of the second photographic lens 302.

  First, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the convergence angle α can be mechanically changed by rotating the second camera 300 about the R axis. Further, the second imaging unit 300 of the second camera 300 can electronically move the second image generation region 317b substantially parallel to the YZ plane parallel to the base line. That is, the second imaging unit 300 can change the convergence angle α by moving the center C2 of the second image generation region 317b.

  For example, when the distance between the node of the second photographic lens 302 and the second light-receivable region 317a is N2, the change in the movement amount Δy and the convergence angle α parallel to the YZ plane of the second image generation region 317b. The relationship with the amount Δα is tan Δα = Δy / N2.

  In the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the first imaging unit 117 of the first camera 10 is held by the imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the first imaging unit 117 can move the first image generation region 117b in the Y-axis direction. That is, the first camera 10 can change the convergence angle α by moving the center C1 of the first image generation region 117b in the Y-axis direction.

  For example, when the distance between the node of the first photographic lens 102 and the first light-receiving area 117a is N1, the amount of movement Δy of the first image generation area 117b in the Y-axis direction and the amount of change Δα of the convergence angle α The relationship is tan Δα = Δy / N1.

  As described above, the camera system 1 of the present embodiment not only rotates the second camera 300 around the R axis, but also moves the first image generation area 117b and the second image generation area 317b. The convergence angle α can be automatically changed. Since the first image generation area 117b and the second image generation area 317b can be moved quickly and precisely, the convergence angle α can be adjusted quickly and accurately.

  In the automatic adjustment of the convergence angle α, it is not particularly limited which of the first image generation area 117b and the second image generation area 317b is moved. In the present embodiment, since the long side L2 of the light receivable region 317a of the second imaging unit 317 is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the YZ plane substantially parallel to the base line, the second image generation region The movable range in a direction substantially parallel to the YZ plane of 317b is relatively wide. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as an example, in the adjustment process of the convergence angle α, the second image generation region 317a is mainly moved.

  Next, the visual field adjustment process in the camera system 1 will be described. The camera system 1 having the above-described configuration is capable of performing a visual field adjustment process that corrects so as to eliminate the deviation when the visual fields of the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are shifted. It is configured.

  First, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are detachable via a coupling unit. For this reason, the line of sight of the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 is not congested due to dimensional errors in the coupling portion, variations in handling of the coupling portion by the user, deformation of members due to an impact, and the like. There is a possibility of deviating from the conditions necessary for viewing. For the same reason, the fields of view of the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 may be inclined with respect to the base line.

  Therefore, the camera system 1 of the present embodiment can perform visual field adjustment processing for correcting the shift and inclination of the visual field of the cut-out images generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 as described below.

  FIG. 7 shows, as an example, in a state in which the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are coupled, the imaging optical axes of the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 do not converge, and one field of view is inclined with respect to the base line. It shows the state.

  Here, in the first camera 10, the center C1 of the first image generation area 117b of the first imaging unit 117 coincides with the center of the first light reception possible area 117a, and the long side of the first image generation area 117b is the first light reception. A state in which the first imaging unit 117 is positioned substantially at the center of each movable range in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159 is parallel to the long side of the possible region 117a. Assume that the first image generation region 117b of the camera 10 is in the neutral position.

  In the second camera 300, the center C2 of the second image generation area 317b of the second imaging unit 317 coincides with the center of the second light reception possible area 317a, and the long side of the second image generation area 317b is the second light reception. The state parallel to the long side of the possible area 317a is referred to as the second image generation area 317b of the second camera 300 being in the neutral position.

  That is, FIG. 7 shows that the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 generate in the state where the first image generation area 117b of the first camera 10 and the second image generation area 317b of the second camera 300 are both in the neutral position. The center of the visual field of a pair of cut-out images and the inclination of the visual field do not match. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the subject appears in a state of being shifted between a pair of cut-out images generated from the first camera 10 and the second camera 300.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the center shift amount in the direction parallel to the base line between the pair of cut-out images is Δy, and the center shift amount in the direction orthogonal to the base line is Δx. In the present embodiment, the relative angle shift amount between the pair of cut-out images is Δθ.

  The visual field adjustment processing in the camera system 1 according to the present embodiment is roughly performed by comparing the pair of cutout images generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 in the image processing unit 126, thereby pairing the cutouts. Relative shift amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ between images are calculated. Note that the calculation of the shift amount may be at least one of Δx, Δy, and Δθ.

  The method for calculating the shift amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ in the image processing unit 126 is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, as an example, an image referred to as pattern matching for a pair of cut-out images. It is assumed that Δx, Δy, and Δθ are calculated by performing processing. Pattern matching is processing for storing a predetermined image as a template and detecting the position and angle of a region (region similar to the template) having a high correlation value with the template in the image to be subjected to pattern matching. Since pattern matching is a well-known technique, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the image processing unit 126 uses the image in the predetermined at least one comparison region 317c indicated by the wavy line in FIG. 5 in the cut-out image of the second camera 300 as a template. Pattern matching can be performed on the image generated by the first imaging unit 117.

  In addition, although the several comparison area | region 317c is shown in FIG. 5, the comparison area | region 317c may be one place. It is preferable that the comparison region 317c is provided at a plurality of locations separated by a predetermined distance because the detection accuracy of the angle deviation amount Δθ between the pair of cut-out images is improved. The comparison area 317c may be approximately the same size as the second image generation area 317b.

  In the visual field adjustment process, the shift amount Δx is obtained by moving at least one of the first image generation region 117b and the second image generation region 317b based on the shift amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ calculated by the image processing unit 126. , Δy, and Δθ are set to a predetermined allowable value or less. Here, the predetermined allowable values of the shift amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ are allowable values that do not cause discomfort or discomfort when a human views a stereoscopic image, and are determined by experiments that are performed in advance. Value. The first image generation region 117b and the second image generation region 317b can be moved by a distance shorter than the pixel pitch by image processing such as interpolation in the image processing units 126 and 326.

  When the first image generation area 117b and the second image generation area 317b are moved, the deviation amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ are calculated again, and as a result, the deviation amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ are larger than the allowable values. Alternatively, the visual field adjustment processing may be performed again, so-called feedback control may be performed.

  In the visual field adjustment process, a method for moving at least one of the first image generation region 117b and the second image generation region 317b in order to set the shift amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ to be equal to or less than a predetermined allowable value is particularly limited. It is not a thing. In the present embodiment, the first imaging unit 117 has a first light-receivable region 117a that is wider than the second imaging unit 317, and the first imaging unit 117 is moved by the imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159. It is held movable. For this reason, in this embodiment, the movable range of the first image generation area 117b is wider than the second image generation area 317b. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as an example, the first image generation region 117b is mainly moved in the visual field adjustment processing.

  In the visual field adjustment process, when there is a photographing magnification shift (view angle shift) between the pair of cut-out images generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300, the first image generation region 117b and the second image generation region 117b By changing the size of at least one of the image generation regions 317b, it is also possible to adjust the deviation in photographing magnification.

  Specifically, in the visual field adjustment processing of the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the image processing unit 126 stores an image in the predetermined comparison area 317c of the cut-out image of the second camera 300 as a template, and uses the template to store the first image. Pattern matching processing is performed on the cut-out image of one camera 10. Then, the image processing unit 126 detects a region (region denoted by reference numeral 117d in FIG. 8) having the highest correlation value with the template in the cutout image of the first camera 10, and the image processing unit 126 in the cutout image of the first camera 10 The coordinates and inclination of the area 117d are calculated.

  Then, the image processing unit 126 calculates the relative relationship between the pair of cutout images based on the difference between the coordinates and inclination of the comparison region 317c in the second image and the coordinates and inclination of the region 117d in the cutout image of the first camera 10. The shift amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ are calculated. Then, the camera system 1 of the present embodiment moves the first image generation region 117b of the first camera 10 to the position indicated by reference numeral 117e in FIG. 8 based on the values of the shift amounts Δx, Δy, and Δθ. The position of the subject in the clipped image of the camera 10 and the position of the subject in the clipped image of the second camera 300 are approximated.

  In FIG. 8, the first image generation area 117b of the first camera 10 is moved with respect to the light receiving area 117a. However, the movement of the first image generation area 117b is also performed by the imaging unit moving mechanism unit 159. What is possible is as described above. Thus, the visual field adjustment process of the camera system 1 is completed.

  By the visual field adjustment process as described above, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the visual field shift between the pair of cut-out images generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 is eliminated. For this reason, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are detachable, but the right and left viewpoint images have a correctly converged line of sight and are not tilted with respect to the base line. You can shoot.

  Next, a stereoscopic image capturing operation using the camera system 1 of the first embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 9 is a top view showing the arrangement of the subject and the camera system 1 during stereoscopic image shooting. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the subject distance and the parallax angle when a human views with both eyes. FIG. 11 shows the amount of parallax in the object scene when the object distance corresponds to the parallax angle shown in FIG. 10 (assuming that the distance for observing a stereoscopic image is 3 m) on the image field side at each object distance. Is converted at a nodal distance of 50 mm (approximately equal to the focal length). The eye widths 65 mm and 70 mm in FIGS. 10 and 11 correspond to the baseline length BL. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the imaging element interval D and the parallax amount of the camera system 1. The object distance is set to 3 m, and the nodal distance (substantially the same as the focal distance) is shown as 50 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the parallax angle with respect to the reference subject points On and Of is on the optical axis O <b> 1 of the first photographing lens 202 in the first camera 10 on a plurality of two-dimensional images that are the basis of the stereoscopic image. Since there are subject points On and Of, it becomes zero. On the other hand, in the second camera 300, if the optical node of the photographing lens 303 is NW2 with respect to the light rays from the subject points On and Of, the angle with respect to the optical axis of the photographing lens does not change, so θW in FIG. 9 becomes the parallax angle. . The distance fW from the center point C2 of the image sensor to the node NW2 is unique data of the photographing lens of the second camera 300, and is uniquely determined by the focal length of the photographing lens and the distance to the subject. The distance to the subject can be obtained from the focus lens position when the above-described automatic focus is achieved.

  On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the parallax angle generated by the human eye and the subject distance. Here, the calculation is performed assuming that the focal distance of the eyes is 16.68 mm, the eye widths are 65 mm and 70 mm, and the subject causing the parallax is 1.1 times as long as the subject at the subject distance. Since the human eyeball is between 65 mm and 70 mm, it is most natural to generate a stereoscopic image from an image that obtains a parallax angle as shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the distance of the subject as described above. Will give.

  When a two-dimensional image for obtaining a stereoscopic image at a distance of 3 m is displayed as a more specific image, the amount of parallax in the object scene corresponding to the parallax angle in FIG. 10 is set to a nodal distance of 50 mm (approximately 50 mm in focal length). FIG. 11 shows a case where the parallax amount on the image field side is obtained when an image is formed by a corresponding lens. The parallax amount is also a hyperbolic graph similar to FIG.

  Also, from FIG. 10, when the main subject distance is far away, the parallax angle becomes small, and the parallax angle that can be discerned by the human eye is about 1 minute (when the visual acuity is 1.0). When the main subject at the above distance is viewed with the naked eye, the stereoscopic effect of the subject away from the main subject by about 10% or more of the distance is lost.

  With respect to such a problem, in the system camera 1 of the present embodiment, when the subject is far away and the parallax angle disappears, the intermediate position 400 is used to change the center position interval D and the shooting is performed. By adjusting the focal length of the lens and the shooting screen size, the parallax angle is automatically adjusted to be around 2 to 3 m in FIG. As a result, in the present embodiment, a stereoscopic image having a stereoscopic effect can be taken even if the subject is far away.

  FIG. 12 shows the distance D between the nodal distance of the photographing lens (subject distance is set to 3 m, which is almost the same as the focal length of the photographing lens) and the parallax amount on the image plane side when photographing with two cameras having the same photographing range of the same image sensor. The relationship is shown. Also shown is a case where the distance (node distance) fW from the center of the image sensor to the nodal point of the taking lens is changed as a parameter capable of changing the amount of parallax. Here, the distance of the subject farther from the main subject is set to 1.1 times the distance of the main subject (10% farther). In order to obtain the same amount of parallax as the parallax angle when Ln is 3 m, it is understood that the nodal distance fW (focal length) and the camera interval D may be adjusted. As shown in FIG. 12, the amount of parallax changes in proportion to the nodal distance fW and the interval D. That is, in order to obtain an appropriate amount of parallax, not only the nodal distance fW (focal length of the photographing lens) but also the camera distance D (here, the distance between the imaging elements is directly related to the amount of parallax. The node interval can be calculated from the image sensor interval D). Note that when the parallax amount is adjusted with the nodal distance fW, the angle of view of the image to be captured changes, but the angle of view does not change when the imaging element interval D is adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the second camera 300 can be easily attached to and detached from the first camera 10, and the intermediate member 400 can be easily attached and detached. For this reason, it is possible to change the baseline length BL and capture a stereoscopic image having an appropriate amount of parallax with an easy operation. In the present embodiment, since the visual field adjustment processing is automatically performed even when the coupling state of the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 is shifted, the line of sight of the left and right viewpoint images is displayed. Can correctly capture a stereoscopic image with no inclination with respect to the base line. From the above, the camera system 1 of the present embodiment can easily capture a stereoscopic image without blurring or image separation, while the base line length can be changed according to the distance to the subject.

  In the present embodiment, the second camera 300 stores information on the distance D2, and the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 can communicate with each other. For this reason, even when the second camera 300 is replaced, it is possible to automatically calculate the imaging element interval D and automatically determine whether or not the camera is in a state where an appropriate amount of parallax can be obtained.

  In the stereoscopic image, the viewing angle determined from the optical magnification of the photographing lens 203 of the first camera 10 and the size of the first imaging unit 117, the optical magnification of the photographing lens 303 of the second camera 300, and the second imaging unit 317. Although the viewing angles determined from the sizes need to be the same, since these pieces of information are also stored as camera-specific information in each camera, whether or not the camera system 1 is in an appropriate state for taking a stereoscopic image. Can be automatically determined. The optical magnification of the photographic lens can be adjusted by adjusting the focal length.

  In order to explain the above features in detail, a specific control operation of the control performed by the Bucom 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system 1 of the present embodiment. These operations are controlled by the Bucom 101.

  The control program related to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 that can be operated by the Bucom 101 starts its operation when the power SW (not shown) of the camera body unit 100 is turned on.

  First, a process for starting the first camera 10 is executed (step S100). That is, the power supply circuit 135 is controlled to supply power to each circuit unit constituting the first camera 10. Also, initial setting of each circuit is performed. The initialization operation of the lens unit 200 attached to the first camera 10 is also performed.

  In step S100, the focal length of each photographing lens necessary for calculating the amount of parallax at the subject distance of 3 m (the node distance of 50 mm in FIG. 12) (the node distance can be calculated together with the amount of extension of the focus lens), the convergence angle α Is read into the Bucom 101 of the first camera 10.

  Next, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the stereoscopic image shooting mode is selected by the user. When the stereoscopic image capturing mode is not selected, a normal two-dimensional image capturing operation is executed. A normal two-dimensional image capturing operation is well known and will not be described.

  On the other hand, if the stereoscopic image shooting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the detection operation of the second camera 300 and the intermediate member 400, which are accessories, is executed. In step S103, it is determined whether or not the second camera 300 necessary for capturing a stereoscopic image is attached. If the second camera 300 is not attached, the process proceeds to step S104, and a warning display for prompting the user to attach the second camera 300 is displayed on the image display device 123 or the like.

  On the other hand, if the second camera 300 is attached, the first image generation area 117b and the second image generation area 317b of the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are moved to the neutral position in step S105.

  Next, in step S106, the convergence angle α is adjusted according to the subject. Here, the images captured by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300 are superimposed on the image display device 123 and displayed. The user rotates the second camera 300 around the axis R so that the main subject appears in the two images, and tightens the screw 381 to fix the convergence angle α. The convergence angle α detected in this state is transmitted to the Bucom 301 and then transmitted to the Bucom 101 via the transmission unit.

  By fixing the angle around the axis R of the second camera 300, a rough convergence angle α is determined. Thereafter, the convergence angle α is automatically adjusted more precisely by moving the second image generation region 317b substantially parallel to the YZ plane parallel to the base line. In other words, the convergence angle α is automatically adjusted by moving the center C2 of the second image generation region 317b.

  Next, in step S107, the visual field adjustment process described above is performed. Note that the automatic adjustment of the convergence angle α by moving the second image generation region 317b in step S106 and the visual field adjustment process in step S107 may be performed simultaneously. By step S107, the shift | offset | difference of the visual field of a pair of cut-out image which the 1st camera 10 and the 2nd camera 300 produce | generate is eliminated.

  Next, in step S108, the Bucom 101 determines the amount of parallax at the subject distance 3m from the values of D1, D2, and D3, the nodal distance fW calculated from the focal length and the focusing distance of each photographing lens, and the convergence angle α. Is calculated.

  Then, in step S109, it is determined whether or not the parallax amount is within a preset parallax amount range (for example, a parallax amount in a range of a base line length of 59 mm to 70 mm at a node distance of 50 mm in FIG. 12). If the calculated parallax amount is within the set parallax amount range, the pair of cut-out images generated by the first imaging unit 117 and the second camera 300 of the first camera 10 are linked as stereoscopic images. It is recorded on the recording medium 127 (step S110).

  On the other hand, when the parallax amount calculated in step S108 is outside the set parallax amount range, the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, it is determined whether or not the parallax amount can fall within the set parallax amount range by changing the nodal distance (actually changed focal length) of the photographing lens.

  If it is determined in step S111 that the parallax amount can be set within the set parallax amount range by adjusting the nodal point of the photographing lens, the process proceeds to step S112, and the focal length of the photographing lens is set to that value. In step S113, the convergence angle α is automatically adjusted. In step S114, the visual field adjustment process is performed, and then the process returns to step S106.

  On the other hand, if it is not possible to set the parallax amount within the set parallax amount range by adjusting the nodal point of the photographing lens in the determination of step S111, the process proceeds to step S120, and the parallax amount is set by exchanging the photographing lens. Judge whether it can be set to the amount range.

  If it is determined in step S120 that the parallax amount can be set within the set parallax amount range by exchanging the photographic lens, the process proceeds to step S121, and the focal length value to be exchanged is displayed on the image display device 123 to display the user. To announce.

  If it is determined in step S120 that the parallax amount cannot be set within the set parallax amount range even after the taking lens is replaced, the process proceeds to step S122, and the parallax amount is set or set by removing or attaching the intermediate member 400. Judge whether it can be set.

  In step S122, when the parallax amount can be set within the set parallax amount range by attaching / detaching the intermediate member 400, the process proceeds to step S123, and the value of D3 of the intermediate member 400 to be attached or the intermediate member 400 should be removed. A warning is displayed on the image display device 123 to notify the user.

  On the other hand, if the parallax amount cannot be set within the set parallax amount range even when the intermediate member 400 is attached or detached in step S122, the process proceeds to step S124, and a warning display such as “3D shooting impossible” is displayed on the image display device. 123 and displayed to the user.

  Furthermore, recommendation information of another accessory may be displayed. Further, the image display device 123 may be capable of displaying a stereoscopic image so that the effect of the stereoscopic vision can be confirmed visually. In the present invention, it is possible to easily select an accessory to be used at the time of shooting a stereoscopic image, adjust the convergence angle, and the like. By these adjustments, stereoscopic image shooting corresponding to subjects under various conditions from a close subject to a far subject can be performed. A system can be provided.

(Second Embodiment)
Below, the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is described with reference to FIG. The camera system 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the arrangement direction of the first imaging unit 117 of the first camera 10. In the following, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. As shown, in the present embodiment, the first imaging unit 117 of the first camera 10 is disposed so that the long side L1 of the first light-receiving area 117a is parallel to the Y axis. As described above, even when the long side L1 of the first light-receivable region 117a is parallel to the Y axis, the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the embodiment described above, a stereoscopic image is generated using a pair of cut-out images directly generated by the first camera 10 and the second camera 300, but the present invention is limited to this embodiment. It is not a thing.

  For example, the second camera 300 may be for acquiring only parallax information with the first camera 10 for the subject. In this case, the second imaging unit 317 of the second camera 300 generates an image of the subject, but the image generated by the second imaging unit 317b is at the viewpoint of the second camera 300 with respect to the viewpoint of the first camera 10. It is used only to detect differences in the way the subject appears.

  In the camera system 1 having such a configuration, the second camera 300 is subjected to image processing such as processing on the image generated by the first camera 10 based on the parallax information obtained by the second camera 300. An image in which the subject is viewed from the viewpoint is generated in a pseudo manner. With the camera system 1 having such a configuration, the second camera 300 does not need to have the same resolution and image quality as the first camera 10, and thus the second camera 300 can be configured to be small and inexpensive.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. A camera system is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the form of the digital camera described in the above-described embodiment, but is an electronic device such as a recording device, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal computer, a game machine, a digital media player, a television, a GPS, a clock, etc. It can also be applied to equipment.

1 camera system,
10 First camera,
100 camera body,
101 microcomputer for body control (control unit, identification unit, calculation unit),
117 first imaging unit,
117a first light receiving area,
117b first image generation region,
126 image processing unit,
128 non-volatile memory (storage unit),
135 power supply circuit,
159 imaging unit moving mechanism unit,
180 joints,
181 communication connector (communication unit),
200 lens unit,
201 a lens control microcomputer;
202 first taking lens,
300 Second camera,
302 second photographic lens,
317 second imaging unit,
317a second light receiving area,
317b second image generation area,
317c comparison area,
321 microcomputer for body control,
328 nonvolatile memory (storage unit),
335 power circuit,
353 angle detection mechanism,
380 joint,
381 communication connector (communication unit),
400 intermediate member,
401 coupling part,
402 communication connector (communication unit),
403 coupling part,
404 communication connector,
405 non-volatile memory (storage unit),
L1 long side of the first light receiving area,
L2 Long side of the second light receiving area.

Claims (8)

A first camera that includes a first imaging lens that forms an optical image of a subject, and a first imaging unit that includes a first light-receiving area disposed at an imaging position of the first imaging lens;
A second photographing lens that can be coupled to the first camera via a coupling unit and forms an optical image of the subject in a state coupled to the first camera, and an imaging position of the second photographing lens A second camera comprising a second imaging unit having a second light-receiving area disposed in
Comprising
The first camera is capable of generating a cut-out image of the optical image formed in a first image generation area having a predetermined size that is movable in the first light-receiving area,
The second camera can generate a cut-out image of the optical image formed in a second image generation area of a predetermined size that is movable in the second light-receiving area,
A camera system that generates a stereoscopic image that can be stereoscopically viewed from a pair of cut-out images generated by the first camera and the second camera.   The convergence angle of the first camera and the second camera is changed by moving at least one of the first image generation area and the second image generation area in parallel with the base line. The camera system according to 1. An image processing unit that calculates a shift amount of the position of the subject between the pair of clipped images by comparing the pair of clipped images;
2. The shift of the subject between the pair of cut-out images is eliminated by moving at least one of the first image generation area and the second image generation area according to the shift amount. Or the camera system of 2.   The camera system according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first image generation area and the second image generation area is rotatable. The first light receiving region and the second light receiving region are rectangular,
When the combined state of the first camera and the second camera is viewed from the subject side, the first light-receiving area and the second light-receiving area are arranged so that their long sides are orthogonal to each other. And
The first image generation area and the second image generation area are arranged such that their long sides are along a base line formed by the first camera and the second camera, respectively. The camera system according to any one of the above.   When the state where the first camera and the second camera are combined is viewed from the subject side, the first image generation area is movable in a direction orthogonal to the base line, and the second image generation area The camera system according to claim 5, wherein the camera system is movable in a direction parallel to the base line. The first imaging lens and the second imaging lens have the same focal length;
The camera system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first light-receiving area and the second light-receiving area have the same size and shape.   The camera system according to claim 7, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit generate the cut-out image having the same number of pixels.

Images