JP2017003731A - Imaging device, imaging method and use method of liquid crystal lens - Google Patents

Imaging device, imaging method and use method of liquid crystal lens Download PDF

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JP2017003731A
JP2017003731A JP2015116575A JP2015116575A JP2017003731A JP 2017003731 A JP2017003731 A JP 2017003731A JP 2015116575 A JP2015116575 A JP 2015116575A JP 2015116575 A JP2015116575 A JP 2015116575A JP 2017003731 A JP2017003731 A JP 2017003731A
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liquid crystal
polarized light
pair
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lens
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隆 秋元
Takashi Akimoto
隆 秋元
船引　伸夫
Nobuo Funabiki
伸夫 船引
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Nippon Electric Glass Co Ltd
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/30—Polarising elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
    • G02B7/04—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1347—Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B11/00—Filters or other obturators specially adapted for photographic purposes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B19/00—Cameras
    • G03B19/02—Still-picture cameras
    • G03B19/04—Roll-film cameras
    • G03B19/06—Roll-film cameras adapted to be loaded with more than one film, e.g. with exposure of one or the other at will
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B19/00—Cameras
    • G03B19/02—Still-picture cameras
    • G03B19/12—Reflex cameras with single objective and a movable reflector or a partly-transmitting mirror
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B3/00—Focusing arrangements of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers
    • G03B3/04—Focusing arrangements of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers adjusting position of image plane without moving lens

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simultaneously and clearly capture images at two positions with different directions of optical axes.SOLUTION: An imaging device 1 includes a liquid crystal lens 2. The liquid crystal lens 2 has a pair of liquid crystal parts 8a each composed of a single liquid crystal layer 8b. A voltage can be applied to the pair of liquid crystal parts 8a, 8b independent from each other. Polarized light Lp that can be refracted by one of the pair of liquid crystal parts 8a, 8a, and polarized light Ls that can be refracted by the other have polarization directions orthogonal to each other. The imaging device 1 includes: a polarized beam splitter 4 for separating the polarized light Lp and the polarized light Ls passing through the pair of liquid crystal parts 8a, 8a; and a pair of imaging means 5, 5 for capturing the respective images of the polarized light Lp and the polarized light Ls separated by the polarized beam splitter 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

本発明は、撮像装置、撮像方法及び液晶レンズの使用方法の改良技術に関する。   The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging method, and a technique for improving a method of using a liquid crystal lens.

公知のように、近年、印加電圧により液晶層の屈折率を変更可能な液晶素子（いわゆる液晶レンズ）が様々な電子機器に使用されている。   As is well known, in recent years, liquid crystal elements (so-called liquid crystal lenses) that can change the refractive index of a liquid crystal layer by an applied voltage are used in various electronic devices.

この液晶レンズのうち、自然光に対して屈折率が可変となるように構成されたものは、同一の光軸に対して垂直に配設され、光軸に対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向が相互に直交する一対の液晶層を備えている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。   Among these liquid crystal lenses, those having a refractive index variable with respect to natural light are arranged perpendicular to the same optical axis, and the liquid crystal alignment directions in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis are mutually aligned. A pair of orthogonal liquid crystal layers is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

特開２０１３−１５６４２３号公報JP 2013-156423 A

ところで、液晶レンズを使用するか否かに関わらず、一般に、光軸の方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を撮像する場合に、一方の位置に焦点を合わせると、一方の位置の画像は明瞭となるが、他方の位置には焦点が合わないため、他方の位置の画像は、ぼやけて不明瞭となる。   By the way, regardless of whether or not a liquid crystal lens is used, in general, when an image at two positions with different optical axis directions is captured, when one of the positions is focused, the image at one position is clear. However, since the other position is not focused, the image at the other position is blurred and unclear.

本発明は、上記事情に鑑み、光軸の方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を同時に明瞭に撮像することを技術的課題とする。   In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to clearly and simultaneously capture images at two positions having different optical axis directions.

前記課題を解決するために創案された本発明に係る撮像装置は、少なくとも１つの液晶層で構成される液晶部を一対有する液晶レンズを備え、前記一対の液晶部に対して相互に独立して電圧を印加可能であり、前記一対の液晶部の一方は第１偏光を屈折可能で、他方は第２偏光を屈折可能であり、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光は偏光方向が相互に直交する撮像装置であって、前記一対の液晶部を通過した前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光を相互に分離する光分離手段と、前記光分離手段によって分離された前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光のそれぞれの像を撮像する撮像手段とを備えることに特徴づけられる。   An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, which has been created to solve the above-described problems, includes a liquid crystal lens having a pair of liquid crystal units each including at least one liquid crystal layer, and is independent of the pair of liquid crystal units. A voltage can be applied, one of the pair of liquid crystal units can refract the first polarization, the other can refract the second polarization, and the polarization directions of the first polarization and the second polarization are orthogonal to each other An imaging device that separates the first polarized light and the second polarized light that have passed through the pair of liquid crystal units, the first polarized light separated by the light separating means, and the second polarized light. It is characterized by comprising imaging means for imaging each image of polarized light.

この構成では、液晶レンズの一対の液晶部のそれぞれに独立して電圧を印加することができる。これによって、一対の液晶部の焦点距離を異ならせて、一対の液晶部の焦点のそれぞれを光軸の方向の異なる任意の２つの位置に合わせることができる。従って、撮像手段によって撮像される像を、何れも明瞭なものにすることができる。すなわち、本発明の撮像装置によれば、光軸の方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を同時に明瞭に撮像することができる。   In this configuration, a voltage can be applied independently to each of the pair of liquid crystal portions of the liquid crystal lens. Thus, the focal lengths of the pair of liquid crystal units can be made different so that the focal points of the pair of liquid crystal units can be adjusted to any two positions having different optical axis directions. Therefore, any image picked up by the image pickup means can be made clear. That is, according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to clearly capture images at two positions having different optical axis directions simultaneously.

上記の構成において、前記一対の液晶部と、前記光分離手段との間に、前記一対の液晶部を通過した光の像を拡大する像拡大手段が配設されていることが好ましい。   In the above configuration, it is preferable that an image enlarging unit that enlarges an image of light that has passed through the pair of liquid crystal units is disposed between the pair of liquid crystal units and the light separating unit.

この構成であれば、液晶レンズのサイズが小さい場合でも、大きな像を撮像できる。   With this configuration, a large image can be captured even when the size of the liquid crystal lens is small.

上記の構成において、前記光分離手段は、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光の一方を透過させ、他方を反射する偏光ビームスプリッターであることが好ましい。   In the above configuration, it is preferable that the light separating unit is a polarization beam splitter that transmits one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light and reflects the other.

この構成であれば、第１偏光と第２偏光を相互に分離することが容易である。   With this configuration, it is easy to separate the first polarized light and the second polarized light from each other.

上記の構成において、前記一対の液晶部のそれぞれが、１つの液晶層で構成されていることが好ましい。   In the above configuration, it is preferable that each of the pair of liquid crystal units includes one liquid crystal layer.

この構成であれば、液晶レンズの構造が簡素なものとなり、製造コストを低減できる。   With this configuration, the structure of the liquid crystal lens becomes simple, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

また、前記課題を解決するために創案された本発明に係る撮像方法は、少なくとも１つの液晶層で構成される液晶部を一対有する液晶レンズを使用し、前記一対の液晶部に対して相互に独立して電圧を印加可能であり、前記一対の液晶部の一方は第１偏光を屈折可能で、他方は第２偏光を屈折可能であり、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光は偏光方向が相互に直交する撮像方法であって、前記一対の液晶部を通過した前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光を相互に分離し、分離された前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光のそれぞれの像を撮像することに特徴づけられる。   In addition, an imaging method according to the present invention created to solve the above-described problems uses a liquid crystal lens having a pair of liquid crystal portions composed of at least one liquid crystal layer, and is mutually connected to the pair of liquid crystal portions. A voltage can be applied independently, one of the pair of liquid crystal units can refract the first polarized light, the other can refract the second polarized light, and the first polarized light and the second polarized light have a polarization direction. An imaging method orthogonal to each other, wherein the first polarized light and the second polarized light that have passed through the pair of liquid crystal units are separated from each other, and the separated images of the first polarized light and the second polarized light are obtained. Characterized by imaging.

この構成の技術的特徴は、本欄の冒頭で述べた撮像装置の技術的特徴と実質的に同様であるため、作用及び効果も同様である。   Since the technical features of this configuration are substantially the same as the technical features of the imaging apparatus described at the beginning of this section, the operations and effects are also the same.

また、前記課題を解決するために創案された本発明に係る液晶レンズの使用方法は、少なくとも１つの液晶層で構成される液晶部を一対有する液晶レンズの使用方法であって、前記一対の液晶部に対して相互に独立して電圧を印加可能であり、前記一対の液晶部の一方は第１偏光を屈折可能で、他方は第２偏光を屈折可能であり、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光は偏光方向が相互に直交し、光軸の方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を撮像するために、前記一対の液晶部に電圧を印加することによって、前記一対の液晶部のそれぞれの焦点を前記光軸の方向の異なる２つの前記位置に合わせることに特徴づけられる。   In addition, a method of using the liquid crystal lens according to the present invention, which has been created to solve the above-described problem, is a method of using a liquid crystal lens having a pair of liquid crystal portions composed of at least one liquid crystal layer, and the pair of liquid crystals A voltage can be applied to the unit independently of each other, one of the pair of liquid crystal units can refract the first polarization, the other can refract the second polarization, the first polarization and the first In the case of two-polarized light, in order to capture images at two positions where the polarization directions are orthogonal to each other and the directions of the optical axes are different, by applying a voltage to the pair of liquid crystal units, the respective focal points of the pair of liquid crystal units Is adjusted to two positions different in the direction of the optical axis.

この構成であれば、一対の液晶部を通過した第１偏光と第２偏光を相互に分離し、分離された第１偏光と第２偏光のそれぞれの像を撮像すれば、光軸の方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を同時に明瞭に撮像することができる。   If it is this structure, if the 1st polarization | polarized-light and 2nd polarization | polarized-light which passed through a pair of liquid crystal part are mutually isolate | separated, and each image of the isolate | separated 1st polarization | polarized-light and 2nd polarization | polarized-light is imaged, the direction of an optical axis will be obtained. Images at two different positions can be clearly and simultaneously captured.

以上のように本発明によれば、光軸の方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を同時に明瞭に撮像することができる。   As described above, according to the present invention, images at two positions having different optical axis directions can be clearly and simultaneously picked up.

本発明の実施形態に係る撮像装置を示す概略側面図である。1 is a schematic side view showing an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 液晶レンズを示す拡大概略側面図である。It is an expansion schematic side view which shows a liquid crystal lens. 液晶レンズの変形例を示す拡大概略側面図である。It is an expansion schematic side view which shows the modification of a liquid crystal lens.

以下、本発明を実施するための形態について図面に基づき説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明の実施形態に係る撮像装置を示す概略側面図である。この撮像装置１は、被写体Ａにおける光軸Ｂの方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を同時に明瞭に撮像するためのものである。   FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This imaging device 1 is for clearly and simultaneously capturing images at two positions in the subject A in different directions of the optical axis B.

撮像装置１は、液晶レンズ２と、像拡大手段３と、偏光ビームスプリッター４と、一対の撮像手段５，５と、データ処理手段６、画像表示手段７とを主要な構成要素として備える。   The imaging device 1 includes a liquid crystal lens 2, an image magnifying unit 3, a polarization beam splitter 4, a pair of imaging units 5 and 5, a data processing unit 6, and an image display unit 7 as main components.

液晶レンズ２は、一対のレンズ部８，８を有する。一対のレンズ部８，８のそれぞれは、液晶部８ａを１つ有する。液晶部８ａは、１つの液晶層８ｂで構成されている。また、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａのそれぞれには、相互に独立して電圧を印加可能である。一対のレンズ部８，８のそれぞれの液晶部８ａは、光軸Ｂに対して垂直になるように配設されている。そして、一対のレンズ部８，８のそれぞれの液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向は、相互に直交した状態である。   The liquid crystal lens 2 has a pair of lens portions 8 and 8. Each of the pair of lens units 8 and 8 has one liquid crystal unit 8a. The liquid crystal part 8a is composed of one liquid crystal layer 8b. A voltage can be applied to each of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a independently of each other. The liquid crystal portions 8a of the pair of lens portions 8 and 8 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis B. The liquid crystal alignment directions in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B in the liquid crystal part 8a of each of the pair of lens parts 8 and 8 are in a state orthogonal to each other.

被写体Ａの側から一対のレンズ部８，８の液晶部８ａ，８ａに入射する光（自然光）には、一方のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向に一致する偏光方向を有する偏光と、他方のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向に一致する偏光方向を有する偏光が含まれる。一対のレンズ部８，８の液晶部８ａ，８ａのそれぞれは、その屈折率の変更によって、液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶方向配向に一致する偏光方向を有する偏光を屈折可能である。つまり、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａの一方が屈折可能な偏光（第１偏光）と他方が屈折可能な偏光（第２偏光）は、偏光方向が相互に直交する。   Light (natural light) incident on the liquid crystal units 8a and 8a of the pair of lens units 8 and 8 from the subject A side is in the liquid crystal alignment direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B in the liquid crystal unit 8a of the one lens unit 8. The polarized light having the same polarization direction and the polarized light having the polarization direction coinciding with the liquid crystal alignment direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B in the liquid crystal part 8a of the other lens part 8 are included. Each of the liquid crystal units 8a and 8a of the pair of lens units 8 and 8 can refract polarized light having a polarization direction that matches the liquid crystal direction alignment in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B in the liquid crystal unit 8a by changing the refractive index. It is. That is, the polarization directions of polarized light (first polarized light) that can be refracted by one of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a and polarized light (second polarized light) that can be refracted by the other are orthogonal to each other.

図２に詳細に示すように、一対のレンズ部８，８のそれぞれは、１つの液晶部８ａを介して対向する一対の透明基板８ｃと、透明基板８ｃの間に液晶部８ａを封止する封止部８ｄと、液晶部８ａに電圧を印加するための第１電極８ｅ、第２電極８ｆ、第３電極８ｇを主要な構成要素とする。また、第１電極８ｅと第２電極８ｆには、電圧が可変な第１電源９ａが接続され、第１電極８ｅと第３電極８ｇには電圧が可変な第２電源９ｂが接続される。第１電源９ａと第２電源９ｂの電圧を調節することによって、液晶部８ａの屈折率を変更することができる。   As shown in detail in FIG. 2, each of the pair of lens units 8 and 8 seals the liquid crystal unit 8a between the pair of transparent substrates 8c and the transparent substrate 8c facing each other through one liquid crystal unit 8a. The main component is the sealing portion 8d and the first electrode 8e, the second electrode 8f, and the third electrode 8g for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal portion 8a. A first power supply 9a having a variable voltage is connected to the first electrode 8e and the second electrode 8f, and a second power supply 9b having a variable voltage is connected to the first electrode 8e and the third electrode 8g. The refractive index of the liquid crystal unit 8a can be changed by adjusting the voltages of the first power supply 9a and the second power supply 9b.

本実施形態では、一対のレンズ部８，８は、その構成要素の寸法や材質は同一であり、一対のレンズ部８，８は、それらの境界を対称面として対称配置されている。しかし、本発明は、これに限定されず、一対のレンズ部８，８は、その構成要素の寸法や材質は同一でなくてもよいし、一対のレンズ部８，８が、対称配置されていなくてもよい。   In the present embodiment, the pair of lens portions 8 and 8 have the same dimensions and materials, and the pair of lens portions 8 and 8 are symmetrically arranged with their boundaries as symmetry planes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pair of lens portions 8 and 8 may not have the same dimensions and materials, and the pair of lens portions 8 and 8 are arranged symmetrically. It does not have to be.

また、本実施形態では、一対のレンズ部８，８は、接着剤等により相互に接着されているが、相互に離隔していてもよい。一方、本実施形態では、液晶部８ａの間に透明基板８ｃが一対配置されているが、液晶部８ａのそれぞれに独立して電圧印加可能であれば、液晶部８ａの間の透明基板８ｃを共有化して１つにしてもよい。   Moreover, in this embodiment, although a pair of lens parts 8 and 8 are mutually adhere | attached with the adhesive agent etc., you may isolate | separate mutually. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a pair of transparent substrates 8c are arranged between the liquid crystal portions 8a. However, if a voltage can be applied independently to each of the liquid crystal portions 8a, the transparent substrate 8c between the liquid crystal portions 8a is provided. It may be shared to be one.

撮像装置１の使用時には、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａの焦点のそれぞれを光軸Ｂの方向の異なる２つの位置に合わせる。これは、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａの双方又は一方に電圧を印加して、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａの焦点距離を異ならせることによって実施される。   When the imaging apparatus 1 is used, the focal points of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a are respectively adjusted to two positions having different optical axis B directions. This is carried out by applying a voltage to both or one of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a to make the focal lengths of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a different.

図１に示すように、像拡大手段３は、液晶レンズ２と、偏光ビームスプリッター４との間に配設され、液晶レンズ２の一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａを通過した光の像を拡大する。像拡大手段３は、例えば、無限遠補正光学系（いわゆる顕微鏡の光学系）であり、光軸Ｂ上に配置された対物レンズ３ａ、結像レンズ３ｂ及び接眼レンズ３ｃで構成されている。   As shown in FIG. 1, the image enlarging means 3 is disposed between the liquid crystal lens 2 and the polarization beam splitter 4, and enlarges the image of light that has passed through the pair of liquid crystal portions 8 a and 8 a of the liquid crystal lens 2. . The image magnifying means 3 is, for example, an infinity correction optical system (so-called microscope optical system), and includes an objective lens 3a, an imaging lens 3b, and an eyepiece lens 3c arranged on the optical axis B.

偏光ビームスプリッター４は、Ｐ偏光Ｌｐを透過させると共にＳ偏光Ｌｓを反射する。詳述すれば、偏光ビームスプリッター４は、入射したＳ偏光を入射方向に対して直角の方向に反射する。つまり、偏光ビームスプリッター４は、液晶レンズ２の一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａを通過した光に含まれる一対の偏光Ｌｐ，Ｌｓを相互に分離する光分離手段である。   The polarization beam splitter 4 transmits the P-polarized light Lp and reflects the S-polarized light Ls. More specifically, the polarizing beam splitter 4 reflects incident S-polarized light in a direction perpendicular to the incident direction. That is, the polarization beam splitter 4 is a light separating unit that separates the pair of polarized light Lp and Ls included in the light that has passed through the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a of the liquid crystal lens 2 from each other.

本実施形態では、偏光ビームスプリッター４の側のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向が、Ｐ偏光Ｌｐの偏光方向に一致するように配設されており、被写体Ａの側のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向が、Ｓ偏光Ｌｓの偏光方向に一致するように配設されている。つまり、偏光ビームスプリッター４の側のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａが、Ｐ偏光Ｌｐを屈折可能であり、被写体Ａの側のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａが、Ｓ偏光Ｌｓを屈折可能である。しかし、本発明はこれに限定されず、偏光ビームスプリッター４の側のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向が、Ｓ偏光Ｌｓの偏光方向に一致するように配設され、被写体Ａの側のレンズ部８の液晶部８ａにおける光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向が、Ｐ偏光Ｌｐの偏光方向に一致するように配設されていてもよい。   In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal alignment direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B in the liquid crystal unit 8a of the lens unit 8 on the polarizing beam splitter 4 side is arranged so as to coincide with the polarization direction of the P-polarized light Lp. The liquid crystal alignment direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B in the liquid crystal unit 8a of the lens unit 8 on the subject A side is arranged so as to coincide with the polarization direction of the S-polarized light Ls. That is, the liquid crystal unit 8a of the lens unit 8 on the polarizing beam splitter 4 side can refract the P-polarized light Lp, and the liquid crystal unit 8a of the lens unit 8 on the subject A side can refract the S-polarized light Ls. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid crystal alignment direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B in the liquid crystal unit 8a of the lens unit 8 on the polarizing beam splitter 4 side is matched with the polarization direction of the S-polarized light Ls. The liquid crystal alignment direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B of the liquid crystal unit 8a of the lens unit 8 on the subject A side may be arranged to coincide with the polarization direction of the P-polarized light Lp.

一対の撮像手段５，５は、偏光ビームスプリッター４によって分離されたＰ偏光ＬｐとＳ偏光Ｌｓのそれぞれの像を撮像する。本実施形態では、一対の撮像手段５，５は、ＣＭＯＳカメラであり、撮像された像の画像データが形成される。しかし、本発明はこれに限定されず、一対の撮像手段５，５は、各偏光Ｌｐ，Ｌｓの像を撮像できるものであれば、例えば、ＣＣＤカメラであってもよいし、電気的な画像データが形成されないフィルム式のカメラであってもよい。   The pair of imaging means 5 and 5 capture images of the P-polarized light Lp and the S-polarized light Ls separated by the polarization beam splitter 4. In the present embodiment, the pair of imaging units 5 and 5 are CMOS cameras, and image data of captured images is formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pair of imaging means 5 and 5 may be, for example, a CCD camera or an electrical image as long as it can capture images of the polarized lights Lp and Ls. It may be a film camera in which data is not formed.

データ処理手段６は、一対の撮像手段５，５で撮像されて形成される画像データを、重ね合わせて１つの画像に合成して、画像表示手段７に表示する。勿論、本発明はこれに限定されることは無く、データ処理手段６は、一対の撮像手段５，５で撮像されて形成される画像データを、それぞれ別の画像として画像表示手段７に表示してもよい。   The data processing means 6 superimposes the image data formed by being picked up by the pair of image pickup means 5 and 5 into one image and displays it on the image display means 7. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the data processing unit 6 displays the image data formed by the pair of imaging units 5 and 5 on the image display unit 7 as separate images. May be.

以上のように構成された本実施形態の撮像装置１では、以下の効果を享受できる。   The imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above can enjoy the following effects.

使用時には、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａの焦点のそれぞれを光軸Ｂの方向の異なる２つの位置に合わせる。従って、一対の撮像手段５，５によって撮像される各偏光Ｌｐ，Ｌｓの像は、何れも明瞭なものとなる。すなわち、本実施形態の撮像装置１によれば、光軸Ｂの方向の異なる位置の画像を同時に明瞭に撮像することができる。   In use, the focal points of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a are respectively adjusted to two positions having different optical axis B directions. Accordingly, the images of the polarized lights Lp and Ls picked up by the pair of image pickup means 5 and 5 are clear. That is, according to the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, images at different positions in the direction of the optical axis B can be clearly and simultaneously captured.

ところで、例えばマクロ撮像の場合、被写体深度は非常に浅く、レンズの焦点位置にある被写体は明瞭に撮像できるが、焦点位置から外れた部分の被写体は、ぼやけて不明瞭となる。周囲との位置関係を把握するためには、この状況は不都合であり、撮像装置の被写体深度が深いことが要望される。   By the way, in the case of macro imaging, for example, the subject depth is very shallow and the subject at the focal position of the lens can be clearly imaged, but the subject outside the focal position is blurred and unclear. This situation is inconvenient for grasping the positional relationship with the surroundings, and it is desired that the subject depth of the imaging device is deep.

このような要望に対して、本実施形態の撮像装置１では、撮像で形成された画像データを重ね合わせて１つの画像に合成している。この画像は、光軸Ｂの方向の異なる２つの位置に焦点が合っており、実質的に被写体深度が深い画像である。すなわち、本実施形態の撮像装置１によれば、実質的に被写体深度が深い撮像ができる。   In response to such a demand, in the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, image data formed by imaging is superimposed and combined into one image. This image is focused on two different positions in the direction of the optical axis B, and is a substantially deep subject depth image. That is, according to the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, imaging with a substantially deep subject depth can be performed.

また、焦点を合わせる２つの位置を変更して複数回撮像し、得られる複数の画像データを重ね合わせて合成して１つの画像とすれば、立体的な画像を得ることができる。   In addition, if the two positions to be focused are changed and imaged a plurality of times, and a plurality of obtained image data are superimposed and combined into one image, a stereoscopic image can be obtained.

また、アライメントマークを有する２枚の透明な平板について上下に重ねた状態で位置合わせを行なう際に、上下の平板のアライメントマークの深度が異なるが、本発明の撮像装置１であれば、上下の平板のアライメントマークのそれぞれに焦点を合わせた画像を得ることができるため、平板の位置合わせが容易となる。   Further, when the alignment is performed in a state where two transparent flat plates having alignment marks are vertically stacked, the depths of the alignment marks of the upper and lower flat plates are different. Since an image focused on each of the alignment marks on the flat plate can be obtained, the alignment of the flat plate becomes easy.

また、１枚の透明な平板の表裏を検査する場合にも、平板の表裏の深度が異なるが、本発明の撮像装置１であれば、平板の表裏のそれぞれに焦点を合わせた画像を得ることができるため、平板の表裏の検査が容易となる。   Also, when inspecting the front and back of a single transparent flat plate, the depths of the front and back of the flat plate are different, but with the imaging device 1 of the present invention, images focused on the front and back of the flat plate can be obtained. Therefore, the inspection of the front and back of the flat plate becomes easy.

本発明は、上記実施形態に限定されず、その技術的思想の範囲で様々な変形が可能である。例えば、上記実施形態では、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａのそれぞれは、１つの液晶層８ｂで構成されていたが、図３に示すように、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａのそれぞれは、複数（図示例は２つ）の液晶層８ｂで構成されていてもよい。この場合には、一対の液晶部８ａ，８ａのそれぞれが有する複数の液晶層８ｂは、光軸Ｂに対する垂直面内の液晶配向方向が同一である。なお、上記実施形態と同一の構成には、同一の符号を付し、説明を省略する。   The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. For example, in the above embodiment, each of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a is configured by one liquid crystal layer 8b. However, as shown in FIG. 3, each of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a includes a plurality of ( The illustrated example may be composed of two liquid crystal layers 8b. In this case, the plurality of liquid crystal layers 8b included in each of the pair of liquid crystal units 8a and 8a have the same liquid crystal alignment direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis B. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as the said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

また、上記実施形態では、焦点合わせを実施して取得した画像を視認することを目的として構成した場合を説明したが、取得した画像を見ることによって焦点合わせを実施して、焦点が合った時の印加電圧から、液晶レンズから２つの位置までの距離、又は、２つの位置の間の距離を求めることができるように構成してもよい。   Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the purpose is to visually recognize an image acquired by performing focusing, but when focusing is performed by looking at the acquired image, the focus is achieved. The distance from the liquid crystal lens to the two positions or the distance between the two positions may be obtained from the applied voltage.

１ 撮像装置
２ 液晶レンズ
３ 像拡大手段
４ 偏光ビームスプリッター（光分離手段）
５ 撮像手段
８ａ 液晶部
８ｂ 液晶層
Ｂ 光軸
Ｌｐ，Ｌｓ 偏光 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 2 Liquid crystal lens 3 Image expansion means 4 Polarization beam splitter (light separation means)
5 Imaging means 8a Liquid crystal part 8b Liquid crystal layer B Optical axes Lp, Ls Polarized light

Claims (6)

少なくとも１つの液晶層で構成される液晶部を一対有する液晶レンズを備え、前記一対の液晶部に対して相互に独立して電圧を印加可能であり、前記一対の液晶部の一方は第１偏光を屈折可能で、他方は第２偏光を屈折可能であり、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光は偏光方向が相互に直交する撮像装置であって、
前記一対の液晶部を通過した前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光を相互に分離する光分離手段と、前記光分離手段によって分離された前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光のそれぞれの像を撮像する撮像手段とを備えることを特徴とする撮像装置。 A liquid crystal lens having a pair of liquid crystal portions each composed of at least one liquid crystal layer is provided, and a voltage can be applied to the pair of liquid crystal portions independently of each other, and one of the pair of liquid crystal portions is a first polarized light. And the other can refract the second polarized light, and the first polarized light and the second polarized light are imaging devices whose polarization directions are orthogonal to each other,
The first polarized light and the second polarized light that have passed through the pair of liquid crystal units are separated from each other, and the first polarized light and the second polarized light separated by the light separating means are captured. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup unit that performs image pickup. 前記一対の液晶部と、前記光分離手段との間に、前記一対の液晶部を通過した光の像を拡大する像拡大手段が配設されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の撮像装置。   2. The image enlarging means for enlarging an image of light that has passed through the pair of liquid crystal sections is disposed between the pair of liquid crystal sections and the light separating section. Imaging device. 前記光分離手段は、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光の一方を透過させ、他方を反射する偏光ビームスプリッターであることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載の撮像装置。   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light separation unit is a polarization beam splitter that transmits one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light and reflects the other. 前記一対の液晶部のそれぞれが、１つの液晶層で構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１〜３の何れか１項に記載の撮像装置。   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of liquid crystal units includes one liquid crystal layer. 少なくとも１つの液晶層で構成される液晶部を一対有する液晶レンズを使用し、前記一対の液晶部に対して相互に独立して電圧を印加可能であり、前記一対の液晶部の一方は第１偏光を屈折可能で、他方は第２偏光を屈折可能であり、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光は偏光方向が相互に直交する撮像方法であって、
前記一対の液晶部を通過した前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光を相互に分離し、分離された前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光のそれぞれの像を撮像することを特徴とする撮像方法。 A liquid crystal lens having a pair of liquid crystal portions each including at least one liquid crystal layer is used, and a voltage can be applied to the pair of liquid crystal portions independently of each other, and one of the pair of liquid crystal portions is a first one. An imaging method in which the polarized light can be refracted, the other can refract the second polarized light, and the first polarized light and the second polarized light have polarization directions orthogonal to each other,
An imaging method, wherein the first polarized light and the second polarized light that have passed through the pair of liquid crystal units are separated from each other, and the separated images of the first polarized light and the second polarized light are captured. 少なくとも１つの液晶層で構成される液晶部を一対有する液晶レンズの使用方法であって、
前記一対の液晶部に対して相互に独立して電圧を印加可能であり、前記一対の液晶部の一方は第１偏光を屈折可能で、他方は第２偏光を屈折可能であり、前記第１偏光と前記第２偏光は偏光方向が相互に直交し、
光軸の方向の異なる２つの位置の画像を撮像するために、前記一対の液晶部に電圧を印加することによって、前記一対の液晶部のそれぞれの焦点を前記光軸の方向の異なる２つの前記位置に合わせることを特徴とする液晶レンズの使用方法。 A method of using a liquid crystal lens having a pair of liquid crystal portions composed of at least one liquid crystal layer,
A voltage can be applied to the pair of liquid crystal units independently of each other, one of the pair of liquid crystal units can refract the first polarization, the other can refract the second polarization, and the first The polarization direction of the polarized light and the second polarized light are orthogonal to each other,
In order to capture images at two positions with different optical axis directions, a voltage is applied to the pair of liquid crystal units, so that the respective focal points of the pair of liquid crystal units are focused on the two liquid crystal units with different optical axis directions. A method of using a liquid crystal lens, characterized by being adjusted to a position.
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