JP3568252B2 - 3D still image imaging system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to a stereoscopic still image imaging system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, electronic imaging devices such as video cameras and electronic still cameras have been widely used. In each of such imaging devices, a subject having a three-dimensional (three-dimensional) structure is projected and recorded and reproduced on a plane image having no depth.
[0003]
On the other hand, a stereoscopic imaging system for recording stereoscopic information, that is, depth information of a subject together, and observing the stereoscopic image as a stereoscopic image has been conventionally known. In some fields, such a system is actually built. It has been applied.
[0004]
As an example of the three-dimensional imaging system, there is a system that performs three-dimensional imaging using two moving cameras, such as a moving image video photographing device or a photographing device such as a normal video movie or a video camera. Hereinafter, this will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
[0005]
In FIG. 3A, the subject 3 is indicated by a triangle, and the left eye 7L and the right eye 7R are indicated by circles. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a situation in which the subject 3 is viewed with two eyes assuming a human face, for example, when viewed from directly above, and includes a left eye 7L and a right eye 7R. Has a certain distance, that is, a base line length d. It is said that a normal adult has a distance between the left and right eyes of about 60 to 70 mm, and typically about 65 mm. I can see That is, the subject 3 viewed from the left eye and the subject 3 viewed from the right eye appear to be displaced.
[0006]
The case where this is imaged by an actual camera will be described. In FIG. 3B, the camera 4L is arranged on the left side and the camera 4R is arranged on the right side with a distance of the base line d, and the two cameras 4L and 4R take an image of the subject 3 so that the human can see the left and right eyes. In each case, the same image as when the subject 3 is viewed is obtained, and the image is given to the human eye again by some means an image viewed from the left to the left eye, and an image viewed from the right to the right eye, Since the same image as that actually seen by two eyes is reproduced, the image looks three-dimensional.
[0007]
As described above, the conventional imaging system is usually configured by using two cameras, or in a special case, two camera heads (a part for inputting a camera image by a lens or an image sensor) are used for one camera. Conventionally, a three-dimensional dedicated imaging camera or the like, which is integrated into one camera to capture an image, has been used.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described imaging system has a drawback that it takes much time and effort since two cameras are arranged to image a subject. This will be described below.
[0009]
In FIG. 3A, when the subject 3 is viewed, the left eye 7L and the right eye 7R shift to a certain extent with respect to the subject 3 to form a convergence angle θ. That is, it is known that when a human is looking at a distant subject, the eyes hardly shift and the eyes are parallel, but when a very close subject is seen, the eyes shift toward the eyes. The convergence angle θ is formed. Here, congestion means "to gather". Strictly speaking, the convergence angle is 2θ, and θ is a half convergence angle. Therefore, when the cameras 4L and 4R are arranged apart from each other by the base line length d as shown in FIG. 3B, it is necessary to finely adjust the convergence angle θ when the distance of the subject 3 changes.
[0010]
Therefore, in practice, two cameras must be arranged in consideration of such a point, so that it takes a lot of trouble, and there is a problem that a large system configuration is required because two cameras are used. Further, it has been difficult to apply an imaging system having such a defect to an electronic still camera or the like and put it to practical use.
Also,rightWhen each image of the eye image and the image for the left eye is only recorded individually, management, as a set of three-dimensional images, and identification of the left and right images when storing, transferring, and reproducing the images using the images are performed. Has been problematic, resulting in confusion and time-consuming management.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to perform imaging with a simple configuration.StandingA practical stereoscopic still image capturing system that can easily manage body images and identify left and right images.TimeTo provide.
[0012]
Means and Action for Solving the Problems
In order to achieve the above object, a stereoscopic still image imaging system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a rotation unit configured to rotate an object about a horizontal line of a shooting screen and a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to both axes of a shooting optical axis. Shutter control means for generating at least two or more shutter drive signals at different timings in response to one photographing command; and at least two or more subject still images obtained in response to the shutter drive signal Image pair generating means for selecting two image signals from the signals to form a set and generating a pair of still image pair signals in a state where the shooting order information of the two image signals is managed so as to be able to be restored; Recording means for recording the still image pair signal as one still image in a state where the shooting order information of the two image signals is managed so as to be able to be restored.
[0013]
Further, in the stereoscopic still image pickup system according to the second invention, each of the two image signals selected by the image pair generation unit corresponds to one field image in a 2: 1 interlaced video signal. Corresponds to one frame image.
[0014]
Further, the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to a third aspect of the present invention has a means for changing the number of still images recorded simultaneously by the shutter control means in response to one shooting command.
[0015]
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to a fourth aspect, the shooting order information is associated with an odd field and an even field constituting a frame image related to the recording.
[0016]
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to a fifth aspect, the shooting order information is recorded in a data area associated with or associated with a still image signal.
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to a sixth aspect, the shooting order information is changed in accordance with a rotation direction of the rotation unit.
[0017]
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to a seventh aspect, the shutter control means can change a shutter drive signal generation timing.
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system, the shutter control unit adjusts the timing of the shutter drive signal expression in accordance with the subject rotation speed and / or the subject distance and / or the shooting magnification by the rotation unit. change.
[0018]
Further, the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the ninth invention is characterized in that an imaging device constituting at least a part of the stereoscopic still image imaging system has a first imaging mode suitable for performing normal imaging independently. A second photographing mode suitable for taking a stereoscopic still image in combination with the rotating means.
[0019]
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the tenth aspect, the shutter control means may control the shutter drive signal at least in the first shooting mode independently of the distinction between the odd field and the even field in the 2: 1 interlaced video signal. It determines the generation timing.
[0020]
Further, the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention includes an exposure control means for controlling exposure according to an appropriate exposure control condition peculiar to stereoscopic still image imaging at least in the second shooting mode.
[0021]
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the twelfth aspect, at least in the second shooting mode, when an exposure control instruction that does not satisfy an appropriate exposure control condition specifically generated in stereoscopic still image imaging is given. Warning means for issuing a warning.
[0022]
Further, the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the thirteenth invention has a rotating background means for rotating the shooting background together with the subject.
Further, the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the fourteenth invention has a turning light source unit for turning an illumination light source for the subject together with the subject.
[0023]
Further, the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the fifteenth invention has a light diffusing unit for diffusing light given from the light source to the subject.
Further, the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention has a rotation transmitting means for selectively transmitting light given to the subject from the light source and rotating the selected portion together with the subject.
Further, in the stereoscopic still image imaging system according to a seventeenth aspect, the rotation means has a rotation changing means for changing a subject rotation direction and / or a speed.
[0024]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This embodiment uses a still image capturing method such as an electronic still camera that captures a still image, does not use two cameras as in the related art, and uses only one camera and one imaging device (one in this case). (This means that there is only one camera head itself), and stereoscopic imaging is performed with a simple configuration.
[0025]
First, the basic concept of monocular (monocular or single lens when viewed as a camera) stereoscopic imaging will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the monocular stereoscopic imaging method. Here, the two states of the subject are shown temporally superimposed, and the triangular schematic subject 3 shown in FIG. 3 is oriented in the direction of the arrow in the figure, in this case, clockwise or clockwise (clockwise). Is rotating in the direction of. More specifically, such a state can be created by placing the subject on a turntable such as a record player and rotating the subject. When the subject is rotated, the subject 3 is located at the position of the subject 3 'at a certain time, and is located at the position of the subject 3' 'at a point of time after a short time.
[0026]
Considering that this is imaged by one camera 4 arranged at the lower front side in FIG. 4, the positional relationship between the camera 4 and the subject when the subject 3 is at the position of the subject 3 'is shown in FIG. The relationship between the camera and the subject when the camera 4L faces the subject 3 and the relationship between the camera and the subject when the subject 3 comes to the position of the subject 3 ″ are the positions when the camera 4R is facing the subject 3 in FIG. It can be seen that the relationships are the same as the relationships.
[0027]
Here, it is assumed that the objects 3 ′ and 3 ″ do not move like a living thing, and do not move themselves.turnWhen moving while being placed on the table, two pictures represented by 3 ′ and 3 ″ are successively photographed at a predetermined timing. By such photographing, the left eyes 7L and 7L of both eyes shown in FIG. The information of the right eye 7R is captured by one camera, and the above is the principle of monocular stereoscopic imaging.
[0028]
By fixing one camera and taking an image of the subject at an angle, a subject image equivalent to this stereoscopic view can be obtained. However, this fact alone means that a stereoscopic photograph using a conventional film camera or the like can be obtained. It is the same as the photographing technique. However, in the system according to the present embodiment, as described later, the subject is placed on a turntable and rotated for easy photographing. By pressing a button once with a single camera, the subject being rotated is automatically photographed one after another at a predetermined timing, and two necessary pictures are easily photographed. .
[0029]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a side view of the entire stereoscopic still image capturing system according to the present embodiment, which includes a turntable 1 for mounting and rotating a subject 3, a camera 4 for photographing the subject 3, and a turntable 1. And a support arm 5 for supporting the camera 4 and a motor 2 for driving the turntable 1 to rotate. Although not shown, in addition to the above configuration, a fine control switch such as a power supply is provided, and when this switch is turned on, the motor 2 rotates and the turntable 1 as a rotating means is linked. The subject 3 placed on the turntable 1 rotates. At this time, the support arm 5 maintains the rotation axis of the turntable 1 and the camera 4 in a predetermined angular relationship, and the optical axis of the camera 4 is perpendicular to the rotation axis 6 of the motor 2. It is assumed that
[0030]
Here, when the subject 4 is photographed by the camera 4, if the camera 4 is a normal camera, the screen to be photographed has a rectangular shape, and is a photographing screen that is longer than it is vertically. Here, the horizontal direction in such a case is referred to as a horizontal direction. That is, the camera 4 shown in FIG. 1 is set to take a picture in the horizontal direction, and the arrow (photographing optical axis) extending to the left from the lens portion of the camera 4 and the rotation axis 6 of the motor 2 are perpendicular to each other. It is attached by the support arm 5 so that Here, when the camera 4 finally attempts to shoot in a vertical position (a position where the image is taken in a rectangular shooting frame having a long and short side), the camera 4 is rotated by 90 degrees. All that is required is to make it vertical (with respect to the optical axis). That is, in the present embodiment, the horizontal line of the photographing screen is not completely determined by the camera 4 alone, but indicates a direction considered to be horizontal with respect to the photographing screen to be finally photographed by the camera.
[0031]
Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the camera 4 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which a portion related to the present embodiment of a typical electronic still camera is extracted and drawn, and a power supply unit, an autofocus, a strobe, a viewfinder device, and the like that should be included in a normal electronic camera are illustrated. Not necessarily, but of course.
[0032]
In FIG. 2, light incident from a photographing lens 10 is regulated by an aperture 11 and is applied to an image pickup device (imager) 12 such as a CCD. The subject photoelectric conversion signal output at this time is sent to the recording unit 14 after being subjected to appropriate signal processing by the imaging unit 13. In this embodiment, similarly to a conventional electronic camera, an electric signal is digitized and digitally recorded. The recording unit 14 performs digital conversion on the signal from the imaging unit 13, and the digitized image signal is written to the memory card 16 through the card interface (I / F) 15.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, the reproducing operation is not essential to the present invention, and therefore the description is omitted here. However, when the reproducing function is provided, a reproducing unit for reproducing a signal from the memory card 16 or an external device from the reproducing unit is provided. Needless to say, a display or the like for displaying the output signal is required.
[0034]
The flow from the imager 12 to the memory card 16 is the flow of image signals during recording. The system controller 20 is provided to control the entire camera including these components and other components (not shown). . The system controller 20 is usually composed of a microcomputer for performing various processes. In this embodiment, the microcomputer is a main component. Particularly, in this embodiment, since the control related to the exposure control is performed, the exposure control unit 20a is provided for the control.
[0035]
Further, an imager driver 18 for controlling the imager 12 is provided. The imager driver 18, the imaging unit 13, the recording unit 14, and other parts operate based on a synchronization signal from a synchronization signal generator (not shown) called a clock generator or a synchronous signal generator (also referred to as SSG). Is done. In particular, when an instruction to drive, for example, an electronic shutter (not shown) is given to the imager driver 18 by an exposure control instruction from the exposure control unit 20a of the system controller 20, the imager driver 18 sends the electronic control signal to the imager 12. A shutter drive signal for controlling the shutter is given to cause the imager 12 to perform a shutter operation only by an electric command. Here, the above-described imager driver 18 and the exposure controller 20a constitute shutter control means, and a signal output from the imager driver 18 is a shutter drive signal. The exposure controller 20a controls the aperture 11 through the iris driver 17.
[0036]
The electronic still camera shown in FIG. This is a key provided at an appropriate place on the camera body, and is composed of, for example, a push button switch or a slide switch. Various settings can be made to the system controller 20 by operating this input key 21. A specific example thereof will be described later.
[0037]
The signal flow up to the recording of the image signal has been described above. In the present embodiment, one frame is composed of two fields because the image signal of the NTSC format is taken in. This will be described below.
[0038]
In the NTSC format, one image (one frame) is composed of 525 scanning lines. This one-frame image performs a so-called interlacing operation of scanning every other 525 scanning lines. It is composed of two fields obtained as follows. Such two field images are recorded as one frame image. That is, two one-field images in the 2: 1 interlaced video signal are recorded in the recording unit 14 as one still image.
[0039]
FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show such field image signals, and a field called Odd representing an odd number and a field called Even representing an even number are sequentially and repeatedly output. Here, FIG. 5A which is a simplified example will be described, and FIG. 5B will be described later. Odd and Even field signals output from the imaging unit 13 to the recording unit 14 are output alternately (O, E, O, E) and at a time interval of 1/60 second for each field. Before these field signals are actually recorded on the memory card 16, a field signal to be actually recorded as one frame image is selected from Odd and Even signals output in time order and recorded. The data is taken into the frame buffer 23 in the unit 16. FIG. 5A shows a state in which Odd and Even field signals are recorded in each area, odd area (O), and even area (E) of the frame buffer 23.
[0040]
At this time, an instruction signal is supplied from the system controller 20 to the recording unit 14 to instruct which signal, that is, which of the signals output one after another in time, is to be recorded. After these field signals are stored in the frame buffer 23, the Odd and Even field signals are recorded as one frame in the memory card 16 via the card I / F 15.
[0041]
Here, the two signals of the Odd and Even fields are temporarily recorded in the frame buffer 23 in order to compress information in order to minimize the amount of data recorded in a normal electronic still camera. That is, in this embodiment, the Odd and Even field signals recorded in the frame buffer 23 are combined into a single frame image, compressed, and recorded on the memory card 16. It is not always necessary to perform image compression in such a state, and in fact, Odd and Even field images can be individually compressed. However, since the compression method used in many conventional electronic still cameras compresses after forming an image of one frame, this embodiment uses this method.
[0042]
As described above, in the present embodiment, two field signals output from the imaging unit 13 are fetched into the frame buffer 23 as one still image. The timing of capturing the two images at this time depends on the timing at which the shutter signal is output. The timing at which the shutter is opened and closed and the timing at which the control signal for capturing the image into the frame buffer 23 is transmitted to the recording unit 14 The output is normally performed at a ratio of 1: 1. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, after the Odd image information of the two field signals is fetched into the frame buffer 23 at a predetermined timing, a predetermined time has elapsed for the Even image information. By taking the data into the frame buffer 23 later, one frame image can be formed from two field signals having different time intervals.
[0043]
Hereinafter, the above-described recording operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart shows the flow of processing of capturing a stereoscopic still image by the system of this embodiment. First, it is determined in step S1 whether a setting input has been made. This is prepared for performing various settings described in the later embodiments. Here, it is assumed that there is no particular setting input, and the process proceeds to the next step S3.
[0044]
In step S3, it is determined whether or not a trigger has been input, and the process waits until a trigger is input. When a trigger is input, the process proceeds to the next step S4. Step S4 performs a default process. This is related to the operation of the setting input described above, and here, it is assumed that there is no setting input. Therefore, here, the processing when there is no setting is executed as the default processing. As shown in FIG. 7, the default conditions for performing the default processing are the number of shots n = 1 when shooting a frame image, the shutter interval Δt = 1/60 (one field), and the shooting order information is in the order of Odd and Even. , And an Odd field signal is recorded first.
[0045]
After the above-described default conditions are set in step S4, the process proceeds to the next step S5. In this step, it is determined whether or not there is a VD signal (vertical drive signal). Here, the VD signal is substantially the same as a signal called a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and is a signal for determining the timing of processing one image. Here, the falling timing of the VD signal is used as the processing timing. In step S5, the process waits until this VD signal is generated, and when a fall of the VD signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S6 to determine whether or not the field determination is OK. The determination of the field is related to the photographing order information given as one of the default conditions in step S4.
[0046]
As can be seen from FIG. 7, here, the condition that the shooting order information is Odd is given first, so if the current field is Odd, the field discrimination in step S6 is OK, and the process proceeds to the next step S8. On the other hand, if it is not Odd, that is, if it is Even, the process shifts to step S7 and waits until the falling of the VD signal is detected again. Here, in the NTSC signal, since the Odd and Even fields alternately arrive, even if it is not Odd at a certain point in time, if the signal waits for the next VD signal again, it always becomes Odd. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S8 when the Odd signal is detected.
[0047]
In step S8, a plurality of shutter drives are performed according to the conditions. Here, taking into account that the above-mentioned shutter interval Δt = 1/60 is one field, shutter driving for two consecutive fields is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S9 to perform recording according to the conditions. That is, here, a field signal corresponding to the image signal captured by the shutter driving for two continuous fields in step S8 is recorded. Here, only one image is recorded according to the above-described default condition (the number of shots n = 1). Here, the timing control is based on the assumption that when the shutter is driven, recording is performed correspondingly.
[0048]
As described above, in step S8, signals of two continuous fields in the order of Odd and Even are fetched at 1/60 second intervals, and the fetched two-field signals are recorded as one frame image in the next step S9. You.
[0049]
As described above, one trigger is given, and shutter driving is performed a plurality of times in accordance with the above conditions, and one frame image is recorded corresponding to this driving. In step S9, it is determined whether or not to end this operation. In the case of YES, the process returns to the main routine, but in the case of taking another still image, the process returns to the first step S1 and waits until there is a trigger. I do. As described above, when the trigger is pressed once, the above-described steps are executed, so that the recording unit 14 captures one frame of the stereoscopic still image.
[0050]
Hereinafter, a case where the stereoscopic still image recorded in this manner is reproduced will be described.
The image captured by the above method assumes that the direction of rotation of the subject is clockwise, that is, the turntable 1 in FIG. 1 rotates clockwise, and is equivalent to the subject 3 as viewed from the left. An image that is captured after 1/60 seconds has been recorded, and an image equivalent to the image of the subject 3 viewed from the relatively right side is recorded.
[0051]
FIG. 8 shows a state where such an equivalent image is displayed on the TV monitor 30. Here, the TV monitor 30 does not display two images at the same time, but displays them at different timings. Liquid crystal shutter glasses 31 are provided between the left eye 7L, the right eye 7R, and the TV monitor 30. The white part of the liquid crystal shutter glasses 31 indicates that the light is transmitted, and the black part indicates that the light is blocked. Therefore, FIG. 8A shows that the liquid crystal shutter glasses 31L in front of the left eye 7L are in a transmissive state and the right liquid crystal shutter glasses 31R are in a cutoff state. In this case, only the left eye 7L displays an image on the TV monitor 30. You can see. FIG. 8B shows a state in which the right and left of the liquid crystal shutter glasses 31 are switched at another timing. In this case, the right eye 7R is in the transmitting state and the left eye 7L is in the blocking state. Only the eye 7R can see the image on the TV monitor 30. Therefore, when the Even field signal and the Odd field signal of the NTSC signal are associated with the left and right eyes during reproduction, the liquid crystal shutter glasses 31 are transmitted and blocked every 1/60 second in accordance with each field. Is switched, the left eye 7L can always see the image only at a certain timing, and the right eye 7R can see the image only at another timing. Therefore, the left eye image and the right eye image can be selectively viewed.
[0052]
A method of correctly reproducing the image stored in the memory card 16 in consideration of the above will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 9, VD is a vertical synchronizing signal, F / I is a field index signal, and the above-mentioned Odd and Even field signals are expressed by F / I signal high and low.
[0053]
Here, the liquid crystal shutter glasses 31 of FIG. 8 sequentially repeat that the liquid crystal of the glasses for the left eye is in a transmissive state in the Odd field and is in a cutoff state in the Even field. The right eye is upside down. Therefore, the left eye 7L can see only the image of the Odd field, and the right eye 7R can see only the image of the Even field. Here, at the time of shooting, the image L viewed from the position of the left eye 7L is always input to the Odd field, and the image R viewed from the right eye 7R is input to the Even field. The image can be viewed correctly, which means that the image has been correctly reproduced as a stereoscopic image.
[0054]
In the above example, as a result of the field determination in the default state, the Odd field signal is always taken in first. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the direction of rotation of the subject 3 and the field signals of Odd and Even, including this case. As shown in the figure, when the turntable 1 rotates clockwise (clockwise), the image L viewed from the left is always input first, and then the image R viewed from the right. Is entered. Here, if the signal of the Odd field is assigned to the image L input earlier and the signal of the Even field is assigned to the image R input later, as a result, the image L is called Odd and R is called Even. A corresponding relationship is established, and correct reproduction can be performed. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, if the subject is rotating clockwise, correct operation is performed as a system.
[0055]
The left and right directions, such as clockwise and counterclockwise, are defined by the rotation direction when the system is viewed from above, and the drawings are drawn as such. In addition, the image signals for the left eye and the right eye have been described above. However, left and right means that an image equivalent to the left eye is L and an image equivalent to the right eye is R when viewed by the human eye. For example, even if a human moves with respect to the subject 3 and is viewed from the right, the left eye always sees from the left rather than the right eye and the right eye The relationship of always looking from the right to the eye holds true.
[0056]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is characterized in that the number of simultaneously recorded still images can be changed in response to one shooting command. In the first embodiment, the number of shots is set to 1 on the premise that there is no setting input. However, in the second embodiment, the number of recordings can be changed in response to a shooting command. This will be described below.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 2, the camera includes an input key 21. A number setting key is assigned to an appropriate one of the input keys 21, and a predetermined number can be input from the input key 21. Here, it is assumed that recording of, for example, two frame images is specified. At this time, it is determined in step S1 of the flowchart of FIG. 6 that there is a setting input, and in step S2, the number of images n = 2 is input. Thereafter, basically, the steps described in the first embodiment are executed. However, in the default process of step S4, there is no remaining setting in which the setting of n = 2 for which the setting has been input has priority. The difference is that a default process is performed for the object. That is, in this case, in the shutter drive in step S8, n = 2 is effective here, and thus the shutter drive is performed four times in this case. However, it goes without saying that the shutter drive is not necessarily limited to four times.
[0058]
The operation when the shutter is driven four times will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 5B is drawn in a general form, in which the buffer memory of the recording unit 14 is composed of two buffer memories 23 and 23 '. Of these, the buffer memory 23 'has different specifications depending on the maximum number of images to be captured, but here it is assumed that the buffer memory 23' has a sufficient capacity of memory. The frame buffer 23 is a one-frame buffer similar to that of the first embodiment. Even if any number of commands are received at the same time, as long as the buffer 23 'permits, an image signal sequentially output in the order of Odd and Even is once sent. It is assumed that the image data can be stored in the buffer 23 ′ and then read out of the necessary one-frame image signal to the frame buffer 23 to be recorded on the memory card 16.
[0059]
In this embodiment, shutter driving is performed in step S8 in order to capture images for the first four fields O, E, O, and E into the frame buffer 23 'by designating n = 2. One frame image is recorded. That is, an image signal for four fields is recorded in the frame buffer 23, and an image for two fields of the first Odd and Even is subjected to processing such as compression processing as necessary, and then the memory card is processed. 16 is recorded. The remaining two fields of images are read out as one frame and recorded on the memory card 16. As described above, an image is input at the shutter interval = 1/60 second under the same default condition as in the first embodiment, and as a result, an image of two frames is recorded on the memory card 16. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not to end in step S10.
[0060]
Here, four fields obtained continuously when n = 2 are specified are not limited to this. For example, if one frame image is obtained from the first two fields, then the next recording is performed. Of course, another frame image to be taken may be fetched from a timing after a predetermined time elapses, for example, from two memories indicated by * in FIG. 5B.
[0061]
The timing of the captured image is changed in this way because one image is not always obtained at an optimal timing when the shutter trigger is pressed while rotating the subject 3. In other words, shooting may be performed when the subject 3 is facing in a direction other than the camera 4, so that a stereoscopic still image is obtained in advance at several timings and can be selected later. At this time, for example, the timing for capturing two images may be arbitrarily set via the input key 21 regardless of the shutter interval. In this case, when the number of images to be captured is set to be plural, it is possible to specify the number in combination with the change of the shutter interval, which will be described later.
[0062]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first and second embodiments, the left-eye information and the right-eye information are associated with the fields of the image to be recorded as described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, once recording is performed in accordance with such rules, it can be said that data relating to the current recording method is unnecessary. However, such accompanying data may be required in some cases, and the third embodiment takes measures to cope with this case.
[0063]
Although the basic concept of photographing is as described above, two methods shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B can be considered depending on how the accompanying data is recorded. This figure shows the data structure of the image file recorded on the memory card 16. Prior to the description of each method, common matters will be described. For example, one piece of image data is recorded as data in a format such as one image file, but image data is directly stored in one image file. The brightness of this part is divided into the image data part recorded in the form of how many colors and how many colors, and the accompanying data part of various accompanying data such as in what recording format this data is recorded. Can be As an example of such ancillary data, a file header or simply a header is known. In each embodiment, data relating to a frame field as a stereoscopic still image and a shooting order are recorded as a part of the header.
[0064]
First, in the case of FIG. 11A, the image data itself is just image data, but when it is read and used, it is assumed that the image data has a frame structure such as NTSC. Therefore, at this time, data indicating which of Odd and Even is recorded first is defined, and even if the recording itself is performed in any order, the data can be reproduced by reading the data later. . As an example, one bit of stereo bit data is secured in the header, and when this bit is 0, it is regarded as forward, for example, Odd is earlier and Even is later, and when the bit data is 1, reverse recording is performed, ie, even recording is performed. Can be considered first and Odd later. By using such bit data, for example, in the above-described embodiment, it is necessary to determine the order of Odd and Even according to the rotation direction. In this case, the recording procedure is performed according to the rotation direction of the subject 3. There is no need to decide, just set 0 or 1 as stereo bit data to manage what is currently being recorded, and finally use this to record in what order Therefore, information on how to drive the liquid crystal shutter can be obtained.
[0065]
Next, the case of FIG. 11B will be described. In this case, it is not always necessary to match the format of the image data with a conventional format such as the NTSC system, and there are some image data handled on a computer, and data indicating the temporal relationship between them. May be provided. That is, this is an embodiment in which timing data indicating at what timing the captured images are captured is provided. In this case, a combination of A and B or a combination of A and C may form one stereoscopic image during reproduction. Also, a combination of B and C may be used. Here, image data captured by one shutter drive is represented as A, B, or the like. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, A and B are combined and recorded as one frame. However, here, without discriminating such things, or without distinguishing Odd and Even, for example, when A is captured, A If it is the first thing taken in, it is used as a timing reference, and B has timing data such as how much later and C how much later, or data about the rotation direction of the subject 3 at that time. In such a case, reproduction is performed based on these data. In this case, although the data amount is insufficient with one bit, it is needless to say that the required number of bits can be secured in the header.
[0066]
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment relates to management of the rotation direction of a subject.
As described with reference to FIG. 9, when the rotation of the subject 3 is clockwise, the Odd field signal is fetched first and then the Even field signal is captured. When the rotation of the subject 3 is counterclockwise, the Even field signal is captured first. The Odd field signal is fetched later, and the order of image signals to be fetched at the time of shooting is changed according to the rotation of the subject 3.
[0067]
Here, one of the shooting order information includes specific bit information about the shooting order, but here, the concept itself of how to manage fields when recording a signal is also included. Shall be included. Therefore, the determination that the Odd field signal is recorded first when the condition of a certain setting is satisfied, for example, when the subject 3 is rotating clockwise, can also be the shooting order information. Conversely, when the subject 3 is reversed and the Even field signal is recorded first, the photographing order information is changed. Referring to FIG. 10, it indicates that when the subject 3 is clockwise, the Odd field signal must be recorded first, and when the subject 3 is counterclockwise, the Even field signal must be recorded first.
[0068]
In the fourth embodiment, the user inputs from the input keys 21 shown in FIG. 2 whether the rotation of the subject 3 is clockwise or counterclockwise. For this, a modified example is also conceivable. For example, a system in which the camera 4 and the turntable 1 are integrally formed, and information on the rotation direction of the subject 3 is automatically input to the camera 4 may be adopted. However, in this case, it is assumed that a human operates the input key 21 to input the information in order to make the description easy to understand.
[0069]
With this key input, the system controller 20 can detect the condition of clockwise or counterclockwise. If clockwise, the condition is the same as the default condition shown in FIG. In this case, information indicating that the vehicle is counterclockwise is input in step S2 of the flowchart in FIG. In this case, in the determination of whether or not the field determination is OK in step S6, a condition opposite to the above-described default case is applied. That is, since the photographing order information has been changed, the field discrimination is OK when Even. The above is described with reference to FIG. 5A. In this case, the Even field signal is fetched first, and the subsequent Odd field signal (without an arrow in the figure) is fetched later. If they are to be drawn, they are stored in the frame buffer 23 in such a manner that the arrows intersect.
[0070]
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fifth embodiment is characterized in that the shutter control means can change the generation timing of the shutter drive signal. Here, the shutter drive timing corresponds to the shutter interval Δt in FIG. 7. For example, when the rotation speed of the subject 3 is fast, the shorter the shutter interval, the better the shutter interval. Will be good.
[0071]
That is, in the present system, the shutter is released twice to obtain one stereoscopic still image, but during this time the subject 3 moves, so that an image equivalent to that seen at the distance between human eyes can be obtained with reference to FIG. Stated. Here, since the distance between human eyes is almost fixed, for example, when two images are taken at the same time interval, if the subject 3 is rotated quickly, the amount or angle of movement of the subject 3 during the shutter interval Becomes extremely large, and the subject 3 is viewed at an angle larger than that actually seen by a human. This means that a person whose face between the eyes is extremely wide is looking at the subject 3.
[0072]
On the other hand, when the subject 3 moves slowly, for example, when the subject 3 is stopped, the effect corresponding to the left and right eyes corresponding to the stereoscopic vision is lost.
In view of such a point, in the present embodiment, the shutter drive signal generation timing can be changed so as to set an appropriate photographing time interval between two images in accordance with the rotation speed of the subject 3. . That is, the user determines the speed of the turntable 1 and inputs the photographing interval between the two images via the input key 2. In this case, the timing for obtaining two images is 1/60 second since the image is in accordance with the NTSC system, and the shooting interval is set so that one image is recorded corresponding to the Odd field and the other image is recorded corresponding to the Even field. Is determined, and recording is performed with the number of fields changed at least for 1/60 second intervals. According to the normal NTSC system, only 2 · m + 1 field (m is a non-negative integer) interval can be realized. However, after the first image is taken, any m fields can be temporarily switched by switching between all Odd field driving and all Even field driving. Can be realized up to the interval.
[0073]
For example, when the input key 21 indicates that an image is to be recorded at an interval of 10 fields (10 fields are about 1/6 second), the system controller 20 detects this and sets a shutter interval, that is, a generation timing of a drive signal. (Step S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6). In this case, in step S8, the shutter is driven twice at a time interval of about 10 fields (about 1/6 second) instead of the above-mentioned 1/60 second interval, so that each of the shutters fits the subsequent recording. The shutter is driven in the order of the Odd field and the Even field, and the image is taken into the frame buffer 23 shown in FIG.
[0074]
At this time, it is good to switch to the special drive as described above, but if it is desired to maintain the normal NTSC system, only 2 · m + 1 fields can be realized, so the value is changed to 9 or 11 fields and executed. Here, it is rounded up and executed in 11 fields. This means that the Even field indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 5A is the eleventh field. The captured image is recorded on the memory card 16 in step S9.
[0075]
Hereinafter, a modification of the fifth embodiment will be described. In this modification, a plurality of sheets are recorded, and this is combined with the above-mentioned change of the shutter drive timing. That is, when taking the image into the frame buffer 23 at an appropriate timing with a plurality of shutter drive times, the combination of the Odd field signal and the Even field signal is taken not only at two adjacent frames but also at various intervals. Hereinafter, a more specific description will be given with reference to FIG.
[0076]
For example, all the images obtained by releasing the shutter at all the timings of the signals output consecutively as O, E, O, and E are recorded in a frame buffer prepared in advance. Then, for example, when one image is taken out from the two Os and Es on the left side of the buffer memory 23 ', the operation is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. E after the period is also combined. As a result, a picture in which the timing of the L and R images is very open, and thus the binocular disparity (the degree of difference between the image viewed by the left eye and the image viewed by the right eye) is also photographed at the same time. be able to.
[0077]
Then, if such shooting is further combined, for example, it is possible to capture a plurality of images in which the shutter timing in one image is changed, and thus the binocular parallax is changed, and conversely, the same parallax follows the rotation of the subject 3. Images can be obtained in any combination, such as capturing images at various timings. At this time, if the number of recordings on the memory card is also designated separately by the input keys 21, arbitrary recording becomes possible. In this case, how many sheets are actually taken at what intervals is a matter of design, but since it is related to the complexity of the system, it is necessary to integrate them to some extent so as not to complicate them and to make them easy to use.
[0078]
Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although the shutter control means can change the timing of capturing the two images, this change is not input by manual input keys as in the above-described embodiment, but the rotation speed of the subject and the shooting lens system are actually changed. Necessary shutter control may be automatically performed according to the distance of the subject being photographed, the magnification at which the subject is photographed at that time, and the like.
[0079]
That is, the AF / lens control unit 19 detects the subject distance and the photographing magnification, and obtains information as to which distance of the photographing lens 10 is in focus of the subject 3, or when the zoom magnification is known by the photographing lens 10. Can function as information input means for the system controller 20 because information on the magnification of the subject 3 can be obtained. That is, the system controller 20 receives information from the input keys 21 or, if necessary, information about the rotation speed and / or the subject distance and the shooting magnification of the subject from the AF / lens control unit 19.
[0080]
Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process shown in FIG. 6 does not particularly mention AF lens control, but is substantially the same as the setting input process in that information is input. Corresponds to step S2 in FIG. In accordance with the input value, the higher the rotation speed, the shorter the shutter drive time interval (drive signal generation timing) must be. On the other hand, as for the setting of the subject distance and the subject magnification, the longer the distance of the subject 3 is, the longer the shutter interval needs to be, and the higher the subject magnification is, the longer the shutter interval needs to be. There is.
[0081]
That is, since the system itself is a rotating system, the angle at which the subject 3 is viewed must be increased in the shutter interval if the rotation speed is high, as described above. Conversely, if the rotation speed is the same and the shutter interval is the same, L and R , The rotation angle corresponding to the convergence angle between the L and R images is the same. That is, in FIG. 4, it means that the convergence angle θ is always constant if the rotation speed and the shutter interval are constant. However, when a person looks at the actual subject 3, the convergence angle θ is smaller as the subject 3 is farther and larger as the subject is closer because the base line length is constant. Therefore, in consideration of this, it is necessary to reduce the rotation angle within the shutter interval as the subject distance increases. Conversely, when the subject 3 is rotating at the same speed, it is necessary to shorten the interval between the shutters. In terms of the magnification, when the subject 3 is moved closer or farther as a result, if the distance increases, the magnification of the subject decreases, and if the distance increases, the magnification increases. However, when the zoom magnification is increased, the subject 3 becomes large, and when the zoom magnification is decreased, the subject 3 becomes small. Thus, increasing the magnification means that the image is captured by the imager 12 as if the subject 3 were brought closer. Therefore, it means that the user feels closer when observing the object, and conversely, when the magnification is reduced, it looks as if the user has moved away from the subject 3.
[0082]
Therefore, in the stereoscopic view, the convergence angle θ must be large when it appears that the subject 3 approaches, and conversely, the convergence angle θ must be small when it appears to be away from the subject 3, so that the magnification increases. In such a case, it is necessary to control such that the angle becomes large, that is, the shutter interval becomes long. When the distance from the subject 3 increases, it is necessary to perform control reverse to the above.
[0083]
As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the shutter drive is controlled in step S8 in FIG. 6 according to the rotation speed, the subject distance, and the shooting magnification. For example, the faster the rotation speed of the subject 3, the shorter the shutter interval. That is, the shutter interval is controlled to be shorter as the subject distance becomes longer. Further, with respect to the photographing magnification, the shutter drive is controlled in step S8 such that the lower the photographing magnification, the faster the shutter interval. Here, the absolute value in each case is set to a value suitable for the system.
[0084]
Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a mode switching switch is defined in the input keys 21 of FIG. This switch may be any switch, but is composed of, for example, a slide switch. When the switch is tilted in one direction, it is in a normal shooting mode (first shooting mode), and when it is tilted in another direction, it is a stereoscopic shooting mode (first shooting mode). Use a switch that can be switched like this.
[0085]
In the above-described embodiment, the case of performing the stereoscopic imaging has been described. However, in the present embodiment, the imaging device and the camera to be used may not necessarily be dedicated to the stereoscopic imaging. For example, a system that can be used alone as a normal camera and can be used in combination with a subject rotation system to capture a stereoscopic still image as a whole is used, and the above two modes are switched by a changeover switch. Hereinafter, such mode control will be described.
[0086]
That is, for example, in consideration of the correspondence with the recording mode, a conventional electronic camera used for general photographing includes a mode called field recording and a mode called frame recording. In the case of field recording, one field is used without using information of one frame. It records only information. A camera using a complementary color mosaic filter type imager, which is currently the most common, needs to use a field mode in order to perform stroboscopic photography without using a mechanical shutter. On the other hand, the frame mode for recording one frame including two fields has a feature that the vertical resolution is high.
[0087]
On the other hand, as can be understood from the description of the embodiments up to this point, in a camera that performs such a shooting method, the frame mode is suitable in many cases as the stereoscopic shooting mode as the second shooting mode. On the other hand, the first shooting mode, that is, the normal shooting mode, can be used in either the field mode or the frame mode. Therefore, it is possible to propose a camera having a configuration in which the frame mode is automatically set in the stereoscopic imaging mode, but a camera suitable for the circumstances at that time can be selected in the normal mode.
That is, the mode suitable for normal shooting and the mode for a stereoscopic still image are set separately.
[0088]
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is characterized in that the generation timing of the shutter drive signal is switched between a case where the normal shooting mode is set and a case where the stereoscopic shooting is set with the input keys 21 shown in FIG. I do. This is to shorten the time lag from when the trigger button is pressed until the image is actually recorded as much as possible.
[0089]
Here, since all of the above embodiments correspond to stereo shooting, the stereo shooting mode will be described first in this embodiment. In step S6 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the field determination is performed. If the determination is OK, the process proceeds to the next shutter drive. If the field determination is NO, another field is determined in the next step S7. That is, it waits until the next VD signal comes. In the above-described embodiment, since the stereoscopic photographing is performed, such a determination is always necessary, and if the determination is NO, one field has to be waited. The probability at this time is の since the Even and Odd field signals are alternately repeated.
[0090]
However, in the normal photographing mode, such field discrimination is unnecessary, and either frame may be recorded first in the case of a frame image. Further, there is no need to wait for one field when recording a field image. That is, from the viewpoint of shortening the time until the shutter is driven in response to the trigger signal of the shutter, executing step S7 is one disadvantage.
[0091]
Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, when the setting of the input key 21 is switched to the first mode, that is, the normal photographing mode, the determination in step S6 is jumped, and the process immediately proceeds to step S8 after step S5. The time lag from the trigger to the shutter drive is minimized in each case.
[0092]
Hereinafter, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the embodiments described so far, two pictures are taken at a shooting time interval of 1/60 second and the shooting time interval can be set freely. However, this system is applicable to still images. However, whether the subject is stationary or not is relative based on the idea, and it may be considered that the subject is actually stopped if two objects that move slowly are taken quickly. . For example, when photographing a person or the like, if the subject is completely still, it can be photographed as a still image, but it is impossible to stand still for a long time.
[0093]
For this reason, a mode is used in which two images are taken at a relatively short interval, for example, at an interval of 1/60 second. However, in this case, on the contrary, it is necessary to rotate the subject 3 within 1/60 second to take an image as viewed from two different places, and to set the shutter speed (shutter speed to take one image). When the shutter is opened for a long time, there is a drawback that the image is blurred because the subject 3 is rotated during that time. This is a problem peculiar to stereoscopic still image capturing that does not occur at all during normal shooting.
[0094]
Therefore, in practice, when two images are taken at 1/60 second intervals, a shutter speed faster than 1/250 second is usually required because each image is still. Although this is not an absolute requirement, the shutter speed can be slightly reduced in some cases, but preferably a speed of 1/250, 1/360 or 1/500 is appropriate.
[0095]
As described above, it is necessary to control to increase the shutter speed as much as possible, but on the other hand, the shooting conditions also change depending on the size of the subject and the shooting conditions. In other words, it is necessary to keep the focus from being out of focus during stereoscopic photography. In this case, the focus must not be blurred even in a normal image, but in the case of a normal photograph, shooting such as focusing on one point firmly and blurring the rest intentionally is often used. On the other hand, in the case of stereoscopic photography, when reproducing, it is common to observe the entire stereoscopic image from the front to the back, so if there is a blurred part, it will be out of focus when looking at it This is undesirable because a state similar to the out-of-focus state described in the photograph occurs. In other words, it is generally considered that it is desirable to take a picture with a deep so-called depth of field such that the subject is in focus from the front to the back, and it is usually desirable to reduce the aperture. Therefore, it is desirable that the shutter speed be fast and the aperture be narrowed. However, there is a limit to this, and it varies depending on the condition of the subject.
[0096]
Therefore, it is conceivable to change the sensitivity condition of the imaging system in the case of three-dimensional imaging compared to the case of normal imaging. For example, raising the camera shooting at ISO sensitivity 100 to ISO 200 or 400 is generally not preferable because the image quality often deteriorates. For example, in the case of capturing a stereoscopic still image, as described above, Since it is necessary to narrow the aperture to increase the shutter speed even a little, and to deepen the depth of field even a little, the preferred embodiment is to increase the sensitivity more than in normal shooting and shoot Become.
[0097]
In other words, as a general idea, in controlling the shutter and controlling the shutter, the control of the shutter is more important in order to obtain a blur-free image. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the exposure controller 20a is provided in the system controller 20 of FIG. 2, and a signal from the exposure controller 20a is supplied to the imager driver 18 and the iris driver 17. Further, a signal from the system controller 20 is also output to the imaging unit 13. Here, at the time of normal photographing, some kind of program control is conventionally performed, but in this embodiment, especially in the case of stereoscopic photographing, the iris driver 17 or the image pickup unit 13 is designed to keep the shutter speed at 1/250 second at worst at worst. To control the sensitivity.
[0098]
Here, the iris and the sensitivity each have a setting limit. The iris driver 17 cannot be opened any further if the aperture is opened to the maximum, and the imaging unit 13 has a limit even if noise generation is allowed. For example, it is conceivable to increase the ISO 100 to ISO 400. If the brightness of the subject is not enough, the shutter speed should not be longer than 1/251 sec. Raise. Here, if the subject 3 is illuminated with slightly brighter illumination, the conditions under which a certain amount of photographing can be performed increase. Therefore, as another concept, control may be considered in which the shutter speed is fixed to 1/251 and the depth of the focus stop is made as large as possible, so that the stop 11 is stopped down to sacrifice the sensitivity of the imaging unit 13.
[0099]
Here, the above-described control is required in the second shooting mode, that is, in the three-dimensional shooting mode. When the three-dimensional shooting mode is set by the input key 21 in FIG. When the input key 21 is in the normal photographing mode, the conventional control is performed without performing the above-described control.
[0100]
When the subject is sufficiently bright, it is not necessary to increase the sensitivity, and it is clearly stated that all conditions can be realized, or that the sensitivity may not be increased as an example.
[0101]
Hereinafter, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In reality, unless the illumination of the subject 3 is sufficiently bright, the condition of increasing the shutter speed and narrowing the aperture 11 is often not satisfied. Therefore, when photographing under the above-described conditions, it is necessary to illuminate the subject 3 brightly and to stop the aperture 11 to a desirable shutter speed, for example, at least about 1/251, preferably 1/500 or more at worst as described above.
[0102]
Here, for example, if a condition for narrowing down to F8 is set, and if this condition is not satisfied, the sensitivity may be increased. However, in practice, it is preferable not to increase the sensitivity of the imaging unit 13. Therefore, in this embodiment, a warning is given that the above-mentioned condition is not satisfied. As the warning means, for example, an LED lamp is provided at an appropriate place of the camera, for example, slightly above the input key 21 in FIG. 2, and a warning is issued by causing the LD lamp 22 to emit light.
[0103]
The eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the structure of the turntable 1 on which the subject 3 shown in FIG. Before entering a detailed description, a principle diagram of the monocular stereoscopic imaging method will be described. 3 and 4 that although there is a time lag when an image of a subject is captured, exactly the same images can be obtained for L corresponding to the left eye and R corresponding to the right eye.
[0104]
However, this can be said only for the subject 3 that is rotating on the turntable 1, and what is shown in the camera at the time of shooting is not only the rotating subject 3 and the turntable 1, but also behind the subject 3. What is called a background is also photographed. In other words, since the background is not rotated, if the background is captured as it is in such a shooting method, only that part will be photographed under different conditions, breaking the original binocular stereoscopic conditions, An unnatural image is obtained.
[0105]
In addition, when the subject 3 is illuminated by illumination having a uniform light direction such as a diffusion surface light source, the surface of the subject 3 is not particularly glossy. Although there is no particular effect, given that the subject 3 is illuminated by a spot lamp, the subject 3 causes surface reflection. When the degree of the surface reflection is low, it looks like a shine, but when the degree is high, the surface shines white and looks like light (shiny). When the subject 3 rotates, the glossy appearance moves to some extent with the rotation, but the light source is stopped, which is different from the original binocular stereoscopic condition of shooting. In this case, in order for the monocular stereoscopic imaging as described in FIG. 4 to be completely established, the background also needs to rotate together with the turntable, and the light source given to the subject 3 also does not rotate with the subject 3. The condition is slightly different from the original binocular stereoscopic condition.
[0106]
This embodiment solves such a problem so that a correct stereoscopic image can be obtained, and will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 12A and 12B both illustrate one example, FIG. 12A is a perspective view, and FIG. 12B is a side view. In this embodiment, when a monocular image is taken, an unnatural image is obtained when the fixed background plate is photographed together with the subject. Therefore, in this embodiment, a natural image is obtained by making the background plate rotatable.
[0107]
The rotatable background plate 50 may be of any type as long as it is normally used for the background, but usually a matte coating is applied to the surface of the background plate 50. Since the background plate 50 is attached to the turntable 1 with appropriate fittings 52 as shown in (b), when the turntable 1 is rotated, the background plate 50 rotates together with the subject 3. Here, the background plate 50 can be used with a matte coating as a background, and a fixing tool such as a replacement (addition) clip 51 as shown in FIG. It is attached. The clip 51 can be used by attaching paper or the like having an appropriate background. For example, when a landscape photograph or the like is pasted, an effect is obtained as if the background after the subject 3 was photographed as a true background.
[0108]
Hereinafter, a first modification of the eleventh embodiment will be described. In this modification, a suitable arm 55 is erected on the turntable 1, and a lamp 53 for illumination is attached to an appropriate place of the arm 55. Here, since the shutter may be released at any time during the rotation of the subject, the drawing does not specifically indicate which one of the images the turntable 1 is taken from. Shooting on the same side) is often performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the shutter is pressed to take a picture with the camera from the right side of FIGS. 13A and 13B. A wire 56 is wound around the arm 55 to turn on the lamp 53. In order to rotate the lamp 53 as a light source together with the turntable 1, a power supply 54 such as a battery and a switch connected to the end of the wiring 56 are provided on the turntable 1. As a result, the lamp 53 illuminating the subject 3 rotates together with the turntable 1 on the turntable 1, and the relationship between the illumination and the photographing of the subject becomes exactly the same as in the actual photographing. That is, gloss and the like appear as when viewed with ordinary binocular eyes, and a very natural three-dimensional effect can be obtained.
[0109]
Hereinafter, a second modification of the above-described eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Although this modification focuses on the reflection of illumination as described above, rotating the lamp 53 on the turntable 1 as in the above-described example has the disadvantage that it is difficult to actually install the lamp 53 and the system becomes large. is there. Therefore, in this modified example, it is intended to obtain relatively good illumination conditions while reducing the size.
[0110]
That is, in FIG. 14, a spot lamp 53 'is provided outside the system so as to perform strong illumination from outside. A milky white diffusion plate (light diffusion means) 55 made of acrylic or the like is attached to the ceiling of the turntable 1 so that light from the outside is not directly transmitted. And then illuminate the subject 3. In this case, even if light having a strong point light source and strong directivity such as a spot lamp 53 'is used, since the light hitting the subject 3 is diffused light, gloss or shine is unlikely to occur, and unnaturalness due to reflected light is caused. I don't have a feeling.
[0111]
Hereinafter, a third modification of the eleventh embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, in this modification, a structure in which a hole 56 is provided in a part of the milky white diffusion plate 55 is used. When used in combination with an externally provided strong spot lamp 53 'as shown in FIG. 15B, the hole 56 moves together with the rotation of the turntable 1. In this case, light is selectively emitted. Since the light passes through only the holes 56, the light use efficiency is reduced. However, according to such a configuration, it is possible to give the same effect to the subject 3 as when the light source is moving. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the example described with reference to FIG. 13 is obtained, and the apparent position of the light source rotates together with the subject, so that a suitable image is obtained.
[0112]
Although the eleventh embodiment has been described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15, these four embodiments are not necessarily used alone. For example, a background plate may be provided to diffuse light with a milky white diffusion plate. Some of them, such as making a hole in some of them, taking out gloss and shine from the outside and performing suitable stereoscopic photography while securing the light amount, moving the background together with the milky white diffuser and the subject, etc. One or two of the combinations can be selected and used, or all can be combined. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the diffuser plate and the perforated plate of the background plate and the ceiling plate, and the lamps are all integrally formed on the turntable and rotated together as the most efficient practically, but not necessarily. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is a matter of course that if the same effect is obtained, it may be provided separately from the turntable and each of them may be moved individually.
[0113]
Hereinafter, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As described in the fourth to sixth embodiments, in the present system, the photographing order information at the time of photographing and the shutter drive signal generation timing are adjusted with respect to the subject rotation direction, speed, subject distance, and photographing magnification. It is effective to perform optimization by selecting an appropriate rotation direction with respect to given shooting order information, and also by giving a given subject distance, shooting magnification, and shutter drive. It is shown that the stereoscopic still image recorded can be optimized by adjusting the rotation speed with respect to the signal generation timing.
[0114]
On the other hand, the present embodiment is provided with means for switching the rotating direction and means for adjusting the rotating speed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a changeover switch 8 and a speed adjustment knob 9 are provided on the support arm 5, so that the rotation direction can be switched and the rotation speed can be adjusted. I have. Since any known circuit is sufficient, detailed description is omitted. For example, the speed adjusting knob 9 is attached to a voltage setting volume in a constant voltage driving circuit of the motor or a speed setting volume in a constant speed control servo circuit of the motor. ing. The changeover switch 8 is connected to a forward / reverse control input terminal in a logic circuit for controlling the motor forward / reverse transistor bridge circuit so that H and L signals can be inputted.
It is needless to say that the changeover switch 8 and the speed adjustment knob 9 may be used independently.
[0115]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since only one camera is used, the adjustment is easy,Since all necessary data including the image data body and shooting order information for identifying the left and right images are recorded as one digital still image file,Anyone can press a button to take a 3D still image without the need for specialized shooting technologyAnd the hassle and confusion of storing, transporting and regenerating itBecome so. It is also inexpensive.
[0116]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a new standard or the like is provided when treating L, R and two still images constituting one stereoscopic still image as one (one set) of images. And can be handled as existing frame still images.
[0117]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of stereoscopic still images can be obtained by a simple operation of simply pressing a button. In addition, photographing without failure (shutter chance mistake) can be thereby performed.
[0118]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by associating the rotation direction of the subject with the shooting order at the time of shooting, L, R and odd / even of the field are associated with each other. There is no need to provide a code for R, and reproduction can be performed using an existing moving image stereoscopic reproduction system.
[0119]
According to the invention described in claim 5, a stereoscopic still image can be recorded without being affected by a recording format such as interlace.
According to the invention described in claim 6, a stereoscopic still image can be recorded regardless of the rotation direction of the subject.
[0120]
According to the invention described in claim 7, an optimum stereoscopic still image can be recorded regardless of the rotation speed of the subject.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 8, a stereoscopic still image with a natural stereoscopic effect can be recorded even when the condition of the subject changes.
[0121]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a camera dedicated to three-dimensional images is not required, and convenience for the user is increased, and system cost is reduced.
Further, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, even with a dedicated camera, a problem (increase in shutter time lag) due to dual use does not occur.
[0122]
According to the eleventh aspect, optimal exposure control can be performed for each of normal shooting and stereoscopic shooting.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an exposure control defect that may be peculiar to stereoscopic imaging.
[0123]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, no background interference occurs.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the interference caused by the reflection of the light of the light source while keeping the gloss and glittering.
[0124]
According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to easily prevent interference due to reflection of light from the light source.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 16, it is possible to easily prevent the interference due to the reflection of the light of the light source while making some use of the gloss and glitter.
[0125]
According to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to record a correct three-dimensional still image only by changing the rotation means side, by giving the conditions of the imaging device in advance. In particular, it is very easy to adjust the zoom, etc., which was extremely difficult with a conventional two camera system, by adjusting the rotation speed.You.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the camera shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a conventional stereoscopic still image capturing system.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the monocular stereoscopic imaging method.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating how signals in an Odd field and an Even field are sequentially recorded in a frame buffer.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a still image shooting / recording operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a default condition and an operation at that time.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where an equivalent image is displayed on a TV monitor.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of correctly reproducing an image stored in a memory card.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of correctly reproducing an image stored in a memory card.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment in which additional data is added to image data.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment in which a background plate is provided.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a view showing another modified example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a view showing another modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Turntable, 2 ... Motor, 3 ... Subject, 4 ... Camera, 5 ... Support arm, 6 ... Rotating axis, 10 ... Shooting lens, 11 ... Aperture, 12 ... Imager, 13 ... Imaging unit, 14 ... Recording unit, 15: Card I / F, 16: Memory card, 17: Iris driver, 18: Imager driver, 19: AF / lens control unit, 20: System controller, 20a: Exposure control unit, 21: Input key, 22: LED lamp .

Claims (17)

A horizontal line of the photographing screen, and a rotating means for rotating the subject about a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to both line axes of the photographing optical axis,
Shutter control means for generating at least two or more shutter drive signals at different timings in response to one shooting command;
Two image signals are selected from at least two or more subject still image signals obtained corresponding to the shutter drive signal to form one set, and the photographing order information of the two image signals is managed to be recoverable. Image pair generating means for generating a pair of still image pairs in the state,
Digital recording means for recording the still image pair signal as one digital still image file having shooting order information of the two image signals as accompanying data;
A stereoscopic still image imaging system comprising: Each of the two image signals selected by the image pair generating means corresponds to one field image in a 2: 1 interlaced video signal, and one still image recorded by the recording means corresponds to one frame image. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said shutter control means includes means for changing the number of still images recorded simultaneously in response to one photographing command. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to claim 2, wherein the shooting order information is associated with an odd field and an even field forming a frame image related to the recording. 4. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the photographing order information is recorded in a data area accompanying or related to a still image signal. 6. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging order information is changed in accordance with a rotation direction of the rotation unit. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the shutter control unit is capable of changing a timing of generating a shutter drive signal. 8. The stereoscopic still image according to claim 7, wherein the shutter control unit changes a timing of a shutter drive signal expression in accordance with a subject rotation speed and / or a subject distance and / or a shooting magnification by the rotation unit. Imaging system. An imaging device constituting at least a part of the stereoscopic still image imaging system is suitable for performing a stereoscopic still image imaging in combination with a first imaging mode suitable for performing normal imaging independently and the rotating unit. The stereoscopic still image pickup system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a second shooting mode. The shutter control means determines a shutter drive signal generation timing regardless of a distinction between an odd field and an even field in a 2: 1 interlaced video signal at least in the first shooting mode. Item 3. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to Item 9. 11. The stereoscopic still image pickup according to claim 9, further comprising an exposure control unit that controls exposure according to an appropriate exposure control condition specific to the stereoscopic still image pickup at least in the second shooting mode. system. At least in the second photographing mode, a warning means is provided for issuing a warning when an exposure control instruction which does not satisfy an appropriate exposure control condition specifically generated in stereoscopic still image capturing is given. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to 9 or 10. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a rotation background unit configured to rotate the shooting background together with the subject. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a rotation light source unit configured to rotate an illumination light source for the subject together with the subject. The stereoscopic still image imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a light diffusion unit configured to diffuse light provided to the subject from the light source. The stereoscopic still image pickup according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a rotation transmitting unit that selectively transmits light given to the subject from the light source and rotates the selected portion together with the subject. system. The rotation means may stereoscopic still image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a rotation changing means for changing the object rotation direction and / or speed.

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