JP4390887B2 - Imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an imaging device for capturing an image to be transmitted to a communication partner, and an image display device for displaying the image, which are provided in a personal computer that performs a TV conference or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In general, personal computers (hereinafter simply referred to as “PCs”) are connected to various networks formed by cable lines such as telephone lines, LANs, or communication satellites so that persons who are in remote locations can communicate with each other. In a TV conference system in which conversations and conferences are performed by data communication of each other's images and sounds, a PC camera (imaging device) for capturing an image of the user to be transmitted to a communication partner is provided on the upper part of a display (image display device). The method is known.
[0003]
  Other methods for attaching the PC camera to the personal computer include a method for attaching to the upper end of the display of a notebook personal computer (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-128091), and the PC camera body portion of the PC card type is connected to the PC card slot of the personal computer. There has also been proposed a method (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-130702) for transmitting image data inserted into, attached to, and captured to a personal computer.
[0004]
  9 and 10 show a PC camera attached to the upper part of the display of a personal computer used in the TV conference system as described above.
[0005]
  The PC camera 100 is located outside the screen 108 of the display 106 and is installed on the top of the display 106. The PC camera 100 is supported on the gantry 102 so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions within a predetermined range, and can be fixed in an arbitrary direction. Here, the PC camera 100 is directed toward a person 114 located in front of the display 106.
[0006]
  The PC camera 100 can be rotated by a hand or a remote mechanism (not shown) that is provided on the PC camera 100 using a remote controller.
[0007]
  The PC camera 100 is connected to a personal computer main body 104 to which a display 106 is connected, and can display a captured image on the screen 108 of the display 106 via the personal computer main body 104. This personal computer main body 104 is further connected to a communication line (network) as described above, and is in a state where data communication is possible.
[0008]
  With such a system, the person 114 positioned in front of the display 106 is imaged by the PC camera 100, and the image 110 is displayed on the screen 108 of the display 106. Therefore, the person 114 can confirm his / her imaging state by viewing the image 110.
[0009]
  Here, if the communication partner using the same system is connected to the line, the image 112 of the other party captured in the same manner and transmitted via the line is displayed on the screen 108. Will be able to check the appearance of the other party at the same time. In addition, the images of both (self and the other party) are also displayed on the communication partner side display in the same manner.
[0010]
  Furthermore, by using a microphone or a speaker (both not shown) connected (or built-in) to a personal computer, audio can be transmitted together with an image. With such a TV conference system using a personal computer, both communicating parties can perform a conversation or a conference through the other party's images and voices transmitted in almost real time.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the PC camera configured as described above, since the PC camera is arranged away from the image display position in the screen, it is not easy to adjust the angle of view for capturing the subject himself at an appropriate position in the image. It was.
[0012]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, since there is a large opening (angle difference) between the line of sight I1 when the person 114 views the image 110 and the line of sight I2 when viewing the PC camera 100, when viewing them alternately Naturally, the eyes and face move up and downNaTherefore, troublesome operations are forced.
[0013]
  Furthermore, when viewing the image 110 taken by the user himself / herself, the left and right sides of course appear opposite. That is, if the PC camera 100 is rotated to the right, the subject (person 114) image moves in the opposite left direction in the image 110. Therefore, when adjusting the angle of view in the left-right direction, the PC camera 100 is moved in the direction opposite to the direction in which the subject image is desired to move, and the operation direction is difficult to understand.
[0014]
  On the other hand, at the time of a TV conference, since it is performed while viewing the image of the other party displayed on the normal screen, both face images obtained by imaging from diagonally upward. Such a conversation talking to the other party of the image is extremely unnatural compared to a normal conversation in which the other person's face is discussed.
[0015]
  Here, in order to show the other person natural (facing the front), his eyes and face can be directed to the PC camera 100, but at this time, the screen 108 cannot be seen. Therefore, it is impossible to confirm the position of one's face in the image 110, the facial expression shown to the other party, and the like.
[0016]
  In consideration of the above facts, the present invention makes it easy to adjust the angle of view when taking a picture of yourself as a subject when conducting a TV conference or the like on a personal computer, so that the subject image is in a natural state for conversation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device and an image display device that can capture an image and can confirm the imaging state at that time also to the subject.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The configuration of the imaging device according to claim 1 is to use an image display device that is communicably connected via a communication unit, and to perform data communication between the communicating parties and display on the screen of the image display device. In the imaging device that captures the image of the correspondent who transmits to the communication partner, the imaging device includes an attachment portion that is attached to a surface other than the screen of the image display device, and a proximal end side through the rotation mechanism. An arm unit coupled to the mounting unit; and an imaging unit provided on a distal end side of the arm unit, and the imaging unit is disposed in the screen of the image display device by the rotation of the arm unit. The imaging direction of the imaging unit is movable between a use position in front of the screen and a retracted position that is rotated and retracted to the attachment unit side,The attachment portion is attached to the upper surface of the image display device, and when the imaging unit is retracted to the attachment unit side, the arm portion is placed on the attachment portion and the imaging unit faces downward. And
  Further, as another example of means for solving the problem, for example, a configuration according to a first modification to a twelfth modification shown below can be employed.
  The imaging device according to the first modified example uses an image display device that is communicably connected via a communication unit, and performs data communication between the communicating parties to display the image on the screen of the image display device. A mirror is provided that captures a subject image that is substantially the same as the subject image to be captured.
[0018]
  Thus, by changing the orientation of the imaging device so that the subject's own face appears in the center of the mirror, the user's face is positioned at the center of the image to be captured. At this time, it is not necessary to view the image on the screen. In other words, it is only necessary to operate the imaging device while looking only at the mirror.
[0019]
  Furthermore, mirrors are the most common tool for viewing one's own figure, and their usage is naturally known. For example, when you look at your face using a hand mirror, you can usually point your hand mirror at the part and direction you want to see. This is especially true when moving or tilting the mirror to the left or right, as the movement of the mirrored image appears to match the movement of the mirror, so how do you move the mirror relative to the image you want to see? Sometimes I don't think about it right or wrong.
[0020]
  Similarly, the operation of the image pickup device for aligning his / her face with the center of the mirror provided in the image pickup device is easy to understand because the operation in the left / right direction can be performed as desired as described above. Therefore, these make it easy to adjust the angle of view of the imaging device.
[0021]
  Furthermore, when you want to show your partner's natural facial expression (an image facing the front), if you point your face to the imaging device, your mirror will be reflected in the mirror provided on the imaging device. You can confirm your image as seen by the other party by moving the line of sight of the face.
[0022]
  The imaging device according to the second modification isThe mirror surface is disposed so as to be inclined toward the subject with respect to a surface orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens of the imaging device. The inclination angle is substantially the same as the angle formed by the line of sight when the center of the mirror is viewed from the center of the mirror when the eye of the correspondent who is the subject is located almost on the optical axis. Is set to
[0023]
  As a result, the eye is positioned at the center of the image captured by the imaging device and the mirror, the positional deviation of the subject image in the image with respect to the subject image of the mirror viewed from the subject is reduced, and the angle of view adjustment performed by looking at the mirror is reduced. Become more accurate.
[0024]
  The imaging device according to the third modified example isDistance measuring means for measuring the distance to the subject and drive control means for directing the mirror surface of the mirror in the direction of the subject based on distance information from the subject measured by the distance measuring means.
[0025]
  As a result, after the angle of view of the imaging device is adjusted to the subject, the subject moves slightly back and forth without shifting from the vicinity of the center of the image (on the optical axis of the lens) of the image captured by changing the posture of the subject. In this case, the distance measuring unit measures the distance between the imaging device and the subject, that is, the moving distance of the subject. The direction of the mirror surface of the mirror is directed toward the subject by the drive control means that operates based on this distance information.
[0026]
  In this way, the mirror is directed in the direction of the subject in accordance with the movement of the subject, so that even if the subject moves as described above, it is possible to see his / her face reflected in the mirror.
[0027]
  The imaging device according to the fourth modified example has the configuration of any one of the first modified example to the third modified example,The mirror is a convex mirror.
[0028]
  Since a convex mirror has a larger angle of view (a range in which a subject is captured) than a plane mirror of the same size, the mirror can be made smaller than a plane mirror that can capture a subject of the same size or range.
[0029]
  The imaging device according to the fifth modification isAn image display device connected to be communicable through a communication means is used, and in order to display data on the screen of the image display device by communicating the images of the communicators with each other, the image of the communicator himself to be transmitted to the communication partner is displayed. In the imaging device for imaging, the imaging device is disposed on an upper surface of the image display device, and an imaging unit provided in the imaging device is supported by a support unit having a movable mechanism and is suspended from an upper part of the image display device. It is possible to move between a use position arranged in the screen and a retracted position retracted on the upper surface side of the image display device.
[0030]
  The imaging device according to the sixth modification isAn image display device connected to be communicable through a communication means is used, and in order to display data on the screen of the image display device by communicating the images of the communicators with each other, the image of the communicator himself to be transmitted to the communication partner is displayed. In the imaging device for imaging, the imaging device includes an attachment portion attached to a surface excluding the screen of the image display device, an arm portion having a proximal end connected to the attachment portion via a movable mechanism, and the arm portion An image pickup unit provided on the distal end side of the image display unit, and a use position where the image pickup unit is arranged in the screen of the image display device by the movement of the arm unit, and a retreat position retracted to the attachment unit side It is possible to move between and.
[0031]
  The imaging device according to the seventh modification is the imaging device of the sixth modification,It is a rotation mechanism which makes the said arm part rotatable with respect to the said attachment part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0032]
  The imaging device according to the eighth modification is the imaging device according to the sixth modification.The movable mechanism is a slide mechanism that allows the arm portion to rotate and slide with respect to the attachment portion.
[0033]
  The imaging device according to the ninth modification is the imaging device of the sixth modification or the seventh modification.The arm part is provided with a telescopic mechanism, and the imaging part is slidable within the screen.
[0034]
  The imaging device according to the tenth modification is the imaging device according to any one of the sixth to ninth modifications,The attachment portion is attached to the upper surface of the image display device, and when the imaging portion is retracted to the attachment portion side, at least the arm portion is placed on the attachment portion.
[0035]
  The imaging device according to the eleventh modification is the imaging device according to any one of the sixth to ninth modifications,When the imaging unit is retracted to the attachment part side, at least the arm part is stored in the attachment part.
[0036]
  According to the twelfth modificationThe image display device is communicably connected via a communication means, and an image of a communication person himself / herself transmitted by data communication to a communication partner is picked up by the image pickup device. It is displayed on the screen and is used to capture the image displayed on the screen.As described in any one of the first modification to the eleventh modificationAn imaging device is provided, and an imaging unit of the imaging device is arranged in the screen of the image display device.
[0037]
  For this reason, the image of your face looking at the screen is placed in the screen.PartThe image is picked up almost from the front. Therefore, a natural image of the person facing the front is captured while keeping the line of sight or posture while looking at the screen. Further, when the subject is located in front of the screen, it is not necessary to adjust the angle of view.
[0038]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0039]
  (First embodiment)
  1 and 2 show a PC camera 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The substantially cylindrical PC camera 10 is supported on a base 12 so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions within a predetermined range. The base 12 is attached to an upper portion 14 </ b> A of the display 14. The attachment position is set at the center of the display 16 in the width direction on the screen 16 side of the display 14.
[0040]
  A person 18 using the TV conference system 26 according to the present embodiment is located in front of the display 14, and the PC camera 10 is directed toward the person 18.
[0041]
  A rectangular plane mirror 20 is provided above the lens 10 </ b> A of the PC camera 10. The plane mirror 20 is aligned in parallel with a surface M (mounting surface of the lens 10A) whose horizontal direction is orthogonal to the optical axis L of the lens 10A, and is back and forth (in the direction of arrow A in the figure) by a support portion 20B provided at the lower end. Can be rotated.
[0042]
  Here, the mirror surface 20A of the plane mirror 20 is slightly inclined with respect to the surface M in the direction of the person 18. The inclination angle θ1 is substantially the same as the angle θ2 formed by the line of sight I when the center of the mirror 20 is viewed from the eye 18A of the person 18 (subject) located substantially on the optical axis L and the optical axis L. Is set to
[0043]
  θ2 or θ1 is obtained by calculation based on the distance L1 from the center of the lens 10A to the eye 18A on the optical axis L and the distance N between the center of the lens 10A and the center of the plane mirror 20 (θ2 = Tan).^-1N / L1).
[0044]
  When the distance N = 8 cm and the distance L1 = about 80 cm as a result of the measurement, θ2 is about 5.7 °, and θ1 = 5.7 ° may be set. Incidentally, when the distance L1 is about 50 cm and about 100 cm, θ2 is about 9.1 ° and about 4.6 °.
[0045]
  Various methods for setting θ1 are conceivable, but in order to realize a simple structure, a method of providing a scale so that the rotation angle with respect to the PC camera 10 can be recognized on the support portion 20B of the plane mirror 20 is suitable. In addition, an angle sensor or the like may be provided in the support portion, and the detected angle of the plane mirror 20 may be displayed on the screen and set.
[0046]
  The PC camera 10 provided with such a plane mirror 20 is connected to a personal computer main body 22 and is configured to transmit captured image data to the personal computer main body 22. Furthermore, the personal computer main body 22 is connected to the display 14, the keyboard 24, a mouse, a microphone, a speaker and the like (not shown), and is also connected to a network for conducting a TV conference.
[0047]
  As a result, the image 16A of the person 18 captured by the PC camera 10 and the image 16B of the communication partner are displayed on the screen 16, and a TV conference is performed through these images and sound. In the TV conference system 26 according to the present embodiment, the image 16A and the image 16B can be changed to any position and size (however, the aspect ratio of the image is constant) in the screen 16.
[0048]
  Thus, the plane mirror 20 is provided in the PC camera 10, and the eye 18A is located at the point where the optical axis L and the line of sight I intersect by setting the inclination angle θ1 of the mirror surface 20A to substantially the same angle as θ2. From the person 18, the eyes appear to be located at the center of the image 16 </ b> A captured by the PC camera 10 and the plane mirror 20.
[0049]
  As a result, by changing the orientation of the PC camera 10 so that the face of the subject is captured at the center of the plane mirror 20, the face of the subject is positioned at the center of the captured image 16A, and the subject image of the plane mirror 20 is changed. The positional deviation of the subject image in the image 16 is reduced, and the angle of view is adjusted accurately.
[0050]
  At this time, it is not necessary to look at the image 16A on the screen 16, in other words, it is only necessary to operate the PC camera 10 while looking only at the plane mirror 20, so that useless movement due to movement of the line of sight is reduced, and the plane mirror 20 Since it is a simple operation of aligning his / her face at the center, the angle of view of the PC camera 10 can be easily adjusted.
[0051]
  Furthermore, when the person 18 turns his / her face toward the PC camera 10 when he / she wants to show his / her natural expression (an image facing the front), the plane mirror 20 provided on the PC camera 10 has the face of the person 18. Since the image is taken, it is possible to confirm the user's own image as seen by the other person only by moving the line of sight of the face reflected on the plane mirror 20.
[0052]
  (Second Embodiment)
  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this second embodiment, since it is almost the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configuration is omitted.
[0053]
  The feature of the second embodiment relates to a method of rotating the plane mirror provided in the PC camera.AhThis will be mainly described with reference to a block diagram.
[0054]
  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a PC camera 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The PC camera 30 is an auto-focus (AF) type, and has a focusing sensor 32 that measures the distance from the subject by emitting and receiving infrared light. The focusing sensor 32 is connected to the CPU 34, and the measured distance information with respect to the subject is processed by the CPU 34.
[0055]
  The CPU 34 is connected to a driving circuit 36 to which the calculated distance information is sent. The driving circuit 36 has a driving mechanism 38 for driving the lens 10A and a rotating mechanism 40 for rotating the plane mirror 20. Are connected to each other. The rotation mechanism 40 includes a small motor and a gear group (both not shown), and is provided on the support portion 20B of the plane mirror 20.
[0056]
  On the other hand, an imaging device 42 is provided on the focal side of the lens 10A, and an imaging device driver 46 as a drive control unit and a timing generation circuit 44 are sequentially connected to the imaging device 42. Further, from the imaging device 42, an analog signal processing circuit 48 as a signal processing unit, an A / D converter 50, a digital signal processing circuit 52, and a PC interface unit 54 are sequentially connected.
[0057]
  As a result, at the time of imaging of the person 18 as a subject, the reflected light of the person 18 enters through the lens 10A, and the timing from the timing generation circuit 44 and the imaging device 42 that is driven and controlled by the imaging device driver 46, Converted to image signal.
[0058]
  This image signal is subjected to signal processing by the analog signal processing circuit 48, converted to a digital signal by the A / D converter 50, and again subjected to signal processing by the digital signal processing circuit 52, and the image signal is transferred from the PC interface unit 54 to the personal computer main body 22. It is transmitted as data. Further, the PC interface unit 54 receives operation signals, driving power, and the like of each circuit unit sent from the personal computer main body 22 through a transmission path different from the image data transmission path. Timing generation circuit 44, analog signal processing circuit 48, A / D converter 50, digital signal processing circuit 52, and PC interface unit 54).
[0059]
  Here, the PC interface unit 54 can be connected to a serial or parallel port of the PC main body 22 or a USB, or can be various communication interfaces using light or radio such as IrDA.
[0060]
  Further, after the angle of view of the PC camera 30 is adjusted to the person 18, the person 18 is slightly shifted from the vicinity of the center of the image 16A (on the optical axis L of the lens 10A) captured by changing the posture of the person 18 or the like. In the case of moving back and forth, the distance between the PC camera 30 and the person 18, that is, the moving distance of the person 18, is measured by the focusing sensor 32, and the distance information is calculated by the CPU 34 and sent to the drive circuit 36.
[0061]
  A signal is sent from the drive circuit 36 to the drive mechanism 38, and the focal length of the lens 10A is optimally set according to the distance from the person 18. Further, a signal for driving and controlling the rotation mechanism 40 is also sent to the rotation mechanism 40, whereby the direction of the mirror surface 20 </ b> A of the plane mirror 20 is directed toward the person 18.
[0062]
  In this way, the plane mirror 20 is directed in the direction of the person 18 in accordance with the movement of the person 18, so that even when the person 18 moves as described above, his / her face reflected on the plane mirror 20 can be seen. become.
[0063]
  Here, the focusing sensor is used for automatic focusing. However, it is also possible to obtain distance information with respect to the subject from the output of the imaging device 42 and adjust the focus or rotate the plane mirror 20. In this case, a focusing sensor is unnecessary and a simple configuration can be achieved.
[0064]
  In the PC camera according to the first embodiment and the first embodiment, the mirror is a rectangular plane mirror and is provided above the lens of the PC camera. However, the shape and type of the mirror and the mounting position are not limited to these.
[0065]
  The external shape of the mirror can be a circle or an ellipse in addition to the rectangle. In particular, by matching the shape to the shape of the PC camera or the lens (in the first and the present embodiments, the PC camera is a substantially cylindrical body, so that it is a circle of substantially the same size), the lens is mirrored when not using the PC camera. It is also possible to turn the mirror so as to close it and use it as a lens cover.
[0066]
  Moreover, the kind of mirror can also be a convex mirror other than a plane mirror. In this case, the size of the mirror can be reduced compared to a plane mirror that can capture a subject of the same size or range.
[0067]
  Further, the mirror can be attached to the side of the lens other than the upper side of the lens. Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained when the angle of view is adjusted by inclining the mirror toward the subject as described above.
[0068]
  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rotation operation for adjusting the angle of view by the PC camera according to the present embodiment has been described as being based on a method of moving by hand. However, the present invention can also be used for a system in which a turning mechanism provided in a PC camera is operated by a remote controller.
[0069]
  (Third embodiment)
  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, since it is almost the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configuration is omitted.
[0070]
  The third embodiment relates to a display provided with a PC camera, and the feature relates to the arrangement of the PC camera.
[0071]
  4 and 5 show the display 14 provided with the PC camera 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0072]
  The substantially cylindrical PC camera 50 is fixed to the tip of an arm portion 52A of a substantially L-shaped camera base 52. The camera base 52 has an attachment portion 52B attached to the upper portion 14A of the display 14 with the arm portion 52A facing downward. The attachment position is set at the center of the display 16 in the width direction on the screen 16 side of the display 14. Accordingly, the PC camera 50 is arranged in the screen 16 of the display 14, that is, at a predetermined height according to the length of the arm portion 52 </ b> A in the center in the width direction of the screen 16, and can image the front of the display 14.
[0073]
  Further, on the screen 16 of the display 14, the image 16 </ b> A of the person 18 and the image 16 </ b> B of the communication partner are displayed on both sides of the PC camera 50 so as not to overlap with the arm unit 52 </ b> A.
[0074]
  As a result, the person 18 captures his / her face when viewing the screen 16 from the front by the PC camera 50. Therefore, the user's natural image 16 </ b> A in the state of facing the front while looking at the screen 16 is taken. Further, when the person 18 serving as the subject is located in front of the screen 16, it is not necessary to adjust the angle of view of the PC camera 50.
[0075]
  Here, when the personal computer is used for purposes other than the TV conference, that is, when the PC camera is not used, the display of the screen 16 is difficult to see due to the PC camera 50 arranged in the screen and the camera base 52 used for mounting. It is possible.
[0076]
  Therefore, this can be dealt with by making the connecting portion between the arm portion 52A and the attaching portion 52B detachable, or providing various movable mechanisms in the connecting portion. For example, a rotation part 52C as shown in FIG. 6 is provided so that the arm part 52A can be tilted to the display upper surface side, or a slide mechanism 52D as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which can be stored in.
[0077]
  In the display according to the present embodiment, the PC camera is fixed to a substantially L-shaped camera base, and the PC camera is arranged in the screen by attaching the camera base to the upper surface of the display. However, the arrangement method and position of the PC camera on the screen are not limited to this.
[0078]
  It is also possible to provide an expansion / contraction mechanism on the arm part of the camera base so that the PC camera can be slid in the vertical direction so that the image can be easily seen, or the camera base can be attached to the side surface or bottom surface of the display.
[0079]
  Furthermore, if the display screen is made of glass such as a CRT type, a sucker-like member made of an elastic material such as rubber is provided on the back of the PC camera, and the PC camera is placed at an arbitrary position on the screen by the member. It is also possible to attach it by adsorption.
[0080]
  Furthermore, the display according to the present embodiment is a single CRT type display used for a tower type (or desktop type) personal computer. However, the type of display is not limited to this. Similarly, a PC camera can be arranged on a single liquid crystal display or a notebook PC display.
[0081]
  Here, in the notebook type personal computer 60 in which the PC card slot 66 is provided in the upper part 62A of the display 62 as shown in FIG. 8, a PC card type attachment 52E is provided in the camera base 52, and the attachment 52E. Is inserted into the PC card slot 66, so that the PC camera 50 can be arranged in the screen 64. In this case, the connection between the PC camera 50 and the notebook personal computer 60 is simplified without a cable.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
  Since the imaging device and the image display device of the present invention have the above-described configuration, when a video conference or the like is performed on a personal computer, it is easy to adjust the angle of view when capturing an image of the subject as a subject. The image can be captured in a natural state, and the imaging state at that time can be confirmed by the subject himself / herself.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing an image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a movable mechanism of an imaging device provided in an image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a movable mechanism of an imaging device provided in an image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modification of the image display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a conventional imaging device and image display device.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing a conventional imaging device and image display device.
[Explanation of symbols]
        10 PC camera (imaging equipment)
        10A lens
        14 Display (image display device)
        16 screens
        16A image
        18 Person (Subject)
        18A eyes
        20 Plane mirror
        20A Mirror surface
        30 PC camera (imaging equipment)
        32 Focusing sensor (distance measuring means)
        34 CPU (drive control means)
        36 Drive circuit (drive control means)
        40 Rotating mechanism (drive control means)
        42 Imaging device (distance measuring means)
        50 PC camera (imaging equipment)/ Imaging unit)
        52 Camera stand (supporting part having movable mechanism)
        52A Arm
        52B Mounting part
        52C Rotating part (Rotating mechanism)
        52D slide mechanism
        62 Display (image display device)
        64 screens
        I eyes
        L Optical axis
        M surface (surface orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens)

Claims (1)

An image display device connected to be communicable through a communication means is used, and in order to display data on the screen of the image display device by communicating the images of the communicators with each other, the image of the communicator himself to be transmitted to the communication partner is displayed. In imaging equipment that captures images,
The imaging device is
An attachment portion that is attached to a surface of the image display device other than the screen;
An arm portion having a base end connected to the mounting portion via a rotation mechanism;
An imaging unit provided on the distal end side of the arm unit;
Have
The imaging unit is arranged in the screen of the image display device by the rotation of the arm unit, and the imaging direction of the imaging unit is rotated to the use position in front of the screen and the mounting unit side. It is possible to move between the retracted position and
The attachment portion is attached to the upper surface of the image display device;
When the imaging unit is retracted to the mounting unit side, the arm unit is placed on the mounting unit and the imaging unit faces downward.

Images