JPH0926635A - Stereoscopic camera and stereoscopic video camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain more natural stereoscopic image by allowing an optical axis adjusting means to adjust the extension lines of the optical axes of left and right lenses so as to be superposed on a subject. SOLUTION: A distance focus X to the subject is measured by a focus function part 105, and the distances of the left and right lenses 102 and 104 are known (2Y: parallax) in the stereoscopic camera 100. θ is calculated by using θ= arctan (Y/X) in a control part 124. Data equivalent to θ is transmitted to actuators 116 and 118, so that a movable mirror 108 and a movable mirror 110 are turned by θ counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively. By such operation, the extension lines of the optical axes of the lenses 102 and 104 are crossed on the subject. Namely, the images of the subject advancing toward left and right camera directions are reflected on mirrors in the left and right cameras and guided to the image pickup part of the stereoscopic camera, respectively. Thus, such a natural stereoscopic image that a human being views is reproduced in the image pickup part.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereoscopic camera for obtaining a stereoscopic image, and more particularly to a stereoscopic camera applicable to video cameras and binoculars.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional photography cameras and video cameras have one lens and generate a planar image. However, capturing a subject three-dimensionally, such as a three-dimensional image, is effective for realistically displaying an image. Therefore, development of a stereoscopic camera is desired.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a conventional stereoscopic camera. Conventional stereoscopic cameras are fixed in parallel 2
It has a base lens. Through these two lenses, a subject that is separated by a distance X is viewed. Each lens has a mechanism for adjusting the focus. In addition, when a human is actually excluded like binoculars, it is possible to adjust the distance between the lenses of the left and right cameras according to the distance between human eyes.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional stereoscopic camera has the following problems. In a conventional stereoscopic camera, two lenses are fixed in parallel. Therefore, the extension lines of the two optical axes of the left and right lenses do not overlap with each other on the subject, and the stereoscopic image becomes unnatural. In the case of a person directly looking through a lens like binoculars, the eyeballs of the left eye and the right eye can move, and the extension lines of the optical axes of the two eyeballs can be automatically overlapped on the subject. However, when the subject is imaged through the lens, it is difficult to overlap the two optical axes with the subject. Further, even when a person looks into it like binoculars, it is necessary to adjust the human eye every time the distance changes, which leads to fatigue.

Furthermore, in the conventional stereoscopic camera, the shorter the distance from the subject, the larger the deviation from the actual movement of the human eye, and in the stereoscopic camera in which the left and right lenses are parallel, the unnaturalness of the stereoscopic image increases. To do. In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a stereoscopic camera in which the extension lines of the left and right optical axes are overlapped with each other to obtain a more natural stereoscopic image.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems To solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by taking the following means. The invention apparatus according to claim 1 is a stereoscopic camera for obtaining a stereoscopic image of a subject, the left and right lenses,
The optical axis adjusting means adjusts the angle of the optical axis according to the focus so that the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses overlap each other on the subject.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the optical axis adjusting means has a lens moving means capable of adjusting the angles of the optical axes of the left and right lenses. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the optical axis adjusting means has left and right mirrors that reflect the optical axes of the left and right lenses and that can adjust the angle of the optical axes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the optical axis adjusting means includes a plurality of mirrors for guiding an image of an incident subject to an emission part, including movable mirrors for adjusting the angles of the optical axes on the left and right sides respectively. A mirror angle adjusting means for adjusting the installation angle of the movable mirror, and adjusting the installation angle of the movable mirror by the mirror angle adjusting means so that the extension lines of the optical axes overlap with each other in the subject. It is characterized by

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of mirrors are composed of the movable mirror and the fixed mirror on the left and right respectively, and the movable mirror has an incident optical axis at an angle of X degrees before being moved. And the fixed mirror converts the incident optical axis by an angle of Y degrees.

In the invention apparatus according to claim 6, the angle X
The degree is 90 degrees, and the angle Y degree is 90 degrees. 10. The invention apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the optical axis adjusting means further includes a mirror angle sensor for measuring the angle of the angle-adjusted mirror, and a necessary adjustment amount obtained from the measured angle of the mirror and the focus. Are compared, and the angle of the mirror is readjusted so that this difference is minimized.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stereoscopic video camera for obtaining a stereoscopic image of a subject, wherein the left and right lenses and the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses are overlapped on the subject. It is characterized by having an optical axis adjusting means for adjusting the angle of the axis according to the focus, and an image pickup section for picking up two images of the subject guided through the left and right lenses.

In the stereoscopic camera according to the first aspect, the optical axis adjusting means adjusts the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses so that they overlap each other on the subject. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce a natural stereoscopic image as seen by a human. This effect is more remarkable as the distance to the subject is shorter.

In the stereoscopic camera according to the second or third aspect, since the optical axis can be adjusted without moving the camera body, the structure can be simplified. In the stereoscopic camera according to the fourth aspect, since the image of the subject can be guided by the plurality of mirrors, the space for forming the optical axis adjusting means can be easily secured. Moreover, since the image of the subject can be guided in any direction, the design of the image pickup unit becomes easy.

In the stereoscopic camera according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the left and right mirrors can be configured by two mirrors, the structure can be simplified. In the stereoscopic camera according to the sixth aspect, the conversion angle of the mirror, that is, the reflection angle is set to 90 degrees, which facilitates the design.

In the stereoscopic camera according to the seventh or eighth aspect, since the mirror angle adjusting means can be composed of an actuator or a motor, the structure can be simplified. Claim 9
In the stereoscopic camera described, the angle of the angle-adjusted mirror is measured by a mirror angle sensor, compared with a necessary adjustment amount obtained from the focus, and the mirror angle is readjusted so that the difference is minimized. . Therefore, the angle of the mirror is adjusted almost accurately to the required adjustment angle obtained from the focus. Thereby, the optical axes of the left and right lenses can be accurately overlapped on the subject.

In the stereoscopic video camera according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the optical axis adjusting means adjusts the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses so that they overlap each other on the subject.
Therefore, it is possible to reproduce a natural three-dimensional image as seen by a human in the imaging unit. Thereby, a higher quality stereoscopic image can be realized. Furthermore, by making the video system high-definition, it is possible to realize stereoscopic high-definition and achieve both high resolution and high-quality stereoscopic images.

[0017]

1 is a sectional view of a stereoscopic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. In FIG.
Only the left and right lenses and the lens mount part of the stereoscopic camera are shown, and the main body part including the image pickup device of the stereoscopic camera is omitted. In the figure, the left side is the subject (not shown) side, and the right side is the camera body side. The lens unit of the stereoscopic camera 100 includes left and right lenses 102 and 104 and a focus function unit 105. In addition, the lens mount unit 106 includes movable mirrors 108 and 110 and fixed mirrors 112 and 114 placed substantially in parallel with the movable mirrors 108 and 110. The movable mirrors 108 and 110 are rotated by the actuators 116 and 118, respectively.
It rotates about 0 and 122. With this rotation,
The optical axes of the lenses 102 and 104 can be tilted.

Lights incident from the left and right lenses 102 and 104 are reflected to the outside at once by the movable mirrors 108 and 110, respectively, and further fixed mirrors 112 and 11 are provided.
At 4, the image is guided to the image pickup section inside the camera body. In the example of FIG. 1, the optical axes of the left and right lenses 102 and 104 are parallel to the center line of the camera body. The movable mirrors 108 and 110 are
Each of the optical axes is reflected by about 90 degrees, and the fixed mirror 112,
114 is installed so that the reflected optical axis is further reflected by about 90 degrees. The installation angle of the mirror is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and various installation angles can be taken as long as the image incident on the lens can be installed so as to be guided to the imaging unit. It is also possible that the movable mirror and the fixed mirror have different installation angles.

Next, the operation of this stereoscopic camera will be described. When shooting a subject with the left and right lenses 102 and 104,
First, the focus function unit 105 measures the distance from the subject. The measured focus data is sent to the control unit 124 inside the mount. Control unit 1
At 24, the adjustment angles of the actuators 116 and 118 are determined based on the measured focus data. Then, the digital data corresponding to the adjustment angle is D /
It is sent to the A converters 126 and 128. D / A converter 12
In 6 and 128, the digital data is converted into an analog signal and the actuators 116 and 118 are operated. The digital data output by the control unit 124 is determined such that the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses 102 and 104 overlap each other in the subject.

This operation principle will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation principle of the stereoscopic camera of the present invention. The right camera is composed of the lens 102, the movable mirror 108, and the fixed mirror 112, and the left camera is the lens 104, the movable mirror 110, and the fixed mirror 11.
4 Now, assuming that the adjustment angles of the movable mirrors 108 and 110 are 0 degrees, the optical axes of the left and right lenses 102 and 104 are parallel to the line connecting the center of the camera and the subject, as in FIG. Do not overlap.

However, in the stereoscopic camera 100 of the present invention,
It works as follows. First, as described above, the focus function unit 105 measures the distance focus X to the subject.
Is measured. In the case of a stereoscopic camera, the left and right lenses 1
The distance between 02 and 104 is known (2Y: parallax). In the control unit 124, θ is calculated from θ = arctan (Y / X). Data corresponding to θ is sent to the actuators 116 and 118, the movable mirror 108 rotates counterclockwise, and the movable mirror 110 rotates clockwise.
Is only rotated. By this operation, the left and right lenses 10
The extension lines of the optical axes 2 and 104 intersect in the subject. That is, the images of the subject that have traveled in the left and right camera directions are reflected by the mirrors in the left and right cameras and are guided to the image capturing units of the stereoscopic cameras. Left and right lenses 102, 1
Since the image of the subject seen from 04 is guided to the imaging unit,
The imaging unit can reproduce a natural stereoscopic image as seen by humans. This effect is more remarkable as the distance to the subject is shorter.

Further, in general, an error may occur between the angle θ to be adjusted and the angle of the mirror actually rotated by the actuator. In order to reduce this error, the stereoscopic camera further has a feedback mechanism. That is, in this stereoscopic camera, the mirror angle sensors 130 and 132 are installed in the actuator, and the actual angle of the mirror obtained from the mirror angle sensors 130 and 132 and the required movable amount obtained from the focus data are set. Be compared. The difference is that the A / D converters 134, 1
The adders (also having a subtracting function depending on the sign) 138 and 140 add or subtract from the focus data via 36. Then, the actuator (or motor) is controlled so that the difference is minimized. By this feedback mechanism, the movable mirrors 108 and 110 can be accurately rotated according to the value of the adjustment angle θ of the optical axes of the left and right lenses 102 and 104 obtained from the measured focus data. As a result, the left and right lenses 1
It is possible to accurately intersect the optical axes of 02 and 104 in the subject.

In the structure of the stereoscopic camera shown in FIG. 1, left and right lenses 102 and 104 are attached to the tip of a mount portion 106. Therefore, there is an advantage that the lens can be easily replaced. However, the left and right lenses 102 and 104 have a certain length, so that the movable mirrors 108 and 1
If it is between 10 and the subject, it may be inconvenient for a relatively close subject. That is, when the distance to the subject is short, the adjustment angle θ of the mirror becomes large. Then
Part of the image of the subject may be cut. The following embodiment solves this problem.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the stereoscopic camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above. 3D camera 2 of FIG.
Reference numeral 00 denotes the mount portion 106 of the stereoscopic camera 100 of FIG. 1 attached to the ends of the left and right lenses. Elements having the same functions as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numbers.

In the stereoscopic camera 200 of FIG. 3, the image from the subject is moved by the movable mirrors 108 and 110 and the fixed mirror 11.
It is guided to the left and right lenses 102 and 104 via 2 and 114. The images that have passed through the left and right lenses 102 and 104 are further guided to an imaging unit or the like. This stereoscopic camera 20
The operation at 0 is the same as the operation of the stereoscopic camera 100 shown in FIG. Therefore, also in the stereoscopic camera 200, the optical axes of the left and right lenses 102 and 104 can intersect with each other in the subject by the movable mirrors 108 and 110. Since the stereoscopic camera 200 also has a feedback mechanism, the movable mirror can be adjusted accurately. It is possible to reproduce a natural stereoscopic image by the images of the two subjects thus obtained.

In the present stereoscopic camera 200, an image from a subject can be guided to the movable mirrors 108 and 110 without passing through the lenses 102 and 104. Movable mirror 10
There is only a short mount overhang beyond 8,110. This overhang can be made sufficiently short. Therefore, even when the distance to the subject is short and the adjustment angle of the movable mirror needs to be increased, the image of the subject can be guided to the lenses 102 and 104 without missing.

However, the interchangeability of the lens is inferior to the stereoscopic camera 100 of FIG. Therefore, for example, instead of exchanging only the lens, a method of integrating the mount portion and the lens and exchanging them together can be considered. As seen in the above two embodiments, the stereoscopic camera of the present invention operates only the optical axis without moving the camera itself so that the optical axis intersects the subject. Therefore, the structure can be simplified. It is also possible to rotate the lens itself instead of rotating the mirror. Further, in the above embodiment, the position of the movable mirror is not limited to the position of the above embodiment, but may be the position of the fixed mirror. Further, the configuration and number of mirrors can be arbitrarily selected as long as the optical axis of the lens can be guided to the subject.

By applying the stereoscopic camera of the present invention to a video camera, a higher quality stereoscopic television can be realized. Furthermore, by making the video system high-definition, it is possible to realize stereoscopic high-definition and achieve both high resolution and high-quality stereoscopic images.

Further, the stereoscopic camera of the present invention can be configured as binoculars. In this case, a person looks into the image of the subject guided by the mount section or the lens, but when the distance to the subject changes, the camera side adjusts the optical axis accordingly. Therefore, it is not necessary for a human to adjust the optical axis of the eyeball. In particular, even a near object can be prevented from becoming a cross-eyed eye. Therefore, eye fatigue can be reduced.

[0030]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. In the stereoscopic camera according to the first aspect, the optical axis adjusting means adjusts the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses so that they overlap each other on the subject. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce a natural stereoscopic image as seen by a human.
This effect is more remarkable as the distance to the subject is shorter.

In the stereoscopic camera according to the second or third aspect, since the optical axis can be adjusted without moving the camera body, the structure can be simplified. In the stereoscopic camera according to the fourth aspect, since the image of the subject can be guided by the plurality of mirrors, the space for forming the optical axis adjusting means can be easily secured. Moreover, since the image of the subject can be guided in any direction, the design of the image pickup unit becomes easy.

In the stereoscopic camera according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the left and right mirrors can be composed of two mirrors, so that the structure can be simplified. In the stereoscopic camera according to the sixth aspect, the conversion angle of the mirror, that is, the reflection angle is set to 90 degrees, which facilitates the design.

In the stereoscopic camera according to the seventh or eighth aspect, since the mirror angle adjusting means can be composed of an actuator or a motor, the structure can be simplified. Claim 9
In the stereoscopic camera described, the angle of the angle-adjusted mirror is measured by a mirror angle sensor, compared with a necessary adjustment amount obtained from the focus, and the mirror angle is readjusted so that the difference is minimized. . Therefore, the angle of the mirror is adjusted almost accurately to the required adjustment angle obtained from the focus. Thereby, the optical axes of the left and right lenses can be accurately overlapped on the subject.

In the stereoscopic video camera according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the optical axis adjusting means adjusts the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses so that they overlap each other on the subject.
Therefore, it is possible to reproduce a natural three-dimensional image as seen by a human in the imaging unit. Thereby, a higher quality stereoscopic image can be realized. Furthermore, by making the video system high-definition, it is possible to realize stereoscopic high-definition and achieve both high resolution and high-quality stereoscopic images.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a stereoscopic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of the stereoscopic camera of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the stereoscopic camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a conventional stereoscopic camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 stereoscopic camera 102, 104 lens 105 focus function part 106 mount part 108, 110 movable mirror 112, 114 fixed mirror 116, 118 actuator 120, 122 rotation support part 124 control part 126, 128 D / A converter 130, 132 mirror Angle sensor 134, 136 A / D converter 138, 140 Adder 200 Stereo camera

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A stereoscopic camera for obtaining a stereoscopic image of a subject, wherein the left and right lenses and the extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses overlap with each other on the subject, and the angle of the optical axis is changed according to the focus. A stereoscopic camera comprising: an optical axis adjusting means for adjusting. 2. The stereoscopic camera according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis adjusting means has a lens moving means capable of adjusting the angles of the optical axes of the left and right lenses. 3. The stereoscopic camera according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis adjusting means includes left and right mirrors that reflect the optical axes of the left and right lenses and that can adjust the angles of the optical axes. 4. The optical axis adjusting means includes a plurality of mirrors, each of which includes a movable mirror that can adjust the angle of the optical axis on each of the left and right sides and guides an image of an incident subject to an emission section, and an installation angle of the movable mirrors. And a mirror angle adjusting means for adjusting the installation angle of the movable mirror by adjusting the installation angle of the movable mirror by the mirror angle adjusting means so that the extension lines of the optical axis overlap with each other in the subject. The stereoscopic camera described in 1. 5. The left and right mirrors each include the movable mirror and a fixed mirror, and the movable mirror converts an incident optical axis by an angle of X degrees before moving. Is the incident optical axis at angle Y
The stereoscopic camera according to claim 4, wherein conversion is performed only once. 6. The stereoscopic camera according to claim 5, wherein the angle X is 90 degrees and the angle Y is 90 degrees. 7. The stereoscopic camera according to claim 4, wherein the mirror angle adjusting means is composed of an actuator. 8. The stereoscopic camera according to claim 4, wherein the mirror angle adjusting means is composed of a motor. 9. The optical axis adjusting means further includes a mirror angle sensor for measuring the angle of the mirror whose angle is adjusted,
The angle of the mirror is readjusted so as to compare the measured angle of the mirror with a necessary adjustment amount obtained from the focus and minimize the difference.
The stereoscopic camera according to any one of 1 to 8. 10. A stereoscopic video camera for obtaining a stereoscopic image of a subject, wherein the angle of the optical axis is adjusted according to the focus so that the left and right lenses and extension lines of the optical axes of the left and right lenses overlap each other on the subject. A stereoscopic video camera, comprising: an optical axis adjusting means for adjusting by means of an optical axis adjusting means; and an image pickup section for picking up two images of a subject guided through left and right lenses. 11. The optical axis adjusting means includes a plurality of mirrors for adjusting an angle of the optical axis on each of the left and right sides to guide an image of an incident subject to the image pickup unit, and the movable mirrors. A mirror angle adjusting means for adjusting the angle, and by adjusting the installation angle of the movable mirror by the mirror angle adjusting means, the extension lines of the optical axis are overlapped on the subject. Item 3. The stereoscopic video camera according to item 10.