JPH0951460A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability by devising an image pickup head so as not to cause interference with a desk or the like while the head is turned in the card type image pickup device used by being inserted into a card slot of an external device such as a computer. SOLUTION: An image pickup head 60 having an image pickup means 13 such as a CCD is provided with operation sections such as a zoom switch 21 and a focus switch 22 and the image pickup head 60 is fitted to a turning support 52a of a card main body 50 having a main board 51 in a turning enable way. Furthermore, the operation sections come to a face perpendicular to its drive shaft so that part of the image pickup head 60 is not projected from a lower face of the card main body 50 when the head 60 is turned.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card type image pickup device which is inserted into a card slot of a computer or the like to capture an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers have been downsized, and palm-sized computers have been introduced. Such a small-sized computer has a card slot into which a PCMCIA card can be directly inserted instead of a floppy disk drive or the like because the size of a recording medium is limited as compared with a desktop computer.

Usually, a memory card, a FAX card or the like can be inserted into the above card slot so that various applications can be accommodated. More recently, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-112147, a card type image pickup device has been proposed in which a camera head is provided at the tip of a card to capture an image.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of such a card type image pickup device. This image pickup apparatus has a main body section including a signal processing section 100 formed on a board, a card connector 101 provided on one end side of the board, and a support section 102 provided on the other end side of the board. The camera head 103 is rotatably supported by the support portion 102.

On the other hand, in a video camera, which is an electronic device that handles images, image quality and functions have been enhanced due to various technological advances. For this reason, the card-type image pickup device is in a situation where it is inevitable that the functions will be enhanced sooner or later. In this case, each function is assigned to the key of the keyboard of the computer so that the state of the camera can be controlled or operated by operating the key.

[0006]

However, in the conventional card type image pickup device, if the number of functions is increased and only the key operation is required, the operation becomes complicated. It could be difficult to use.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional example, when the rotation axis of the image pickup head is set in the longitudinal direction of the card main body in order to improve the strength at the time of insertion and removal with respect to the computer, the image pickup head is set depending on the setting method of the position of the rotation axis. There was also a problem that it interfered with the desk when rotating.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup device of a card type in which the image pickup head is rotatable and which has good operability when the operation section is provided on the camera head.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a card type image pickup device in which the rotation axis of the image pickup head is in the longitudinal direction of the card body, and the image pickup head does not protrude from the lower surface when the image pickup head is rotated. As a result, an image pickup apparatus with good operability is provided.

[0010]

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) An image pickup head having an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, and an operation provided on the image pickup head for setting an image pickup condition of the image pickup means. A main body including a signal processing unit that processes the image information signal to generate a predetermined image signal, and a connecting unit that outputs the image signal to an external device. The operation section is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the section, and the operation section is arranged on a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis.

(2) An image pickup head having an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, and a signal processing section for processing the image information signal to generate a predetermined image signal. , A substantially card-shaped main body including a connection portion for outputting the image signal to an external device, the imaging head being rotatably provided with respect to the main body, and the rotation shaft thereof being the main body. It is provided in the longitudinal direction of the section so that a part of the imaging head does not protrude from the lower surface of the main body section when the imaging head rotates.

[0013]

1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a card type image pickup device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration.

First, the circuit configuration will be described. FIG.
Inside, 1 is an image pickup unit (Camera Unit) having an optical system and a signal processing system, etc., 2 is a computer (Computer) which is an external device, 3 is a CPU system of the computer 2, 4 is the image pickup unit 1 connected to the computer 2. It is an interface (I / F) for doing.

Further, 5 is a display system of the computer 2 (Display System), 6 is a memory system of the computer 2 (Memory System).
em), 7 is a rewritable operation program (Program) for controlling the computer 2, 8 is a power management system (Power Manager) for the computer 2, 9
Is the battery of the computer 2 (Battery), 1
0 is an external power supply device (E
xt. Power).

Next, the image pickup unit 1 surrounded by a broken line in FIG.
Will be described. A lens unit 11 includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, and a diaphragm (Len).
sUnit), 12 is a lens controller for driving the lens, and includes a known automatic focusing device, automatic exposure device, and automatic image stabilization device.

Reference numeral 13 is a CCD (imaging means) for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, 14 is an A / D converter for converting the analog image information signal into a digital signal, and 15 is for control. A timing generator (TG) that generates a timing signal, 16 is a digital signal processing device (DSP) that is a signal processing unit that processes the digital image information signal to generate a predetermined image signal, and 17 is an F
IFO memory (Memory), 18 is a control unit for controlling the whole,
19 is an interface for external connection (camera I / F)
Then, it serves as a connection portion for outputting the image signal to the computer 2.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a DC / DC converter (Converte) for converting the power supply voltage supplied from the computer 2 into an optimum voltage for driving the CCD 13.
r), 21 is a zoom switch (Zoom SW), 22
Is a focus switch (Focus SW), the output sides of these switches 21 and 22 are connected to the control unit 18, and the lens control according to the operation of the switches 21 and 22 is possible.

The image pickup apparatus of this embodiment has a structure including the image pickup unit 1 and the computer 2 described above, and the image pickup unit 1 and the computer 2 can be separated from each other. Specifically, the interface 4 is composed of a PCMCIA card slot, while part of the imaging unit 1 is a PCMCIA card slot.
It has the same shape as the IA card, and when both are combined, the lens part can be imaged with the lens part protruding from the computer 2. When the image pickup unit 1 and the computer 2 are separated, they can be separated by pressing an eject button (not shown) on the computer 2 side.

Next, a specific structure of the image pickup unit 1 will be described. The same components as those described in the above block diagram in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. The image pickup unit 1 includes a card body 50 and a CC, which are substantially card-shaped body portions.
The image pickup head 60 has a D13.

First, the card body 50 will be described.

The reference numeral 51 is soldered to the terminals of the connector 56, and the A / D converter 14, the timing generator (TG) 15 and the digital signal processing device (DSP) 1 described above are used.
6, FIFO memory 17, control unit 18,
In the main board on which the DC / DC converter 20 and the flexible connector 57 are mounted, the DC / DC converter 20 has shield cases arranged from the front and back of the board in order to suppress noise generation.

Reference numeral 52 denotes a card frame to which the above-mentioned connector 56 is connected and which holds the main substrate 51. The card frame 52 has a substantially frame structure, and the image pickup head 60 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the connector 56 is arranged. A frame wall 52b on which the rotation support portion 52a is planted is integrally provided, and ribs 52e are provided on both sides of the frame wall 52b with respect to the frame portion 52c of the card frame 52. Further, the rotation support portion 52a is formed with a communication portion 52d through which a flexible substrate 66 described later is inserted.

Reference numerals 53 and 54 denote metal covers which sandwich the main substrate 51 and the card frame 52 from above and below and are attached to the card frame 52 by adhesion or mechanical coupling, and also serve as a shield for noise and the like. The outer shape of the card portion is determined by the covers 53 and 54 and a part of the card frame 52.
Inserted into the card slot.

Reference numeral 55 denotes a finger hook portion fixed to the card frame 52 with screws or the like. A relatively high component is provided at a location of the finger hook portion 55 corresponding to the main board 51.
For example, the DC / DC converter 20 and the flexible connector 57
Is arranged.

The finger rest 55 is provided on the card frame 5
2. It is thicker than the card main body 50 composed of the covers 53 and 54, and has a size equal to or larger than the image pickup head 60. That is, the dimensions in the figure are approximately the same in width and height as the imaging head 60. This is more desirable if the size of the imaging head 60 is smaller.

Next, the image pickup head 60 will be described.

A zoom lens 62 and a focus lens 63 of the lens unit 11 are movably provided in the optical axis direction, and a diaphragm unit 64 is arranged between the zoom lens 62 and the focus lens 63. A zoom lens drive motor, which is an optical image pickup unit provided with the CCD 13 for forming an image of the light flux that has passed through the focus lens 63 and the diaphragm unit 64.
It includes a focus lens drive motor, an IG meter and a lens unit controller 12. Then, the zoom lens 62, the focus lens 63, and the diaphragm unit 64 are
It is driven by the lens controller 12.

The optical image pickup unit 61 is attached to 65, which is elastically urged by a clamp portion (not shown) connected to the rotation support portion 52a of the card frame 52 and is rotatable with respect to the rotation support portion 52a. The rotary plate provided on the card frame 52 has a groove 65a on the card frame 52 side, which engages with a protrusion (not shown) provided on the rotary plate 65 side of the card frame 52. The convex portion of the frame 52 moves in the groove portion 65a, and as a result, the imaging head 60 rotates. In this embodiment, the optical axis passes from the horizontal state to the upper side, and is set to the horizontal state by 180 degrees.
° rotate.

Reference numeral 66 denotes the above-mentioned flexible board that sends the output of the CCD 13 to the main board 51 on the main body side, and sends the drive command for the lens and diaphragm from the main body side to the imaging head side, and projects toward the imaging head 60 side of the card frame 52. The rotary support portion 52a passes through the communication portion 52d, and its tip is connected to the flexible connector 57 on the main board 51.

Reference numeral 67 denotes an imaging case, which is an exterior of the imaging head 60, has an opening 67a provided at a position corresponding to the optical axis, and has a zoom switch 21 and a focus switch 22 on a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis. It is provided. In addition, the state of this switch is the flexible board 66.
Is transmitted to the main body side via.

When the angle of view to be picked up is changed, the zoom switch 21 is operated to set a desired angle of view. The focus switch 22 is normally not used because it is autofocus, but is used for manual focus that can be set by the computer 2.

If the distance from the bottom surface of the card body to the center of rotation is R so that the center of rotation of the image pickup head 60 does not project below the card body 50 when the image pickup head 60 rotates, the image pickup head 60 will rotate. The shape on the opposite side of the opening 67a is dimensioned so that the distance from the center of rotation does not exceed R.

In the above structure, when the image pickup unit 1 is inserted into the card slot of the computer 2 and power is supplied to the image pickup unit 1, the image of the object is the lens unit 1
An image is formed on the CCD 13 through the A.D.
Is converted into digital data by. This digital data is digitally processed by the signal processing device 16, and the FIFO
After being temporarily recorded in the memory 17, the interface 19
Are transmitted to the computer 2 in the order of recording. At this time, the camera-side interface 19 is connected to the computer-side interface 4.

Further, according to the timing pulse sent from the timing generator 15, the CCD 13 and the A / D
Imaging data is obtained from the converter 14. The control unit 18 controls the interval between the timing pulses sent by the timing generator 15.

Focusing control and exposure control are performed by the control unit 18 based on the imaged signal, and the obtained imaged data is sent to the computer 2 through the interface 4 and displayed on the display system 5 or the memory system. 6 can be recorded.

As described above, when the image pickup head 60 is rotatable with respect to the card body 50, since the zoom switch 21 and the focus switch 22 are arranged on the surface perpendicular to the rotation axis, how the image pickup head 60 is changed. The switches 21 and 22 are not hidden even when rotated to the right, and the operability is good.

When the rotation axis of the image pickup head 60 is in the longitudinal direction of the card body 50, part of the image pickup head 60 does not protrude from the lower surface of the card body 50 when the image pickup head 60 rotates. Therefore, even when the card slot of the computer 2 to which the image pickup unit 1 is connected is located near the bottom surface of the computer 2, the image pickup head 60 can be operated without interfering with a desk or the like.

In the above embodiment, the image pickup head 60 is used.
However, the same effect can be obtained even if the structure rotates in a plane vertical to the insertion direction of the card slot.

In the embodiment, the optical image pickup unit 61 has been described in the case of zooming, autofocusing, and automatic exposure. However, in order to reduce power consumption, a single focus, manual focus, or manual aperture may be used. In this case, it is necessary to provide the operation unit on the image pickup head 60, and providing the operation unit on the surface perpendicular to the rotation axis greatly improves the operability. Further, at that time, the lens controller 12 is unnecessary, and the signal line required for controlling the lens and the like is also unnecessary. Therefore, the flexible substrate 66 can be downsized and the cost can be reduced.

That is, according to the first aspect of the invention, an image pickup head composed of an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electrical image information signal, and the image pickup head provided in the image pickup head, the Imaging having a main body including an operation unit that changes imaging conditions, a signal processing unit that processes the image information signal, and a connection unit that outputs the image signal processed by the signal processing unit to an external device In the device, the imaging head is rotatable with respect to the main body, and the operation section is arranged on a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis, so that the operation section does not move even when the imaging head rotates freely. It is possible to provide an imaging device that is not hidden and has good operability.

According to the second aspect of the invention, an image pickup head composed of image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, and a signal processing section for processing the image information signal, An image pickup apparatus having a substantially card-shaped main body composed of a connection portion for outputting an image signal processed by the signal processing portion to an external device, wherein the imaging head is rotated with respect to the main body portion. In addition, the rotation axis is in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and when the imaging head is rotated, a part of the imaging head is prevented from protruding from the lower surface of the main body portion. Even if the card slot of the computer to which the apparatus is connected is located near the bottom surface of the computer, the image pickup head can be operated without interfering with the desk or the like.

[0043]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, an image pickup head composed of an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, and provided in the image pickup head. And an operation unit for changing the image pickup condition of the image pickup unit, a signal processing unit for processing the image information signal, and a connection unit for outputting the image signal processed by the signal processing unit to an external device. And the imaging head is rotatable with respect to the main body,
Since the operation section is arranged on the surface perpendicular to the rotation axis, the operation section is not hidden even when the image pickup head is freely rotated, and an image pickup apparatus with good operability can be provided.

According to the second aspect of the invention, an image pickup head composed of an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, a signal processing section for processing the image information signal, The image pickup head includes a main body of a substantially card type configured with a connection unit that outputs the image signal processed by the signal processing unit to an external device, and the imaging head is rotatable with respect to the main body. The rotation axis is in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and when the imaging head is rotated, a part of the imaging head is prevented from protruding from the lower surface of the main body portion. Even if the card slot is on the bottom of the computer, the imaging head can be operated without interfering with the desk or the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Imaging Unit 2 Computer (External Device) 13 CCD 16 Digital Signal Processor (Signal Processor) 18 Control Unit 19 Interface (Connector) 21 Zoom Switch 22 Focus Switch 50 Card Main Body (Main Body) 51 Main Board 52 Card Frame 52a Rotation support part 60 Imaging head 61 Optical imaging unit 67 Imaging case

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup head having an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, and an operation section provided on the image pickup head for setting an image pickup condition of the image pickup means. And a signal processing unit for processing the image information signal to generate a predetermined image signal, and a main body unit including a connection unit for outputting the image signal to an external device,
An image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup head is rotatably provided with respect to the main body portion, and the operation portion is arranged on a surface perpendicular to a rotation axis thereof. 2. An image pickup head having an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image to generate an electric image information signal, and a signal processing section for processing the image information signal to generate a predetermined image signal. A substantially card-shaped main body including a connection portion for outputting the image signal to an external device is provided, the imaging head is rotatably provided with respect to the main body, and a rotation shaft thereof is provided in the main body. The image pickup device is provided in the longitudinal direction of the image pickup device, and a part of the image pickup head does not protrude from the lower surface of the main body when the image pickup head rotates.